A capacitor adds leading reactive power.Engineer1 said:But it also means that capacitor is generator of lagging reactive power.
A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy by accumulating opposite charges on two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, also known as a dielectric.
When an alternating current (AC) flows through a capacitor, the capacitor charges and discharges at the same frequency as the AC, leading to a phase difference between the voltage and current. This phase difference causes the capacitor to generate lagging reactive power, which is the energy that is stored and released by the capacitor.
A capacitor is considered a generator of lagging reactive power because it stores and releases energy in a way that leads to the current lagging behind the voltage. This is in contrast to a resistor, which dissipates energy and has a power factor of 1 (no lag or lead). In electrical systems, a balance of leading and lagging reactive power is necessary for proper operation and efficiency.
The lagging reactive power generated by a capacitor has various applications in electrical systems. It can be used to improve the power factor, reduce line losses, and improve voltage stability. Additionally, capacitors are commonly used in power factor correction systems to offset the lagging reactive power and improve the overall efficiency of the system.
Yes, a capacitor can also generate leading reactive power. This occurs when the capacitor is connected in parallel with an inductive load, such as a motor. In this case, the capacitor supplies the required leading reactive power to balance out the lagging reactive power of the inductive load, resulting in a power factor closer to 1 and improved efficiency.