EFFECTS OF REACTIVE POWER FLOW IN LINE NETWORK

Table of Contents

POOR TRANSMISSION EFFICIENCY

Losses in all power system elements from the power station generator to the utilization devices increase due to reactive power drawn by the loads, thereby reducing transmission efficiency.

POOR VOLTAGE REGULATION

Due to the reactive power flow in the lines, the voltage drop in the lines increases due to which low voltage exists at the bus near the load and makes voltage regulation poor.

LOW POWER FACTOR

The operating power factor reduces due to reactive power flow in transmission lines.

NEED OF LARGE SIZED CONDUCTOR

The low power factor due to reactive power flow in line conductors necessitates large sized conductor to transmit same power when compared to the conductor operating at high power factor.

INCREASE IN KVA RATING OF THE SYSTEM EQUIPMENT

The reactive power in the lines directly affects KVA rating of the system equipment carrying the reactive power and hence affects the size and cost of the equipment directly.

REDUCTION IN THE HANDLING CAPACITY OF ALL SYSTEM ELEMENTS

Reactive component of the current prevents the full utilization of the installed capacity of all system elements and hence reduces their power transfer capability.

Impact of reactive power compensation on the active power

Reactive power compensation refers to the process of controlling the flow of reactive power in an electrical system to improve power factor and reduce energy losses. Reactive power compensation can have a positive impact on the active power in an electrical system by improving the power factor, which is the ratio of active power to apparent power.

When the power factor is low, a large amount of reactive power is flowing in the system, causing energy losses in the form of heat and reducing the overall efficiency of the system. By compensating for this reactive power, the power factor can be improved, which leads to reduced energy losses and improved efficiency. This can result in an increase in the active power available for use.

Reactive power compensation can be achieved through the use of capacitors, which supply reactive power to the system when it is needed. This can result in a reduction in the reactive power demand from the system, which in turn reduces energy losses and improves efficiency. By improving the power factor, reactive power compensation can help to increase the active power available for use, making the system more efficient and reducing the costs associated with energy losses.

EFFECTS OF REACTIVE POWER FLOW IN LINE NETWORK | Impact of reactive power compensation on the active power