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CHAPTER 8 : CONTROL OF VOLTAGE & REACTIVE POWER 1.0 Introduction

Whenever the electrical power is transposed, some basic requirements need to apply: 1. 2. 3. Power transmission must be economical The risk of power failure must be low The quality of power supply must be high.

However, transmission systems do not behave in an ideal manner. The systems react dynamically to changes in active and reactive power, influencing the magnitude and profile of the power systems voltages. Most of electrical loads such as lighting, heaters and motors contribute reactive power causes the electrical networks consist excessive of reactive power. The transport of reactive power through a grid system produces additional losses and limits the transmission of active power vial overhead lines and cables. Therefore, reactive power compensation helps to avoid some of transmission problems.

2.0

Relation Between Voltage, Power, and Reactive Power

If we use a simple transmission link model to represent power transfer, we can establish a direct relationship between reactive power absorbed by a load and the voltage drop across the link between source and load.

This suggests that if we can control the reactive power at points in the system by the introduction of forms of compensation, then we can control the voltage at those points and ensure that the latter stays within defined limits.

V is approximately equal to the difference in voltages E and V at each end of the system. From the geometry of the system V equals the following:

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLTAGE, POWER AND REACTIVE POWER AT A NODE The phase voltage at a node in a power system is a function of P and Q at that node, i.e. V = f(P, Q). The voltage is also dependent on adjacent nodes because of their interaction, but in the following treatment it is assumed that adjacent nodes are infinite buses in order to simplify the analysis and give an insight into power system compensation techniques. The total differential of V is given by:

From this, the deviation in V due to either the flow of P or Q at a node is given by:

3.0

Generation & Absorption of Reactive Power

If a voltage difference exists across a reactive link, the reactive power flows towards the node of lower voltage. Or, if there is a deficiency of Q at a point, this has to be supplied from the connecting lines and hence the voltage at that point falls. If there is a surplus of Q generated (lightly loaded cables absorb leading or negative vars and hence generate positive vars) then the voltage will rise. Voltage can be controlled at a node by injecting into the node a Q of the correct sign. Other methods of controlling the voltage are the use of tap changing transformers and voltage boosters.

3.1

Synchronous generators

Synchronous generators can be used to generate or to absorb Q. The ability of the generator to supply Q is determined by the short circuit ratio (S.C.R=1/Xs). In modern machines SCR is made low for economic reasons and hence the inherent ability of the machine to operate at leading power factors is not large. The Var capacity of the generator can be increased by the use of continuously acting voltage regulators. An overexcited machine generates reactive power. An under-excited machine absorbs (or generates negative or leading) Vars.

3.2

Overhead lines & Transformers

When fully loaded an overhead line absorbs Q (=I2X per phase). On light loads, the shunt capacitance of long lines may become predominant and the lines become Var generators 3.3 Transformers always absorb Q.

Vars absorbed by a transformer = (VA of load) 2* Xpu/Rated VA where Xpu is the pu reactance of the transformer. 3.4 3.5 Underground cables are generators of Q owing to their high capacitance. Loads

A load of 0.95 pf lagging implies a Q demand of 0.33 kVar per kW of power. In planning a network it is desirable to assess the Q requirements to ascertain whether the generators are able to operate at the required power factors for the extremes of load to be expected.

4.0

Methods Of Voltage Control

Voltage drop in a power transmission system is largely due to the reactive power Q. The line currents are larger at power factors other than unity and therefore give increased I2R losses and hence reduced thermal capability. Substations and load points are the obvious places to introduce artificial injection of reactive power. In general, three methods of injection are available, involving the use of:
1. 2. 3. 4.1. Injection Of Reactive Power Tap-Changing Transformers Voltage Regulators

Injection of reactive power -Static & Synchronous Condensers Three methods of injecting Q at the loads are: a. Static shunt capacitors b. Static series capacitors, and c. Synchronous compensators

a).

Shunt capacitors & reactors

Shunt capacitors are used for lagging power factor circuits. Shunt capacitors are disposed along routes to minimize losses and voltage drops. On light loads, when the voltage is high, the capacitor output is large and the voltage tends to rise to excessive levels. Shunt reactors are used for leading power factor circuits, as in lightly loaded cables. (b). Series capacitors

The major drawback of series capacitors is: high overvoltages are produced when a short circuit current flows through the capacitor and special capacitive devices have to be incorporated (e.g. spark gaps) Advantages of series capacitors 1. If the load Var requirement is small, series capacitors are of little use. 2. If voltage drop is the limiting factor, series capacitors are effective. Voltage fluctuations due to arc furnaces are also evened out. 3. If the total line reactance is high, series capacitors are very effective and stability is improved. (c). Synchronous compensators

Synchronous motors running without mechanical load can absorb or generate Q depending on the excitation. As the synchronous motor losses are considerable compared to static capacitors, the power factor is not zero. When used with a voltage regulator, the compensator can automatically run overexcited at times of high load and under-excited at

light loads. The advantage of the synchronous compensator is its flexibility of operation for all load conditions. Reactive power requirement for the voltage control of long lines An expression for determining the Q at the receiving end may be derived in terms of the receiving end power Pr, complex A, B parameters of the line such that the receiving end voltage, Vr is equal to or a specified ratio of the sending end voltage, Vs. 4.2 Tap changing transformers

To determine the tap changing ratios required to completely compensate for the voltage drop in the line, the product of the transformer tap ratios ts and tr at the two ends f the line is made equal to unity. This ensures that the overall voltage level remains in the same order and the minimum range of taps in both transformers is used.

Tap Changing transformer

4.3

Voltage Regulators (Auto Transformer)

Voltage regulator is an auto-transformer with a common winding and tapped series winding to be connected for either raising or lowering the line voltages.

4.4

Booster Transformers

In some cases it is not convenient to have tap-changing gear in the main transformer, booster transformer can be used to employ these purpose. The output winding of the regulating transformer is connected to the primary of the booster transformer that the voltage injection in the line, VB is in phase with supply voltage VS.

Booster Transformer

to load main transformer regulating transformer

TUTORIAL 8 CHAPTER 8 SUBJECT : : CONTROL OF VOLTAGE AND REACTIVE POWER EEE 2106 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM

ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS

1. 2.

List four (4) techniques of voltage control in power system. The load at the receiving end of a 3-phase overhead line is 25 MW; p.f is 0.8 lagging at a line voltage of 66 kV. A synchronous compensator is situated at the receiving end and the voltage at both ends of the line is maintained at 33 kV. Calculate the Mvar of the compensator. The line has a resistance of 5 ohm per phase and inductive reactance of 20 ohm per phase. (Answer = 25 Mvar) Explain the operation of phase modifier. How does the tap changing transformer works? What are the purposes of injecting reactive power into a transmission line? With the aid of diagram explain the operation of tap changing transformer. Explain how the booster transformer is operating. What does meant by synchronous condensers? Explain the important of voltage control.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.