In the past, rotating synchronous condensers and fixed or mechanically switched inductors or capacitors have been used for reactive power compensation. Today, static Var generators employ thyristor-switched capacitors and thyristor-controlled reactors to provide reactive power compensation.
The circuit diagram of compensation capacitors and peripheral hardware in the implemented hybrid reactive power compensation system is also given in Fig. 7. As can be seen in this figure, there are six single-phase and two three-phase capacitors. Rated powers of each capacitor are also shown in the same figure.
This paper reviews different technology used in reactive power compensation such as synchronous condenser, static VAR compensator, capacitor bank, series compensator and shunt reactor, comparison between them, source of reactive power and different optimization techniques.
The controller, after some calculations, decides on the capacitor stages closest to these powers and activates them. However, after the capacitors are switched on/off, unlike conventional capacitor switched compensation systems, the reactive powers drawn from each phase of the grid must be of the same type.
2.1. Characterization of the IES The reactive power compensation system was designed to avoid resonance problems and voltage variations in an IES with a predominant use of electric motors and variable speed drives. This IES has also installed new production lines to increase electrical loads.
Although switched capacitors are cost-effective, it is almost impossible to achieve full reactive power compensation with them. Other tools that their reactive power outputs are fully controllable are expensive solutions.