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Figure 1
Composition of the total power of a transmission grid
Reactive power has zero average value because it pulsates up and down, averaging to zero.
Reactive power is measured as the maximum of the pulsating power over a cycle. It can be
positive or negative, depending on whether current peaks before or after voltage.
By convention, reactive power, like real power, is positive when it is supplied and negative
when it is consumed. Consuming reactive power lowers voltage magnitudes, while supplying
reactive power increases voltage magnitudes.
To simplify the calculation of Q c , Table 1 states the conversion factors F when a measured cos
1 is to be compensated in order to attain a power factor cos 2 in operation.
Table 1
Single compensation
In single compensation, the capacitors are directly connected to the terminals of the individual
power consumers and switched on together with them via a common switching device. Here, the
capacitor power must be precisely adjusted to the respective consumers. Single compensation is
frequently used for induction motors (Figure 4).
Here, load is taken off the feeder lines to the power consumers. A continuous adjustment of the
capacitor power to its reactive power demand is not possible, however.
Group compensation
With group compensation, each compensation device is assigned to a consumer group. Such a
consumer group may consist of motors or discharge lamps, for example, which are connected
into supply together through a contactor or switch. In this case, special switching devices for
connecting the capacitors are not required either (Figure 5).
Central compensation
Reactive power control units are used for central compensation, which are directly assigned
to a switchgear unit, distribution board, or sub-distribution board and centrally installed there.
Control units contain switchable capacitor branch circuits and a controller which acquires the
reactive power present at the feed-in location.
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