Power Quality Monitoring

ttChapter 4Introduction and customer benefits from PFCIn power factor correction systemsthe reactive current and the corres -ponding reactive power drawn byloads will be compensated by themeans of PFC capacitors.What is reactive power?Reactive power is necessary for the generation of electromagnetic fields. Because these fields continuously develop and reduce,the reactive power fluctuates between producers and users. In contrast to active power, reactive power cannot be used i.e. cannotbe converted into another form of energy and strain the electricity supply network and the production equipment (generatorsand transformers). Furthermore, all energy distribution systems must be constructed larger for the allocation of reactivecurrents.It is, therefore, necessary to reduce the same amount of occurring inductive reactive power near to the consumer with a capacitivereactive power. This process is called compensation. During compensation, the ratio of reactive power in the network reducesby the reactive power of the power capacitor or the PFC system. The energy generation systems and the energy transmissionsystems are, therefore, discharged from reactive currents.What can be done to combat reactive power?Energy supply companies invoice the reactive consumption whereby significantly increased costs usually occur. Reactive powercompensation systems reduce the high costs for extra reactive consumption and offer the following additional advantages:Reduced electricity invoices through lower reactive power costsReduced I 2 R losses which means lower kWh consumptionDischarge of transformers, cables and supply systemsIncreased lifespan of electrical distribution systemsActive environment protection through the reduction of CO2 emissionsImproved utilization of networks i.e. additional loads (kWh) can be connectedVoltage stabilisation (reduced apparent current reduces the voltage drops)123