Reactive power compensation

• with different parameters,
• suitable for harsh industrial environments,
• resistant to interference,
• with intuitive software,
• easy to install and use, robust, compact and reliable.

Reactive power compensation is the balancing of reactive energy consumption by means of capacitors. It is used to reduce reactive power consumption and, as a result, increase savings and the efficiency of the electricity system.

Reactive energy (Q) is the energy drawn from a source to maintain the conditions under which a device operates, but is not itself converted into its work. It is therefore the energy circulating between the power source and the appliance, in the form of, for example, a magnetic or electric field. Without it, the operation of many appliances, such as motors or furnaces, is not possible. The unit of reactive power is the var.

The useful energy that is converted by an appliance into work or heat is active energy. Both types of energy are necessary for the effect to occur – the work of the receiver.

During its operation, the receiver simultaneously draws active and reactive power from the source. The reactive energy remains in the source-receiver system, circulating through it to maintain a magnetic or electric field. Reactive energy can come from the electricity system. Its sources can also be synchronous motors or generators, producing reactive power locally. The most cost-effective source of reactive energy, on the other hand, is a capacitor bank. One compensator that can produce reactive energy is a rotating compensator.

Capacitive reactive energy is otherwise known as reactive power given off and is designated by the symbol QC. This energy must not be surrendered to the electricity grid as it is subject to a penalty. This type of energy is generated in high-capacity power systems. Using the definition of apparent energy, it can also be said that capacitive reactive energy is the difference between apparent and active energy.

Inductive reactive energy is also called consumed reactive energy. This energy is generated, for example, in induction motors or transformers. It is also generated by other devices with windings which, to work, must first create a magnetic field. Inductive energy is therefore that energy that maintains the environment in which the receiver operates. Reactive inductive energy is denoted by the symbol QL.

Reactive power compensation involves the installation and adjustment of a reactive power balancing device appropriate to the system. In the case of inductive power compensation, the process aims to reduce the reactive power by increasing the production of capacitive power of the same value but opposite sign. As a result, the power input and output balance each other and the reactive power factor drops to the desired level. As the installation owner, you then avoid having to pay a penalty. For compensation, compensation reactor systems installed in the switchgear are most often used. Why is reactive power compensation used?

Reactive power compensation will allow you to avoid being charged a penalty for the reactive energy you feed into the grid.

The benefits of compensation quickly begin to offset the expense of purchasing and installing the appropriate equipment. If you are considering this investment, you can expect significant savings in the first month after the capacitor is installed.

In addition to the financial benefits, compensation allows you to increase the efficiency and safety of the entire network. As a result of this process, voltage drops in the system are reduced. In addition, the risk of costly power losses is reduced.

By installing a suitable capacitor, you also avoid overloading the system and reduce the active power consumption. It is worth adding that you are thereby choosing an environmentally beneficial solution. How much does it cost to save on reactive power?

The cost of implementing reactive power compensation is usually an expense of several to several thousand. Depending on a number of factors, this price can fluctuate considerably. Despite the rather significant cost, this investment does not have to be felt. You can divide it into instalments or lease the compensation device. Our advisors will help you choose the most favourable solution within the limits of your budget. Is it worth installing a capacitor?

Reactive power compensation is a cost worth paying. Professional compensation can help you save up to several thousand PLN per month. This money represents the losses you incur when the coefficient of the inductive reactive power you consume exceeds the contractual 0.4. However, you also pay a penalty for the over-contractual generation of capacitive reactive power.

So if you are considering implementing reactive power compensation, you can use some of the savings you make to repay the cost of the investment. In this way, it will not affect your own pocket, but will affect the environment from the very first moment. The cost of buying and installing the compensation device can pay for itself within a year or even sooner. You can add the money you no longer have to spend on prematurely worn-out cables and network components to the money you save.