What type of capacitor is used for reactive power compensation?

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.

What are the advantages of a series capacitor?

Load division increases the power transfer capability of the system and reduced losses. Control of Voltage – In series capacitor, there is an automatic change in Var (reactive power) with the change in load current. Thus the drops in voltage levels due to sudden load variations are corrected instantly.

How a series capacitor works?

Control of Voltage – In series capacitor, there is an automatic change in Var (reactive power) with the change in load current. Thus the drops in voltage levels due to sudden load variations are corrected instantly. The location of the series capacitor depends on the economic and technical consideration of the line.

When are series capacitors effective?

Series capacitors are very effective when the total line reactance is high. Series capacitors are effective to compensate for voltage drop and voltage fluctuations. Series capacitors are of little value when the reactive power requirements of the load are small.

Why are series capacitors used in power limiting criterion?

Series capacitors also help in balancing the voltage drop of two parallel lines. When series compensation is used, there are chances of sustained overvoltage to the ground at the series capacitor terminals. This overvoltage can be the power limiting criterion at high degree of compensation.

What are the disadvantages of a series capacitor?

This is a serious drawback, as the supply of reactive power by a capacitor drops when it is most needed; series capacitors are used to compensate for the inductive reactance of the loaded overhead power lines.