What is Reactive Power Compensation and Why Does It Matter?
Reactive power (kVAR), defined as the difference between active power (kW) and apparent power (kVA) in energy systems, originates from inductive loads such as electric motors, transformers, and lighting ballasts.
Effects of Reactive Power
High reactive power consumption creates unnecessary load on the grid. This leads to:
- ▸Increased transmission losses in cables and transformers
- ▸Voltage drops in the network
- ▸Reactive energy penalties applied by electricity distribution companies
- ▸Unnecessary heating of equipment and premature failure
What is Power Factor?
Power factor (cos φ) expresses the ratio between active power and apparent power. This value ranges between 0 and 1, and values close to 1 are desired. In Turkey, TEDAŞ requires industrial consumers to maintain a power factor above 0.90; otherwise reactive energy fees are applied.
Compensation Solutions
Reactive power compensation is achieved through capacitor banks and reactive power control relays that intelligently manage these banks. Caselen CRG series reactive power control relays measure the instantaneous power factor and automatically switch capacitor stages in or out, balancing the grid load and eliminating penalty fees.
Savings Potential
In a typical industrial facility, raising the power factor from 0.75 to 0.95 can reduce transformer and cable loading by 37% for the same active power. This both extends infrastructure life and reduces operating costs.