How Reactive Power Compensators Improve Efficiency

Reactive power compensation is a closely related concept in power system management, in the context of maintaining an optimal power factor and ensuring efficient operation of the power grid.

Reactive power is the component of electrical energy that oscillates between the source and the load, and is related to the energy stored in the inductive and capacitive elements of the power system. It does not do any useful work, such as turning a motor, but is required to maintain the voltage level required for real power work.

The purpose of reactive power compensation is mainly to improve the power factor. Reactive power compensation is mainly used to correct the power factor of the system. A low power factor means that more reactive power is consumed, resulting in inefficient use of electricity. By compensating for this reactive power, the reactive compensator can improve the power factor and energy efficiency of the system. It reduces losses, and by compensating reactive power close to the load, the system reduces the reactive power that must be transmitted over long distances. This reduces losses in the transmission and distribution network.