UDC 621.3.072.9 INFLUENCE OF REACTIVE POWER COMPENSATION ON ELECTRIC POWER QUALITY INDICATORS IN 0.4 kV NETWORKS

Abstract

In our country, electricity is supplied primarily via overhead power lines (OPL). Due to their length, these networks experience significant voltage drops. Meanwhile, residential electricity consumption is rapidly increasing. This, in turn, requires the ongoing implementation of technical measures to increase the capacity of main power lines (TPL) [1].

In practice, due to the presence of short feeders and relatively low connection capacities in 0.4 kV networks, reactive power compensation and harmonic filtering are considered cost-ineffective. However, experience in other countries shows that reactive power compensation and harmonic filtering devices are widely used in 0.4 kV distribution networks, effectively improving power quality. This article examines the potential for improving power quality through local reactive power compensation in 0.4 kV distribution networks.

This article uses a local shunt compensation method for reactive power compensation. Compensating devices (capacitor banks) are installed directly on the power line in series, increasing in distance from the transformer substation, at the connection points of consumers with the greatest voltage deviation. To prevent overcompensation, the device power is selected according to the local load.

Research shows that distributing reactive power compensation devices across the grid can reduce voltage losses to 3% of the nominal value. After installing reactive power compensation devices, the specified voltage deviations from the nominal value will be within acceptable limits.

Based on the proposed methodology, the distribution of reactive power compensation (RPC) devices in the network ensures that voltage levels and voltage unbalance factors for all consumers comply with current power quality standards. As a result, active power losses in the network are reduced by up to 30% compared to without RPC installation