1. What is reactive power?
In the operation of the power grid, due to the existence of current and voltage, there is not only active power but also reactive power in the power system. Active power is the part of electrical energy that is directly converted into efficiency, such as the process in which electrical energy driving motors, heaters and other loads is converted into mechanical energy and thermal energy. Reactive power is the energy related to the electrical properties of the electrical equipment itself. It does not directly participate in the electrical energy conversion process of useful work, but is the energy that needs to be consumed in the process of forming magnetic fields and electric fields.
2. Why does reactive power appear?
Whether it is a power supply or electrical equipment, they will form components such as inductors or capacitors in the circuit. These components will form magnetic fields or electric fields in the circuit, which in turn consume a certain amount of energy. Although they do not directly participate in the process of useful work in power conversion, reactive power can affect the operational stability of the power grid.
During the operation of the generator, both active power and reactive power are factors that must be considered. Reactive power is crucial to the ability to maintain voltage potential. Without sufficient reactive power support, the voltage, current, frequency and other indicators of the generator will be affected, thus affecting the normal operation of other equipment.
Generators may encounter reactive power overload problems during operation, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption of the generator. In order to solve this problem, reactive power compensation can be used to balance the reactive power of electrical equipment and generators, thereby improving the efficiency and operating stability of the generator. The principle of reactive power compensation is to use capacitors or inductors to compensate for the reactive power in the power grid to achieve normal operation of electrical equipment. The benefits of reactive power compensation include reducing reactive power losses, improving power quality, extending equipment life, and ensuring the safe operation of generators.
The reactive power compensation of the generator can be achieved through capacitor compensation, adjusting the excitation current, and parallel capacitors. These compensation methods help improve the power factor, reduce the reactive load of the power grid, and ensure the efficient and stable operation of the generator.
Although the need for reactive power compensation may be lower in power plants, especially those modern generation facilities with good power factors, reactive power compensation is still a key factor in maintaining power system stability and efficiency.
