Compensation panels are an important piece of equipment used to provide reactive power compensation in electrical systems. Shunt reactors or inductive load reactors are common components in compensation boards. These reactors are designed to balance the reactive powers caused by inductive loads and to improve the power factor. In this article, we will discuss the use of shunt reactors in compensation boards in detail.
Compensation boards are used to increase energy efficiency in industrial plants and commercial buildings. Reactive power in electrical systems is related to phase shifts caused by inductive loads. This phase shift increases energy consumption and lowers the power factor. The power factor expresses the ratio of active power to total power. A low power factor hinders the efficient use of energy resources and increases electricity bills. To solve these problems, compensation boards are used and these boards improve the power factor with the help of shunt reactors.
Shunt reactors are designed to balance the reactive forces caused by inductive loads. These reactors operate as an inductive coil and correct the phase shift by delaying the currents. The shunt reactor in the compensation panel works together with the capacitive compensation capacitors in a parallel connection. These capacitors are used to balance the reactive powers of inductive loads, while shunt reactors are used to balance the current of the capacitors. Thus, shunt reactors and capacitors work together, improving the power factor.
The use of shunt reactors in compensation boards offers several advantages. First, the power factor is improved and the energy consumption is reduced thanks to shunt reactors. Energy losses due to low power factor are prevented and electricity bills are reduced. Second, the use of shunt reactors reduces voltage fluctuations in the electrical system. Voltage fluctuations caused by inductive loads can adversely affect the performance of electrical equipment. Shunt reactors extend the life of equipment by compensating for these fluctuations.
Also, the use of shunt reactors improves energy quality. Shunt reactors reduce harmonics and other power quality issues. Harmonics are undesirable frequency components commonly seen in electrical systems. These harmonics can cause problems such as overheating, vibration, and distortion in equipment. Shunt reactors improve energy quality by filtering and limiting harmonics and keeping equipment running safely and efficiently.
As a result, the use of shunt reactors in compensation panels increases energy efficiency, improves power factor, and improves energy quality. These reactors are designed to balance the reactive forces caused by inductive loads. The shunt reactors in the compensation panels work together with the capacitive compensation capacitors, improving the power factor and preventing energy losses. It also reduces voltage fluctuations and improves energy quality. Therefore, the use of shunt reactors in compensation panels enables electrical systems to operate more safely, efficiently, and economically.
Published On - 10 July 2023