VARkompensatsioonid

VARkompensatsioonid, often translated as VAR compensation or reactive power compensation, refers to a set of techniques and equipment used to manage and control reactive power in electrical systems. Reactive power, measured in Volt-Ampere reactive (VAR), is a component of apparent power that does not perform useful work but is necessary for the operation of inductive and capacitive equipment like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting. Excessive or insufficient reactive power can lead to several problems, including voltage sags or swells, increased current flow, reduced power factor, and inefficient energy transmission.

The primary goal of VARkompensatsioonid is to improve the power factor of an electrical load. A power factor close to unity (1.0) indicates that most of the apparent power is being used for real work. Low power factors, often caused by inductive loads, necessitate the supply of reactive power from the utility grid, leading to higher currents and losses. VARkompensatsioonid typically involves installing capacitor banks to supply leading reactive power, thereby offsetting the lagging reactive power consumed by inductive loads. Alternatively, reactors can be used to absorb excess leading reactive power from capacitive loads.

Modern VARkompensatsioonid systems often employ static VAR compensators (SVCs) or STATCOMs (Static Synchronous Compensators). SVCs use thyristor-controlled reactors and capacitor banks to dynamically adjust the amount of reactive power supplied or absorbed. STATCOMs, a more advanced technology, utilize voltage-source inverters to provide very rapid and precise control over reactive power. These systems are crucial for maintaining stable voltage levels, reducing energy losses, and ensuring the efficient operation of electrical grids, particularly in industrial facilities and areas with high concentrations of inductive or capacitive loads.