compensatoren

Compensatoren are devices or arrangements designed to offset undesirable effects in a system by introducing a compensating quantity. The term is used in several engineering disciplines, notably electrical power engineering and mechanical engineering, where compensators improve performance, efficiency and safety.

In electrical power systems, compensators adjust reactive power and voltage levels. Passive compensators include capacitors, reactors, and capacitor banks; active compensators use power-electronics-based devices such as STATCOMs, SVCs, and active power filters. Primary functions are reactive-power compensation, voltage regulation, power-factor correction, and damping of power-system oscillations. They can be applied as shunt (parallel) devices to support voltage, or as series components to modify line reactance. Modern systems often employ unified compensators that combine multiple functions for harmonic mitigation, dynamic voltage support, and stability enhancement.

In mechanical and civil engineering, compensators (Kompensatoren) are expansion joints or flexible elements that absorb thermal expansion, movement and vibration in pipes, ducts and structures. Common types include bellows, metal hoses and rubber expansion joints. Design considerations include pressure rating, temperature, chemical compatibility, and installation constraints to prevent leaks, stress and fatigue. They help protect equipment, accommodate movement, and reduce the risk of leaks and failures in dynamic environments.

In control engineering, a compensator is a network added to a system to modify its dynamic response, often implemented as lead or lag networks or as part of PID control with compensating terms. The goal is to improve stability, transient response and robustness.