Application of dynamic reactive power compensation technology

Rational reactive power compensation is extremely vital for power transmission and distribution systems. Reactive power compensation devices have evolved from synchronous condensers and shunt capacitors to static compensation devices based on high‑power power electronic components. While illustrating the domestic and international application status of dynamic reactive power compensation technology, this article elaborates on the basic principles and functions of SVC and STATCOM, their practical applications in transmission grids, distribution networks and large industrial and mining enterprises, and conducts a detailed comparison of their technical and economic performance.
 
In power systems, insufficient reactive power reserves will lower grid voltage levels. Impact‑type reactive power loads may also trigger severe voltage fluctuations and degrade power supply quality. For a given active power distribution, effective control over the flow and transfer of reactive power is required to minimize reactive power flow and reduce system losses.
 
Applications of Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation Technology
 
With the continuous development of power grids, the importance of reactive power control and compensation is growing steadily:
 
Transmission networks face increasing requirements for operational efficiency. On‑site reactive power compensation is needed to make full use of power transmission and transformation capacity.
Power sources (especially hydropower stations) are generally far from load centers. Long‑distance power transmission demands flexible reactive power regulation to tackle stability and voltage control problems.
Distribution networks contain numerous inductive loads that consume a large amount of reactive power during operation, greatly increasing losses of distribution systems.
HVDC transmission systems require reactive power control on the AC side of converters.
End‑users have increasingly higher demands for power supply quality.
 
Therefore, on‑site reactive power compensation for power grids, especially dynamic compensation, is essential in power transmission and distribution systems.