Reactive power: what it is; why it is important

TECH Notes

There is a global trend toward adding dynamic reactive devices to serve urban load areas due to a number of interrelated factors. These devices can provide variable amounts of reactive power in a few milliseconds to ensure optimal power system operations. Both passive and dynamic reactive devices are often used to achieve necessary reactive compensation, when capital costs are taken into consideration. 

Read the article, "Reactive power: what it is; why it is important," in TECH Notes issue 7. This article is the first of a three-part TECH Notes series. Part 2 will discuss the problems associated with highly compensated systems. Part 3 will provide an overview of the solutions.

TECH Notes is a monthly publication from the Electricity Transmission and Distribution (T&D) experts of DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability. This series offers insights and guidelines into emerging technical and business trends for planning, building, operating, and maintaining reliable, secure T&D systems.