The Design and Testing of EHV Shunt Reactors

The design and testing of high-voltage shunt reactors is discussed. The advantages of a gapped-core construction employing radial laminated limb sections with a relatively small number of air gaps, resulting in a simple mechanical construction, are described. A comparison is made between testing methods for transformers and reactors, special attention being paid to test power, loss measurement, measuring accuracy, and special tests. A bridge method for loss measurements is described. Among the various dielectric tests discussed, particular mention is made of the induced voltage test and its unrealistic representation of actual service conditions. It is suggested that this test be replaced by one utilizing a lightly damped oscillation produced by an impulse generator. The need for vibration measurements as a check on mechanical behavior is stressed.