Synchronous Motor-Driven Reciprocating Compressors: Starting and Operation on Limited-Capacity Utility System

Large motor loads on long line services present several technical problems involving starting, operating, and protection of the facilities equipment. Where there are several large synchronous motors driving reciprocating compressors, problems tend to become more difficult and expensive to solve. One such facility is described and some aspects of the problems and their solutions are presented. The static var generator (SVG) is shown to have a strong effect on system stability. Analysis is presented by the authors for optimizing equipment and operating procedures at the company-owned 115-13.8 kV facilities.