Controllable reactor simulation using Integral Equation Method

The shunt reactors are important components in the EHV/UHV (Eltra/Ultra High Voltage) power systems used for the voltage regulation issues. One of their important roles is to compensate the reactive power. Typically for such compensation the fixed shunt reactors are used. Alternative concepts introduced recently are the controllable reactors. The controlling effect of orthogonal flux type controllable reactor is achieved by controlling the saturation level of the parts of the magnetic core (saturable reactor). In this paper we present an efficient approach for the simulation of such controllable reactors using Integral Equation Method (IEM). The key information when analyzing this kind of devices are the controllable reluctances. The paper demonstrates usage of IEM for the computation of the inductances as a function of the reluctance changes depending on the saturation levels of the magnetic material. The results are compared with the calculation results obtained by an equivalent magnetic circuit calculation model.