New approach to kVAr-compensation in a 132 kV system using measured power factor

The special load conditions of a 132/11 kV cable system in a subtropical country are described, which is characterized by great variation of the load pattern. Due to the unique load mixture consisting mainly of motor load during peak load and lighting load during low load conditions, the reactive power compensation is becoming a severe problem to be considered for planning and operation purposes. The reactive power compensation scheme is based on the active and reactive power measured at those substations feeding the 132 kV system from the national grid and from the power stations. The proposed method utilizes the existing 132 kV reactors and requires installation of additional capacitors to be installed on the 11 kV side. The control scheme automatically adjusts the reactive power supplying the 132 kV system in a narrow bandwidth around p.f.=0.98