Shunt capacitors in large transmission networks

IT IS WELL KNOWN that the most efficient operation of a power distribution network is obtained when the power factor of the load throughout the network is approximately 100 per cent. Transmission lines, however, when operated at the loads and voltage levels of maximum economy, require large amounts of reactive kilovolt-amperes (kvar), particularly at the load ends. The generator-end component of this reactive usually can be supplied most economically by the generators.