How does the synchronous condenser work under light loads?a)It works a...
Synchronous condenser:
- A synchronous motor takes a leading current when over-excited and, therefore, behaves as a capacitor
- An over-excited synchronous motor running on no load is known as synchronous condenser
- When such a machine is connected in parallel with the supply, it takes a leading current which partly neutralises the lagging reactive component of the load
- It works as a VAR generator.
- Thus, the power factor is improved
Advantages:
- By varying the field excitation, the magnitude of current drawn by the motor can be changed by any amount, this helps in achieving stepless control of power factor
- The motor windings have high thermal stability to short circuit currents
- The faults can be removed easily
Disadvantages:
- There are considerable losses in the motor
- The maintenance cost is high
- It produces noise
- Except in sizes above 500 kVA, the cost is greater than that of static capacitors of the same rating
- As a synchronous motor has no self-starting torque, therefore, an auxiliary equipment has to be provided for this purpose
How does the synchronous condenser work under light loads?a)It works a...
Under light loads, a synchronous condenser works as a VAR generator.
Explanation:
A synchronous condenser is a device that is used to supply or absorb reactive power (VAr) to or from an electrical system. It consists of a synchronous motor connected to a power system and operates at a leading or lagging power factor, depending on the requirement of the system.
When the electrical system is under light loads, it usually operates at a high power factor, meaning it requires less reactive power. In this scenario, the synchronous condenser operates as a VAR generator.
Here is a detailed explanation of how a synchronous condenser works under light loads:
1. Definition of a synchronous condenser:
- A synchronous condenser is a synchronous motor that does not drive a mechanical load but is connected to an electrical system to supply or absorb reactive power.
- It consists of a rotor with field windings, which can be excited with direct current to control the reactive power output.
2. Operation as a VAR generator:
- Under light loads, the electrical system operates at a high power factor, which means it requires less reactive power.
- In this situation, the synchronous condenser operates as a VAR generator by supplying reactive power to the system.
- The rotor of the synchronous condenser is excited with direct current, creating a magnetic field.
- As the rotor rotates, it generates a voltage that is in phase with the system voltage.
- By adjusting the excitation current, the synchronous condenser can provide a leading or lagging reactive power output to compensate for the system's power factor.
3. Benefits of operating as a VAR generator:
- By supplying reactive power, the synchronous condenser improves the power factor of the electrical system.
- This helps in reducing line losses, voltage drops, and improving the overall efficiency of the system.
- It also helps in voltage regulation and stabilizing the system during light load conditions.
- Operating the synchronous condenser as a VAR generator ensures a balanced and reliable operation of the electrical system.
In conclusion, under light loads, a synchronous condenser works as a VAR generator by supplying reactive power to the electrical system. This helps in improving the power factor, reducing losses, and maintaining stable operation.
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