Shunt compensation is used basically to control the amount of reactive power that flows through the power system. In a linear circuit, the reactive power is defined as the ac component of the instantaneous power, with a frequency equal to 100/120 Hz in a 50 or 60 Hz system. The reactive power generated by the ac power source is stored in a capacitor or a reactor during a quarter of a cycle, and in the next quarter cycle is sent back to the power source. The reactive power oscillates between the ac source and the capacitor or reactor, and also between them, at a frequency equal to two times the rated value (50 or 60 Hz). For this reason it can be compensated using static equipments or VAR generators, avoiding its circulation between the load (inductive or capacitive) and the source, and therefore improving voltage regulation and stability of the power system. Reactive power compensation can be implemented with VAR generators connected in parallel or in series.
An insulator or dielectric is a substance within which there are no mobile electrons necessary for electric conduction. However, when the voltage applied to such an insulator exceeds a certain value, then it breaks down and allows a heavy electric current (much larger than the usual leakage current) to flow through it. If the insulator is a solid medium, it gets punctured or cracked. The disruptive or breakdown voltage of an insulator is the minimum voltage required to break it down. Dielectric strength of an insulator or dielectric medium is given by the maximum potential difference which a unit thickness of the medium can withstand without breaking down. In other words, the dielectric strength is given by the potential gradient necessary to cause breakdown of an insulator. Its unit is volt/meter (V/m) although it is usually expressed in KV/mm. For example, when we say that the dielectric strength of air is 3 KV/mm, then it means that the maximum PD which one mm thickness of ...
Comments