What is compensation? What are the types?
Compensation is the process of correcting the power factor by providing reactive power compensation in electrical systems. In electrical systems, there is active power (real power) and reactive power. Active power is the actual power consumed or produced and used as electrical energy. Reactive power, on the other hand, results from the difference between voltage and current caused by inductive loads (e.g. motors, transformers) or capacitive loads (e.g. capacitors) and can affect the power quality in the electrical system.
Compensation improves the power factor by balancing the reactive power. Power factor refers to the ratio of active power to reactive power. A good power factor allows electrical systems to operate more efficiently and can reduce energy costs.
Types of compensation are:
- Inductive Compensation: It is the use of capacitors to correct the excess reactive power caused by inductive loads. This is often used in industrial facilities and large businesses.
- Capacitive Compensation: It is the use of inductors (inductors) to correct the lack of reactive power caused by capacitive loads. Capacitive compensation is especially necessary in the presence of high capacitive loads on the network.
- Static Compensation: This is a method in which inductive or capacitive compensation is carried out by automatic control systems. Static compensation systems continuously monitor the power factor and automatically engage or disengage capacitor banks or inductor banks.
Proper application of compensation can increase energy efficiency, ensure system reliability and reduce energy costs.
