4 example calculations of

compensation for reactive

power
By Edvard | January, 20th 2017 | 11 comments | Save to PDF
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Reactive power
First, let’s say some words about basics of the reactive power in system.
Reactive current arises in every electrical system. Not only large loads, but
smaller loads as well require reactive power. Generators and motors produce
reactive power, which causes unnecessary burdens to and power losses in the
lines.
4 example calculations of compensation for reactive power (photo credit:
mavinelectric.files.wordpress.com)
Figure 1 shows the block diagram for the network loading.
Figure 1 – Equivalent circuit diagram of a network with different loading: a)
Equivalent circuit; b) Phasor diagram
Reactive power is necessary to generate magnetic fields, e.g. in motors,
transformers and generators. This power oscillates between the source and the
load and represents an additional loading.

Power supply companies and the consumers of this electrical energy are
interested in reducing these disadvantages as well as possible. On the other
hand, non-linear loads and phase-controlled inverters cause harmonics,
which lead to voltage changes and a decrease in the power factor. In order to
reduce these harmonics, series resonant (filter) circuits are used.
Now, let’s take few examples to calculate the following:

1. Determination of Capacitive Power

2. Capacitive Power With k Factor
3. Determination of Cable Cross-Section
4. Calculation of the c/k Value
Example 1 – Determination of Capacitive
Power
A load has an effective power of P = 50 kW at 400 V and the power factor is to
be compensated from cosφ = 0.75 to cosφ = 0.95. Determine the required
capacitive power. The power and current before compensation are:

The power and current after compensation are:

The required capacitive power is:

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Example 2 – Capacitive Power With k
Factor
The capacitive power can be determined with the factor k for a given effective
power. The k factor is read from a table 1 – Multipliers to determine capacitor
kilovars required for power factor correction (see below) and multiplied by the
effective power. The result is the required capacitive power.

For an increase in the power factor from cosφ = 0.75 to cosφ = 0.95, from the
table 1 we find a factor k = 0.55:

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Example 3 – Determination of Cable Cross-

Section
A three-phase power of 250 kW, with Un = 400 V, at 50 Hz is to be transmitted
over a cable 80 m in length. The voltage drop must not exceed 4% =16 V. The
power factor is to be increased from cosφ = 0.7 to cosφ = 0.95. What is the
required cable cross-section?

The current consumption before compensation is:

The current consumption after compensation is:

The effective resistance per unit length for 516 A is:

According to Table 2 (see below) we must choose a cable with a cross-section

of 4 × 95 mm2. The effective resistance per unit length for 380 A is:

Here, a cable cross-section of 4 × 70 mm2 is required. As this example

illustrates, the improved power factor leads to lower costs because of the
reduced cross-section.
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Example 4 – Calculation of the c/k Value

Given a 150 condenser battery, i.e. 5 stages of 30 each, a supply voltage
of 400 V, and an instrument transformer with a k of 500 A/5 A, how large is the
c/k value? The ratio c/k is given by.

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Tables
Table 1 – Multipliers to Determine Capacitor Kilovars Required for Power
Factor Correction
Table 1 – Multipliers to Determine Capacitor Kilovars Required for Power Factor
Correction
Table 2 – Resistance per unit length for (Cu) cable with plastic insulation
Table 2 – Resistance per unit length for (Cu) cable with plastic insulation

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References
1. Analysis and design of low voltage power systems by Ismail Kasikci
(Purchase hardcover from Amazon)
2. Power factor correction – A guide for the plant engineer by EATON