Power System Operation and Control

8.7 METHODS TO IMPROVE POWER FACTOR

8.7.1 Synchronous Generator Control

This can be treated as the principal source of reactive power control. Synchronous machines can be made to generate or absorb reactive power depending upon their level of excitation. This control is based on the principle that an over-excited synchronous machine generates reactive power and an under-excited synchronous machine absorbs reactive power. The principal advantage of this control is that it offers flexibility for all load conditions, since it supplies reactive power when overexcited (peak load period) and consumes reactive power when it is under excited (off-peak load period). There is smooth variation in generation of reactive power by this method, when compared ...