As a key equipment in the power system, the core function of the reactive power compensation cabinet is to compensate for reactive power, improve the power factor (cos φ) of the power grid, reduce line losses, and optimize power quality. With the increasing demand for electrical energy efficiency in modern industry, construction, and new energy fields, the application scenarios of reactive power compensation cabinets continue to expand. Based on the characteristics of different industries, analyze their typical application scenarios and technological value.
1、 Industrial sector: "Electricity optimizer" for high energy consumption scenarios
A large number of inductive loads in industrial environments, such as electric motors, welding machines, frequency converters, etc., can generate lagging reactive power, leading to a decrease in power factor and an increase in line loss. The reactive power compensation cabinet compensates for reactive current in real-time through parallel capacitor banks, significantly improving power quality.
Electric motor intensive factory
In industries such as textiles and machinery manufacturing, asynchronous motors absorb a large amount of reactive power during operation. The compensation cabinet can be installed in the workshop distribution room or motor control center (MCC) to reduce transformer capacity occupation and avoid grid fines.
Scenarios of frequency converters and rectification equipment
Metallurgical and chemical enterprises widely use nonlinear loads such as frequency converters and intermediate frequency furnaces, which are prone to harmonic and reactive power losses. An anti harmonic reactive power compensation cabinet (such as installing a reactor) needs to be configured to prevent resonance and be compatible with harmonic environments.
Continuous production line
Automobile manufacturing and semiconductor factories have extremely high requirements for voltage stability. Dynamic compensation devices (such as SVG) can respond to load changes in milliseconds, suppress voltage fluctuations, and ensure production continuity.
2、 In the field of architecture, the "invisible electric butler" of commercial and public facilities
In commercial buildings, loads such as air conditioning, elevators, and lighting exhibit strong intermittency and low power factor. Reactive power compensation cabinets can reduce overall electricity costs.
Large commercial complex
The reactive power demand of the central air conditioning system suddenly increases during the start stop phase, and the compensation cabinet can automatically switch capacitors to reduce the risk of transformer overload.
Hospitals and Data Centers
Precision medical equipment and server clusters are sensitive to power quality, and compensation cabinets combined with active power filters (APFs) can simultaneously address harmonic and reactive power issues, avoiding equipment malfunctions.
Renovation of old buildings
Due to the lagging design of the power distribution system in some buildings, the power factor is lower than the requirements of the power supply bureau (usually ≥ 0.9). Installing compensation cabinets can avoid fines for adjusting electricity fees.
3、 New energy sector: stabilizer for renewable energy grid connection
Wind power, photovoltaic and other new energy power plants have strong output fluctuations, and strict power factor requirements must be met when connected to the grid. Reactive power compensation equipment is indispensable.
Wind farm collection line
When a doubly fed wind turbine operates, it absorbs reactive power from the power grid and requires centralized compensation to be installed at the boosting station or transformer side to maintain stable voltage at the grid connection point.
Photovoltaic power plant inverter collaboration
Although photovoltaic inverters have certain reactive power regulation capabilities, large-scale power plants still need to install SVG or capacitor cabinets to achieve all-weather reactive power support.
Energy storage system matching
In the integrated photovoltaic and energy storage project, the compensation cabinet can smooth out power fluctuations caused by energy storage charging and discharging, and improve system economy.
4、 Special scenario: Adaptive applications in complex environments
Mines and ports
Large excavators, gantry cranes and other equipment have short working cycles and high impact currents, requiring a combination of dynamic and static compensation schemes.
projects to upgrade rural power grids
Remote areas have high line impedance and low terminal voltage. Distributed compensation can improve the quality of rural power supply and reduce the risk of equipment such as irrigation pumps burning out.
Rail Transit
The rectifier unit of the subway traction substation generates harmonics and reactive power, and a customized compensation plan is required to meet the 24/7 operation requirements.
5、 Key points of technology selection
The requirements for reactive power compensation cabinets vary significantly in different scenarios, and special attention should be paid to:
Harmonic environment: High harmonic scenarios require the configuration of filtering reactors or the selection of active compensation;
Load fluctuation: Dynamic compensation devices (such as TSC, SVG) should be selected for frequently changing loads;
Installation conditions: The protection level needs to be increased for outdoor scenes, and explosion-proof design is required for dust environments.