Improving the energy efficiency of slightly inductive three-phase three-wire linear systems through single-phase capacitors banks

Abstract

Recent low-voltage, three-phase distribution networks carry inefficient power, which can be attributed to the reactive power, imbalance of linear loads, and increase in non-linear loads. Researchers have mainly focused on developing active filters to improve the quality of electrical energy. However, in most cases, compensating for the reactive power is sufficient, considering cost and quality. Active filters are expensive, thus, passive compensators are more appealing. These devices are composed of single-phase or three-phase capacitor banks that act on the reactive power consumed by the load. The operation of these devices has been sufficiently validated owing to their long-term use. For unbalanced power, compensators that contain coils are used. A methodology to obtain compensators comprising only single-phase capacitors for the inductive reactive power consumed by the load is presented here; if designed appropriately, these compensators can compensate for a part of or the entire unbalanced power, resulting in greater efficiency in the transfer of electrical energy.