An intelligent reactive power compensator based on synchronous vacuum circuit breaker

Abstract

A novel reactive power compensator is developed for 10kV distribution system to improve power quality. It is composed of a synchronous vacuum circuit breaker (SVCB) and an intelligent power factor controller (IPFC). Electrical transients for switching shunt capacitor banks are eliminated by the synchronous technology. The IPFC takes the power factor, the requirements of reactive power and the harmonic resonance protection as the switching criteria, thus the reactive power is well compensated, and the frequent operating with light load and the harmonic resonance of power network are avoided. The experimental results demonstrate the excellent performance of reactive power compensation by this system. © 2004 IEEE.