Increase of reactive power compensation efficiency on the basis of individual phase compensation devices

The purpose of this article is to establish an effective method for compensating reactive power in four-wire networks voltage up to 1000 V with a solidly grounded neutral. The method and the device for independent individual phase reactive power compensation are presented. The known devices and methods for symmetric reactive power compensation in three-phase four-wire networks are ineffective. Under certain circumstances, probability of emergency mode increases. Asymmetrical and unbalanced load on network phases dominate in three-phase four-wire networks. As a result, current in the neutral wire increases several times. This can lead to thermal destruction of the neutral wire and failure of power supply cable. By reducing load unbalance in network phases and eliminating effects of undercompensation and overcompensation, the method of independent individual phase reactive power compensation makes it possible to reduce the current in the neutral. The method of independent individual phase compensation is preferred when using devices reactive power compensation in three-phase networks with solidly grounded neutral. This method allows to increase transfer capacity, to reduce losses, and also reduces chance of emergency mode. Results of introduction of devices for individual phase reactive power compensation into operation prove the efficiency of the proposed method.