Methods of Voltage Control in Power System
The voltage of the power system may vary with the change in load. The
voltage is normally high at light load and low at the heavy-load condition.
For keeping the voltage of the system in limits, some additional equipment
requires which increase the system voltage when it is low and reduces the
voltage when it is too high. The following are the methods used in the
power system for controlling the voltage.
1. Using excitation control or voltage regulator at generating stations
2. On – Load Tap Changing Transformer
3. Off – Load Tap Changing transformer
4. Shunt Reactors
5. Synchronous Phase Modifiers
6. Shunt Capacitor
7. Static VAR System (SVS)
Controlling the system voltage by the help of shunt inductive element is
known as shunt compensation. The shunt compensation is of two types,
i.e., the static shunt compensation and the synchronous compensation. In
static shunt compensation, the shunt reactor, shunt capacitor and static
VAR system are used, whereas the shunt compensation uses the
synchronous phase modifier. The methods used for controlling the voltage
are explained below in details.
1. Using excitation control or voltage regulator at generating stations
An automatic voltage regulator detects the terminal voltage and
compares it with the reference voltage. The difference between
detected voltage and given reference voltage is called as the error
voltage. The regulator then controls the excitation voltage of the
alternator to cancel out the error voltage. Thus, an automatic voltage
regulator controls the voltage by controlling the excitation.
The voltage control in transmission and distribution systems is
usually obtained by using tap changing transformers. In this method,
the voltage in the line is adjusted by changing the secondary EMF of
the transformer by varying the number of secondary turns. Secondary
voltage of a transformer is directly proportional to the number of
secondary turns. Thus, the secondary voltage can be adjusted by
changing the turns ratio of the transformer. Secondary number of
turns can be varied with the help of tappings provided on the winding.
Basically, there are two types of tap changing transformers.
1. off-load tap changing transformers
2. on-load tap changing transformers
2. Off – Load Tap Changing Transformer – In this method, the voltage is
controlled by changing the turn ratio of the transformer. The transformer is
disconnected from the supply before changing the tap. The tap changing of
the transformer mostly done manually.
3. On – Load Tap Changing Transformer – This arrangement is used for
changing the turn ratio of the transformer for regulating the system voltage
when the transformer delivers the load. Most of the power transformer is
provided with on-load tap changer.
4. Shunt Reactor – The shunt reactor is the inductive current element
which is connected between the line and neutral. The shunt reactor
compensates the inductive current from the transmission line or
underground cables. It is mainly used in the long distance EHV and UHV
transmission lines for reactive power control.
The shunt reactors are used in the sending end substation, receiving end
substation and in the intermediate substation of long EHV and UHV line. In
the long transmission line, the shunt reactor is connected at the distance of
300 Km to limit the voltage at an intermediate point.
5. Shunt Capacitors – The shunt capacitors are the capacitors connected
in parallel with the line. It is installed at the receiving end substation,
distribution substations and in the switching substations. The shunt
capacitor injected the reactive volt-ampere to the line. It is placed in the
three phase bank.
6. Synchronous Phase Modifier – The synchronous phase modifier is the
synchronous motor running without a mechanical load. It is connected with
the load at receiving the end of the line. The synchronous phase modifier
absorbs or generates the reactive power by varying the excitation of the
field winding. It keeps the voltage constant at any condition of the load and
also improves the power factor.
7. Static Var Systems (SVS) – The static VAR compensator inject or
absorb the inductive VAR to the system when the voltage becomes higher
or lower than the reference value. In static VAR compensator, the thyristor
is used as switching device in place of circuit breakers. Nowadays, the
thyristor switching is used in the system in place of mechanical switching
because thyristor switching is faster and provides transient free operation
by controlling the switching.
Various Methods of Voltage Control in a Power
System
Voltage control in power systems is essential to
maintain the voltage levels within specified limits
for efficient and reliable operation. The main
methods of voltage control include:
[Link] Changing Transformers
o On-Load Tap Changing (OLTC)
Transformers: These transformers can
change their tap settings while energized to
regulate voltage automatically.
o Off-Load Tap Changing Transformers: Tap
changes are made only when the
transformer is de-energized.
[Link] Capacitors and Reactors
o Shunt Capacitors: Used to provide reactive
power (VARs) to the system, which helps
raise the voltage.
o Shunt Reactors: Absorb reactive power to
reduce voltage when it is too high.
[Link] Capacitors
o Installed in series with transmission lines to
reduce the line reactance, improving
voltage profile and power transfer
capability.
[Link] Condensers
o Synchronous machines running without a
mechanical load that can generate or
absorb reactive power to regulate voltage.
[Link] VAR Compensators (SVCs)
o Power electronic devices that provide fast-
acting reactive power compensation to
control voltage.
[Link] Tap Changers (LTC) on Distribution
Transformers
o Adjust voltage on the distribution side to
maintain voltage levels within limits.
[Link] Voltage Regulators (AVRs)
o Control the excitation of generators to
maintain terminal voltage.
[Link] Generation and FACTS Devices
o Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS)
devices like STATCOMs, UPFCs provide
dynamic voltage control.
Each method is selected based on system
requirements, cost, and operational considerations
to maintain voltage stability and quality in the
power system.