The influence of electronic loads switching in the reactive flow of a bus bar

The objective of this article is to analyze how the switching of an electronic charge, present in consumer units from groups A and B, influences the reactive power flow recorded by the meter in a given bus. Technological advances increased electronic loads in all sectors, mainly in residential, commercial and industrial. In laboratory measurements, various electronic loads were used, with different types of switching, for instance, in the first case, a dimmer is used for temperature control in an electric shower and for the brightness variation of an incandescent lamp. In the second case, a compact fluorescent lamp and an air conditioner inverter was used. It was observed that the reactive power flow on the bus presented inductive behavior for the first case, and capacitive reactive power flow for the second case. Therefore it was found, from the records of the electricity meters, that depending on the type of switching used reactive flow presented distinct behavior, that is, sometimes with inductive features and sometimes with capacitive features. This paper presents measurements in switching power electronic loads, common in Consumer Units facilities and analyzes its influence on the charging system and power quality.