Reactive power management in transmission networks

Reactive power is an essential component for the smooth flow of the apparent power in the power networks. Generators are prime source for reactive power generation, to meet the network reactive power demand of network and load. This result in excessive flow of reactive power over the transmission corridors and may lead to voltage instability and uneconomical operation of network. The control of reactive power in a small power system is straight forward, particularly when the load is reasonably stable/steady. However the control of reactive power is highly challenging for the power utilities operators in large power systems, where the power network consists of long distance power lines and highly variant load due to wide varying seasonal conditions. In this research article a simple reactive power management algorithm has been presented, so as to manage the reactive power flow in Northern Region of Indian grid which is experiencing wide variation in the daily and seasonal load curve. The finding of this work are in concurrence with the Indian grid code and are recommended to the northern region of Indian grid to manage their reactive power demand for next few years.