Reactive Power Control
Reactive Power Control is an important aspect of modern photovoltaics (PV), particularly in connection with feeding solar energy into the public power grid. It aims to ensure the quality of the power grid and optimize the efficiency of the PV system.
What is Reactive Power?
Reactive power is a component of electrical power that occurs in electrical systems with alternating current. Unlike active power, which is used to perform work, reactive power oscillates back and forth between the source and the consumer without doing any work. It is mainly caused by inductive or capacitive loads, as found in motors, transformers, and capacitors.
Why is Reactive Power Control Necessary in PV?
- Grid Stability: Unregulated reactive power can lead to voltage deviations and grid instabilities, which can affect the operation of the PV system as well as other connected consumers.
- Efficiency: Targeted reactive power control can increase the efficiency of the PV system by reducing losses in the grid.
- Grid Connection Conditions: Many grid operators require PV systems to be capable of delivering or consuming reactive power to ensure grid quality.
How Does Reactive Power Control Work in PV Systems?
Reactive power control in PV systems is usually performed via inverters. These can be programmed to inject or absorb reactive power from the grid as needed. This is achieved through a targeted phase shift between voltage and current.
- Inductive Reactive Power: This mainly arises from inductive loads and leads to a so-called "lagging" reactive current. To compensate for this reactive power, the inverter can generate a "leading" reactive current.
- Capacitive Reactive Power: This arises from capacitive loads and leads to a "leading" reactive current. Here, the inverter can generate a "lagging" reactive current.
Benefits of Reactive Power Control
- Increased Grid Stability
- Optimization of the Efficiency of the PV System
- Compliance with Grid Connection Conditions
- Reduction of Grid Losses
- Improvement of the Power Grid Performance
Additional Keywords: Photovoltaics, Inverters, Active Power Limitation, Grid Stability, Grid Connection Conditions
