Capacity Loss
Capacity loss is a commonly occurring consequence of reactive power. By this, we do not mean that an electrical installation loses capacity as a result of reactive power. Instead, the installation needs to transport a greater load due to the presence of reactive power. As a result the installation reaches its capacity limits sooner.
Capaciteitsverlies leidt tot Capacity loss leads to higher expansion costs
Capacity loss can mean higher costs when an installation needs to be expanded, for example when installing new machines or building new ones. Because the transformer is unnecessarily overloaded by the reactive power present, expansion is often impossible without adding extra transformers or replacing existing transformers with larger versions. In this way, capacity loss entails unnecessarily high costs. The costs of reducing reactive power are considerably lower than the cost of adding or replacing transformers.
Reductie Reduction of Transformer load by up to 35% by reducing reactive power
Reduction of available reactive power primarily leads to a reduction in the load on components supplying power. This eliminates unnecessary capacity loss. This increases the efficiency of the existing electrical installation and reduces the costs of possible expansion. In certain cases, it is possible to reduce the transformer load by as much as 35%.
Decreased efficiency and operational lifetime
Reactive power not only introduces capacity loss but also has an adverse effect on installation efficiency and transformers’ operational lifetime. The transformer supplying power is more heavily loaded by the reactive power. This increased load on the transformer introduces an increased risk of wear and loss of heat and energy in the installation.
In addition to capacity loss, reactive power has other adverse consequences: overheating of cables and distributors, unnecessary heat loss (energy loss) and tripping of fuses and protections. In some cases, an energy supplier may even fine the client.