An Introduction to Reactive

The National Grid Company plc

Reactive Power
Definition
Reactive power is a concept used by engineers to describe the background energy movement in an Alternating Current (AC) system arising from the production of electric and magnetic fields. These fields store energy which changes through each AC cycle. Devices which store energy by virtue of a magnetic field produced by a flow of current are said to absorb reactive power; those which store energy by virtue of electric fields are said to generate reactive power. Power flows, both actual and potential, must be carefully controlled for a power system to operate within acceptable voltage limits. Reactive power flows can give rise to substantial voltage changes across the system, which means that it is necessary to maintain reactive power balances between sources of generation and points of demand on a 'zonal basis'. Unlike system frequency, which is consistent throughout an interconnected system, voltages experienced at points across the system form a "voltage profile" which is uniquely related to local generation and demand at that instant, and is also affected by the prevailing system network arrangements. National Grid is obliged to secure the transmission network to closely defined voltage and stability criteria. This is predominantly achieved through circuit arrangements, transformers and shunt or static compensation. Sources of Reactive Most equipment connected to the electricity system will generate or absorb reactive power, but not all can be used economically to control voltage. Principally synchronous generators and specialised compensation equipment are used to set the voltage at particular points in the system, which elsewhere is determined by the reactive power flows. Synchronous Generators - Synchronous machines can be made to generate or absorb reactive power depending upon the excitation (a form of generator control) applied. The output of synchronous machines is continuously variable over the operating range and automatic voltage regulators can be used to control the output so as to maintain a constant system voltage. Synchronous Compensators - Certain smaller generators, once run up to speed and synchronised to the system, can be declutched from their turbine and provide reactive power without producing real power. This mode of operation is called Synchronous Compensation. Capacitive and Inductive Compensators - These are devices that can be connected to the system to adjust voltage levels. A capacitive compensator produces an electric field thereby generating reactive power whilst an inductive compensator produces a magnetic field to absorb reactive power. Compensation devices are available as either capacitive or inductive alone or as a hybrid to provide both generation and absorption of reactive power. Overhead Lines and Underground Cables - Overhead lines and underground cables, when operating at the normal system voltage, both produce strong electric fields and so generate reactive power. When current flows through a line or cable it produces a magnetic field which absorbs reactive power. A lightly loaded overhead line is a net generator of reactive power
Market Development: October 2001

An Introduction to Reactive

The National Grid Company plc

whilst a heavily loaded line is a net absorber of reactive power. In the case of cables designed for use at 275 or 400kV the reactive power generated by the electric field is always greater than the reactive power absorbed by the magnetic field and so cables are always net generators of reactive power. Transformers - Transformers produce magnetic fields and therefore absorb reactive power. The heavier the current loading the higher the absorption. Consumer Loads - Some loads such as motors produce a magnetic field and therefore absorb reactive power but other customer loads, such as fluorescent lighting, generate reactive power. In addition reactive power may be generated or absorbed by the lines and cables of distribution systems.

Service
Grid Code Requirements All BM Units must be capable of supplying their rated power output (MW) at any point between the limits 0.85 power factor lagging and 0.95 power factor leading at the BM Unit terminals. Also the short circuit ratio of the BM Unit must not be less than 0.5. The reactive power output under steady state conditions should be fully available within the voltage range 5% at 400kV, 275kV, 132kV and lower voltages and must have a continuously acting automatic excitation control system to provide constant terminal voltage control of the BM Unit without instability over the entire operating range of the BM Unit. Reactive Power Market Arrangements Reactive power is procured via the Reactive Power Market, the arrangements of which are enshrined in Schedule 3 to the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC). The mechanism enables National Grid to invite tenders for alternative payment arrangements for the reactive capability as required by the Grid Code and tenders for the provision of an Enhanced Reactive Power Service (ERPS). The two main components are: Market Agreements whereby Generators and National Grid can enter into a market based contract on mutually agreed terms. The agreements can cover the Obligatory Reactive Power Service (ORPS) and/or the Enhanced Reactive Power Service (ERPS); and Default Arrangements whereby, in the absence of a market agreement, payment is made to generators for reactive utilisation. In accordance with the provisions of CUSC Schedule 3, all relevant Generators with BM Units have amended Ancillary Services Agreements to incorporate with respect to those BM Units the default payment arrangements for the Obligatory Reactive Power Service as more particularly described in CUSC Schedule 3. Relevant Generators with BM Units not operational but wishing to respond to this Invitation to Tender are required to amend or conclude Ancillary Services Agreements in similar fashion in accordance with CUSC Schedule 3 before a Market Agreement can be entered into.

Market Development: October 2001

An Introduction to Reactive

The National Grid Company plc

Obligatory Reactive Power Service The Obligatory Reactive Power Service is an Ancillary Service with two essential components - the provision of a minimum Reactive Power capability and the making available of that capability to National Grid. The capability component of the Obligatory Reactive Power Service is the minimum Reactive Power capability required of a BM Unit under and in accordance with the Connection Conditions of the Grid Code, most particularly CC6.3.2. A User therefore does not provide the Obligatory Reactive Power Service from a Generating Unit which is compliant with Grid Code CC6.3.2 where compliance is not obligatory for that User in respect of that Generating Unit. The second component of the Obligatory Reactive Power Service - the making available of the capability to National Grid to instruct - is typically provided by BM Units in accordance with the Balancing Codes of the Grid Code. However, it may be provided by other Plant, specifically Small Independent Generating Plant, where the User and National Grid agree terms for the provision of suitable metering and communication facilities, including the ability for National Grid to obtain relevant technical, planning and other data. The Obligatory Reactive Power Service does not include the provision of Reactive Power capability from Synchronous Compensation or from static compensation equipment. The Obligatory Reactive Power Service is more particularly described in subparagraph 1.1 of CUSC Schedule 3.

Market Development: October 2001