Utilizing MATLAB-Simulink Based Technique for Teaching Advantages of Reactive Power Compensation Using Shunt Capacitors to Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Reactive power, generated during connection of lag/lead phase loads to a system, circulates between the generation sector and the load side. This power has undesirable effects, including occupation of transmission capacity, generation capacity, increasing transmission line active losses and finally reduction of power quality and load reliability due to active power deficiency. In this paper, non-electrical description and definition of reactive power and a marked difference with active power is presented. Also the effect of reactive power mitigation using a capacitor bank is investigated. For educational purposes of teaching compensation advantages to undergraduate students the well-known software MATLAB-Simulink was used to simulate and investigate the effects of reactive power mitigation.

Advanced teaching method for learning power system operation based on load flow simulations

“…Modern power systems have evolved to a high level of complexity due to the growing number of interconnections, the installation of large generating units and extra‐high‐voltage tie lines, the development of microgrids, smart grids, and smart cities, the integration of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, and so on [26]. Due to the massive integration of renewable energies into power systems [8], mainly wind and solar photovoltaic power plants connected to the distribution network, voltage regulation in such distribution systems is commonly addressed by tap changers of transformers, as well as reactive power compensation with capacitor banks [29]. In this sense, the connection of distributed generation to the networks around the world has generated increased interest among undergraduate and graduate students, who require efficient power system analysis tools for their training [21].…”

“…The inclusion of a computer‐assisted MATLAB‐based instruction into an electromagnetics course for electrical engineering education was addressed in Reference [32]. MATLAB/Simulink was also used to investigate the effects of reactive power mitigation with capacitor banks in Reference [29], to determine the basic characteristics of the switching transients that occur in overhead transmission lines in Reference [15], and to improve the general understanding of synchronous machines in Reference [36].…”