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How reactive power decisions quietly
shape feeder voltage performance
Maintaining acceptable voltage along distribution feeders depends on more than regulator settings alone. Reactive power flow, feeder impedance, and the placement and operation of power factor correction capacitor banks all play a direct role in voltage drop, voltage rise, and overall system stability.
This white paper explains the physical relationship between reactive power and voltage regulation on distribution systems. Using clear equations, real PQ data, and waveform examples, it shows how capacitor banks influence feeder voltage, why placement matters, and what utilities should watch for when switching capacitors under varying load conditions.
Key topics include:
- Reactive Power and Voltage Drop
- PFC Bank Placement
- Visualizing Capacitor Bank Switching
- Possible Problems
Why utilities should care:
Power factor correction is often deployed to reduce losses and free system capacity, but its impact on voltage regulation is just as important. Poor placement, aggressive switching, or unaddressed resonance can introduce voltage fluctuations, equipment stress, or unintended overvoltage conditions. This paper helps utilities connect reactive power behavior to real voltage outcomes, supporting better planning, more informed investigations, and more stable feeder operation without introducing unnecessary risk.
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