Motors, transformers, drives and discharge lighting draw reactive energy from the grid. Once the permitted tan φ is exceeded, the operator charges for it. Installations with many switched-mode power supplies and inverters, and sites with solar PV, often show the opposite effect: capacitive reactive energy.
What we do
- We analyse invoices and the sources of inductive and capacitive reactive energy charges.
- We measure over a representative operating cycle: nights, weekends, production changes and PV output. We never size a compensator from a single invoice.
- We assess harmonic content, how quickly the load changes and the risk of over-compensation.
- We select the solution: a capacitor bank, a detuned capacitor bank, shunt reactors, an active compensator (SVG) or a mixed system, following the manufacturer’s guidance, grid parameters and installation conditions.
- If a system is already in place, we check whether it can be corrected before proposing a new one.
Handover and effect
After commissioning we measure again and then check the effect on the following bills. The main effect of compensation is lower reactive energy charges and better operating conditions for the installation. It does not automatically mean a comparable drop in active energy consumption.
When it makes sense
- Your invoice includes a reactive energy item.
- The existing capacitor bank is old, switches too often or keeps failing.
- Capacitive reactive energy appeared after installing PV or drives.
