Implementation of a Synchronous Condenser Solution
The continuously growing renewables share as well as volatile grids can have a significant impact on the synchronous condenser power production equipment and also on the transmission system operation. The consequences can be multifaceted. Remaining fossil units may be highly cycled and the energy flow in the transmission system complex. At the same time, the stability of a converter dominated transmission system is challenging. The frequency and voltage control as well as fault ride through capability can require installation of new additional equipment for stable and safe grid operation.
A synchronous condenser is a turbo generator without turbines, connected to the grid via unit transformer, that can be implemented by one of the following options:
- Conversion of existing generators to a synchronous condenser
- New generators for synchronous condenser applications
In power plants with several turbine generator sets, the implementation of an additional generator in synchronous condenser operation may represent the most cost-effective solution for increasing the plant output. The power factor in the existing generators is adjusted to produce more or even exclusive active power (MW). The missing reactive power fraction (MVAr) is to be compensated by the synchronous generator which is operated as a motor at zero load. The effort associated with the installation of an additional generator in the power plant architecture can be compensated for by the following advantages:
- Eliminates need for extensive technical changes to the existing generator
- Higher flexibility with regard to the provision of reactive power
- Use of an additional generator in power plants with several generators of the same type as a “productive reserve”, e.g. in the event of damage to a generator
Find further information about our portfolio of generators for synchronous condenser applications:
Generators portfolio
