In my thesis, I evaluated the rationale behind the investment in a device for
compensating reactive power in the boiler room. The system consists of three boilers
and five elements for the cogeneration of heat and electricity (CHP), with wood chips
used as fuel. The produced energy is used to heat the nearby Dob Penitentiary. CHP
units operate throughout the year, but boilers only during the heating season. The
electricity consumption profile is both seasonal and base load. Cogenerations produce
a total of 225 kW of active power, which is enough for the needs of the boiler room,
but since we have many consumers with a need for reactive power, we have to receive
that from the grid. In my thesis, I presented solutions for this cost.
I started with theory. I described the reactive power, the method of connection
and the types of compensation equipment, as well as the formation and effects of
higher harmonic components. Based on the data from the network meter, I calculated
the excessive absorbed reactive energy and the related annual cost. In order to select
suitable compensation equipment, we carried out measurements at the facility. We
were interested in the voltage and current conditions, the proportion of active and
reactive power and the presence of higher harmonic components. As an alternative
possibility of reducing the cost of absorbed reactive energy, I also studied the
possibilities of producing reactive power with a synchronous generator and an inverter.
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