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This article explores the challenges of maintaining stability in a renewable-focused power grid as traditional power plants are retired and wind and solar resources are added. It discusses issues such as the loss of inertia and reactive power, voltage fluctuations, and the need to balance supply and demand. The article provides examples from Chile and Australia where grid stability problems have arisen due to the increasing penetration of renewables. It also discusses various technologies, such as capacitor banks, static VAR compensators (SVCs), and synchronous condensers, that can help manage reactive power and maintain grid stability. The use of repurposed steam and gas turbines as synchronous condensers, as well as the installation of synchronous condensers in Scotland and Estonia, are highlighted as solutions to stabilize the grid and manage renewable energy integration. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on benefits of a synchronous generator in a micro grid. Topics include information on how renewable energy sources and battery storage units are specified and incorporated into power systems; challenges that could impact the overall design and performance of the power plants; and how power consumers can become power producers as roof top solar and battery energy storage systems become more economical.

The article evaluates synchronous reluctance motor for more energy efficiency. It notes that the compressor manufacturer Kaeser is also upgrading the CSD/CSDX series with frequency-controlled drive technology to further improve efficiency and reduce the energy costs of compressed air generation in the system network reduce. It adds that responsible use of resources is one of the important success factors of Kaeser compressors.

The article considers converting the existing synchronous generator into a synchronous condenser as a solution to plant owners facing the dilemma of whether to upgrade or retire their gas and steam power generation plants. Conversion benefits include having an economical source of reactive power capacity and the superiority of synchronous condenser over static volt-ampere reactive (VAR) solutions. Also included are key considerations on system reliability and the conversion process.