A thyristor reactive power compensator for fast-varying industrial loads.

The operation of a static reactor compensator using a thyristor phase-controlled inductor for improvement of the power factor of single-phase loads is investigated. Such compensators find widespread application with fast-changing loads such as electric are furnaces, induction furnaces, and rolling mill drives in the steel industry. A laboratory model of the reactive power compensator was built, and tested. The control scheme and associated control circuitry are explained in detail, and results showing the supply power factor with and without the compensator are presented. The transient response of the controller whenever the load is changed is illustrated by oscillograms which clearly show that the power factor is improved substantially and the regulator requires only one cycle to implement the desired correction. The dynamic response of the thyristor controlled reactor (TCPR) regulator indicates that there is scope for improvement in the control circuit, and modifications are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]