The quality of electrical power in a network is a major concern which has to be examined with caution in order to achieve a reliable electrical power system network. Reactive power compensation is a means for realising the goal of a qualitative and reliable electrical power system. This paper made a comparative review of reactive power compensation technologies; the devices reviewed include Synchronous Condenser, Static Var Compensator (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM). These technologies were defined, critically examined and compared, the most promising technology is recommended for the realisation of an effective, efficient, sustainable, qualitative and reliable electrical power network.

The electric power sector in countries suffering from crises and wars such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, etc., is among the most affected infrastructures. Since this sector plays a vital role in the economic growth and in improving people’s quality of life, the post-crisis reconstruction of this sector must take into account the requirements and concepts of sustainable development (SD) in addition to technical and economic considerations. This article discusses the role that renewable energy sources (RES) can play in achieving SD in the post-crisis reconstruction phase of the Syrian Electric Power Sector (SEPS) as a case study. Based on the available data, the study period was chosen from 2005 to 2017 and divided into two periods. In the first period (2005–2010), which is the pre-crisis period, the structure of the SEPS and its main characteristics were described while the adoption of RES solutions and SD concepts were investigated. In the second period (2011–2017), the crisis period, the satiation of the SEPS and impact of the crisis were evaluated. The challenges that faced the adoption of SD concepts and RES solution were also addressed at this stage. Based on analysis and comparison of the available data, several scenarios were discussed to evaluate the role of RES in achieving SD in the post-crisis reconstruction phase of the SEPS. EnergyPLAN software was used for the techno and socio-economic evaluation of these scenarios. Our results emphasize the importance of the adoption of RES solutions in the reconstruction phase, as these can help promote SD concepts (reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment, increasing energy efficiency, creating jobs, etc.) and securing the electric supply of the SEPS while enhancing its stability.

The objective of this study is to examine the cost implication and reactive power generating potential of the synchronous condenser. Universally, increase in electricity demand constitutes new issues for power generation, transmission and distribution. Synchronous condenser solutions are being initiated globally to be instrumental in the best usage of power resources and offer grid systems support for todays and future sustainable, stable and reliable electrical grid network. This research x-rays the cost implication of the synchronous condenser in today's challenging environment. A vivid description of the reactive power generating potential of the synchronous condenser is shown with Matlab/Simulink environment simulation of a medium voltage (MV) power system network. It is observed that the synchronous condenser is cost-effective as compared to other reactive power generating equipment's and sources. Furthermore, Matlab/Simulink simulation results of the MV electric-power network shows an effective scheme for reactive power generation.

In this paper, authors focus on the use of the synchronous condenser device for voltage stability and power flow control on a three-phase 33 kV Medium Voltage (MV) electric-power system network. Matlab/Simulink is used for the simulation of the proposed system model. To test the validity of the system, measured and calculated power factor values were obtained. Two scenarios were studied; Firstly, is the scenario with the synchronous condenser located at the terminal end of the 33 kV MV network (position 1). And secondly, is the scenario with the synchronous condenser placed at the beginning of the 33 kV MV power Line (position 2). Simulation results obtained from the study are compared in order to determine the most appropriate location for situating the synchronous condenser device. It is observed that the locations of the synchronous condenser equipment have different impacts on the electric-power system network. However, the proposed study of the simulation model base on the location of the synchronous condenser at the terminal end of the 33 kV MV electric-power system network (position 1) demonstrate a more effective and suitable scheme of the electric-power network concerning issues of voltage stability and power flow control.

Distributed Generation (DG) has become an essential part of the smart grids due to the widespread integration of renewable energy sources. Reactive power compensation is still one of most important research topics in smart grids. DG units can be used for reactive power compensation purposes, therefore we can improve the voltage profile and minimize power losses in order to improve the power quality. In this paper two methods will be used to accomplish the mentioned tasks; the first technique depends on the reactive power demand change of the proposed network loads, whereas the second technique uses an algorithm to control DG units according to the measured voltage values in the feeders to generate the needed reactive power. Both methods were applied to different scenarios of DG unit positions and different reactive power values of loads. The chosen DG unit is made up of a Type-4 wind farm which could be used as a general unit where it is able to control reactive power generation in a wider range separately from active power. The simulation results show that using these two methods, the voltage profile could be improved, power losses reduced and the power factor increased according to the placement of DG units.

Installing a synchronous condenser (SC) onto an electricity grid can assist in the areas of reactive power needs, short-circuit strength, and, consequently, system inertia and guarantees better dynamic voltage recovery. This paper summarizes the practical potential of the synchronous condenser coordinated in an electric-power network with participating wind plants to supply reactive power compensation and injection of active power at their point of common coupling; it provides a systematic assessment method for simulating and analyzing the anticipated effects of the synchronous condenser on a power network with participating wind plants. A 33-kV power line has been used as a case study. The results indicate that the effect of the adopted synchronous condenser solution model in the MATLAB/Simulink environment provides reactive power, enhances voltage stability, and minimizes power losses, while the wind power plants provide active power support with given practical grid rules.