Microprocessor Device “AKRM-001”
for Reactive Power Compensation
1. Purpose
The microprocessor device AKRM-001 is designed for reactive power compensation in 0.4 kV electrical networks.
It can compensate reactive power in installations ranging from 20 to 1000 kVAr.
2. Operating Conditions
The AKRM-001 device has the following normal operating conditions:
Ambient temperature: -20°C to +40°C;
Power supply voltage: 310 V to 440 V;
Relative air humidity: up to 80% at 25°C;
Installation is recommended indoors.
3. Operating Principle
The process of reactive power compensation can be explained as follows:
Electricity from substations to consumers consists of both active and reactive energy. Active energy is consumed by the user for operating motors, lighting, heating, and other purposes. Reactive energy is not consumed but is needed to create electromagnetic fields required for the operation of various devices. This reactive energy oscillates between the consumer and the substation.
As a result, the current in the line increases by 20–40%. If an AKRM-001 device is installed at the consumer’s site, it measures the phase shift angle Φ between voltage and current.
The microprocessor unit then connects the necessary number of capacitors to reduce this angle to zero.
When this angle is zero, cos Φ = 1, and the connected capacitors supply reactive energy, compensating for the reactive energy coming from the electrical network.
This achieves the following benefits:
Reduction of consumed current by 30–40%;
Increase in voltage by 1–10%;
Reduction of emissions into the atmosphere;
Savings in electrical energy and operational costs.
