It is usually required that a power system operates at unity power factor which translates to zero reactive power AND this same reactive power is a vital component of managing network. For efficient transmission of power, there is supposed to be reactive power, if not there would be problems like conductor overheating, high voltage drop and incapability to transport much power. Please, I need more light on these two statements.
Hi, reactive power is essential for regulating power quality parameters during transmission. The voltage level, for example, in transmission networks has a strong coupling with the reactive power due to the high X/R ratio of the conductors. Thus, active power quantity is desired (power factor equal to 1). Nonetheless, reactive power helps to deliver active power blocks to subtransmission and distribution systems with quality adequate for consumption.
Luiz Eduardo Sales thank you so much for the response. If active power with a unity power factor is desired, there wont be any reactive power and there comes problems in transmitting the power. Does that now mean it is not possible to transmit efficient power at unity power factor?
Hi Kamilu Alabi Sanusi. Efficient refers to power losses concept. Due to the X/R ratio of the conductors, a part of active power generated will be lost along the way. However, reactive power minimizes power losses and contributes to power quality preservation.
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