Application of Reactors in Long-Distance Transmission Grids: Reactive Power Compensation and Overvoltage Suppression Solutions

07/25/2025

Application Scenario:
Excessive capacitive charging power in long-distance transmission lines of 500kV substations.

Problem Background:
In long-distance transmission lines rated at 500kV and above, the line-to-ground capacitance effect is significant. When operating under light load or no load, these lines generate substantial capacitive charging power (capacitive reactive power). This excessive power leads to:

  1. Power-frequency overvoltage:​ Line voltage rises significantly, potentially exceeding equipment insulation withstand levels and jeopardizing grid security.
  2. Voltage fluctuations and stability issues:​ Degrades power quality, increases line losses, and constrains line transmission capacity.
  3. System reactive power imbalance:​ Makes it difficult to maintain system voltage within qualified ranges.

To address these issues, high-performance shunt reactors must be installed at key nodes (e.g., at both ends or mid-line 500kV substations) for inductive reactive power compensation, absorbing the excess capacitive charging power.

Core Solution: BKLG-500 Shunt Reactors
For mitigating excessive charging power in 500kV long-distance lines, we recommend employing ​BKLG-500 oil-immersed shunt reactors with iron cores​ as the core solution.

Key Equipment Features and Technical Advantages:

  1. Efficient Absorption of Capacitive Reactive Power:
    • Rated Capacity: 60 Mvar. Meticulously matches long-line charging power requirements, effectively absorbing excess capacitive reactive power generated by the line.
    • Function: Balances line reactive power, confines voltage fluctuations within safe and stable ranges, and significantly suppresses power-frequency overvoltage during light/no-load conditions.
  2. Exceptional Reliability and Overload Capacity:
    • Temperature Rise Limit: 55°C (under rated conditions). Utilizes advanced insulation materials and cooling design to ensure long-term operational reliability.
    • Overload Capability: Can operate continuously for 30 minutes at ​110% of rated capacity. This design effectively withstands system short-term surges or abnormal conditions (e.g., load rejection), providing an additional safety margin for the grid and ensuring equipment security.
  3. Ultra-Low Noise and Vibration Design:
    • Special Magnetic Shunt Structure: Optimizes core magnetic circuit design, drastically reducing vibration and noise caused by core magnetostriction.
    • Guaranteed Sound Pressure Level: Operating noise ≤ 65 dB(A). This performance significantly surpasses conventional products, meeting stringent environmental requirements, making it especially suitable for substations near residential areas or noise-sensitive zones.
  4. Robust Construction and Stable Performance:
    • Iron Core Design: Offers structural robustness, high mechanical strength, strong short-circuit withstand capability, low no-load loss, and excellent capacity adjustment characteristics.
    • Oil-Immersed Cooling: High heat dissipation efficiency, superior insulation performance, easy maintenance, and proven reliable technology.

Scheme Benefits:

  • Effectively suppresses power-frequency overvoltage:​ Maintains line voltage within safe limits, protecting critical equipment like transformers, circuit breakers, and surge arresters.
  • Significantly improves voltage stability and quality:​ Balances system reactive power, reduces voltage fluctuation range, and enhances power supply reliability and quality.
  • Increases line transmission capacity:​ Reduces limitations on transmission capacity caused by excessively high voltage.
  • Enhances system operational safety margin:​ Robust overload capability copes with contingencies.
  • Meets environmental requirements:​ Low-noise design minimizes impact on surrounding environment.

Implementation Results:

  • Significant reduction in voltage fluctuations:​ Voltage fluctuation range for the associated line was successfully controlled to within ​±2%, compared to ​±8%​ pre-implementation.
  • Effective elimination of overvoltage risk:​ Power-frequency overvoltage under light load and no-load conditions was effectively limited below equipment safety thresholds.
  • Stable and reliable operation:​ The BKLG-500 reactors have operated stably since commissioning. Measured noise values are significantly lower than guaranteed levels, earning high user recognition.
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