Parts of city may not have voltage fluctuations

CHENNAI: Fretting over frequent voltage fluctuations in your locality? That could be history if the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation’s (TANGEDCO) ambitious plan to install capacitor banks that act as voltage stabilisers fructifies. According to sources, capacitor banks would be installed in substations to boost what is known in technical jargon as reactive power.“An important reason for voltage fluctuation is the manifold increase in the use of air conditioners. Power guzzlers that operate on low power factor (a measure of the efficiency of the power distribution system) rapidly absorb reactive power, which leads to fluctuation in voltage levels,” an official said.Reactive power does not transfer energy, but its flow on the alternating current transmission system is critical to support the transfer of real power over the network.It is essential to set up and regulate electric fields in equipment like motors, generators and transformers, to enable them to function. An indicator for deficit of reactive power is sagging of voltage, he added.“Reactive power flow strongly influences the voltage levels across the network.Voltage levels and power flow must be carefully controlled to allow a power system to be operated within acceptable limits.” That is where capacitor banks come into play. They produce reactive power to end fluctuations.Currently, there are about 100 substations in Chennai and its suburbs. In the first phase, about a dozen substations are likely to get capacitor banks. After evaluating their performance, the infrastructure would be extended to other substations. “The cost outlay, technicalities and duration of project implementation are under final stages of scrutiny. The project is likely to take off soon,” the official added.