Re: Causes of the Gran Apagón (Spain), 65 corrective actions

On Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:37:57 GMT, Glen Walpert <nospam@null.void>
wrote:

On Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:08:45 -0400, Joe Gwinn wrote:
>

On Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:49:09 GMT, Glen Walpert <nospam@null.void> wrote:
 

On Wed, 9 Jul 2025 23:07:26 +0200, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>

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The actions include the installation of synchronous compensators for

the first time on the mainland, as well as the incorporation of new
units on the islands. These devices provide dynamic voltage control
and, given their local nature, are distributed geographically to
reinforce it in the different areas, complementing the equipment and
solutions that the system already has for this function.
>
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
>
... You can read the rest on the link if desired.

 
I did.  Thanks.
 
What exactly do they mean by "Synchronous Compensators"?

 
I don't know, I'm not an electrical engineer. But one of the comments
may explain a bit:
 
Frank
 
07/08/2025 Synchronous compensators are reverse generators acting as
motors connected to the grid. What follows is simulations to determine
where on the grid they are most effective, power and costs because
like all motors they take active power from the grid which is priced
on an hourly basis. And the last thing is who will pay for the voltage
control service and how the installed equipment will be accounted for.

>
Synchronous Compensators are also known as Rotary Capacitors, they are
unloaded synchronous motors which, like synchronous generators, will
deliver reactive power (same as a capacitor) when overexcited, and
consume reactive power when underexcited (like an inductor).  They have
been in common use since the early days of power distribution to produce
reactive power near loads, to reduce the amount remote generation needs
to send over transmission lines, with the attendant losses.  Regular
capacitors are also used for this purpose, but the rotary type is
continuously adjustable.

 
Yeah.  I read Frank's comment as well, and he may well be correct, but
one cannot assume that politicians are being quite that precise.
 
In the mechanical world, it's quite common to have a large but unloaded
three-phase induction motor running at or near synchronous speed,
precisely to absorb surge loads, and it would also serve to absorb surge
overvoltages ... if they are large enough.  The energy is stored in the
rotational energy of the rotor.
 
Do we have any idea how big these Synchronous Compensators are, in
kilograms?
 
The good news is that they are talking spinning reserve, like big
turbines, not fancy electronics and batteries.
 
Joe

>
Tons might be a more appropriate unit of weight, though I haven't seen any
figures.

Yeah.

From:
>
< https://www.hitachienergy.com/products-and-solutions/facts/synchronous-condenser-system >
>
"Hitachi Energy's synchronous condenser system cover 10 - 200 MVAr range
with single-machine solutions. Installation of larger machines or when
100% redundancy is required, a multi-machine installation with coor-
dinated control can be installed. This solution is based on a modular
concept."
>
A 200 MVAr synchronous condenser will be about the same size as a 200 MW
synchronous motor.

That seems plausible.

If I'm guessing Spanish politics correctly, the Government has decided
to bite the bullet, and they'll go big.  Here's hoping.

Joe