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

On 2025-07-09 23:49, Glen Walpert wrote:

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

On 2025-07-09 22:57, Joe Gwinn wrote:

...

<https://elperiodicodelaenergia.com/el-gobierno-aprueba-la-

instalacion-de-compensadores-sincronos-y-refuerza-la-interconexion-con-
francia/>

...

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.

<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronous_condenser>
Synchronous condenser
In electrical engineering, a synchronous condenser (sometimes called a syncon, synchronous capacitor or synchronous compensator) is a DC-excited synchronous motor, whose shaft is not connected to anything but spins freely.[1] Its purpose is not to convert electric power to mechanical power or vice versa, but to adjust conditions on the three phase electric power transmission grid. Its field is controlled by a voltage regulator to either generate or absorb reactive power as needed to adjust the grid's voltage, or to improve power factor. The condenser’s installation and operation are identical to large electric motors and generators. (Some generators are actually designed to be able to operate as synchronous condensers with the prime mover disconnected[2]).
--
Cheers, Carlos.