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

On Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:27:53 +0200, Carlos E.R. wrote:
 

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:

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

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

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...
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Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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... You can read the rest on the link if desired.

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

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I don't know, I'm not an electrical engineer. But one of the comments
may explain a bit:
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Frank
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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.

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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.

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<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronous_condenser>
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Synchronous condenser
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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]).

 Right.  While I recall them being referred to as rotary capacitors
somewhere, even the classic "Principles of Alternating Current Machinery"
by Lawrence and Richards 4th ed 1953 calls them synchronous condensers.
(This book was written by the MIT professors who first developed a lot of
the rigorous analysis presented.)