In electrical engineering, a synchronous condenser (sometimes called a synchronous capacitor or synchronous compensator) is a device identical to a 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 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.
Negative reactive power is a type of power that is consumed and stored by inductive components in an electrical system. It is commonly referred to as "lagging" power, as it lags behind the voltage in a circuit.
Negative reactive power is the opposite of positive reactive power, which is generated and stored by capacitive components in an electrical system. Positive reactive power is commonly referred to as "leading" power.
Negative reactive power is caused by inductive loads, such as motors or transformers, that require a magnetic field to operate. This magnetic field stores energy and creates the lag between voltage and current in a circuit.
Negative reactive power can cause inefficiency in an electrical system, as it requires additional energy to be supplied to maintain the voltage levels. This can lead to increased energy costs and can also result in power quality issues.
Negative reactive power can be managed or reduced through the use of power factor correction devices, such as capacitors, which can supply the reactive power needed by inductive loads. This can improve the overall efficiency and power quality of an electrical system.