Mechanically Switched Reactors are basically shunt reactors with an additional switching device. Shunt reactors are used to regulate the reactive power balance of a system by compensating for surplus reactive power generation of transmission lines or cables. Switching devices aid in switching off the reactor during heavy load and switching off at times of low loads.
Reactors > Facts/HVDC
Mechanically Switched Reactor
The operating principle is as follows:
- If the load on the line increases, consequently decreasing the voltage, then the reactor will be switched off since it is no longer needed.
- If the load lessens and the voltage starts to rise again the reactor will be switched on.
These reactors are used not just to correct power factor, but also to keep voltages at a safe level for equipment on the line and in the substation.
MSRs are generally used only on short lines supplied by weak systems. Shunt reactors cannot contribute to real-time voltage continuously due limitations on the number of switching maneuvers.
