Predicting and testing the effectiveness of voltage-correcting capacitors on two 12 kV distribution lines

Techniques for calculating the quantity and locations of voltage-correcting capacitors on distribution lines have been described in many studies. Two different computer models to optimize the sizes and placement of capacitors on two 12 kV lines were used. One line is 16 km (10 miles) long with the biggest load, up to 2000 kVA, at its end. The other is 10.5 km (6.5 miles) long. After the capacitors were installed, loads and voltages were measured along each line while supplementing existing loads with load banks, one rated 2944 kVA and the other 500 kW. 200 HP fire pumps were started to collect transient performance. The measured currents and power factors were entered into the computer models to calculate voltages along the lines. Predicted voltages were, on the average, within 0.85% of measured values