Fast Varying Loads

The operation of Fast Varying Loads (FVLs) in distribution systems is associated with high variation in the active power and bursts of distortion. FVLs affect surrounding loads sensitive to voltage rms variation and distortion. Thus they affect quality of the supply. This paper presents an overview of some electric loads that behave as FVLs. FVLs are characterized in this paper in terms of the main two properties that distinguish them from other electrical loads, namely, the active power variation and the contribution to the distortion. When a FVL is the major load in a distribution system, the power variation and the burst of waveform distortion could reach unacceptable levels. Thus, compensation could be necessary. The requirements for this compensation are also presented in this paper.