Validation of generator reactive capability

Validation of reactive capability of synchronous generators has become a topic of much interest in the last few years. There has been limited growth in the U.S. transmission system compared to growth of load and new generation. Much of the new generation growth has been due to addition of wholesale or merchant generators competing for available transmission capacity. As a result, capacity and stability margins have been shrinking, and transmission system planners and operators have become increasingly concerned about predicting and preventing events that could lead to transmission system voltage collapse. Actual voltage collapse events have occurred in some interconnected transmission systems that have fueled even greater concerns. Routine testing of various plant components is typically done during generating plant outages. In this study, different engineering approach in validating VAr capability was discussed.