Synchronous Condensers

The paper reviews the general characteristics of large synchronous condensers, with particular reference to the possibilities of greater standardization in condenser specifications. Particular emphasis is placed on the question of the ratio of lagging to leading kv-a. capacity, and it is concluded that about 50 per cent lagging capacity is normal, while any important increase in this ratio requires special design of greater size and cost. Attention is called to the advantage to be gained by the use of reactors in place of such oversized condensers, where extra lagging capacity is needed. Separate sections of the paper are devoted to starting and stability characteristics, and to recent improvements in the design of synchronous condensers. Finally, the use of asynchronous condensers is discussed and found to be undesirable.