Power Quality and Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation

Overview

APS provides specialist engineering services for power quality improvement, harmonic mitigation, voltage support and dynamic reactive power compensation for MV and HV networks. Our services support renewable generation, BESS projects, data centres, industrial facilities, EV charging infrastructure, substations and grid-connected developments where harmonic distortion, voltage fluctuation, poor power factor, resonance, flicker or reactive power limitations may affect network performance, grid compliance or equipment reliability.

Modern electrical networks are increasingly affected by power electronic converters, variable-speed drives, UPS systems, battery storage, solar PV inverters, wind turbine converters, EV chargers and nonlinear industrial loads. These technologies can introduce harmonic distortion, rapid reactive power variation, voltage instability, load imbalance and unwanted interaction with capacitor banks, cables, transformers and grid-connected plant. APS helps clients identify these risks at an early stage and develop technically robust mitigation strategies using detailed measurement, simulation and engineering assessment.

APS supports the full technical lifecycle of power quality and compensation projects, from initial site assessment and grid-code review through to harmonic measurement, simulation, equipment sizing, design verification, supplier coordination, commissioning support and post-installation performance validation. Depending on the project requirement, suitable mitigation options may include active harmonic filters, static VAR generators, hybrid reactive power compensators, capacitor-based compensation systems, medium-voltage STATCOM solutions, detuned filter banks, C-type harmonic filters and integrated energy storage or converter-based support systems.

Our approach is study-led. Equipment is not selected only from a catalogue. Each solution is assessed against the actual network conditions, fault level, harmonic background, load profile, transformer impedance, cable configuration, resonance behaviour and connection requirements. This allows the selected solution to be properly sized, technically justified and aligned with the requirements of the client, DNO/TSO, equipment manufacturer and wider network. APS can support projects requiring compliance with applicable power quality and grid connection requirements, including harmonic voltage distortion limits, emission allocation, reactive power capability, power factor requirements, voltage control performance, flicker assessment and interaction studies. Studies can be carried out using industry-recognised tools such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory, EMTP®, PSCAD™/EMTDC™ and ETAP and other specialist software packages, supported by site measurement data where available.

Key Services

APS provides study-led power quality and reactive compensation services for MV and HV networks where detailed technical assessment is required before equipment selection. The service combines site measurement, harmonic analysis, simulation, resonance assessment, equipment sizing, OEM proposal review and commissioning verification to ensure that the selected solution is technically suitable, compliant and reliable.

• Power quality site surveys and harmonic measurement campaigns More info
• Installation and analysis of power quality recorders More info
• Harmonic distortion assessment and compliance review More info
• Harmonic current and voltage analysis for MV and HV networks More info
• Frequency scan and resonance assessment More info
• Filter sizing and performance verification More info
• Active harmonic filter application studies More info
• Static VAR Generator and STATCOM application studies More info
• Dynamic reactive power compensation assessment More info
• Flicker and voltage fluctuation assessment More info
• Load imbalance and negative sequence assessment More info
• Transformer, cable and capacitor bank interaction studies More info

Typical Applications

These services are suitable for technically demanding applications where nonlinear loads, converter-based generation, large cables, transformers, capacitor banks or weak grid conditions may create harmonic distortion, voltage fluctuation, poor power factor, resonance risk or dynamic reactive power requirements. APS supports clients in identifying these risks and developing practical mitigation solutions for complex electrical networks.

• Solar farms and wind farms
• Battery energy storage systems
• Grid-connected generation projects
• Data centres and mission-critical facilities
• EV charging infrastructure
• Industrial plants and manufacturing sites
• Steel, furnace, mining and heavy-load facilities
• Water treatment and pumping stations
• Commercial buildings with large UPS and VSD loads
• MV substations and private networks
• Renewable and industrial networks requiring harmonic mitigation or dynamic voltage support

Technical Value

The main objective is to provide a technically justified solution that improves network performance, reduces harmonic pollution, supports voltage stability, improves power factor, avoids unwanted resonance and supports grid connection compliance. APS combines practical site measurement experience with detailed power system simulation to ensure that the proposed mitigation equipment is suitable for the actual electrical environment in which it will operate.

By combining engineering studies, measurement, equipment review and commissioning verification, APS helps clients move from problem identification to a practical and compliant mitigation solution.