Voltage Control:

In power system networks, while supplying power through a transmission line, we keep the voltage
constant at the sending end. The voltage at the receiving end undergoes a change that depend on the
load and power factor. Voltage control should therefore be considered in power system networks as the
voltage changes while transmitting power from sending end to receiving end.
In an overhead transmission system, one of the most inherent problems is voltage variation and to
maintain the variations within a limit, we need certain provisions for voltage control.

Voltage control and reactive power control are interrelated and need to be therefore considered
together. One of the most troublesome features associated with the operation of overhead transmission
system is the inherent variation of voltage at the receiving end, due to variations in load. These fluctuations
of voltage are to be kept within the reasonable limits fixed by Nepal Electricity Rules 2050.

When power is supplied to a load through a transmission line keeping sending-end voltage constant, the
receiving-end (or load) voltage undergoes variations depending upon the magnitude of the load and power
factor of the load. The higher the load with smaller power factor the greater is the voltage variation. The
voltage variation at a load is an indication of the unbalance between the reactive power generated and
absorbed by that load. When the reactive power generated exceeds the reactive power absorbed, the voltage
goes up and vice versa.

This problem is illustrated below:

Let P be the power to be transferred per phase in watts, Q the reactive power to be transferred per phase in
VARs, Vs the sending-end voltage per phase, V R the receiving-end voltage per phase and (R + jX) be the
impedance of transmission line per phase in ohms.

From phasor diagram shown is Fig. 13.31, we have:

Since in this the only variable quantity is Q, it is these reactive VARs which must be locally adjusted to keep
this quantity fixed. The local generation of VARs can be obtained by connecting shunt capacitors or
synchronous capacitors and or shunt inductors (for light loads or capacitive loads).

Alternatively the receiving-end voltage VR can also be kept constant for a given sending-end voltage Vs by
keeping the product QX constant. This is achieved by introducing series capacitors which will reduce the net
reactance of the system. Since the voltage variation will be more for larger loads (larger reactive power), the
variation could be controlled by switching- in suitable series capacitors.

Adjusting Reactive Power for Voltage Control:

For voltage control, reactive power flow should be adjusted and its reactive VAR is adjusted locally. In
other words, locally adjusting the VAR means, generating the VAR in the system locally whenever it is
required.

This could be achieved with the help of shunt capacitors or synchronous capacitors and also by shunt
inductors in case of capacitive loads or light loads.

Adjusting the Receiving End Voltage Constant:

During the voltage control process, we observed that the voltage drop between the sending end and
receiving end of a power system network depends on the reactive power Q.

One way to adjust the receiving end voltage to a constant value is to locally generating VAR through a
shunt capacitor or synchronous capacitor and shunt inductor.
Another way is by keeping the product of Q and X i.e. QX in the relation of the V d constant. This is
realized by connecting a series capacitor to the transmission line. This series capacitor reduces the net
reactance of the line.
For larger loads, larger will be the reactive power and larger will be the voltage variations. By switching
multiple series capacitors suitably, the variations can be controlled.

Why Voltage Control in a Power System?

In a large electric system such as the national Grid, it is necessary to control the voltage because there is an
inverse relationship between voltage and current. As electric usage rises, such as on a hot day when
everybody’s air conditioner is running, the current draw on the system rises. This current rise causes the
voltage to drop. The drop in voltage, if severe enough, can cause problems and even damage to electric
equipment that requires a steady voltage source.
This inverse relationship, if uncorrected, can also feed upon itself. As the current rises, the voltage drops. If
the voltage drops, the equipment drawing the current are forced to draw even more current which causes
further voltage drop. And the vicious cycle can continue until damage is caused by excessive current draw.
Conductors are sized by how much current they can handle.

Because of the problems this can cause, voltage regulation is used on the national Grid system. This is
accomplished through the use of standalone voltage regulators or load tap changers that are incorporated
into a power transformer. These devices will raise or lower the voltage each time it changes by 5/8 of a
percent in order to maintain a steady voltage as current draw rises and falls.

Need of Voltage Control in Power System :

As discussed above, there is a variation of voltage while power is transmitted from one place to another
in power system networks. In order to maintain the variations in voltage within a permissible limit, we
employ methods to control voltage.

The voltage must be set within the permissible limits since most electrical devices and appliances are
designed to work at a specific voltage, the need for constant voltage is very important. Wide variations in
voltage can cause errors in the operation and performance of electrical devices.

In the context of Nepal, the voltage variation limit is ±10% for transmission and ±5% for the distribution
systems.

Voltage Control Method in Power System:

In a modern power system, electrical energy from the generating station is delivered to the ultimate
consumers through a network of transmission and distribution. For satisfactory operation of motors, lamps
and other loads, it is desirable that consumers are supplied with substantially constant voltage. Too wide
variations of Voltage Control Method in Power System may cause erratic operation or even malfunctioning
of consumers’ appliances. To safeguard the interest of the consumers, the government has enacted a law in
this regard. The statutory limit of voltage variation is ± 6% of declared voltage at consumers’ terminals.
The principal cause of voltage variation at consumer’s premises is the change in load on the supply system.
When the load on the system increases, the voltage at the consumer’s terminals falls due to the increased
voltage drop in

1. alternator synchronous impedance

2. transmission line
3. transformer impedance
4. feeders and
5. distributors.
The reverse would happen should the load on the system decrease. These voltage variations are undesirable
and must be kept within the prescribed limits (i.e. ± 6% of the declared voltage). This is achieved by
installing voltage regulating equipment at suitable places in the power system. The purpose of this chapter is
to deal with important Voltage Control Method in Power Systemequipment and its increasing utility in this
fast developing power system.

Importance of Voltage Control

When the load on the supply system changes, the voltage at the consumer’s terminals also changes. The
variations of voltage at the consumer’s terminals are undesirable and must be kept within prescribed limits
for the following reasons :

 In case of lighting load, the lamp characteristics are very sensitive to changes of voltage. For
instance, if the supply voltage to an incandescent lamp decreases by 6% of rated value, then
illuminating power may decrease by 20%. On the other hand, if the supply voltage is 6% above the
rated value, the life of the lamp may be reduced by 50% due to rapid deterioration of the filament.
 In case of power load consisting of Induction motors, the voltage variations may cause erratic
operation.. if the supply voltage is above the normal, the motor may operate with a saturated
magnetic circuit, with consequent large magnetizing current, heating and low power On the other
hand, if the voltage is too low, it will reduce the starting torque of the motor considerably.
 Too wide variations of voltage cause excessive heating of distribution transformers. This may reduce
their ratings to a considerable extent.
It is clear from the above discussion that voltage variations in a power system must be kept to minimum
level in order to deliver good service to the consumers. With the trend towards larger !and larger
interconnected system, it has become necessary to employ appropriate Voltage Control Method in Power
System.

Location of Voltage Control Equipment:

In a modern power system, there are several elements between the generating station and the consumers.
The Voltage Control Method in Power System equipment is used at more than one point in the system for
two reasons. Firstly, the power network is very extensive and there is a considerable voltage drop in
transmission and distribution systems. Secondly, the various circuits of the power system have dissimilar
load characteristics. For these reasons , it is necessary to provide individual means of voltage control for
each circuit or group of circuits. In practice, voltage control equipment is used at :

 generating stations
 transformer stations
 the feeders if the drop exceeds the permissible limits

Before learning the methods of voltage control in power system, we must first understand why do we
need to control voltage. In power systems, voltage is supposed to be constant which is obviously not. So
we have to control it in such a way that it remains constant. But why does the voltage need to be
constant at all? Because, most of the devices, apparatus, electrical machines, consumer appliances etc. are
all designed to work at a specified voltage. Wide variations of voltage may cause errors in operation,
malfunctioning or performance deterioration. It is desirable that the consumers receive power at
substantially constant voltage. In many countries, including India, the statutory limit of voltage variation is
±6% of the declared voltage at consumers' end.
Therefore, it is important to apply certain techniques, certain methods to control the power system
voltage to keep it constant. Following are the methods of voltage control in power system.
The voltage of the power system may vary with the change in load. The voltage is normally high at light
load and low at the heavy-load condition. For keeping the voltage of the system in limits, some additional
equipment requires which increase the system voltage when it is low and reduces the voltage when it is too
high.

Because power system equipment is designed to operate at a given voltage range.

Insulation is also designed to withstand certain voltage ranges.

Operating power system equipment out of their design voltage range can lead to destruction of the
equipment.

 Nepal Electricity Rules 2050(1993) :

VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND POWER FACTOR OF ELECTRICITY :

 Supply Voltage:- (1) The standard of supply voltage shall have to be maintained as follows:-

(a) 230 volt in A.C. single phase and 400 volt in three phases for general consumers.

(b) For those who want a supply of electricity from four wires, the electric service shall be made available in
230/400 volt from A.C. three phases.

(2) The fluctuation shall not be allowed for more than five percent in standard volt as mentioned in
Clauses (a) and (b) of sub-rule (1). 41.

 High Voltage Distribution System:-

(1) The standard of the voltage in the high voltage distribution system, the standard of distribution system
shall be maintained as follows:- (a) 3,300 volt, (b) 6,600 volt, (c) 11,000 volt, (d) 22,000 volt, (e) 33,000
volt,

(2) The fluctuation shall not be allowed for more than five percent in standard volt as mentioned in
Clauses (a) to (e) of sub-rule (1).

 High Voltage Transmission System:-

(1) The standard of the voltage in the high voltage transmission system shall be transmitted as follows:- (a)
33,000 volt, (b) 66,000 volt, (c) 1,32,000 volt, (d) 2,20,000 volt, (e) 4,00,000 volt,

(2) The fluctuation shall not be allowed for more than ten percent in standard volt mentioned in Clause (a)
to (e) of sub-rule (1).

 Frequency:-

(1) The standard of the frequency shall be maintained as 50 cycles per second (50 hertz).

(2) The fluctuation shall not be allowed more than 2.5 percent in the frequency standard as mentioned in
sub-rule (1).

 Power Factor:- The standard of the power factor shall have to be maintained as follows:-
(a) The level of power factor of the electricity supplied to the consumer shall not be allowed not less than
0.8 lyayring and not more than one unit leadings.

(b) The condensers or any other appropriate equipment shall be managed for maintaining the standard of
power factor in electric transmission and distribution system pursuant to clause (a).

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