Investigation of Reactive Power Provision and its Grid-Serving Effect by a Real Industrial Company in the Medium-Voltage Grid Based on a Field Trial Within the Q-REAL Research Project

Abstract

Providing reactive power to support the grid enables industrial companies equipped with conventional compensation systems (i.e. capacitor banks) to procure reactive power (Q) more efficiently and cost-effectively in the future. Significant untapped potential exists within industrial companies for Q provision, a topic that has primarily been explored through research and pilot projects. Additional field trials conducted under real operating conditions are required to evaluate technical implementation and grid compatibility. One such field trial was conducted as part of the Q‑REAL research project. This trial investigated the Q potential at an industrial company equipped with compensation systems. The company's full Q potential was integrated during ongoing grid and production operations, in coordination with both the company and the distribution system operator responsible (DSO). To provide the necessary evidence, measurements were conducted at the relevant substation throughout the field trial. The measurement results demonstrate that Q potential noticeably affects the transformer's primary-side voltage.