ABSTRACT
Chapters 11 and 12 showed that there is a strong relationship between voltage and reactive power flow, though real power flow on loaded circuits may further escalate the voltage problem. The voltages in a distribution system and to the consumers must be maintained within a certain plus-minus band around the rated equipment voltage, ideally from no load to full load, and under varying loading conditions. Sudden load impacts (starting of a large motor) or load demands under contingency operating conditions, when one or more tie-line circuits may be out of service, result in short-time or prolonged voltage dips. High voltages may occur under light running load or on sudden load throwing and are of equal considerations, though low voltages occur more frequently. ANSI C84.1 [1] specifies the preferred nominal voltages and operating voltage ranges A and B for utilization and distribution equipment operating from 120-34,500 V. For transmission voltages over 34,500 V only nominal and maximum system voltage is specified. Range B allows limited excursions outside range A limits. As an example, for a 13.8 kV nominal voltage, range A¼14.49 – 12.46kV and range B ¼ 14:5 – 13.11kV. Cyclic loads, e.g., arc furnaces giving rise to flicker, must be controlled to an acceptable level. The electrical apparatuses have a certain maximum and minimum operating voltage, range in which normal operation is maintained, i.e., induction motors are designed to operate successfully under the following conditions [2]:
1. Plus or minus 10% of rated voltage, with rated frequency. 2. A combined variation in voltage and frequency of 10% (sum of absolute
values) provided that the frequency variations do not exceed 5% of rated frequency.
