1. Voltage and reactive power control

1.1 Why adjust voltage

Voltage is a local power system parameter whose value fluctuates by nature. Firstly, it is affected by slow, general variations linked to seasonal, weekly and daily consumption cycles. It is also subject to rapid variations due to a variety of contingencies: random load fluctuations, changes in network topology, tripping of transmission facilities or generating units.

Voltage adjustment at various points on the network is therefore essential for :

• optimize network operation and ensure safety. Voltage regulation prevents voltage collapse, which can lead to blackouts [D 4 090] ;

• ...