This power plant is considering converting a generator to synchronous condenser operation. If anyone has experience with this, I would like to hear about it: challenges, cost, operational issues, maintenance issues, equipment changes, etc. There are 2 large generators (ST prime mover) on the order of 150 mW and one small one (aero derivitive) at about 25 mW. I am dubious of the cost-benefit to this plant since we are not a utility. The location is in a large urban environment. The plant itself is 50 years old. The generators are well-maintained, but no insulation lasts forever. The var load tends to be 15 or 20 mVARs lagging when generating, so I assume a synchronous condenser would run that much leading. Heating issues? Thanks.
Synchronous Condensers
