Current Limiting Reactors

Current Limiting Reactors

Current limiting reactors are passive electrical devices that are used to limit the flow of current in electrical power systems. They are typically installed in high-voltage power transmission lines to protect the system from overcurrents that can damage equipment and cause power outages. Current limiting reactors work by introducing a series impedance into the power system that limits the current flow during a fault condition. This impedance is designed to be high enough to limit the current to a safe level, but low enough to allow normal power flow under normal operating conditions. Current limiting reactors are typically constructed using a coil of wire wound around a magnetic core. The coil is designed to have a high inductance, which means that it resists changes in current flow. When a fault occurs in the power system, the current flow increases rapidly, which causes a corresponding increase in the magnetic field around the coil. This increase in magnetic field creates a back EMF (electromotive force) that opposes the flow of current, effectively limiting the current to a safe level. Current limiting reactors are an important component of modern power systems, as they help to protect equipment and prevent power outages. They are commonly used in high-voltage transmission lines, as well as in industrial power systems where large motors and other equipment can cause overcurrent conditions. While current limiting reactors are effective at limiting current flow, they do introduce some additional losses into the power system, which can reduce overall efficiency.

electrical power systems, high-voltage transmission lines, inductance, back EMF, overcurrent conditions

— Richard White