In modern power systems, 10kV distribution networks serve as a crucial bridge connecting transmission networks and end-users. Their stable operation has a direct impact on the orderly progress of social production and daily life. Among the numerous key pieces of equipment in distribution networks, reactors, with their unique functional characteristics, act as "invisible guardians," ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the power grid.
Reactors: "Stabilizers" and "Guardians" of Distribution Networks
A reactor is an electrical device that relies on the inductive reactance of its coil to impede changes in current. In 10kV distribution networks, it mainly undertakes three core functions.
Firstly, limiting short-circuit current. When a short-circuit fault occurs in the distribution network, the reactor can quickly increase the loop impedance, effectively reducing the peak short-circuit current. This prevents excessive current from impacting key equipment such as transformers and circuit breakers, buying valuable time for fault isolation and grid recovery.
Secondly, improving voltage quality. In long-distance transmission lines, reactors can compensate for the line capacitance effect, suppressing voltage rise during no-load or light-load conditions. This ensures that the voltage along the line remains within a reasonable range, providing users with a high-quality and reliable power supply.
Thirdly, suppressing harmonic pollution. With the widespread application of non-linear loads, such as new energy equipment and variable-frequency speed control devices, harmonic problems in distribution networks have become increasingly prominent. Reactors, when used in conjunction with capacitors to form filter devices, can specifically absorb harmonic currents of certain frequencies, reducing the impact of harmonics on power grid equipment and precision electrical devices.
Core Points of Daily Maintenance for Reactors
To ensure that reactors continue to function stably, scientific and standardized daily inspections and maintenance are crucial. In practice, the following aspects require focused attention:
Appearance and Insulation Inspection
Regularly check whether the reactor body has damage, deformation, or leakage. The surface of insulators should be kept clean and dry, without obvious stains, cracks, or discharge marks. If surface contamination is found, it should be promptly wiped with a dedicated cleaning agent to avoid safety hazards caused by reduced insulation performance. At the same time, check the tightness of lead wire connections to ensure good contact at joints without signs of overheating or oxidation.
Operational Status Monitoring
Use infrared temperature measurement technology to regularly monitor the temperature rise of the reactor. During normal operation, its temperature should be controlled within the designed range. If local overheating occurs, the reactor must be shut down immediately to investigate the cause, preventing accelerated insulation aging due to overheating. In addition, pay attention to the sound of the reactor during operation. Under normal circumstances, it should be a uniform low-frequency hum. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, it may be caused by loose internal windings or iron core faults, requiring timely professional testing.
Environment and Protection Management
The installation environment of the reactor should be well-ventilated, dry, and clean, avoiding contact with corrosive gases and dust. In rainy or humid areas, it is necessary to strengthen waterproof and moisture-proof measures, regularly check the tightness of the equipment base and protective casing to prevent moisture intrusion from affecting insulation performance. At the same time, ensure that there is no debris accumulation around the reactor and reserve sufficient safe operating space to facilitate daily inspections and emergency handling.
Intelligent Technology Empowers Upgrades in Reactor Operation and Maintenance
With the continuous improvement of the intelligence level of power systems, the operation and maintenance mode of reactors is also transforming towards digitalization and informatization. By installing intelligent sensors on reactors, real-time operating data such as current, voltage, temperature, and vibration of the equipment can be collected and transmitted to the background management system through IoT technology.
Through big data analysis and AI algorithms, the system can accurately assess the health status of reactors, predict potential faults in advance, and issue early warnings, realizing the transformation from "post-fault maintenance" to "pre-fault prevention". This intelligent operation and maintenance mode not only significantly improves the operational reliability of reactors but also reduces the cost of manual inspections, providing strong support for the lean management of 10kV distribution networks.
As an important guarantee for the safe operation of distribution networks, the stable operation of reactors relies on scientific maintenance and advanced technical support. In the future, with the continuous development of power systems, the functions of reactors will become more diversified, and their operation and maintenance technologies will continue to innovate and upgrade. We will always be committed to improving the operation and maintenance level of distribution network equipment, safeguarding the safe, efficient, and stable operation of the power system with professional technical capabilities and a rigorous service attitude.
Capacitor, Reactor, Static Var Generator, and Active Power Filter Supply
Hengrong Electric Co., Ltd.
https://www.hengrong-electric.com/