FC-TCR_and_TSC-TCR_Essay_Answer_With_Formulas
FC-TCR_and_TSC-TCR_Essay_Answer_With_Formulas
Refer to Figure 5.18(a) from the source textbook (Raj Kamal - Embedded Systems).
Operation:
The FC-TCR consists of a fixed capacitor and a thyristor-controlled reactor (TCR) connected in
parallel. The capacitor generates constant capacitive VARs, while the TCR absorbs variable
inductive VARs. By adjusting the thyristor firing angle (alpha), the inductive current is controlled. At
alpha = 90°, the TCR is OFF, giving maximum capacitive output. As alpha decreases, inductive
VARs increase and reduce the net capacitive output. At alpha = 0°, the TCR is fully ON, potentially
V-I Characteristics:
The V-I characteristic of the FC-TCR shows the net reactive power versus system voltage. It spans
Loss Characteristics:
Losses increase with inductive output and decrease with capacitive output. Even at zero output,
circulating current through the reactor causes standby losses of about 1% of rated output. Refer to
Operation:
The TSC-TCR consists of multiple thyristor switched capacitor (TSC) branches and a single
thyristor-controlled reactor (TCR). TSCs provide capacitive VARs in discrete steps, while the TCR
absorbs surplus VARs for fine-tuning. This combination results in stepwise capacitive control and
V-I Characteristics:
The V-I curve is similar to that of FC-TCR. Capacitive control is stepwise due to TSCs, while
inductive control is continuous. Refer to Figure 5.26 for the detailed characteristic.
Loss Characteristics:
At or near zero output, losses are minimal. Losses increase in steps as TSC banks are added. TCR
losses vary between switching intervals. On average, losses increase with VAR output but remain
lower than those of FC-TCR, especially at low demand. Refer to Figure 5.27 for the loss curve.
Conclusion:
The FC-TCR provides continuous control but suffers from higher standby losses. The TSC-TCR,
with stepwise capacitive and continuous inductive control, offers lower losses and is better suited for