The invention features a system and approach for minimizing the step voltage
change as seen by the utility customer as well minimizing transients imposed on
the fundamental waveform of a normal voltage carried on a utility power network
when a reactive power source (e.g., capacitor bank) is instantaneously connected
to the utility power. The reactive power source is adapted to transfer reactive
power of a first polarity (e.g., capacitive reactive power) to the utility power
network. The system includes a reactive power compensation device configured to
transfer a variable quantity of reactive power of a second, opposite polarity to
the utility power network, and a controller which, in response to the need to connect
the shunt reactive power source to the utility power network, activates the reactive
power compensation device and, substantially simultaneously, causes the shunt reactive
power source to be connected to the utility power.
