Measurement-Based Analysis of Static Var Compensator Effects in Industrial Rolling Mill Grids

Power quality is a continuous concern in industry, especially in steel mills operating with nonlinear, fluctuating, and unbalanced loads. This paper investigates the influence of a Static Var Compensator (SVC) on power quality parameters in a hot metallurgical rolling mill. The study includes experimental measurements performed under real operating conditions, both with and without reactive power compensation. The measurements included voltage and current waveforms, active and reactive power, total harmonic distortion (THD), and the power factor, recorded both with and without a Static Var Compensator (SVC) in operation. The results show that in the presence of an SVC, voltage stability was improved and reactive power flow was reduced, although the current harmonic distortion remained above the recommended limits (ATHD > 40%). Despite these limitations, the voltage THD (VTHD) remained within acceptable ranges, as the upstream network maintained voltage levels despite the harmonic injection. The results obtained emphasize the effectiveness of SVCs in reducing reactive power while highlighting the need for complementary strategies to mitigate harmonics due to the presence of converters. These conclusions are particularly relevant for industrial installations that want to improve power quality and energy efficiency through specific compensation technologies.