Justification of effective reactive power reserves with respect to a particular bus using linear sensitivity

A constant reactive power (Q) reserve (CQR) is measured by the difference between the maximum reactive power generation and its current. However, all reactive power sources must not affect the entire power system when severe contingencies occur. Thus, generators must be evaluated as to whether or not they will have an impact on the maximum permissible loading of buses. This definition considers some generators to still have reactive power reserves when the system faces voltage collapse. This remaining reactive power reserve, although available, cannot be used in an arbitrary manner. This paper proposes the concept of an effective reactive power reserve and it is calculated on the basis of a sensitivity analysis. The computed reactive power reserve is analyzed using static and dynamic simulations in bulk power systems.