What is Static Var Generator (SVG) ?

In today’s increasingly complex power systems, maintaining power quality and system stability is more critical than ever. One advanced solution that is gaining momentum across industries is the Static Var Generator (SVG)—a next-generation reactive power compensation device designed to dynamically regulate voltage levels, improve power factor, and reduce harmonic distortion.

What is a Static Var Generator?

A Static Var Generator, or SVG, is an advanced power electronics-based device used to provide dynamic reactive power compensation. Unlike traditional capacitor banks or Static Var Compensators (SVCs), an SVG uses IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) technology and works as a current source, injecting or absorbing reactive current in real time to stabilize the grid.

It’s often referred to as a type of active power filter, but its main focus is on precise reactive power regulation. SVGs can operate in both inductive and capacitive modes, making them suitable for a wide range of load conditions.

How Does an SVG Work?

At its core, an SVG consists of:

· A Voltage Source Converter (VSC)

· A control system with fast response algorithms

· A real-time monitoring unit

The device monitors grid voltage and current in real time and injects reactive current (leading or lagging) to maintain a desired power factor or voltage level. This rapid adjustment happens within milliseconds, providing near-instantaneous compensation.

Unlike traditional systems that switch in and out capacitor steps, SVGs generate a sinusoidal current waveform in perfect sync with the grid, enabling precise compensation under highly dynamic load conditions.

SVG vs. SVC vs. Capacitor Banks

SVGs stand out for their fast response time, compact design, and high compensation accuracy, especially under fluctuating or nonlinear loads—making them ideal for modern industrial facilities.

Advantages of Static Var Generator (SVG)

Static Var Generators offer several advantages over traditional methods of reactive power compensation, such as capacitor banks and reactors. Some of these advantages include:

Fast Response: Static Var Generators can respond rapidly to changes in the power system, making them suitable for compensating dynamic loads and disturbances.

Continuous Control: Static Var Generators provide continuous control over reactive power compensation, allowing for precise adjustment and improved power quality. When load is generating inductive or capacitive current, it makes the load current lagging or leading the voltage. SVG detects the phase angle difference and generates leading or lagging current in to the system, making the phase angle of current almost same as the voltage on the transformer side, this means fundamental power factor is near unity.

Voltage Stability: Static Var Generators help regulate voltage levels by injecting or absorbing reactive power, thus preventing voltage fluctuations, load imbalance and maintaining stable system operation. it provides instantaneous step-less reactive power compensation to solve the power quality problems caused by low power factor and harmonic currents produced by non-linear and highly dynamic fluctuating loads such as VFDs, cranes, welding machines, rolling mills, equipment in chemical industry, cement plants, sugar plants and textile units etc.

Harmonic Filtration: SVGs can be equipped with additional filters to mitigate harmonics and improve the overall power quality of the system. Hybrid systems comprising SVG and Thyristor switched filter bank feeders can be provided for a more cost effective solution for elimination of harmonic currents & voltages, power factor correction (lagging and leading), reduction of voltage variation (sags and swells), mitigate voltage fluctuation (flicker), and load balancing.

Compact Structure: Compared to traditional compensation methods, SVGs require less physical space, making them suitable for installations with space constraints. Compare prices.

Applications of Static Var Generator

SVGs are widely deployed in industries and environments that demand high power quality:

Manufacturing Plants: Compensating for inductive loads from motors and welding equipment

Data Centers: Maintaining voltage stability in sensitive electronic environments

Renewable Energy Systems: Stabilizing wind and solar power systems with intermittent outputs

Commercial Buildings: Improving power factor and reducing penalties from utilities

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Handling rapid load variations and improving grid interface

Why Choose SVG Over Traditional Solutions?

Dynamic Real-Time Compensation: Handles fast-changing loads without delay.

Improved Power Factor: Helps avoid utility penalties and reduces energy bills.

Voltage Stabilization: Mitigates voltage drops and flicker under peak load conditions.

Harmonic Suppression: Optional functionality can help clean up harmonic distortion.

Space-Saving Design: Modular and compact, easy to integrate into existing systems.

Choosing the Right SVG Solution

When selecting an SVG, consider:

· Load capacity and fluctuation levels

· Harmonic distortion levels

· Grid voltage stability requirements

· Available installation space

· Compliance with local grid codes and standards (e.g., IEEE 519, IEC 61000)

Modern SVG solutions offer scalable architectures that can be tailored to suit facilities of all sizes—from small commercial operations to heavy industrial plants.

Final Thoughts

As industries move toward smarter, cleaner, and more efficient energy systems, Static Var Generators are becoming essential components of modern power infrastructure. Their ability to stabilize voltage, regulate power factor, and respond instantly to load changes makes them a superior alternative to traditional reactive power compensation methods.

Ready to Improve Your Power Quality? Contact us today to discover how our advanced SVG solutions can help your facility optimize energy performance, avoid power factor penalties, and maintain grid compliance—efficiently and reliably.