What function do shunt capacitors serve in a power system?

Study for the NERC Transmission Operations (TOP) Exam with our multiple choice questions and comprehensive explanations. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for test day!

Shunt capacitors play a critical role in enhancing the reactive power support in a power system. By providing reactive power, they help to improve voltage levels across the transmission and distribution networks. This is particularly important because voltage regulation is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of power delivery. When shunt capacitors are connected in parallel to the system, they can inject the necessary reactive power (measured in VARs) during periods when the demand for this type of power exceeds what the system can deliver.

Additionally, by supplying reactive power, shunt capacitors can contribute to reducing losses associated with reactive power flow. High levels of reactive power can lead to increased current, which creates resistive losses in transmission lines. By improving the overall power factor, shunt capacitors help to minimize these losses, making the power system more efficient.

The other options describe functions that are not characteristic of shunt capacitors. For instance, shunt capacitors do not generate active power—they only affect reactive power. They also do not automatically regulate frequency; rather, frequency regulation is typically managed by generators and other control systems within the grid. Lastly, shunt capacitors do not provide backup power during outages; that function is served by battery systems or generators designed to deliver

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