Integrated Volt-VAR Regulation/Optimization

Before diving into integrated volt-VAR optimization, it is important to understand the concept of VAR. VAR stands for Volt-Amps Reactive and is the measuring unit for reactive power, which is created by energizing transformers and powering motors, pumps, air conditioners, and other similar devices [2]. These electric appliances have large coils and magnets inside them and require both real and reactive currents to operate. Real current does the actual work done by the motor, whereas reactive current enables the production of magnetic fields in inductors [2]. Both real and reactive currents flow through transformers and feeders (a circuit that carries a large block of power from the service equipment to some point where the block power is broken into smaller circuits). By contrast, electric loads such as incandescent bulbs are purely resistive and only require real current to operate.