Static var compensators, a solution to the big motor/weak system problem?

There are various situations where relatively large motors are used on weak power systems. This leads to voltage drop problems when motors are started, or sometimes when many are run at high loads. A Static Var Compensator can be an economical way to control reactive power flow and maintain a stable utility and plant voltage on a cycle by cycle basis. the basic concepts are outlined and a case study involving an actual 30 MVAR system is described. The various problems encountered along with their solutions are discussed.