Abstract
The paper presents the main electrical loads that require reactive power, evaluating also its value in different operating states of the industrial installation (permanent sinusoidal or distorted). Also, the effects of reactive power flow in the networks are quantitatively estimated and accordingly, a series of specific power quality indicators (e.g. power factor, crest factor, total harmonic distortion) are highlighted. Different types of solutions dedicated to reduce the level of reactive power are also suggested. The proper design of the power factor correction systems is directly correlated with the consumer power quality parameters. A case-study will round up the work, underling the major importance of the reactive power flow in modern electric installations.