Low Voltage Capacitors

2
LV Capacitors Training
Product:
Varplus, Varlogic,
Functional Plates...
Application
Power, Compensation,
Harmonics...
To introduce the concept of power and power factor correction
To present the Schneider offer
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4
Power - Definitions
Power Factor
Compensation and power factor correction
Compensation techniques
Sizing a capacitor bank
Harmonics
5
Real power is the power dissipated in the resistance of
a circuit. This component of power produces useful
mechanical work and heat
Reactive power is the power used to energise the
inductive elements of a circuit (eg. Motors). This
component of power does not produce any useful work




6
There are three types of Power:
Real power P (kW)
Reactive power Q (kVAr)
Apparent power S (kVA)
Real + Reactive = Apparent
P
S
Q

7
The apparent power consumed by a system is given
by
S = apparent power
S = U x I U = rms voltage
I = rms current
Real power is given by P = U Icos
= S cos

Reactive power is given by Q = U Isin
= S sin
= VA
= kVA
= W
= kW
= VAr
= kVAr
8
The electrical efficiency of the installation is
measured by the power factor:
PF =
P
S
Q

active power
apparent power
= = cos
P (kW)
S (kVA)
The apparent power (S) is greater (for a given value
of P) as cos is smaller. This is why some
electricity supply authorities penalise by
- imposing a kVA demand charge
or
- low power factor charge
9
S
cos P
Apparent
power
Power
factor
Real
power
The real power is directly proportional to the
apparent power.
Ideally, the target power factor is
10
Low power factor is caused by a high demand in
reactive power from such equipment as:
Fluorescent and gas discharge lights
Transformers and motors
Arc furnaces
Low power factor results in:
Increased kVA and increased costs
Increased current, voltage drops and losses
Reduced efficiency
11
To compensate for a low
power factor, and to
maintain the real power P
for the load, more
reactive power is required
in the user network
user network
load
active energy reactive energy
power supply
authority
12
This extra reactive power
can be provided by the
power supply authority
user network
load
active energy reactive energy
power supply
authority
Disadvantage:
Ongoing penalty costs
incurred from power
supply authority
13
Or it can be provided by a
bank of capacitors
user network
load
active energy reactive energy
power supply
authority
capacitor
bank
Advantage
One off cost, pays for
itself in the long run
14
S
cos P
Apparent
power
Power
factor
Real
power
Capacitor
bank
This is the principle of power
factor correction:
using a capacitor bank to provide
reactive power which increases
the power factor of the network.
15
Q
2
(kVAr)
By installing capacitors (Pc), the kVA (S2)
taken from the supply authority is reduced
(for the same amount of kW) as shown:
P(kW)
S
1

Q
1
(kVAr)

2

S
2

Pc
16
Global:
Connection on the main busbar
M M
M
M
Comments
reduces kVA demand
on transformer

all downstream
cables still carry reactive
current
17
By Sector
Connection on the busbars of local distribution
board
M M
M
M
Comments
reactive current still
present in downstream
cables
size and losses of
cables to DB reduced
18
Individual
Connection directly upstream of individual circuits
M M
M
M
Comments
upstream cables carry less
current & kW (due to reduced
losses)
significant reactive current
eliminated
self excitation
19
20
using tables
doing your own calculations
using the Schneider Selection guide
using the guide for fixed compensation at motor
21
Say we had a 200kW installation running at a power
factor of 0.67. We want to increase the power factor to
0.91. How do we calculate the size of the capacitor
bank required?
Using tables
22
For P=200kW, Q= 0.652 x 200 = 130.4kVAr
23
From Calculations
To achieve a power factor of 0.91 from 0.67, we will
require to multiply the real power consumed by a
coefficient given by
(tan
1
- tan
2
)
tan
1
= 1.108
tan
2
= 0.455
(tan
1
- tan
2
) = 1.108 - 0.455
For P=200kW, Q= 0.653 x 200
= 0.653
= 130.6kVAr
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Using the Schneider Selection Guide
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Fixed compensation for direct connection to
motors
Nominal power kVAr to be installed
kW hp 3000rpm 1500rpm 1000rpm 750rpm
22 30 6 8 9 10
30 40 7.5 10 11 12.5
37 50 9 11 12.5 16
45 60 11 13 14 17
55 75 13 17 18 21
75 100 17 22 25 28
90 125 20 25 27 30
110 150 24 29 33 37
132 180 31 36 38 43
160 218 35 41 44 52
200 274 43 47 53 61
250 340 52 57 63 71
280 380 57 63 70 79
355 482 67 76 86 98
400 544 78 82 97 106
450 610 87 93 107 117
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M
Qc

Risk of self excitation
To avoid self excitation,
Use the following formula:
Q
c
s 0.9 x I
0
x U
n
\3
I
0
is the no load current
U
n
is the 3-ph supply voltage
Fixed compensation for direct connection to
motors
27

M
Qc
No risk of self excitation
Capacitor connected in
parallel with separate
switchgear
Fixed compensation for direct connection to
motors
28
What are harmonics
Harmonic distortion
Effects of harmonics
Solutions
29
Any periodic signal having a certain
frequency f, can be represented as the
sum of
a sinusoidal signal of the same frequency f -
fundamental
and
sinusoidal components with frequencies which are
multiples of the fundamental (2f, 3f, 4f) -
harmonics
30

-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
Fundamental
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
Harmonic
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5

Resulting waveform
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Harmonics occur in the presence of non--
linear loads.
U
I

U
I
Linear Non linear
Current waveshape is same as voltage - linear
Current waveshape different from voltage - non- linear
32

Harmonic generators include:
variable-speed drives
thyristor controlled equipment
static converters (UPS)
arc furnaces
welding machines
fluorescent lighting
saturated reactors (transformers)
33

HV
~
=
~
=
M
Transformer
HV / LV
I
harmonics
Harmonic generators
34
Identifying the level of harmonic pollution in a
network.
THD : Total Harmonic Distortion
Ratio between the rms value of the harmonic voltages
and the fundamental
% 100
...
2
1
2 2
4
2
3
2
2
x
v
v v v v
THD
n
+ + + +
=
35

Capacitors do not generate harmonics.
They only amplify them.
The impedance of
capacitors decreases
as frequency
increases
Therefore, at higher
frequencies, the capacitors
draw a lot more current.
f (Hz)
0
Z (O)
z
C C f
= =

1 1
2 e t
36

With capacitors in the network, resonance
may occur.
f (Hz)
0
Z (O)
z
C C f
= =

1 1
2 e t
If the natural
frequency of the
capacitor + network is
close to a harmonic
frequency, that
harmonic current will
be considerably
amplified.
37

The increase in current will cause
Capacitors to overheat
Additional losses to appear throughout network
Cables and equipment to overheat
Harmonic voltages can affect electronic equipment
Interference on communication and control circuits
38

z(O)
f

(Hz)
Network + caps
Network + caps +
reactors
f
r

Manipulate the resonant
frequency so that it is far
from a harmonic
frequency
What is the solution to harmonics?
Network alone
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Two solutions :
Use detuning reactors in series with the capacitors to
Design a passive filter suited to the polluted network.
In principle, a filter is installed for each harmonic to be
absorbed.
LC
f
r
t 2
1
=
protect them.

Where L is the inductance
of the reactor
40
To determine the best solution, use the following
table (for transformer power Sn | 2MVA):
Gh | 0.15 Sn 0.15 Sn | Gh | 0.25 Sn Gh > 0.60 Sn
Use standard
capacitors Use 470V capacitors
Use 470V capacitors &
anti harmonic reactors
Where Gh is the sum of the kVA rating of the
harmonic generators on the network.
0.25 Sn | Gh | 0.60 Sn
required
Harmonic filter
41
Or, as a rough rule of thumb:
if THD(voltage) < 3% , use 470V capacitors

if THD(voltage) 3% - 8%, use detuning reactors + 470V
rated capacitors

if THD(voltage) > 8%, passive filters are required
42

HV
~
=
~
=
M
Transformer
HV / LV
I
harmonics
Connect detuning reactors in
series with capacitors
Effect of harmonic
currents on
capacitors
reduced
43
Filters :
filters are used when it is necessary to reduce the
harmonic distortion rate
passive filters are made up of an LC branch with a
frequency of tuned to the frequency of the
voltage harmonic to be
eliminated
in principle, a filter is installed for each harmonic to be
eliminated
the filter presents a low impedance at frequency fr and
absorbs nearly all of this current
LC
f
r
t 2
1
=
44
5 7

HV
~
=
~
=
M
Transformer
HV / LV
I
harmonics
Connect detuning reactors in
series with capacitors
Harmonic currents
absorbed by filters
Harmonic filters
45
Capacitor banks also need to be designed to block
high frequency signals transmitted by the supply
authorities for load control.
Most common frequencies are
750Hz
1050Hz
To prevent the capacitors from absorbing the signal,
a blocking circuit is required.
46
Rejector coils are the most common method. They
are connected in parallel with capacitors, as shown, to
create a parallel resonant circuit at signal frequency.
L
L
L
C
C
C
C
C
C
47
Summary
A network with harmonics has distorted
waveforms
Capacitors amplify harmonics
Reactors are used to alter the impedance of
capacitor banks
Use rejector coils for signal frequencies
Use detuning reactors for polluted networks

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Varplus Capacitors
Functional Plates
Varlogic Control Relays
49
Main characteristics:

5 to 100kVAr - 230V to 690V
Self Healing
Safety - EACH element fitted with 2 part
protection. Double insulation
Tamper proof discharge resistors fitted to
each element
Low watts losses
Designed and tested to IEC831 parts 1 & 2
50
1978-1987 : dry metallised film (polypropylene) - external
protection
Up to 1978 : Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
Various materials used:
1987- : polypropylene - internal protection, thermo
setting resin case
51
52
terminals
internal fuse
the fuse protects against
high current faults If > I fuse

NOTE : OPERATES ONLY FOR
HIGH CURRENT SHORT TIME
FAULTS (EFFECTIVE Isc)
53
terminals
Open circuit
54
terminals
internal fuse
discharge resistor

resistor reduces voltage
to less than 50 V in 1
minute


protection against
direct contact
55
terminals
internal fuse
overpressure bellow
metallic disk
discharge resistor
Dielectric loses its self
healing property

Gas pressure increases
slightly and reaches the
bellows

the bellows rise

the metallic disc short
circuits the terminals across
the fuse

faulty element taken out of
service
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terminals
the bellows rise

the metallic disc short
circuits the terminals across
the fuse

faulty element taken out of
service
57
terminals
overpressure bellow
plastic case
resin
gas release channel
internal fuse
coil
metallic disk
discharge resistor
58
2 physical sizes
Varplus M1 (1 row of capacitors)
Varplus M4 (4 rows of capacitors)
Up to 16 kVAr at 470V (12.5kVAr @ 415V)
60 kVAr at 470V (50kVAr @ 415V)
59
2 physical sizes
4 kVAr 1
6 kVAr 1 1
8 kVAr 1 1 1
11 kVAr 1 2 2
2 12.5 kVAr 2 1 2 2
50 kVAr
kVAr 15 22 25 26 30 31 33 75
Modularity
kVAr ratings shown at 415V
1
Total
Maximum total combination at 415V is 100kVAr
60
Easy connections
total access to the terminals
moulded terminal housings maintains phase separation
between cables
minimum connection length to the contactor

Easy mounting
same fixing locations for all range
vertical mounting
- optimum space efficiency
- good heat dissipation
- optimisation of cubicle space
61
Capacitors are usually affixed to a mounting plate before
connection inside a switchboard.
62
Each functional plate unit consists of the following:
Fuses or circuit breakers
Fuse connections
Contactors
Capacitors
To switch the capacitor steps
To connect to main busbars
To protect the unit
63
Capacitors
Fuses
Mounting plate
Contactor
Connections
Circuit breaker
64
Selecting functional plate components:
Equipment (cables, fuses and circuit breakers) rated to
at least 1.5 times the full load current
LC1D*K contactors are especially made for capacitor
switching applications.
fitted with a premake power block which includes
damping resistors.
inrush current is limited to a maximum of 80 times the
nominal current .
65
R6 - 6 step relay
R12 / RC12 - 12 step relay
66
Functions of the control relay:
Monitoring:
voltage, current, power, power factor, connected steps,
temperature, total harmonic distortion.
Regulation:
capacitor step switching
67
MERLIN GERIN
rectiphase
varlogic R6
+ -
esc. ent.
0.99
4 -
C/K auto 2 -
1 -
3 -
7 -
6 -
n steps 5 -
8 -
0,96
+
(2s)
manual stepping
-
+
-
+
1 - - 4
2 - 5
3 - 6
esc.
ent.
ent.
cos steps

A1
A2
A5
A4
A3
low power factor
hunting
abnormal cos fi
undervoltage
capacitive cos fi
A6
A7 overcurrent
A8 overvoltage
I.Lo low load current
I.Hi high load current
frequency not detected
68
MERLIN GERIN
rectiphase
varlogic R6
+ -
esc. ent.
0.99
C/K auto
n steps
0,96
+
(2s)
manual stepping
-
+
-
+
1 - - 4
2 - 5
3 - 6
esc.
ent.
ent.
cos steps


1
2
4
5
6
7
8
3
Set target cos
C/K ratio auto
search
C/K ratio manual
input
Manual stepping
Number of steps
Step program
Voltage
connection
Delay
69
n salidas
- esc. + ent.
MERLIN GERIN
rectiphase
varlogic RC12
eleccin cos
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12
+
-
Measurement
Commissioning
Programming
Alarm
Maintenance
Available modes
70
Measurement Mode
Total harmonic distortion
Step status
Reactive current
Load current
71
Commissioning Mode
C/K auto
Interface language
C/K manual
CT ratio
Manual override
Target cos
72
Programming Mode
Connection type
Capacitor loss setup
Delay
Phase polarity detection
Input voltage
Step program
Number of steps
Step configuration
73
Alarm Mode
Activate and de-activate alarms
Maintenance mode
Settings - programming
of alarm thresholds
Measurements
Bank test
74