Know the different types of capacitor banks

Capacitor banks allow correcting the power factor, optimizing the voltage profile and avoiding penalties.

Learn about the different types currently available, their advantages and applications.

Main types of capacitor banks

They can be substation, pole or cabinet type: 

1.- Substation type capacitor banks

‍

‍

Ideal for outdoor installations, since the equipment is assembled on a structure, which is usually made of galvanized steel.

They are generally used for capacitor banks with power ratings greater than 5-10 mVAR.

‍

Applications

Reagent compensation to the medium voltage system to increase the power factor.

‍

Advantages

• Lower costs per kVAR.
• Can be designed to large capacity.
• Improved overall plant power factor by reducing or eliminating all forms of kVAR (reagent) charges. 
• Automatic switching ensures the exact amount of reagents to be delivered for power factor correction, eliminating the resulting overvoltages and excess capacitance (only in the case of automatic or step capacitor banks).

‍‍

2.- Pole type capacitor banks

Capacitor banks installed in a small structure installed on a pole.

They are of small dimensions, so they cannot be designed to large magnitudes.

‍

Applications

Reactive compensation of the medium voltage system to increase the power factor in small capacities (max. 3000 kVAR).

‍

Advantages

• They are the most economical option for this application.
• Shorter delivery times.
• At Diram we design these equipments according to CFE specifications and standards.

‍

3.- Cabinet type capacitor banks

‍

‍

The components of these equipments are installed inside a metal enclosed cabinet.

‍

Applications

Reactive compensation to the medium voltage system to increase the power factor.

‍

Advantages

• Excellent safety level, since the equipment is located inside a structure that protects it from incidents caused by rodents, birds, etc.
• Shorter installation time because all components are delivered assembled, so it is only necessary to connect them correctly.

‍‍

4.- Container type capacitor banks
‍

The components of these capacitor banks are installed inside a container type enclosed metal cabinet.

‍

Applications

Reactive compensation of the medium voltage system to increase the power factor.

‍

Advantages

• Excellent safety level, since the equipment is located inside a structure that protects it from incidents caused by rodents, birds, etc.
• Shorter installation time due to the fact that all components are delivered assembled, so it is only necessary to connect them correctly.
• Great mechanical advantages due to the manufacturing of the container composed of a thicker sheet. This allows stacked equipment to be placed, saving considerable space in the installation.

‍

Types of capacitor banks according to the way of operation

‍
‍1.- Fixed type capacitor banks

These capacitor banks deliver reactive power constantly, regardless of any variation in power factor and load.

They are manually operated and remain active once they start operating.

‍

Advantages

• More economical compared to an automatic type.
• They operate constantly.
• Require less maintenance.

‍

Applications

• Reactive compensation of transformers.
• Individual motor compensation.
• Electrical installations operating 24 hours a day with constant load.
• When the kvar rating of capacitors is equal to or less than 15% of the supply transformer rating, a fixed compensation value is appropriate.

‍

2.-  Automatic type capacitor banks

They supply reactive power according to variations in the load profile. 

They can be designed based on the number of steps required and operate in an automated way according to the type of control (voltage or power factor).

‍

Advantages

• Maintain a power factor based on the required range.
• The equipment delivers reactants according to the requirements of the load center.

‍

Applications/Uses

• Reactive compensation to the medium voltage system to increase the power factor.
• Indicated for load centers with high reactive power variations.

‍

At Diram we perform Grid Code studies in your plant on your current operation to implement a solution that is in compliance with regulations.

Subscribe to our blog to stay informed about the changes in the new Grid Code 2.0.

‍