Power Factor Correction SN 2016en

Power Factor Correction
and harmonic ﬁltering

solutions
Catalogue
Medium voltage
schneider-electric.com
How to upgrade electrical network
and improve energy efficiency ?
Energy quality with

and harmonic filtering
Most utilities have specific policies for billing reactive energy.
Price penalties are applied if the active power / apparent power ratio is
not within the guidelines.
• Power Factor Correction solutions modify and control the reactive

power to avoid utility penalties, and reduce overall kVA demand.
> These solutions result in lowering utility power bills by 5 to 10 %.
Harmonics stress the electrical network and potentially damage

equipment.
• Harmonic Filtering solutions are a means to mitigate the harmonics.

They increase the service life of equipment:
> up to 32 % for single phase machines

> up to 18 % for three phase machines
> and up to 5 % for transformers.

Solutions
1 month
payback.
We installed a 5 Mvar
capacitor bank.
Annual cost savings
will reach €12m &
implementation costs
€1m.
DE90070
Portucel Paper Mill

in Portugal
9%
reduction in our energy
consumption after we
installed 10 capacitor
banks.
Before After Electricity bill optimized
by 8% and payback
in 2 years
Michelin Automotive
in France
Power Factor Correction €9m

MV Capacitor banks
installed, cost saving
Every electric machine needs active The results are a 5 to 10% lower electricity of €9m, payback in just
and reactive power to operate. bill, cooler equipment operation and longer 2 months.
Power factor is used to identify equipment life. RFF Railways France
the level of reactive energy. In addition proper power factor correction
If the power factor drops below the limit set helps optimize electrical network loading and
by the utility, then power factor correction improves reliability.
equipment can be installed in order
to avoid penalties.
1 year
70 capacitor banks
By correcting a poor power factor, these installed, energy
solutions also reduce kVA demand. consumption reduced
by 10%, electricity bill
optimised by 18%,
payback in just 1 year.
Madrid Barrajas
Harmonic filtering airport Spain
Equipment such as drives, inverters, These harmonics stress the network,
5%
UPS, arc furnaces, transformers during overload cables and transformers, cause
energization and discharge lamps generate outages and disturb many types of
harmonic currents and voltage distortion. equipment such as computers, telephones, LV capacitor bank
and rotating machines. and active filter installed,
energy consumption
The life of equipment can be
reduced by 5%.
greatly reduced. POMA OTIS
transportation
systems Switzerland
3
Reduce
your electricity bill
by reducing your reactive energy consumption.
Optimize
the size of your electrical
installation
by increasing the available capacity and reducing the dimensions
of your equipment (transformer, cables, etc.).
Improve
energy quality
and the service life of your equipment.
Contribute
to environmental conservation by reducing losses in transmission
and distribution networks.
PE90086
4
Harmonic filtering
Increase
continuity of service
by eliminating risks of stoppages due to nuisance tripping.
Eliminate
malfunctions
of your electrical equipment by reducing overheating,
increasing its lifetime by up to 30%.
Benefit
from the assurance provided
by standardization,
by anticipating the requirements of regulations currently being
prepared, deploying environmentally friendly solutions.
PE90087
5
Energy - Production
Wind-power farms
• MV capacitor banks
• MV dynamic compensation
• Blocking circuits
Energy - Transmission
EHV/HV substation
• HV capacitor banks
• HV passive filters
Industry MV/MV
substations
• MV passive filters
• MV dynamic compensation
• Surge suppressors
6
Energy - Production
Solar power farms
• MV dynamic compensation Energy - Distribution MV/MV
• Blocking circuits
substation
• MV passive filters
Infrastructure MV/LV
substation
7
MV Power Factor Correction
PE90078
PE90077
PE90075
PE90079
PE90076
PE90080
PE90081
To define the solutions to be employed, you must:

• identify and quantify the problems • analyse the criticality of the installation
to be solved (usually by an on-site audit); and validate the objectives to be achieved.
The following table shows the typical solutions proposed for installations in various sectors of activity.
Activity Fixed Automatic Dynamic Passive Surge Blocking

banks banks compensation filters suppressors circuits
Energy
Transmission ◼ ◼
Distribution ◼ ◼ ◼
Wind-power ◼ ◼ ◼
Solar power ◼ ◼
Infrastructure
Water ◼
Tunnels ◼
Airports ◼
Industry
Paper ◼ ◼
Chemicals ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
Plastics ◼ ◼ ◼
Glass-ceramics ◼ ◼ ◼
Iron and steel ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
Métallurgy ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
Automotive industry ◼ ◼
Cement ◼ ◼ ◼
Mines-quarries ◼ ◼ ◼
Refineries ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
8
Quality & Environment
Quality certified:
ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 14001
A major strength Stringent, systematic controls
In each of its units, Schneider Electric has an During its manufacture, each equipment item
operating organization whose main role undergoes systematic routine tests to verify
is to verify quality and ensure compliance its quality and compliance:
ISO 900 1
with standards. • measurement of operating capacity and
ISO 9002
This procedure is: tolerances;
• uniform for all departments; • measurement of losses;
ISO 14001
• recognized by numerous customers and • dielectric testing;
official organizations. • checks on safety and locking systems;
But, above all, its strict application has made • checks on low-voltage components;
it possible to obtain the recognition of an • verification of compliance with drawings
independent organization: and diagrams.
French QA management organization AFAQ The results obtained are recorded
(Association Française pour l’Assurance and initialled by the Quality Control
Qualité). Department on the specific test
The quality system for design and certificate for each device.
manufacturing is certified in compliance
with the requirements of the ISO 9001
Quality Assurance model.
Schneider Electric undertakes...

to reduce the energy bill and CO2 emissions of its customers by proposing
products, solutions and services which fit in with all levels of the energy
value chain.
The power factor correction and harmonic filtering offer form part
of the energy efficiency approach.
PE56733
DE90098
10% Jarylec*
Steel
31%
Zinc
Epoxy resin
24%
Brass
Paper, wood, cardboard
Tin-plated copper
2% Polypropylene (film)
7% 19%
Aluminium (film)
5%
1% * Jarylec: dielectric liquid with
1%
no PCB or chlorine, compatible
Raw materials breakdown for MV capacitors with the environment
9
A new solution for building your electrical
installations
A comprehensive offer Tools for easier design
PE90088
The power factor correction and harmonic and setup
filtering offer form part of a comprehensive With Schneider Electric, you have a
offering of products perfectly coordinated complete range of tools that support you
to meet all medium- and low-voltage power in the knowledge and setup of products,
distribution needs. all this in compliance with the standards
All these products have been designed to in force and standard engineering practice.
operate together: electrical, mechanical and These tools, technical notebooks and
communications consistency. guides, design aid software, training
The electrical installation is accordingly both courses, etc. are regularly updated.
optimized and more efficient:
• improved continuity of service;
• losses cut;
• guarantee of scalability;
• efficient monitoring and management.
You thus have all the trumps in hand in terms
of expertise and creativity for optimized,
reliable, expandable and compliant
installations.
Schneider Electric joins forces

with your expertise and your creativity for optimized, reliable, expandable
and compliant installations.
Because each The variety of You can express your

electrical installation combinations creativity and highlight
is a specific case, available to you your expertise in the
there is no universal allows you to design, development
solution. achieve genuine and operation of an
customization of electrical installation.
technical solutions.
10
Power Factor Correction Main Contents
MV capacitor banks 13
Protection systems 41
Components 49
Special equipment 65
Installation
71
(drawings, dimensions)
Services 75
Selection guide 79
Technical guide 85
11
MV capacitor banks
Contents
Why compensate reactive energy? 14

Choice of compensation type 15
Choice of compensation location 16
Choice of protection system type 17
Choice of coupling mode 18
Overview of offer 20
Functions and general characteristics 22
Banks for motor compensation 24
Fixed bank CP214 24
Fixed bank CP214 DR 26
Banks for industrial compensation 28
Automatic bank CP253 28
Automatic bank CP253 DR 30
Banks for global compensation 32
Fixed bank CP227 32
Banks for distribution and large site networks 34
Automatic bank CP254 34
Banks for distribution networks 36
Fixed bank CP229 36
Banks for transport and distribution networks 38
Fixed bank CP230 38
13
MV capacitor banks Why compensate
reactive energy?
Every electrical system (cable, line, transformer, motor, lighting, etc.)

employs two forms of energy:
• Active energy consumed (kWh).
This is fully transformed into mechanical, thermal or luminous power.
It corresponds to the active power P (kW) of the loads.
This is the “useful” energy.
• Reactive energy consumed (kvarh).
It serves to magnetize motors and transformers. It corresponds
to the reactive power Q (kvar) of the loads.
It results in a phase difference (ϕ) between the voltage and current.
This is an energy that is “necessary” but produces no work.
The reactive energy demanded by the loads is supplied by the electrical

network. This energy must be supplied in addition to the active energy.
This flow of reactive energy over the electrical networks results,
due to a larger current demand, in:
• additional voltage drops;
• transformer overloading;
• overheating in circuits... and hence losses.
DE90071
Active energy Active energy

Power Transmission
generation network Motor
Reactive energy Reactive energy
For these reasons, it is necessary to produce reactive energy as close as

possible to the loads, to avoid demand for it on the network,
thereby increasing the installation’s efficiency! This is what is called
"reactive energy compensation" or "power factor correction".
The easiest and commonest way of generating reactive energy is
to install capacitors on the network.
DE90071
Active energy Active energy

Power Transmission
generation network Motor
Reactive energy
Capacitors
Compensating reactive energy makes it possible to

increase the capacity of the installation (transformers, cables) by
reducing the load;
reduce losses by Joule effect;
reduce voltage drops;
increase the installation’s service life by reducing overheating;
reduce the electricity bill.
14
MV capacitor banks Choice of compensation type
A “capacitor bank” generally consists of several single-phase

or three-phase capacitor units assembled and interconnected
to produce very powerful systems.
The capacitor banks are branch-mounted on the network.

They may be of fixed or automatic type.
Fixed bank
The entire bank is put into operation, with a fixed value of kvar.
This is “on/off” type operation.
This type of compensation is used:
• when their reactive power is low (15% of the power of the
upstream transformer)
and the load is relatively stable;
• on HV and EHV transmission networks for power values
of up to 100 Mvar.
Automatic bank
The bank is divided up into “steps” with capability for switching on or off
a smaller or larger number of steps automatically. This is a permanent
adjustment to the reactive power demand, due to load fluctuations.
This type of bank is very commonly used by certain heavy industries
(high installed capacity) and energy distributors in source substations.
It allows step-by-step regulation of reactive energy. Each step is operated
by a switch or contactor.
Capacitor step switching on or off can be controlled by power factor
controllers. For this purpose, the network current and voltage information
must be available upstream of the banks and loads.
Choice of bank type according to the harmonics

The presence of nonlinear loads (variable speed drives, inverters, etc.)
creates harmonic currents and voltages. The compensation equipment
will be chosen according to the magnitude of these harmonics:
• Either the installation has no significant harmonics and there is no risk
of resonance. In this case a bank appropriate for networks with a low
harmonic level (standard type) is chosen.
• Or the installation has a significant level of harmonics and/or there is
a risk of resonance. In such cases a bank provided with a detuning
reactor, appropriate for networks with a high harmonic level, is chosen.
15
MV capacitor banks Choice of compensation
location
Individual
DE90072
Individual compensation is recommended especially when a load

of power greater than 300 kW is present, and if it remains energized
during most working hours. This is especially the case of motors driving
machines with great inertia: centrifuges, compressors and fans,
for example.
Operation of the switch specific to the load in this case automatically
causes capacitor switching on or off. The production of reactive energy
takes place directly at the place where it is consumed.
For the whole length of the power cable this results in a reduction
in the reactive current load. Individual compensation therefore makes
a major contribution to the reduction in apparent power, losses
Individual compensation and voltage drops in conductors.
Partial/by sector
In the case of compensation by sector (or workshop), several loads
are connected to a joint capacitor bank which is operated by its own
DE90072
switchgear. In large installations, the bank compensates all the reactive

energy consumers in a workshop or a sector.
This form of compensation is recommended for installations
where a number of loads are put into operation simultaneously
and in a manner virtually reproducible over time.
Partial compensation has the advantage of entailing lower capital

investment costs than individual compensation. This is because
calculation of the power of a permanently installed capacitor bank takes
into account expansion of the sector load. However, the load curves
must be well known beforehand in order to correctly size the capacitor
banks and avoid risks of over-compensation (reactive power supplied
exceeding the demand). Over-compensation generally results in the local
Partial compensation /
by sector occurrence of permanent overvoltages which cause premature electrical
equipment ageing.
Global
In the case of global compensation, the production of reactive energy is
DE90072
grouped in a single place, usually in the transformer substation. However,

it is not necessary for the capacitors to be installed precisely
at the metering level. On the contrary, it is recommended to install
the capacitors in an appropriate location which takes into account various
constraints such as space requirements.
The capacitors have a good duty factor; the layout is clear; supervision
of the installation and its various parts is easier than in the case
of compensation by sector. Finally, if stepped automatic adjustment
is adopted, there will in this case be good follow-up of the plant’s load
curve, which avoids operations by personnel (manual switching on/off).
This solution is economically worthwhile if the load variations are not
attributable to specific loads.
Total compensation
16
MV capacitor banks Choice of protection
system type
Internal fuses
Each capacitance element of the capacitor is protected by a fuse.
Any fault in this element will result in fuse blowing. The defective element
will thus be eliminated. The result will be a slight capacitance variation
and the voltage will be distributed over the sound elements in series.
Protection by internal fuses increases the availability of capacitor banks,

because the loss of one element no longer systematically results
in tripping of the bank (see details in Propivar NG technical description).
Unbalance protection
The bank is divided into two star connections (see diagram on page 16).
When there is a capacitance unbalance (variation in capacitance
of a capacitor), a current flowing between the 2 neutrals appears.
This current is detected by a current transformer and an unbalance relay.
This differential arrangement is a sensitive protection system, independent

of network interference, very suitable whatever the power values.
PE90089
17
MV capacitor banks Choice of coupling mode
To form banks of great power, there are several possibilities for cabling
or connection by combination of capacitor units, namely:
• delta connection: three-phase capacitors (without internal fuse) coupled
in parallel;
• double star connection of single-phase capacitors (with or without
internal fuse);
• H connection.
Choice of coupling mode depends on:

• the characteristics, mains voltage and power of the bank;
• the type of compensation, fixed or automatic (stepped);
• the type of protection system:
- capacitor with or without internal fuse;
- differential (unbalance) or with MV fuses;
• economic imperatives.
DE90073
DE90073
DE90099
Example of double star Example of delta Example of H connection

connection connection (by phase)
18
MV capacitor banks Choice of coupling mode
Recommended configuration
Q (kvar) / 600 900 1 200 2 000 2 400 3 000 3 500 4 000 6 000
U network (kV)
3,3
4,16
5,5 Delta connection
1 or 2 three-phase
6,6 capacitors
10
11
13,2 YY connection
6 single-phase
13,8 capacitors
15 YY connection
9 or 12 capacitors
20
22
30 YY connection of 12 single-
33 phase capacitors (series)
PE90091
PE90090
19
MV capacitor banks Overview of offer
Industrial application
Applications Motor compensation Industrial compensation
Fixed bank Automatic bank

References CP214 CP214 DR* CP253
Three-lines diagrams
DE90082
DE90082
DE90082
Maximum voltage Up to 12 kV Up to 12kV
Connection mode Three-phase capacitors with delta connection Three-phase capacitors
up to 900 kvar,
single-phase capacitors
with double star
connection above
Type of protection HRC fuses (**) HRC fuses

Maximum power**** 2 x 450, i.e. 900 kvar**** Up to 4500 kvar****
Comments
* DR: Detuning Reactor

** HRC: High Rupturing Capacity
*** CT: Current Transformer
**** For larger power rating, please contact us
PB101996_SE
PE90107
PB102003_SE
PB102001_SE
CP 214 CP 227 DR CP 253 CP 254
20
MV capacitor banks Overview of offer
All applications Energy application

Industrial compensation Global compensation Distribution system Distribution system Distribution
Automatic bank Fixed bank Large sites Fixed bank and Transport system
Automatic bank Fixed bank
CP253 DR* CP227 CP254 CP229 CP230
DE90082
DE90082
DE90082
DE90082
DE90082
Up to 12 kV Up to 36kV From 12 to 36 kV Up to 36 kV Above 36 kV
Three-phase capacitors Single-phase capacitors with double star connection Single-phase capacitors
up to 900 kvar, with double star
single-phase capacitors or H connection
with double star
connection above
HRC fuses Unbalance by CT*** Unbalance by CT*** and relay
and relay
Up to 4000 kvar**** 12 x 600, i.e. 7200 kvar**** 12 x 600 kvar, i.e. 7200 kvar**** Please contact us Please contact us
DR* on request DR* on request DR* on request DR* on request
PE90108
PE90084
CP 229 CP 230
21
MV capacitor banks Functions and general
characteristics
CP 214 CP 253 CP 227 CP 254 CP 229 CP 230

Mains voltage ≤ 7.2 kV b b b b b
≤ 12 kV b b b b b
≤ 24 kV b b b
≤ 36 kV b b b b
≥ 52 kV b
Compensation and Filtering
Bank power* kvar 900 9 000 7 200 7 200
Steps quantity 1 5* 1 5* 1 1
type fixed auto fixed auto fixed fixed
Capacitor connection delta b b
double star v b b b b
H v v
Detuning reactor v v v v v v
Capacitor protection
Inrush reactors (N/A with DR) b b b b b b
Fuse protection b b
Blown fuse indicator v v
Unbalance protection v b b b b
Quick discharge reactor (< 24 kV) v v v v v
Switch SF6 v v
Vacuum contactor v v
Measuring
Current transformer v v
Voltage transformer v
People safety
VPIS v v v
Surge arrestor v v
Discharge coils v v
Earthing switch 3-pole v
5-pole v
Line disconnector v v
with earthing switch v v v
Interlock v v
Arc fault detector v v v
Control and regulation
Control and mounted on door v v
monitoring unit separated b b
Automatic controller with communication b b
Auto/local selector switch v v
Ingress protection
IP*** IP00 b b
IP23 b b b b
IP54 v v v v
Double roof v v v v
Connection
Cable entry bottom b b b b b b
top v v v v v v
Access with door v v v v
* Standard offer; for other values, please contact us

** 9000 kvar / 12 kV
4000 kvar / 5.5 kV
*** Other IP on request
b: standard
v: optional
22
MV capacitor banks Functions and general
characteristics
Service conditions
Ambient air temperature
• ≤ 40°C.
• ≤ 30°C average per 24h.
• ≥ -25°C.
Altitude
• ≤ 1000m.
Atmosphere
Clean industrial air (no dust, fumes, gases or corrosive or flammable
vapours, and no salt).
Humidity
Mean relative humidity value over 24h < 95%.
Special service conditions (please, consult us)

Schneider Electric develops solutions to meet the following special conditions:
• Temperature from -40°C to +50°C (derating, ventilation).
• Corrosive atmospheres, vibrations (adaptations where applicable).
• Altitude > 1000 m (derating).
Storage conditions
To conserve all the qualities of the functional unit in the event of
extended storage, we recommend storing the equipment in its
original packaging, in a dry location, sheltered from rain and sun
and at a temperature ranging between -25°C and +55°C.
Standards
The equipment proposed in this offer has been designed, manufactured
and tested in accordance with the requirements of the following
standards and recommendations:
• High-voltage capacitors: IEC 60871-1&2, BS 1650, VDE 0560, C22-2
N°190-M1985, NEMA CP1.
• High-voltage circuit breakers: IEC 62271-100.
• Current transformers: IEC 61869-2.
• Earthing switch: IEC 62271-102.
• Relays: IEC 60255-5.
• Power factor controller: IEC 61010-1, 61326-1.
• Quick discharge reactors, Damping reactors: IEC 60076-6.
• Insulators: IEC 60660-60815-60273.
• High-voltage contactors: IEC 60470.
• High-voltage fuses: IEC 60282-1.
• Potential transformer: IEC 61869-3
Common electrical characteristics

• Tolerance on bank power rating: 0/+10%.
• Relative capacitance variation with temperature: -3,5.10-4/°C
Insulation coordination
Highest voltage for Power-frequency withstand Impulse withstand voltage
the equipment UM (kV) voltage (kV rms, 50 Hz - 1 mn) (kV peak, 1.2 / 50 μs)
7.2 20 60
12 28 75
17.5 38 95
24 50 125
36 70 170
23
MV capacitor banks Banks for motor compensation
Insulation up to 12 kV – 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Fixed bank CP214
Application
The CP214 and CP214 standard banks are used for reactive energy
compensation in medium-voltage networks.
This solution is especially suitable for individual motor compensation.
The banks are designed for use in electrical networks up to 12 kV.
DE90066
5
3
1: Frame
2: Insulators
3: Quick discharge reactors
4: Fuses
5: Inrush reactors
6: Capacitors
The banks are delta-connected (three-phase capacitors). HRC fuses

provide protection against internal Description
Références faults. The proposed CP214 and
CP214 standard
1 compensation banks
Châssis can be installed indoor or outdoor,
/ Frame
mounted in aluminium or steel enclosures.
2 Isolateur / Insulator
• Small size
3 TP de décharge rapide / Discharge Coil
• Specially
4
designed for motor compensation
Fusible / Fuse HRC
5 Self de choc / Damping Reactor
6 Condensateurs / Capacitor Units
24
Fixed bank CP214
Electrical characteristics
DB406316 CP214 standard - 50 Hz
Power (kvar)
Mains voltage (kV)

CP214 standard - 60 Hz
DB406317
Power (kvar)
Mains voltage (kV)
Composition
Each CP214 standard bank comprises the following components:
• A frame in painted aluminium and steel panels (RAL 9002), IP23
for indoor installation.
• Propivar NG three-phase capacitors (1 or 2 elements depending
on the power of the bank).
• Three inrush current limiting reactors.
• Three HRC fuses (with striker).
CP214 options
•O utdoor type enclosure •S et of 2 quick
(panels in unpainted aluminium). discharge reactors.
• Double roof for outdoor • Door with lock.
type enclosure. • Blown fuse indicator.
Others options available on request.
General view, dimensions and three-lines diagram

MT20135
DE90100
L D
• H: 1700 mm, L: 900 mm, D: 1200 mm.
• Approximate weight: 400 to 560 kg.
25
Fixed bank CP214 DR
Application
The CP214 DR medium-voltage capacitor banks are designed for
use in electrical networks up to 12 kV. The CP214 DR banks are
used for reactive energy compensation in medium-voltage networks
containing harmonics.
This range is especially suitable for individual MV motor compensation.
DE90106
5
4
3
6
1: Frame
2: Insulators
4: Fuses
5: Detuning reactors
6: Capacitors
Références Description
The banks are delta-connected (three-phase capacitors). HRC fuses
provide protection against internal faults. The proposed CP214 DR
1 Châssis / Frame
compensation 2banks can be installed indoors

Isolateur / Insulatoror outdoors, mounted
in aluminium or3 steel enclosures.

TP de décharge rapide / Discharge Coil
4 Fusible / Fuse HRC

• Small size
• Specially designed for motor compensation
5 Self anti-harmoniques / Detuned Reactor
• Suitable for networks

6 with high harmonic
Condensateurs levels
/ Capacitor Units
26
Fixed bank CP214 DR
DB406334
Power (kvar)
Mains voltage (kV)

DB406335
Power (kvar)
Mains voltage (kV)
Composition
Each CP214 DR bank comprises the following elements:
• A frame in painted aluminium and steel panels (RAL 9002), IP23
• Propivar NG three-phase capacitors (1 or 2 elements depending
• Three HRC fuses (with striker).
• A three-phase detuning reactor (dry type with magnetic core and natural
convection cooling).
Options
• Outdoor type enclosure (panels in unpainted aluminium).
• Blown fuse indicator.
• Sets of two quick discharge reactors: 7.2 - 12 kV.
• Door with lock.
• Double roof for outdoor type.

80
DE90062
DE90100b
L D
• H: 1900 mm, L: 2000 mm, D: 1100 mm.
27
MV capacitor banks Banks for industrial
compensation
Automatic bank CP253 and CP253 DR
Application
The CP253 and CP253 DR medium-voltage capacitor banks are designed
for use in electrical networks up to 12 kV. They are used for total
installation compensation, when the load level is fluctuating.
DB300998
1: Frame
2: Insulators
4: Fuses
5: Capacitors
6: Inrush reactors
Line up arrangement
These banks are made of predesigned modules connected together.
• Modularity
• Access from the font for capacitors replacement
• Extensible on site
• Easy installation
The I or I1 modules are delivered assembled to module C or module R.

The other modules are delivered separately and have to be connected
on site.
28
compensation
Automatic bank CP253 and CP253 DR
General view, dimensions Electrical characteristics

Un (kV) Qn step max (kvar) Qn max (kvar) Nb step max
3.3 630 2500 5
DB301000
5.5 1000 4100 5

6 1150 4500 5
6.3 1200 4800 5
6.6 1250 5000 5
10 1900 7600 5
H 11 2000 8300 5
Up to Ik = 40 kA
Tk = 1s
The CP253 design is modular allowing future expandability.
Tuning frequency (DR equipment only)
D L n p[%] fr @50Hz [HZ] fr @60Hz [HZ]
Module I1
2.67 14 134 160
2.7 13.7 135 162
3.77 7 189 226
DB301001
3.8 6.9 190 228

4.08 6 204 245
4.3 5.4 215 258
H Functions
Module I1
• Incoming cables from bottom
• CTs (2 or 3)
• Surge arrestors
• Voltage presence indication system
D L
Module I
• LV control cabinet
Module I
DB300975
• Incoming cables from bottom or top in option

• Disconnecting switch + earthing switch (option)
• CTs (2 or 3)
• VTs + protection by 3 fuses
H • Surge arrestors
• Voltage presence indication system
NSYLAMC
• LV control cabinet
Module C
• Single-phase, double phase or three-phase Propivar NG capacitors
CONDENSATION
RESISTANCE
ANTI
D L • Inrush current limiting reactors

Module C
• 3HRC fuses
• Discharge coils
• SF6 Rollarc contactor or CBX-3C vacuum contactor
DB301002
Module R
• Detuning reactors
H Dimensions of modules
H L D example
I1 2000 500 1600 I1 + C > H
= 2000
I 2000 800 1600 L = 1500
C 2000 1000 1600 D = 1600
R 2000 1000 1600
D L • Other dimensions on demand
Module R • Other powers available
29
compensation
Automatic bank CP253 DR
Application
The CP253 DR medium-voltage capacitor banks are designed for use
in electrical networks up to 12 kV. The CP253 DR banks are used for
automatic reactive energy compensation in medium-voltage networks
with a high harmonic level. This solution is particularly suitable
for total installation compensation where the load level is fluctuating.
Different layouts are possible: line up or rectangular. The layout mainly
depends on available space at site.
DE90108
2
3
6 1: Frame
2: Insulators
3: Fuses
5 4: Contactors
5: Capacitors
6: Detuning reactors
Rectangular layout
These banks are delta-connected (three-phase capacitors) and the

HRC Références
fuses provide protection against internal faults. An optional cubicle
Description
containing
1
a power factor controller
Châssis / Frame
can be used to control the steps,
thus forming an automatic compensation bank. For steps power values
greater than 900 kvar, single-phase capacitors connected in double star
will be used (maximum of 12 capacitors, maximum power 4500 kvar).
3 Fusible / Fuse HRC
4 Contacteurs / Contactor
• Total installation
5 compensation
Condensateurs / Capacitor Units
• Fluctuating
6 load level
Self anti-harmoniques / Detuned Reactor
• Ease of access to components

• Simplified maintenance
• Suitable for networks with a high harmonic level
30
compensation
Automatic bank CP253 DR
Electrical characteristics Composition

Mains Steps kvar - 50 Hz kvar - 60 Hz Each CP253 DR bank comprises the following elements:
voltage (kV) Min. Max. Min. Max. • An enclosure in unpainted aluminium or galvanized steel, IP23
3.3 1 100 700 120 880 for indoor installation.
2 200 1450 240 1750
• Propivar NG three-phase capacitors (1 or 2 elements per step).
3 300 2200 360 2650
• One ROLLARC SF6 or CBX-3C vacuum contactor per step.
4 400 2800 480 3500
5 500 3400 600 3400 • A detuning reactor (dry type, with magnetic core, air cooling) per step.
5.5 1 100 950 120 1150 • Three HRC fuses (with striker) per step.
2 200 1900 240 2250
3 300 2800 360 3400 Options
4 400 3800 480 4536 • Outdoor type enclosure.
5 500 4700 600 5700 • Double roof for outdoor type enclosure.
6 1 100 950 120 1150 • Door with lock.
2 200 1900 240 2250 • Control and monitoring cubicle for "n" steps.
3 300 2800 360 3400
• Step auto/manual selector switch.
4 400 3800 480 4536
5 500 4700 600 5700
• Sets of two quick discharge coils: 7.2 - 12 kV.
6.3 1 100 950 120 1150 • Blown fuse indicator.
2 200 1900 240 2250 • Earthing switch.
3 300 2800 360 3400 • Painting aluminium or steel enclosure
4 400 3800 480 4536 • Arc flash detector
5 500 4700 600 5700
6.6 1 100 950 120 1150 General view, dimensions and three-lines diagram
2 200 1900 240 2250 80
DE90102b
DE90075
3 300 2800 360 3400

4 400 3800 480 4536
5 500 4700 600 5700
10 1 100 950 120 1150
H
2 200 1900 240 2250
3 300 2800 360 3400
4 400 3800 480 4536
5 500 4700 600 5700
11 1 100 950 120 1150 L D
2 200 1900 240 2250
3 300 2800 360 3400
H L D
4 400 3800 480 4536
1 step 2 000 1 500 2 400
5 500 4700 600 5700
2 steps 2 000 2 600 2 400
Ik = 40 kA 3 steps 2 000 3 700 2 400
Tk = 1s 4 steps 2 000 4 800 2 400
Other values on request. 5 steps 2 000 5 900 2 400
• Other dimensions on demand

• Others powers on demand
CP253 DR - Line-up layout (switchboard type)

DB301008
CAPA CAPA CAPA CAPA CAPA INCO

STEP DR5 STEP DR4 STEP DR3 STEP DR2 STEP DR1
MING
5 4 3 2 1
CP253 DR - Rectangular layout (detuned

reactor modules behing the capacitor modules)
DB301009
DETUNED DETUNED DETUNED DETUNED DETUNED REACTOR

REACTOR REACTOR REACTOR REACTOR
CAPACITORS CAPACITORS CAPACITORS CAPACITORS CAPACITORS
INCOMING
STEP 5 STEP 4 STEP 3 STEP 2 STEP 1
FRONT FACE
31
MV capacitor banks Banks for global compensation
Fixed bank CP227
Application
The CP227 medium-voltage capacitor banks are designed for use
in electrical networks up to 36 kV. This range is mainly used for total
installation compensation.
DE90067
1: Frame
3: Unbalance CT
4: Inrush reactors
5: Capacitors
These banks are connected in double star and the unbalance current
detection system provides protection against internal faults.
1The proposed CP227 compensation
Châssis / Frame
banks can be installed outdoors
2or indoors, mounted in aluminium
TP de décharge or steel
rapide / Discharge Coilenclosures.
3NB: CP227 DR TC fixed banks with

de déséquilibre detuning
/ Unbalance CT reactor are designed and
4
proposed on request.
Self de choc / Damping Reactor
•
5
Total installation compensation
Condensateurs / Capacitor Units

32
MV capacitor banks Banks for global compensation
Fixed bank CP227
DB406318
Power (kvar)
Power (kvar)
Mains voltage (kV) Mains voltage (kV)
Composition
Each CP227 bank comprises the following elements:
• An enclosure in unpainted aluminium or galvanized steel, IP 23 for indoor installation.
• Propivar NG capacitors (6, 9 or 12 elements depending on the power of the bank).
• A current transformer for unbalance protection.
Options
• Outdoor type enclosure (panels in unpainted aluminium). • Sets of two quick discharge reactors by steps.
• Double roof for outdoor type enclosure. • Unbalance protection relay (supplied separately).
• Door with lock. • Earthing switch.

• Insulation up to 24 kV: H: 2000 mm, L: 1400 mm, D: 1400 mm.
• 36 kV insulation: H: 2000 mm, L: 3000 mm, D: 2100 mm.
80
DE90101
DE90064
L D
33
MV capacitor banks Banks for distribution
and large sites networks
Automatic bank CP254
Application
The CP254 medium-voltage capacitor banks are designed for use in
electrical networks up to 36 kV. They are used for total installation
compensation, when the load level is fluctuating.
DE90109
7
1: Frame
6 2: Insulators of earthing switch
4: Inrush reactor
5: Unbalance CT
6: Capacitors
7: SF6 switch
These banks are connected in double star and the unbalance current
detection system provides protection against internal faults. Several
banks (in that case called “steps”) can be controlled by a power factor
controller to form an automatic capacitor bank. The steps are connected
in parallel with power cables (outside our scope of supply).
NB:Références
CP254 DR fixed banks with Description
detuning reactor are designed and
proposed
1 on request. Châssis / Frame
• Total
2 installation compensation Isolateur / Insulator
• Fluctuating load level
3 TP de décharge rapide / Discharge Coil
• Simplified
4 maintenanceSelf anti-harmoniques / Detuned Reactor
5 TC de déséquilibre / Unbalance CT

34
MV capacitor banks Banks for distribution
and large sites networks
Automatic bank CP254
Mains voltage (kV) kvar - 50 Hz kvar - 60 Hz
Min. Max. Min. Max.
13.8 - - 720 4800
15 300 4500 - -
20 300 6000 - -
22 300 6300 - -
30 600 7200 - -
33 600 7200 720 8640
Composition
Each CP254 bank comprises the following elements:
• An enclosure in unpainted aluminium or galvanized steel, IP23
• Propivar NG capacitors (6, 9 or 12 elements per step depending
• An SF6 switch.
• A current transformer for unbalance protection.
Options
• Outdoor type enclosure.
• Double roof for outdoor type enclosure.
• Door with lock.
• Unbalance protection relay (supplied separately)*.
• Three-pole / Five-pole earthing switch.
• Ligne Current Transformer.
• Voltage Transformer.
• Sets of two quick discharge reactors.
• Control and monitoring cubicle for "n" steps.
• Step auto/manual selector switch.
* 2 relays are used for banks having capacitors with internal fuses; a single relay is
required when there are no internal fuses. If the monitoring and protection cubicle
option is selected, the relays are installed in the cubicle.

80
DE90076
H
DE90103
L D
• Insulation up to 24 kV
H: 2000 mm, L: 2600 mm, D: 1400 mm.
• 36 kV insulation
H: 2100 mm, L: 3000 mm, D: 2100 mm.
35
MV capacitor banks Banks for distribution networks
Fixed bank CP229
Application
The banks of the CP229 range are mounted in aluminium racks.
They are used for reactive energy compensation in medium-voltage
networks.
This high power range is designed for total compensation of large
industrial plants and power distribution systems.
DE90068
5
1
2
6
1: Frame
2: Insulators
3: Unbalance CT
4
4: Supporting stands
5: Capacitors
6: Copper busbar
7: Connection pad
These Références
banks are connected in double
Descriptionstar (up to 36 capacitors) and the
unbalance1 current detectionChâssis
system provides protection against internal
/ Frame aluminium
faults.
NB: CP229 DR fixed banks with detuning reactor are designed and
proposed on request.
4 Pieds support / Base support aluminium
• Total plant
5 compensation Condensateurs / Capacitor Units
• Suitable 6for high power
Jeu de barre CUIVRE / COPPER busbar
7 Plage de raccordement / Available connexion
36
MV capacitor banks Banks for distribution networks
Fixed bank CP229
• Rated frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
• Insulation up to 36 kV.
• Reactive power of 5.4 to 18 Mvar; maximum of 30 capacitors
in standard configuration.
• For higher power values, please contact us.
• Tolerance on capacitance value: 0, +5%.
Options
• Inrush reactors (supplied separately).
General view and three-lines diagram

DE90065
DE90104
37
MV capacitor banks Banks for transport and
distribution networks
Fixed bank CP230
Application
These capacitor banks are custom designed, in accordance with
customer specifications. Generally, they are used on high-voltage
networks to increase the lines’ transmission capacity and reduce
voltage drops.
DE90069
7
6
10
2
9
11
4
5
1: Frame
2, 3 & 4: Insulators
5: Supports
6: Lifting rings
7: Connection pad
8: Capacitors
9: Inrush reactors
10: Neutral busbar
11: Unbalance CT
The banks of the CP230 range are mounted in aluminium or galvanised
1 Châssis / Frame aluminium
steel frames. Schneider Electric can propose capacitor banks for
2
networks up to 230 kV.
Isolateur / Insulator
4 • HV and
Isolateur EHV compensation
/ Insulator
• Special design adapted to customer specifications
5 Support / Support
• Adaptation to site conditions
Anneaux de levage / Lifting eyes
6
• Simple, robust installation
7 Plage de raccordement / Terminal pads
9 Self de choc / Damping Reactor
10 Jeu de barre neutre / neutral busbar
38
MV capacitor banks Banks for transport and
distribution networks
Fixed bank CP230
• Insulation: up to 245 kV.
• Maximum reactive power: 100 Mvar, for higher values, please contact us.
• Tolerance on capacitance value: 0, +5%.
• Inrush current limiting reactors: single-phase reactors, dry type
air core.
General view and three-lines diagram

DE90077
DE90105
39
Protection systems
Contents
Types of faults in capacitor banks 42

People safety 43
Protection of capacitors 44
Arc fault detector 46
41
Protection systems Types of faults in
capacitor banks
The main faults that can affect a capacitor bank Element short circuit in a capacitor
are: Without internal protection (Fig. 1)
• Element short circuit in a capacitor. Elements wired in parallel are therefore bypassed by the short circuited
• Overload. unit (cf. Propivar NG capacitors, p.46).
• Short circuit (two- and three-phase). • The capacitor’s impedance is modified.
• Phase-to-earth fault. • The voltage applied is distributed over one set less in series.
• Each set is therefore subjected to a higher voltage stress, which may
cause other element failures in cascade until complete short circuit.
DE90057
Initial voltage of element, UNE (equal to UN/4) becomes, after fault, equal to
UN/3, either 1.33 UNE.
1.33 IN
With internal protection (Fig. 2)

Blowing of the internal fuse linked in series eliminates the short circuited
element.
• The capacitor stays in service.
• Its impedance is "slightly" modified accordingly.
1.33 UNE
Overload
If=1.33 IN
Overload is due to a permanent or temporary overcurrent:
• permanent overcurrent due to:
1.33 UNE
- a rise in the supply voltage;
- the circulation of a harmonic current due to the presence of nonlinear
1.33 UNE loads such as static converters (rectifiers, variable speed drives),
arc furnaces, etc.;
• temporary overcurrent due to energizing of steps of a bank.
Figure 1: Wafer short circuit without An overload results in overheating which is harmful to dielectric strength,
internal fuse protection and causes premature capacitor ageing.
Short circuit (two- and three-phase)

The short circuit is an internal or external fault between live conductors,
either phase-to-phase (delta-connected capacitors), or phase-to-neutral
(star-connected capacitors). External short circuits may be due to
DE90056
external overvoltages (lightning stroke, switching surge) or insulation

0.978 IN faults (foreign bodies modifying clearances).
They result in electric arcs causing material peeling, overpressures
and electrodynamic forces. Internal short circuits result in electric arcs
in the oil, which causes the appearance of gas in the sealed enclosure
leading to violent overpressures which can cause rupture of
the enclosure and leakage of the dielectric.
0.978 UNE
0.978 UNE Phase-to-earth fault

The earth fault consists either of an internal fault between a live part of
the capacitor and the frame consisting of the metal enclosure which is earthed
1.067 UNE (for protection of human life), or an external fault between live conductors and
the frame.
The effects of the short circuit depend on the sum of the fault impedance and
0.978 UNE
the loop impedance (which depends on the network’s earthing system). The
resulting current may be very low and inadequate to cause blowing
Figure 2: Wafer short circuit of external fuses, which may result in a gradual overpressure (accumulation of
with internal fuse protection gases) and heavy stresses on the enclosure.
42
Protection systems People safety
The main devices contributing to people safety in Digital protection relays

reactive energy compensation equipment are: It performs protection against the various types of fault.
• Digital protection relay • Phase-to-earth fault by earth overcurrent protection (ANSI 50N-51N)
(phase-to-earth fault, short circuit). which allows detection of overcurrents due to phase-to-earth faults.
• Quick discharge reactors. It uses measurement of the fundamental component of the earth current.
• Earthing switch. • Overload by thermal overload protection (ANSI 49 RMS) which
• External fuses. can protect capacitors against overloads based on measurement
of current drawn.
• Short circuit by phase overcurrent protection (ANSI 50-51) which
allows detection of overcurrents due to phase-to-phase faults. It uses
measurement of the fundamental component of the currents coming from
2 or 3 “phase CT” current transformers.
Quick discharge reactor

The installation of two quick discharge reactors (“PT” potential
transformers) between phases of the bank allows capacitor
PE90102
discharge time to be reduced from 10 minutes to about 10 seconds.

This reduction in discharge time provides:
• safety for personnel during any servicing operations;
• a reduction in waiting time prior to earthing (closing of the earthing
switch).
No more than 3 consecutive discharges are acceptable .
Earthing switch
This is a safety-critical component, designed to ground and discharge
capacitors prior to maintenance to allow human intervention
on the installation in complete safety.
The capacitor terminals must be earthed and kept earthed while
the servicing operation is in progress.
Line disconnector
The disconnector is an electromechanical device allowing mechanical
separation of an electric circuit and its power supply, while physically
Quick discharge reactors ensuring an adequate isolation distance. The aim may be to ensure
the safety of personnel working on the isolated part of the electrical
network or to eliminate part of the network at fault.
PE90101
Medium-voltage line disconnectors are often combined with

an earthing switch.
Earthing switch
43
Protection systems Protection of capacitors
The main capacitor protection devices are: Internal fuses

• Internal fuses. Propivar NG capacitors (single-phase capacitors) can be supplied with
• External fuses. protection by an internal fuse combined with each element.
• Inrush reactors. In the event of failure of one element, it will be disconnected and
• Unbalance protection relays. isolated. Failure of an element can occur:
• Digital protection relay (overload). • when the capacitor’s voltage is close to maximum magnitude. In this
case, power stored in the capacitances of the parallel elements causes
blowing of the internal fuse (Fig. 1);
• when the capacitor’s voltage is close to zero. Circulation of total
capacitor current causes blowing of the internal fuse (Fig. 2).
• Instantaneous disconnection of the short-circuited element

• Lower maintenance costs
• Continuity of service maintained
• Possibility of planned preventive maintenance operation
(monitoring of the capacitor element)
DE90078
Fig. 1: Internal fuse blowing caused by discharge of

the energy stored in the capacitor elements coupled
in parallel
DE90079
Fig. 2: Internal fuse blowing caused when

the capacitor’s voltage is close to zero
44
Protection systems Protection of capacitors
External fuses
PE90092
The external fuses for capacitors are designed to eliminate capacitors

at fault, so as to allow the other steps of the bank to which the unit is
connected to continue to operate. They also eliminate external sparkover
on capacitor bushings. The operation of an external fuse
is generally determined by the fault current supplied by the network
and by the discharge energy coming from the capacitors connected
in parallel with the capacitor at fault.
The initial failure is usually an individual element (wafer) of
the capacitor. This failure results in a short circuit which applies to
all the elements in parallel and thus eliminates a series set of elements.
If the cause of the initial failure remains, failure of the successive series
sets (which sustain a voltage increase with each elimination of a series
set) will occur. This causes a current increase in the capacitor until
HRC fuses the external fuse operates, eliminating the failed capacitor from
the circuit.
Protection by external HRC (High Rupturing Capacity) fuses incorporated
PE90103
in the bank is very suitable (technically and economically) for capacitor

banks of:
• low power (< 1 200 kvar);
• provided with three-phase capacitors;
• mains voltage < 12 kV.
The fuse rating will be chosen with a value ranging between 1.7 and 2.2
times the current rating of the bank (1.5 to 2.2 with detuning reactors).
Blowing of HRC fuses is generally caused by a non-resistive short circuit.
The blown fuse indication is a visual means of checking
the state of the fuse.
Inrush reactors
Inrush reactors are connected in series to each step and serves to limit
the current peak which occurs during switch-on operations.
The inductance value is chosen to ensure that the peak current occurring
during operations always remain less than 100 times
Inrush reactors the current rating of the bank.
Main characteristics:
• Air-core reactors, dry type.
PE90104
• Single-phase configuration.
• Indoor or outdoor installation.
• In compliance with IEC or equivalent standards.
Unbalance protection
This protection generally applies to banks of:
• medium or high power ( > 1200 kvar);
• provided with single-phase capacitors;
• double star connection compulsory.
Unbalance or differential protection is a protection system capable
of detecting and responding to a partial capacitor fault.
It consists of a current transformer connected between two electrically
balanced points combined with a current relay. In the event of a fault
in a capacitor, the result is an unbalance, hence a circulating current
in the current transformer which will cause, via the relay, opening
of the bank’s switchgear (circuit breaker, switch, contactor, etc.).
Note: there is no unbalance protection with three-phase capacitors.
Current transformer for unbalance protection
45
Protection systems Arc fault detector
Vamp 120
Benefits Functions
• Personnel safety Vamp arc flash protection maximizes the personnel safety and
• Reduces production losses minimizes the material damage of the installation in the most
• Extended switchgear life cycle hazardous power system fault situations. The arc protection unit
• Reduced insurance costs detects an arc flash in an installation and trips the feeding breakers.
• Low investment costs and fast installation On detection of a fault the arc flash protection unit immediately trips
• Reliable operation the concerned circuit breaker(s) to isolate the fault.
An arc flash protection system operates much faster than
conventional protection relays and thus damage caused by an arc
short circuit can be kept to a minimum level.
System features
PE90501
• Integrated 19 - 256 V AC/DC aux. supply.

• Up to 4 arc sensors.
• Selective trip for 2 zones and possibility for generator set emergency trip
(separate contact).
• Operation time 7 ms (including the output relay).
• Non-volatile trip status.
• NO and NC trip outputs:
- self-supervision,
- straight-forward installation,
- cost efficient solution.
Sensors
• Point sensor:
- arc detection,
- self-monitored,
- cable length adjustable from 6 m to 20 m.
Standards
Disturbance standards Electromagnetic compatibility Emission EN 61000-6-4

Immunity EN 61000-6-2
Test voltage standards Electrical security tests Insulation test voltage IEC 60255-5
Impulse test IEC 60255-5
Mechanical standards Shock response IEC 60255-21-2, class I
Shock withstand IEC 60255-21-2, class I
Bump test IEC 60255-21-2, class I
Vibration Sinusoidal response IEC 60255-21-1, class I
Sinusoidal endurance IEC 60255-21-1, class I
Environmental conditions Operating temperature -10 to +55°C
Transport and storage temperature - 40 to +70°C
Relative humidity < 75% (1 year, average value)
< 90% (30 days per year,
no condensation permitted)
Degree of protection (IEC 60529) IP20
• Schneider Electric VAMP’s arc flash fault protection functionality

enhances the safety of both people and property and has made
Schneider Electric VAMP a pioneer in the field of arc flash protection with
more than 10.000 VAMP arc flash systems and units with over 150.000
arc detecting sensors in service worldwide.
46
47
Components
Contents
Propivar NG capacitor 50
VarPlus Logic series 52
Current Transformer 55
Potential Transformer 55
Detuning or filtering reactor 56
Rollarc contactor SF1& SF2 circuit breakers 57
Vacuum contactor CBX-3C 58
SF1& SF2 circuit breakers 60
Control and monitoring unit 61
Digital protection relay: Sepam 62
49
Components Propivar NG capacitor unit
Propivar NG capacitors are used to Description

build capacitor banks for reactive energy A high-voltage Propivar NG capacitor takes the form of a metal enclosure
compensation on medium- and high-voltage with terminals on top.
networks. Through various assemblies, This enclosure contains a set of capacitor elements. Wired in series-
they can cover various reactive power ratings parallel groups, they can form unit elements of high power
according to the mains voltage, frequency for high network voltages. Two types are proposed:
• with internal fuses (Single Phase Capacitor, Double Capacitor),
and level of harmonic distortion of the network.
available with Q > 100 kvar, some possible limitations according to
voltage level;
• without internal fuse (Three Phase or Single Phase Capacitor,
Double Capacitor).
PB108151
PB108153
These capacitors are provided with discharge resistors to reduce

the residual voltage to 75 V, 10 minutes after their switching off.
On request, the capacitors can be supplied with resistors to reduce
the residual voltage to 50 V in 5 minutes.
Composition
The capacitor elements forming the Propivar NG capacitor are made of:
• folded aluminium electrodes;
• polypropylene films;
• non PCB (chlorine free) dielectric fluid (Jarylec C101).
Single phase capacitor Three phase and double Main characteristics
capacitor
Propivar NG capacitors have an exceptional long service life increased
by their low losses, their chemical and heat stability and their resistance
DB108807
to overvoltages and overcurrents, as well as their withstand to

environment (salt mist, sulphurous atmosphere, vibrations).
Heat stability
At low temperature, these capacitors are able to withstand switching
transient. At higher ambient temperatures, they provide very limited heating,
so that there is no risk of modification of the dielectric insulation properties.
Chemical stability
Transient surges in networks and partial discharge levels cause
accelerated ageing of capacitor elements. The exceptionally long service
life of Propivar NG capacitors is due to the intrinsic properties
of the dielectric fluid, namely:
• very high chemical stability;
• high power of absorption of gases generated during partial discharges;
• very high dielectric strength.
Overvoltage and overcurrent resistance

Capacitors can accept:
• an overvoltage of 1.10 UN, 12 h per day;
Propivar NG capacitor with internal fuse, built with • an overvoltage at power frequency of 1.15 UN, 30 minutes per day;
4 series group of 12, parallel elements complete • a permanent overcurrent of 1.3 IN.
with discharge resistors Their resistance is tested according to IEC 60871-2:
• 850 cycles at an overvoltage level of 2.25 UN
(cycle duration 15 periods);
• ageing tests at 1.4 UN (1000 hours).
Salt mist
The capacitors have been tested to salt mist according to
IEC 60068-2-11 (672 hours) with temperature criteria from
NPX 41-002.
Sulphurous atmosphere
The capacitors have been tested to sulphurous atmosphere according to
NFT 30-055 (30 days).
Vibrations
The withstand of the capacitors have been tested according to
IEC 60068-2-6 up to 3M4 level.
50
Components Propivar NG capacitor unit
Standards
IEC 60871-1, 2 and 4, NEMA CP1 (other standards on request).
Quality assurance and environment

Propivar NG complies with ROHS regulations and is declared
in REACH.
Schneider-Electric capacitor plants are certified according
to ISO9001 (Quality) and ISO14001 (Environment).
Other characteristics
Operating frequency 50 Hz or 60 Hz
Temperature range -25 °C to +50 °C (-40 °C to +55 °C on request)
Average loss factor at 20 °C after 0.16 W/kvar with internal fuses
stabilization 0.12 W/kvar without internal fuse
Maximum nominal reactive power Three Phase Capacitor 600 kvar
Single Phase Capacitor 900 kvar
Double Capacitor 800 kvar
Capacitor voltage range Three Phase Capacitor 1-12 kV Ph/Ph
Single Phase Capacitor 1-17.3 kV Ph/N
Double Capacitor 1-9 kV Ph/N
Location Indoor/outdoor
Tolerance on capacitance value -5 % to +10 %
Relative capacitance variation ∆C/C per °C -3.5 . 10-4/°C
Capacitor tank Material Stainless steel
Thickness 1.5 mm
Surface treatment Painted stainless steel ball blasted surface
Colour Grey RAL 7038
Fixing brackets One per side
Terminations Bushings Porcelain, grey colour
Terminals Two M16 x 2
Clamps Nickel-coated brass, max 2 cables (external diameter 10 mm max)
Fixing Two 13*24 mm holes, 395.5 mm centers
A 432
220 Single Phase 20 20 110
432
110 Three Phase
DB406182
DB406183
Propivar NG Propivar NG
QN (kvar) A B QN (kvar) A B
50 Hz 60 Hz (mm)(mm) 50 Hz 60 Hz (mm) (mm)
50 60 157 300 50 60 157 300
180
100 120 157 300 75 90 157 300

150 180 157 300 100 120 157 300
180
200 240 157 350 125 150 157 300

250 300 157 450 150 180 157 300
B
300 360 157 500 175 210 157 350

350 420 187 500 200 240 157 350
400 480 187 550 250 300 157 450
450 540 187 600 300 360 157 500
500 600 187 650 = = 349 350 420 187 500
A
349
550 660 187 700 400 480 187 550
600 720 187 800 450 540 187 600
Single Phase Propivar NG 700 840 207 800 Three Phase Propivar NG (BIL max / 75 kV) and 500 600 187 650
(BIL max / 170 kV) 800 960 207 900 Double capacitor Propivar NG (BIL max / 95 kV) 550 - 187 750
900 - 207 y 950 600 - 187 850
Double Capacitor Propivar NG

QN (kvar) A B
50 Hz 60 Hz (mm) (mm)
100 (2 x 50) 120 (2 x 60) 157 300
200 (2 x 100) 240 (2 x 120) 157 350
300 (2 x 150) 360 (2 x 180) 157 500
400 (2 x 200) 480 (2 x 240) 187 550
•T
hese dimensions are given for indicative 500 (2 x 250) 600 (2 x 300) 187 650
purposes, some possible "modifications" 600 (2 x 300) 720 (2 x 360) 187 800
according voltage level. 700 (2 x 350) 800 (2 x 400) 207 800
800 (2 x 400) - 207 900
51
Components VarPlus Logic series
VarPlus Logic has all what you need for the Capacitor bank step monitoring
simple and efficient operation of your automatic • Monitoring of all the connected capacitor steps.
power factor correction equipment to maintain • Real time power in “kvar” for the connected steps .
your power factor. • Remaining step capacity per step as a % of the original power since
It is a simple and intelligent relay which installation.
measure, monitor and controls the reactive • Remaining step power in kvar since installation.
• Number of switching operations of every connected step.
energy. Easy commissioning, step size
detection and monitoring makes it different. System Measurement and monitoring
•T HD(u) and THD(u) Spectrum 3rd to 19th – Measurement, Display
and Alarm.
DB417842 Présentation
• Measurement of DQ – “kvar” required to achieve target cos phi.

• Present cabinet temperature and maximum recorded temperature.
• System parameters – Voltage, Current, Active, reactive and
apparent power.
• Large LCD display to monitor real step status and other parameters.
Easy Commissioning
•A utomatic Initialization and automatic step detection to do a auto
commissioning.
• Automatic wiring correction - voltage and current input wiring correction.
• 1A or 5A CT secondary compatible.
Do more with VarPlus Logic

VarPlus Logic VL6, VL12
• rogrammable alarms with last 5 alarms log.
P
• Suitable for 4 quadrant operations.
It includes modbus communication • Dual cos phi control through digital inputs or export power detection.
device as a standard feature. • Dedicated alarm and fan control relays.
• Advance expert programming Menu to configure the controller the way
you need.
• New control algorithm designed to reduce the number of switching
operations and quickly attain the targeted power fact.
Alarms
• aulty Step
F
• Configurable alarm for step derating
• THDu Limit alarm.
• Temperature alarm
• Self correction by switching off the steps at the event of THDu alarm,
temperature alarm and overload limit alarm.
• Under compensation alarm
• Under/Over Voltage Alarm
• Low/High Current Alarm
• Overload limit alarm
• Hunting alarm
• Maximum operational limits - Time and number of switching
Range
Type Number of step output contacts Part number

VL6 06 VPL06N
VL12 12 VPL12N
52
General characteristics
DB300974
L1
S1 S2
Voltage and current Input
L2
L3 Direct supply voltage 90 - 550 V, 1ph, 50/60 Hz
PE
VA Burden: 6 VA
C C 300 V LN / 519 V LL CAT III or 550 V CAT II
Auxiliary (Control) Transformer
B E E Type of input connection Phase to phase or phase to neutral
≤ 250 VAC ≤ 480 VAC Protection against Automatic disconnection of steps for dips > 15 ms
K1 K2 … voltage dips (protection of capacitor)
D A
PE
U1
CT secondary 1A or 5A
90V - 550V
U2
S1
CT primary range Up to 9600 A
15mA - 6A
S2
Current 15 mA - 6 A, 1PH,
F1
F2 VA Burden: < 1 VA
C
TTL 1 K1 Connection terminals Screw type, pluggable. Section: 0.2 - 2.5 mm2
2 K2
3 (0.2 - 1 mm 2 for Modbus and digital inputs)
…
0V 4
D0-
5 Power factor settings & algorithm selection
6
D1+ 7 Regulation setting - From Cos Phi 0.7c to 0.7i
8
I1
I2
9 Programmable
10
AL1 11
K12
Reconnection time - From 1 to 6500 s
AL2 12
Programmable
Response time - From 1 to 6500 s
Phase-to-Phase with VTs Programmable
(3PH3W) Possibility of dual cos Phi Yes, through digital input or if export power detected
target
A Upstream protection Program algorithm AUTOMATIC (best fit) - Default
Voltage input: 2A certified circuit breakers or fuses LIFO
B S horting block for CT PROGRESSIVE
C VT primary fuses and disconnect switch Import export application 4- Quadrant operation for generator application
D Output relays: 10 A (max.) certified circuit breakers compatibility
or fuses (Applicable for applications with voltage Program intelligence
transformers only). Automatic Initialization and Yes
E Capacitor primary fuses or CB’s Automatic bank detection
Detection and display Yes
of power, number of
switching & derating
of all connected steps
Capacitor bank step Any sequence. No restriction/limitation on sequence
sequence
Alarm and control
Control outputs (step output) VL6: 6 relays VL12: 12 relays ( NO contact)
250 V LN or LL (CAT III)
48 V DC / 1 A
250 V AC / 5 A
Common root: 10 A max.
Dedicated fan control relay Yes. Normal open contact (NO)
48 V DC / 1 A, 250 V AC / 5 A
Alarm contact The relay contact is open when the controller is
energized with no alarm and will close in the event
of an alarm.The relay is a NC (Normally Close) when
the controller is not energized.
48 V DC / 1 A, 250 V AC / 5 A
Digital input for Cos phi2 Dry contact (internal supply 5 V, 10 mA)
target
Modbus RS-485 serial port Line polarization / termination, not included
(RTU)
Communication protocol Modbus
Interface TTL Service port. Only for internal use
Internal temperature probe Yes. Temperature offset is programmable.
53
Display and measurement
Display LCD graphic 56 x 25
Alarms log 5 last alarms
Voltage Harmonic THDu ; Individual odd harmonics distortion from H3
Distortion measurement to H19
Measurement displayed Voltage, Current & Frequency: ±1 %
and accuracy Energy measurements, Cos Phi, THD(u): ±2 %
Individual Voltage harmonics ( H3 to H19): ±3 %
Temperature: ±3 °C
Testing standards and conformities
Standards IEC 61010-1
IEC 61000 6-2
IEC 61000 6-4
IEC 61326-1
UL 61010
Conformity and listing CE, NRTL, c NRTL, EAC
54
Components Current Transformer
Potential Transformer
Current Transformers (CT) meet standard Current Transformer

IEC 60044-1. Composition and types
Their function is to supply the secondary circuit
with a current that is proportional to that of the Current Transformers are designed to perform protection and monitoring
MV circuit on which they are installed. functions.
The primary is series-mounted on the MV • Detection of overcurrents in capacitor banks and supply of a signal
network and subject to the same over-currents to the protection relay.
as the latter and withstands the MV voltage. • Supply of a signal to the power factor controller.
They are of the following types:
• wound (most common type): when the primary and secondary include
DE52344
DE52359
a coil wound on the magnetic circuit;

• bushing type: primary formed by a conductor not isolated from
the installation;
• toroidal: primary formed by an isolated cable.
The double star arrangement and unbalance protection require the use of
special current transformers (class X).
Magnetic core Magnetic core

Wound type primary Closed core type current
current transformer transformer
PE56030
Current Transformer
Potential Transformers (PT) meet standard Potential Transformer

IEC 60044-2. Composition and types
They have two key functions:
•a dapting the value of MV voltage on Potential Transformers are designed to perform protection and monitoring
the primary to the characteristics of metering functions.
protection devices by supplying a secondary • Detection of over-/under-voltages in capacitor banks and supply
voltage that is proportional and lower; of a signal to the protection relay.
• isolating power circuits from the metering and/ • Supply of a signal to the power factor controller.
or protection circuit.
PE56700
Phase-earth Potential
Transformer
55
Components Detuning or filtering reactor
A detuning reactor forms part of the power Iron-core reactor, “resin-impregnated” technology
factor correction equipment, to prevent • Indoor installation.
amplification of the pre-existing harmonic • Three-phase type.
in current and voltage on the network. • Max. voltage 12 kV.
There are many types of reactors. • Connection to copper pad.
• Weight up to 2000 kg.
1 Iron-core reactor, “resin-encapsulated” technology

PE90096
• Indoor installation.
2 • Three-phase type.
• Max. voltage 24 kV.
• IEC 60076-6 standard.
• Fire resistance.
• Temperature class F.
• Connection to copper pad.
Iron-core reactor, “oil-filled” technology

PE90093
• Indoor or outdoor installation.

• Max. voltage 36 kV.
• Hermetically sealed type with integral filling.
• Connection to porcelain or plug-in bushings.
Air-core reactor (coreless), “resin-impregnated” technology

PE90094
Air-core reactors are characterized by a reactance which does not

depend on the current passing through them (constant permeability
3
of air).
These reactors are generally installed in substations or in static
compensation equipment (SVC - Static Var Compensator).
The “dry” type design is characterized by high reliability, no maintenance
and great adaptability to environmental constraints.
• Mainly outdoor installation.
• Max. voltage up to 245 kV.
4
PE90095
1: Iron-core reactor, “resin-impregnated” technology

2: Iron-core reactor, “resin-encapsulated” technology
3: Iron-core reactor, “oil-filled” technology
4: Air-core reactor (coreless), “resin-impregnated”
technology
56
Components Rollarc contactor
The Rollarc three-pole type contactor, Applications

for indoor use, employs SF6 for insulation Control and protection of
switching. • MV motors.
The breaking principle is that of the rotating arc. • Capacitor banks and power transformers.
The basic device consists of three pole units
mounted in a single insulating enclosure.
The insulating enclosure containing the live Reference standards
parts of these poles is filled with SF6 • IEC 62271-106 standard: High-Voltage Alternating Current Contactors
at a relative pressure of 2.5 bar. and Contactor-Based Motor-Starters.
The Rollarc contactor is available in two types: • IEC 62271-105 standard: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear,
• R400 contactor, with magnetic holding. Alternating current switch-fuse combinations.
• R400D contactor, with mechanical latching.
Rated Insulation level Breaking capacity Rated Making capacity Short-time Mechanical
voltage current thermal endurance
UR (kV) Inpulse 1 mn with IR with current
50/60Hz 1,2/50μs 50/60Hz fuses fuses 3s
kV kV peak kV rms kA kA A kA peak kA kA rms
7,2 60 20 10 50 400 25 125 10 100 000
operations
12 60 28 8 40 400 20 100 8
Maximum operable power

Voltage (kV) Without fuse With integrated fuse
Power (kvar) Power (kvar)
3,3 1255 790
4,16 1585 800
6,6 2510 1270
10 3810 960
12 4570 1155
• Equipment requiring no maintenance on live parts.

• High mechanical and electrical endurance.
• Insensitivity to the environment.
• Gas pressure is monitored constantly.
PE90105
PE56761
1: MV connections
2: LV connections
3: Auxiliary contacts
4: Pressure switch
5: Electromagnetic control
mechanism
6: Mechanical latching
device (R400D)
7: Opening release
8: Mounting points
9: Insulating enclosure
10: Rating plate
Rollarc contactor (connections) Rollarc contactor (cutaway)
57
Components Vacuum contactor CBX-3C
The three-phase CBX-3C contactor, designed Applications

for indoor applications, uses vacuum The design and contact materials fulfil the general requirements for
technology for insulation and arc-breaking. contactor applications of capacitor bank feeders in various industrial
It is specifically designed for breaking capacitive sectors, such as:
loads. • metallurgy,
• mining,
• oil and gas,
PE90243
• electrical distribution.
CBX comes with an electronic auxiliary supply (EAS) as standard

equipment for easy configuration and low consumption.
Standards
Schneider Electric vacuum contactors have been designed to meet or
exceed the requirements of international standards:
• CEI 60470,
• ANSI C37,
• BS EN 60470,
• NEMA ICS,
• GB (Chinese).
CBX-3C
Rated Voltage (kV) 7.2 / 12
Power frequency withstand 20 / 28
voltage (kV)
Impulse withstand voltage (BIL) (kV) 60 / 75
Capacitive load Rated operating current (A) 400
Maximum capacitor bank 3360 /
rating (kvar) 5600
Inrush current (kAp) 20
Short time withstand current 1 s (kA) 4
Peak on ½ cycle (kAp) 25
Mechanical endurance (N°) 3 millions
Electrical endurance at 500 000
rated current (N°)
Temperature range (°C) -5 to +40
Number of poles 1P - 3P
58
Components Vacuum contactor CBX-3C
Control
Closing coil supply voltage (V) DC: 24, 48, 60, 110, 125, 220, 250
AC: 110, 120, 220, 240
Latch supply voltage (V) DC: 24, 48, 110, 240
AC: 110, 240
CBX
Power consumption (W) Closing 500
Magnetic holding 150
Magnetic holding with EAS 80
Latch voltage supply Power consumption (W) 240
Endurance (N°) 200000
Electronic Auxiliary Supply (EAS)

A selection of only two standard electronic circuits are required to
manage all usual auxiliary voltages:
• 24 to 60 V DC,
• 110 to 250 V AC/V DC.
Benefits
• Low power consumption.
• Improved reliability.
• Operation counter (optional).
• Optional 100 ms delay to open.
• Reduced thermal dissipation.
• Standardized schematics.
Options
CBX
Auxiliary contacts 5 NO + 5 NC
Electronic supply (EAS) Yes
Opening delay 100 ms Option
Operation counter Option
Insulation level at 42 kV Option
Mechanical latch Option
Dimensions
• Fast switching rate. Width (mm) 343
• Long mechanical life. Length (mm) 333
• Low power losses thanks to Height (mm) 258
electronic auxiliary supply. Weight (kg) 28
59
Components SF1 & SF2 circuit breakers
The SF circuit breaker of the Schneider Electric Description

equipment range is used for switching on The SF circuit breaker, in its basic fixed version, consists of:
capacitor banks or steps. • 3 main poles, linked mechanically and each comprising an insulating
This circuit breaker uses SF6 as dielectric. enclosure of the "sealed pressure system" type. The sealed enclosure
It has been especially tested for the specific is filled with SF6 at low pressure.
operation of capacitor banks. • A spring type energy storage manual control (electrical on option).
This means the device’s making speed and breaking speed are
independent of the operator. When it is provided with electric control,
PE56501
the circuit breaker can be remotely controlled and resetting cycles

can be performed.
• Front panel with the manual control and status indicators.
• Downstream and upstream terminals for power circuit connection.
• A terminal block for connection of external auxiliary circuits. Depending
on these characteristics, the SF circuit breaker is available with a front or
side control mechanism.
Options
• Electric control
• Supporting frame fitted with rollers and floor mounting brackets
for a fixed installation.
SF1 circuit-breaker • Circuit breaker locking in open position by lock installed
on the control front plate.
• SF6 pressure switch for highest performance.
PE56503
Applications
The SF devices are three-pole MV circuit breakers for indoor use.
They are chiefly used for switching and protection of networks
from 12 to 36 kV in the distribution of primary and secondary power.
With self-compression of the SF6 gas, which is the switch-off technique
used in these circuit breakers, the establishment or interruption
of any type of capacitive or inductive current is performed without
any dangerous overvoltage for the equipment connected to
the network.
The SF circuit breaker is therefore highly appropriate for the switching
of capacitor banks.
SF2 circuit-breaker
SF1 fixed SF2 fixed
Side or front operating mechanism Front operating mechanism
Rated voltage Ur (kV, 50/60 Hz)
40.5 kV
36 kV 36 kV
24 kV 24 kV
17.5 kV
12 kV
Rated short-circuit breaking current (Isc )
25 kA from 12.5 to 25 kA from 12.5 from 25 31.5 kA
to 40 kA to 40 kA
Rated current (Ir )
630 A from 400 to 1 250 A from 630 to 3 150 A 2 500 A
Rated switching capacitive current (Ic )
from 280 400 A from 440 to 1 750 A 1 750 A
to 400 A
60
Components Control and monitoring unit
The function of these units is to control Description

and protect capacitor banks. These enclosures are designed for indoor installation.
They comprise the following elements:
• A VarPlus Logic power factor controller;
• A Sepam digital protection relay:
• Unbalance protection relays;
• Indicator lamps
- “ON”
- for each step, “Step ON”, “Step OFF”, “Unbalance alarm”,
“Unbalance trip”.
Option
A three-position selector switch:
• “Auto”: The steps are controlled automatically by the power factor
controller;
• “Manual”: The steps are controlled manually by means of a 2-position
selector switch located on the enclosure (1 selector switch per step);
• “0”: The steps are disconnected (no control, automatic or manual,
is possible).
PE90106
1 2
Monitoring and control unit

1. VarPlus Logic power factor controller
2. Sepam digital protection relay
61
Components Sepam protection relay
Sepam protection relays maximise energy Stay informed to manage better

availability and the profits generated by With Sepam, get intuitive access to all system information in
your installation while protecting people one’s own language to manage the electrical installation
and property. effectively. If a problem occurs, clear and complete information
puts everyone in a position to make the right decisions immediately.
PA40431
Maintain installation availability

Sepam maintains high energy availability thanks to its diagnostics
function that continuously monitors network status.
In-depth analysis capabilities and high reliability ensure that
equipment is de-energized only when absolutely necessary.
Risks are minimized and servicing time reduced by planned
maintenance operations.
Sepam protection relays

Enhance installation dependability
Sepam series 80 is the first digital protection relay to deliver
dependability and behaviour in the event of failure meeting
the requirements of standard IEC 61508.
Sepam manufacturing quality is so high that the units can be used in
the most severe environments, including off-shore oil rigs and chemical
factories (standard IEC 60062-2-60).
Communicate openly
In addition to the DNP3, IEC 60870-5-103 and Modbus standards,
Sepam complies with IEC 61850 and uses the communication
protocol that is today’s market standard to interface with all brands
of electrical-distribution devices.
Respect the environment

• Compliance with RoHS European Directive.
• Low energy consumption.
• Manufacturing in plant certified ISO 14001.
• Recyclable over 85% (Sepam S10).
Modular range structured; Capacitor application

Protection of a double star connected capacitor bank
with 1 to 4 steps
• capacitor bank short-circuit protection
• U et f monitoring
• overload protection
S20 S40 • unbalance protection
S24 C86 C86
Protection of a capacitor Protection of a capacitor bank

bank (delta connection) (delta connection) without
without voltage monitoring voltage monitoring
• capacitor bank short-circuit • capacitor bank sc
protection protection
• U et f monitoring
• overload protection:
(Sepam C86)
62
Components Sepam protection relay
Technical specifications
Code ANSI S10A S10B S20 S24 S40 C86
Protections*
Phase overcurrent 50/51 2 2 4 4 4 8
Earth fault 50N/51N 2 2 4 4 4 8
Sensitive earth fault 50G/51G 2 2 4 4 4 8
Breaker failure 50BF 1 1 1
Negative sequence / unbalance 46 1 1 2 2
Thermal overload for capacitors 49RMS 1 1 1
Capacitor-bank unbalance 51C 8
Positive sequence undervoltage 27D 2
Remanent undervoltage 27R 2
Undervoltage (L-L or L-N) 27 2 4
Overvoltage (L-L or L-N) 59 2 4
Neutral voltage displacement 59N 2 2
Negative sequence overvoltage 47 1 2
Overfrequency 81H 2 2
Underfrequency 81L 4 4
Temperature monitoring (16RTDs) 38/49T v
Measures
Phase current RMS I1, I2, I3 b b b b b b
Measured residual current I0Σ b
Demand current I1, I2, I3 b b b b
Peak demand current IM1, IM2, IM3 b b b b b b
Measured residual curent I0, I’0 b b b b b b
Voltage U21, U32, U13, V1, V2, V3 b b
Residual voltage V0 b b
Fréquency b b
Active power P, P1, P2, P3 b b
Reactive power Q, Q1, Q2, Q3 b b
Apparent power S, S1, S2, S3 b b
Peak demand power PM, QM b b
Power factor b b
Active and reactive energy b b
Network, switchgear and capacitors diagnosis
Tripping current b b b b
tripI1, tripI2, tripI3, tripI0
Harmonic distortion (THD) current b
and voltage THDi, THDu
Phase displacement φ0, φ'0, φ0Σ b
Phase displacement φ1, φ2, φ3 b b
Disturbance recording b b b b
Thermal capacity used b
Capacitor unbalance b
current and capacitance
CT/PT supervision 60/60FL b b
Trip circuit supervision 74 v v
Auxiliary power supply monitoring b
Cumulative breaking current b b b b
Number of operations v v v v
Control and monitoring
Circuit breaker/contactor control 94/69 v v v v
Logic discrimination 68 b v v v v
Latching/acknowledgement 86 b b b b b b
Annunciation 30 b b b b b b
Communication protocols S-LAN
Modbus RTU b v v v v
b: standard Modbus TCP/IP v v v v v
v: option DNP3 v v v v
* Figures indicate
CEI 60870-5-103 v v v v
the number of protection
functions available CEI 61850 v v v v
63
Specific equipments
Contents
Hybrid Var Compensator (HVC) 66

Passive harmonic filters 68
Blocking circuits 69
65
Specific equipments Hybrid Var Compensator
(HVC)
HVC (Hybrid Var Compensator) equipment Hybrid Var Compensator (HVC)

is designed to perform economical reactive Description
energy compensation in real time. The equipment comprises a fixed MV bank of shunt capacitors with
Its use can: detuning reactor, and an AccuSine+ electronic device combined with
• improve the quality of public and industrial a LV/MV step-up transformer.
networks by reducing or eliminating voltage
fluctuations, power fluctuations, etc.;
• increase the capacity of existing networks
by compensating losses due to reactive energy;
• allow optimum coupling of renewable energies
(wind-power, solar power) to the network
through an appropriate response
to normative constraints.
25 / 4.16 kV 25 / 4.16 kV
DE90083
2000 A 2000 A
CT (3) 1000/5 CT (3) 1000/5
1200A
4.16kV 4.16kV
CT (3) 1000:5
4.16 / 0.48 kV
PE90082
2000A
PB502825
1225 kvar
6 x 250kvar MV bank
AccuSine+ with detuning
reactors
Example of implementation
66
Specific equipments Hybrid Var Compensator
(HVC)
Operation
DE90084
The fixed capacitor bank constantly injects a capacitive reactive current

into the network. The electronic device injects a reactive, capacitive
or inductive current, continually and in less than one period (20 ms -
50 Hz), to compensate the major rapid fluctuations in reactive power
consumption due to the load.
Characteristics
• Injection of reactive energy in “leading” or “lagging” mode.
• Response time less than one cycle.
fixed kvar • Power factor adjustable up to unity.
load
AccuSine+ • Reactive energy compensation without transient.
result kvar • Continuous compensation.
• Separate monitoring of each phase for unbalanced loads.
Applications
• Energy
- Connection of wind-power or solar farms.
• Industry
- Arc furnaces: voltage regulation and flicker attenuation.
- Welding machines: voltage regulation and flicker attenuation.
- Crushers: flicker attenuation.
- Pumping stations: starting assistance for high-powered MV motors.
- Cold/hot rolling mills: attenuation of harmonics and improvement of the
power factor of rapidly fluctuating loads.
PB502981
AccuSine+ range
67
Specific equipments Passive harmonic filters
Schneider Electric can propose numerous Passive harmonic filters

passive harmonic filtering solutions in medium Technical characteristics
and high voltage, for 50 or 60 Hz networks.
These solutions are custom designed on
• Insulation: 72.5 kV (for other values, please consult us).
a case by case basis. A preliminary site audit
• Maximum reactive power: 35 Mvar (for other values, please consult us).
and a precise definition of needs (objectives
• Reactors: single-phase, dry, air-core; they are most commonly used for
to be achieved, etc.) are essential to guarantee
passive filters.
the performance of this type of solution.
• Other components, such as resistors, can also be used in the design of
passive filters.
• Tuning frequencies: chosen according to the harmonics to be filtered
and the performance to be achieved (a preliminary site audit is crucial
to make the right choices).
??
Passive harmonic filter
68
Specific equipments Blocking circuits
In its range of solutions, Schneider Electric Principle

has low-frequency passive blocking circuits The blocking circuit is implemented by placing in parallel an reactor and
which can prevent disturbance by musical- a capacitor element whose values have been calculated to allow blocking
frequency remote control signals emitted by the of a chosen frequency (175 Hz in France, for example).
power distributor, especially in the context of
installation of an autonomous production unit.
INPUT X1 X2 OUTPUT X1/X2
These blocking circuits are often used in
DB301003EN
installations provided with cogeneration plants.
To meet the conditions required by the power
distributor, the blocking circuit is defined
on a case by case basis according to
Customer connection~1870 mm
the characteristics of:
• the HV power supply line of the source
substation;
~1910
• the HV/MV transformer of the source
substation;
• the remote control order injection device;
• the load of the MV feeders;
• the generating sets.
285
700
850 ~740
Technical characteristics
(passive blocking circuit for 15 and 20 kV networks )
PE90083
Tuning frequency 175 Hz

(other frequencies on request)
Insulation level Up to 24 kV
Available ratings 230, 350 or 500 A per phase
Characteristics of components
of 175 Hz blocking circuits
Single-phase capacitors 270 µF or 405 µF / 1000 V,
without internal fuses
Single-phase reactors 2mH or 3mH
Maximum ambient temperature 45°C
Altitude < 1000 m
Mounting Juxtaposed (capacitors upright, alongside the
reactor) or on top of one another (capacitors
installed in a rack, under the reactor)
IP 00 on unpainted aluminium substrate
Blocking circuit
69
Installation (drawings,
dimensions)
Contents
CP 214, CP214 DR, CP 227, CP 254 72

CP 229, CP 230, CP 253, CP253 DR 73
71
Installation
( drawings, dimensions)
CP214, CP214 DR,
CP227, CP254
CP214 Drawing
80
Dimensions and weight
MT20135
• H: 1700 mm, L: 900 mm, D: 1200 mm.
L D
CP214 DR Drawing
Dimensions and weight 80
• H: 1900 mm, L: 2000 mm, D: 1100 mm.

DE90062
L D
CP227 Drawing
• Insulation 24 kV
DE90064
H: 2000 mm, L: 1400 mm, D: 1400 mm.

H: 2000 mm, L: 3000 mm, D: 2100 mm.
• Approximate weight: 450 to 1550 kg. H
L D
CP254 Drawing
• Insulation up to 24 kV
DE90076
H: 2000 mm, L: 2600 mm, D: 1400 mm.

H: 2100 mm, L: 3000 mm, D: 2100 mm.
H
L D
72
Installation
( drawings, dimensions)
CP229, CP230, CP253,
CP253 DR
CP253 with module I1

Dimensions
Number of steps H L D
1 2 000 1 500 1 600
2 2 000 2500 1 600
3 2 000 3500 1 600
4 2 000 4500 1 600
5 2 000 5500 1 600
Drawing
DE90074 80
L D
CP253 DR with module I1

Dimensions
Number of steps H L D
1 2 000 2500 2 400
2 2 000 3500 2 400
3 2 000 4500 2 400
4 2 000 5500 2 400
Drawing
80
DE90075
L D
CP229 CP230
DE90077
DE90065
73
Services
Contents
Schneider Electric expertise 76

Maintenance & end of life 77
75
Services Schneider Electric expertise
For more than 50 years, Schneider Electric Schneider Electric’s services

has designed and manufactured power factor
Listen, Understand, Act,
correction and harmonic filtering equipment.
is the virtuous circle guaranteeing you the energy efficiency you need.
From the beginning, it was clear that on-site
• Listen
measurements were often decisive.
This means collecting information, about symptoms and
That is why Schneider Electric set up a team of
other difficulties concerning the operation of the installation.
specialists to perform measurements,
It requires -> Audit -> specific measurements -> recording
site audits, simulations and expert appraisals.
of the characteristic parameters of the network’s key points.
Each category of service is organized on
• Understand
various levels. The level depends on
Once this information has been collected, the diagnosis must be drawn up,
the equipment used (power factor meter,
and the corrective actions must be identified and determined.
harmonic recorder, network analyser, etc.)
• Act
and the qualifications of the personnel involved.
This the decisive phase… removal of network disturbances, correction
The “services” offering includes:
of the power factor, installation of standby or battery back-up networks…
• On-site measurements.
and it is also the heart of our expertise.
• Installation, supervision and commissioning.
• Repairs. In all cases, the ideal solution is to correct, but also and above all to
• Simulations and studies. monitor the effectiveness of the installed solutions over a period of time;
• Hire of measuring instruments (network an installation is alive, and like any living thing its characteristics change
analysers, etc.). over time.
• Training sessions. In many countries, the local service team of Schneider Electric has
the competencies and equipment needed to perform measurements,
diagnoses, repairs, etc. as required.
The Schneider Electric specialists can be called on to provide support or
PE90100
their expertise for specific or extremely critical cases.

Training sessions can be organized to train or update the knowledge of
your installation or maintenance teams.
Our specialists can also be called on to take part in conferences,
seminars, presentations, etc. concerning power factor correction,
harmonic filtering, quality of power, etc.
Installation diagnosis
• Evaluation of the state of the capacitor banks.
• Measurement of operating temperatures.
• Recording of voltages, currents, active and reactive power levels.
• Recording of harmonic voltage and current spectrums.
• Recording of transient voltage and current phenomena.
Solution definition
• Proposal of capacitor replacement and substitution plans.
• Management of the destruction process.
• Power factor correction upgrade.
• Reduction of networks harmonic distorsion.
76
Services Maintenance & end of life
Maintenance
PE90090
Routine checks
Check and, if necessary, clean the ventilation systems (frequency
depends on local conditions).
Annual checks
• Check connection clamping.
• Check insulator cleanliness.
• Check bank U, I, C and capacitance C values.
• Measure ambient temperature for the capacitor bank.
• Check operation of the safety features.
Faults and solutions

• Failure of a three-phase capacitor
This is revealed by blowing of one or more HRC fuses. The faulty
capacitor is identified by capacitance measurement (capacitance
fluctuation greater than 10% = faulty).
In this case, the capacitor and the three HRC fuses must be replaced
immediately.
• Failure of a single-phase capacitor
This is revealed by unbalance protection tripping. The faulty capacitor is
identified by a capacitance measurement for each capacitor (capacitance
fluctuation greater than 10% = faulty).
In this case, the capacitor must be replaced immediately (bank
rebalancing is sometimes necessary; please consult us).
NB: For internal fuses, we also recommend replacing capacitors having
sustained a capacitance fluctuation of more than 5%.
Propivar NG capacitor end of life

PE90091
The capacitors of our product range contain a non-PCB dielectric fluid.

Its recovery at end of life must necessarily be performed by
a central waste oils recycling facility according to local
requirements.
If the capacitor is damaged with leaking fluid, it must be placed on a tray
fluid retention and transport to the treatment center must be made by
an approved carrier.
Operations of dismantling and recovery at end of life
(to be done over a holding tank)
• Drill tank capacitor and recover oil impregnant which must follow
an incineration path with energy recover.
• Cut the tank under the cover, and remove the inner part of
the capacitor.
• Drain the inner part and the tank.
• The tank capacitor steel is recyclable.
• Separate cover and bushings from inner part.
• The inner part of the capacitor must follow a shearing path,
incineration and recovery metals.
• The entire cover and bushings must be crushed for recovery of metals
(steel, copper and brass).
77
Selection guide
Contents
Installation conditions & General characteristics 80

Frame/enclosure & Propivar NG capacitors 81
Additional equipment 82
79
Design guide Installation conditions
This form specifies all the data to be provided to Schneider Electric from the “price quote” phase to
the “order execution” phase.
Site conditions
Country
Altitude v ≤ 1000 m
v > 1000 m
Atmosphere v Normal
v Saline
v SO2
v Other
Pollution / Creepage v Low I (16 mm/kV)
distance, insulators v Moderate II (20 mm/kV)
and bushings v High III (25 mm/kV)
v Very high IV (31 mm/kV)
Short-circuit
current power (kA)
Temperature (°C) v > -25°C
v ≤ 40 °C
v 45 °C
v 50 °C
v 55 °C
Standards
IEC v
Others v
Type of bank (STD, DR or filter) v STD v DR v Filter
Rated voltage (kV)
Power (kvar)
Rated frequency (Hz) v 50 v 60
Insulation level
Max. voltage for the equipment kV
Power-frequency test voltage (50Hz - 1 mn) kV rms
Impulse test voltage (1.2 / 50 µs) kV peak
Connection v Double star
v Delta
v H single-phase
v Single-phase
v Other
Short-circuit current withstand capacity v Depending on site conditions v Other
kA
sec v 1 v 3
Auxiliary voltages VDC v 24 v 48 v 60 v 110 v 125 v 220
VAC v 110 v 127 v 220-230
80
Design guide Frame/enclosure
Propivar NG capacitors
Frame/enclosure
Type v Indoor
v Outdoor
Degree of protection v IP 00 v IP 23
v IP 54 v Other:
Frame material v Steel v Galvanised steel
v Aluminium v Stainless steel
Panel material v Steel v Galvanised steel
v Aluminium v Stainless steel
Frame coating v Bare v Painted
Panel coating v Bare v Painted
Double roof v Yes v No
Colour v Supplier standard v Other
RAL
Door v Supplier standard v Other
Lock (type) v Supplier standard v Other
Propivar NG capacitors
Type v Three-phase v Single-phase
Design voltage (V)
Rated frequency (Hz) v 50 v 60
Specification of steps N° 1 2 3 4 5 6
kvar
sequence
Insulation level
Max. voltage for the equipment kV
Power-frequency test voltage (50Hz - 1 mn) kV rms
Impulse test voltage (1.2 / 50 µs) kV peak
Internal fuses v Yes v No
Terminal creepage distance v Supplier standard v Other
mm
mm/kV v 16 v 20 v 25 v 31
Internal discharge resistors V/min v 75/10 v 50/5
Temperature Max. (°C) v ≤ 40 v 45 v 50 v 55
Min. (°C) v -25 v Other
Gradient v Supplier standard v Other
V/μm
81
Design guide Additional equipment
Unbalance relays v
Relays v Supplier standard v Other
Type
Thresholds v Trip
v Alarm and trip
Mounting v Supplied separately
v In bank
v In enclosure or cabinet with the control
and monitoring components
Detuning reactors v
Type v Resin-impregnated v Resin-encapsulated
v Oil-filled v Air core
v 1-phase v 3-phase
Installation v Indoor v Outdoor
v In enclosure v Outside the enclosure
Harmonic order
Measuring PT v
Rated voltage (V/V) (primary/secondary)
Discharge function v Yes v No
Quantity v 2 v 3
Protection CT v
Power (VA)
Precision class v 5P v 3P
Number of protected phases v 1 v 2 v 3
Switching device v
Type v Circuit breaker v Contactor
Breaking technology v SF6 v Vacuum
Fuses
v
System for protection against

single-phase operation v
Inrush reactors
v
Quick discharge reactors v
82
Design guide Additional equipment
Surge arresters (by default one per phase) v
Line disconnector v
Earthing switch v
Type v 3-pole v 5-pole
Earthing switch connection v Line side v Load side
Quantity v 1 per step v 1 per bank
Combined disconnector (line disconnector + ground switch) v

Earthing switch connection v Line side v Load side
Interlocking system v
v Supplier standard scheme
v Other, to be defined
Monitoring/Control v
Number of steps to be controlled
Installation v Cabinet
v Cubicle
v In bank
Power factor controller v Yes v No
Type v VL6/VL12
Sequence
U (V) measurement
I (A) measurement v 1 A secondary v 5 A secondary
Protection relay Functions v Unbalance
v Over current
v Over voltage
v Other:
Type
Quantity v Per step v Overall
Auto / 0 / Manual function v Yes v No
Indicator lamps By default
v Aux. voltage presence
v ON / step
v OFF / step
v Alarm-Unbalance-Blown fuse
Other
Accessories v
Ventilation v Supplier standard v Other
Type
Lighting in bank v Yes v No
83
Technical guide
Contents
Reminders concerning reactive energy 86

Reactive energy
Reactive energy compensation
Reactive energy and network components
Power factors of typical equipment
Why compensate? 88
Economic benefits
Technical benefits
Reduction in transmission losses according to the power factor improvement
Economic evaluation of compensation
Method for determining compensation 90
Stage one: Calculation of reactive power
Stage two: Choice of compensation mode
Stage three: Choice of compensation type
Stage four: How to allow for harmonics
Control of capacitor banks 94
General characteristics of switchgear and controlgear
Type of switchgear and controlgear
Switching ON capacitor banks
Switching ON capacitor banks, synthesis
Switching OFF capacitor banks
Switchgear used for capacitor control
Medium voltage switchgear characteristics
Protection and circuit diagrams of capacitor banks 97
Capacitors
Delta-connected bank
Bank connected in double star
Typical cases of compensation 98
MV asynchronous motor compensation
MV transformer compensation
Hybrid VAR Compensator (HVC)
Capacitor definitions and terminology 102
85
Technical guide Reminders concerning
reactive energy
Reactive energy
DE90086
In an electric circuit, the active power P is
the real power transmitted to loads such as motors,
lamps, furnaces, radiators, computers, etc.
The active electric power is converted into
mechanical power, heat or light. The physical unit The above diagram established for currents also
is the watt (W), the multiples kilowatt (kW) and applies to powers, by multiplying each current
megawatt (MW) being used for convenience. by the common voltage V.
One can therefore define:
In a circuit in which the applied rms voltage is Vrms
• apparent power: S = V x l (kVA);
and in which flows an rms current Irms,
• active power: P = V x la = V x I x cosφ (kW);
the apparent power S is the product of Vrms x Irms.
• reactive power: Q = V x lr = V x I x sinφ (kvar).
The apparent power is therefore the basis
The physical unit of reactive power is the volt-
for sizing of electrical equipment. A device
ampere-reactive (var), the multiples kilovolt-
(transformer, cable, switch, etc.) should be
ampere-reactive (kvar), and megavolt-ampere-
designed on the basis of the rms values of
reactive (Mvar) being used for convenience.
voltages and currents.
DE90087
The physical unit of apparent power is the volt-
ampere (VA), the multiples kilovolt-ampere (kVA)
and megavolt-ampere (MVA) being used for
convenience.
The power factor λ is the ratio of the active power
P (kW) to the apparent power S (kVA)
for a given circuit. The reactive current Ir is the component consumed
by the inductive magnetic circuits
λ = P(kW)/S(kVA). of electrical machines (transformers and motors).
The reactive power is therefore commonly
In the specific case where the current and voltage associated with magnetization of the magnetic
are sinusoidal and phase-shifted by an angle φ, circuits of machines.
the power factor is equal to cos φ, called Accordingly, the power supply source must provide
the displacement power factor. not only the active power P but also the reactive
power Q, resulting in an apparent power S.
For most electric loads such as motors,
the current I lags the voltage V by an angle φ. The function tgφ is often used; it is equal to:
tgφ = Q(kvar)/P(kW).
In vector representation, the current can therefore
Over a given period of time, this ratio is also that
be broken down into two components:
of the reactive energy (Wr) and active energy (Wa)
• Ia in phase with the voltage and called
consumed: tgφ = Wr(kvarh)/Wa(kWh).
the “active” component;
• Ir in quadrature with the voltage and called In some countries, this ratio is used for billing
the “reactive” component. reactive energy.
86
Technical guide Reminders concerning
reactive energy
Reactive energy compensation Reactive energy

DE90088
The flow of reactive energy has significant and network components

technical consequences for the choice of Synchronous machines
equipment, operation of networks and, These machines have an (active energy) generator
Qr accordingly, has economic consequences. function when they convert mechanical energy
Qc For a given active power P used, the lower into electrical energy. In the opposite case, they are
the cosφ, i.e. the larger the angle φ, the more motors. By adjusting their excitation, these machines
apparent power S must be supplied. can supply or consume reactive energy.
Fig. 1: Principle In some cases, the machine supplies no active
of reactive energy Accordingly, the flow of reactive energy in
compensation distribution systems results, due to an excessive energy: this is the case of the synchronous
current demand, in: compensator.
• overloads at the transformer level; Asynchronous machines
• end-of-line voltage drops; These are distinguished from the preceeding
• overheating of power cables, hence active machines in particular by their property of being
energy losses. always consumers of reactive energy. This energy
For these fundamental reasons, it is necessary is very significant: from 25% to 35% of the active
to produce reactive energy as close as possible energy at full load, and much more at partial
to motors and transformers, to avoid increased load. The asynchronous motor is in common use
demand on the network. universally. It is the main consumer of reactive
energy in industrial networks.
DE90089
Transformer
To avoid over-sizing his network, the power
distributor therefore encourages his customers Lines and cables
to improve the power factor, by billing reactive The inductive and capacitive properties
energy above a certain threshold.` of overhead lines and cables are such
that they are consumers of reactive energy.
The principle of reactive energy compensation
is to generate reactive power in the vicinity Transformers
of the load, so as to relieve the power supply. Transformers consume reactive energy
Active Capacitors are most commonly used corresponding to about 5% to 10%
power to supply reactive power. On figure1, of the apparent energy passing through them.
the reactive power Qc supplied Reactors
by capacitors allows the apparent power Reactors are chiefly consumers of reactive energy.
to be reduced from the value S to the value S’. Active energy losses represent only a small
percentage of the reactive energy (QR) consumed.
Capacitors
Motor Capacitors generate reactive energy with very
small losses, hence their use in the reactive
energy (QC) compensation application.
Before compensation
Power factors of typical equipment

DE90089
Transformer Device cos φ tg φ

Asynchronous motor loaded at 0% 0.17 5.80
Power 25% 0.55 1.52
made 50% 0.73 0.94
available 75% 0.80 0.75
100% 0.85 0.72
Active Incandescent lamps ≈ 1 ≈0
power Non-compensated fluorescent lamps ≈ 0.5 ≈ 1.73
Compensated fluorescent lamps (0.93) 0.93 0.39
Discharge lamps 0.4 to 0.6 2.29 to 1.33
Resistance furnaces ≈ 1 ≈0
Reactive
power Induction furnaces with integral pf correction ≈ 0.85 ≈ 0.62
supplied by Dielectric ovens ≈ 0.85 ≈ 0.62
capacitor Resistance welding machines 0.8 to 0.9 0.75 to 0.48
Single-phase stationary arc welding stations ≈ 0.5 1.73
Motor
Rotary arc welding sets 0.7 to 0.9 1.02 to 0.48
Arc welding rectifier transformers 0.7 to 0.8 1.02 to 0.75
After compensation Arc furnaces 0.8 0.75
87
Technical guide Why compensate?
Improvement of Economic benefits • Increase in the active power available

the power factor of at the secondary of transformers
an installation, known The benefits provided by reactive energy The installation of means of compensation on
as compensation, compensation are such that they give a very rapid the downstream terminals of an overloaded
offers numerous return on investment. transformer can release a power reserve that can
benefits of These benefits are as follows: be used for a possible extension of the plant without
an economic and • elimination of billing for excessive reactive having to change transformer, thus postponing
technical nature. energy consumption; a major investment.
• reduction in subscribed demand in kVA; • Increase in the active power carried by lines
• decrease in active energy consumed in kWh for equal losses
(losses reduction). An increase in the workload often makes it
necessary to carry greater active power in order
to meet the energy needs of the loads.
Technical benefits The installation of a capacitor bank will make it
• Attenuation of voltage drops possible to increase the transmission capacity
The flow of reactive currents is responsible for without changing the existing electric power lines.
voltage drops on power supply lines. The following chart gives, as a function of
These are detrimental to satisfactory operation of the power factor improvement, the percentage
the loads, even if the voltage at the head of the line is increase in the power carried for equal active losses.
satisfactory. The presence of a capacitor bank at end
of line can reduce this phenomenon.
Increase in the active power carried
DE90090
The relative voltage level at the end of the line
is defined by the following formula:
ΔU(%) ≈ XLxQ/U²
in which:
XL: reactance of the line;
Q: reactive power of the capacitor bank;
U: mains voltage.
• Reduction in transmission losses at constant
active power
Losses due to conductor resistance are included
in the consumption recorded by active energy
counters (kWh). They are proportional to
the square of the current carried and decrease
as the power factor increases.
The table below gives the percentage Example: if, before compensation, cosφ1 = 0.7
reduction in transmission losses according to and after compensation cosφ2 = 0.9, there is a 35%
the improvement in the power factor. increasing in carrying capacity
Reduction in transmission losses according to the power factor improvement

Cosφ1 Reduction in transmission losses at constant active power according to cosφ2 (%)
before compensation Cosφ2 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99
0.70 23 32 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50
0.72 19 28 36 37 39 40 41 43 44 45 46 47
0.74 14 24 32 34 35 37 38 39 41 42 43 44
0.76 10 20 29 30 32 33 35 36 37 39 40 41
0.78 5 16 25 27 28 30 31 33 34 35 37 38
0.80 0 11 21 23 24 26 28 29 31 32 33 35
0.82 7 17 19 21 22 24 25 27 29 30 31
0.84 2 13 15 17 18 10 22 23 25 27 28
0.86 9 11 13 14 16 18 20 21 23 25
0.88 4 6 9 10 12 14 16 18 19 21
0.90 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 17
0 to 15% reduction in losses
15% to 30% reduction in losses
30% to 50% reduction in losses
88
Technical guide Why compensate?
Economic evaluation
of compensation
The economic benefits of compensation are Savings obtained
measured by comparing the cost of installation of Let us illustrate this by the following example of
capacitor banks with the savings they provide. an installation comprising a 20 kV/400 V transformer
of power 630 kVA (nominal apparent power).
Cost of capacitor banks
The cost of capacitor banks depends on several • Installation without capacitor
factors, including: Characteristics of the installation: P = 500 kW
• the voltage level; at cosφ = 0.75.
• installed capacity; Consequences:
• number of steps; - The apparent power S is equal to 667 kVA;
• the control mode; - The transformer is overloaded by a factor
• the protection quality level. of 667/630, or about 6%;
Capacitors can be installed either at low voltage - The reactive power Q is equal to 441 kvar
or at medium voltage. (cosφ = 0.75 corresponds to tgφ = 0.882)
Note that: and is billed by the power distributor;
• medium-voltage compensation becomes - The circuit breaker and cables have to be chosen
economically worthwhile when the capacity for a total current of 962 A;
to be installed exceeds 800 kvar; - The losses in the cables are proportional
• below this value, compensation should, to the square of the current, i.e. (962)2.
if possible, preferably be performed at low voltage.
• Installation with capacitor
Characteristics of the installation: P = 500 kW
at cosφ = 0.928.
Consequences:
- The apparent power S is equal to 539 kVA;
- The transformer is no longer overloaded. There is
a power reserve equal to 630/539, or about 17%;
- The reactive power Q is equal to 200 kvar
(cosφ = 0.928 corresponds to tgφ = 0.4).
This reactive power is billed at a reduced rate
or not at all by the power distributor;
- The losses in the cables are reduced
by a ratio of (778)2/(962)2 = 0.65, i.e. a 35% gain.
The reactive energy is supplied locally
by a capacitor bank of power 240 kvar.
89
Technical guide Method for determining
compensation
Compensation Stage one:

for an installation Calculation of reactive power
is determined
in 4 stages. Principle of calculation Calculation based on billing
• Calculation of The aim is to determine the reactive power Qc (kvar) The aim here is to eliminate billing by the power
reactive power. to be installed in order to increase the power factor distributor. To do this, proceed as follows:
• Choice of cosφ and reduce the apparent power S. • Consider the monthly consumption of reactive
compensation mode. energy R in kvarh;
For φ’ < φ, we shall have: cosφ’ > cosφ • Assess the period t of operation (in hours)
- Global for the entire and tgφ’ < tgφ.
installation. during which reactive energy is billed during
- By sector. This is illustrated by the figure below. the month in question.
- Separate for each The hours to be allowed for are peak hours,
Pa
DE90091
load. i.e. 16 h per day, if there is no billing of reactive

• Choice of power during off-peak hours. Under these
compensation type. S’ circumstances, the following estimate of t will be
- Fixed by switching taken for companies operating in shifts of:
on and off a bank • 1 times 8 hours; t = 176 h (i.e. 22 days);
supplying a fixed • 2 times 8 hours; t = 308 h;
QR S Qc • 3 times 8 hours; t = 400 h.
quantity of kvar.
- Automatic by Deduct from this the reactive power
switching on and off to be installed: Qc= R (kvarh) / t (hours).
“steps” dividing up To calculate Qc there are two possible Calculation based on the installation data
the bank’s power approaches, depending on the available data: The power to be installed is calculated from
and making it possible • Calculation based on billing data; the cosφ or tgφ measured for the installation.
to adapt to • Calculation based on the electrical data Qc can be calculated:
the kvar needs of of the installation. • directly from the relationship Qc = P x (tgφ-tgφ’)
the installation. which is based on the figure, where
•Allowance for - Qc = power of the capacitor bank in kvar;
harmonics. - P = active power of the load in kW;
In what follows, - tgφ = tangent of phase shift angle before
we describe compensation;
these various stages - tgφ’ = tangent of phase shift angle after
in greater detail. compensation.
• from the following table, knowing tgφ or cosφ of
the existing installation and the tgφ’ or cosφ’ that
is wanted.
Before Reactive power (kvar) to be cosφ’ or tgφ’ objective

installed per kW of load to achieve the cos
compensation tgφ 0.75 0.620 0.484 0.456 0.426 0.395 0.363 0.329 0.292 0.251 0.203 0.142 0.000
cosφ 0.80
cos 0.85 0.90 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1.000
tgφ cosφ
2.29 0.4 1.541 1.672 1.807 1.836 1.865 1.896 1.928 1.963 2.000 2.041 2.088 2.149 2.291
2.16 0.42 1.411 1.541 1.676 1.705 1.735 1.766 1.798 1.832 1.869 1.910 1.958 2.018 2.161
2.04 0.44 1.291 1.421 1.557 1.585 1.615 1.646 1.678 1.712 1.749 1.790 1.838 1.898 2.041
1.93 0.46 1.180 1.311 1.446 1.475 1.504 1.535 1.567 1.602 1.639 1.680 1.727 1.788 1.930
1.83 0.48 1.078 1.208 1.343 1.372 1.402 1.432 1.465 1.499 1.536 1.577 1.625 1.685 1.828
1.73 0.5 0.982 1.112 1.248 1.276 1.306 1.337 1.369 1.403 1.440 1.481 1.529 1.590 1.732
1.64 0.52 0.893 1.023 1.158 1.187 1.217 1.247 1.280 1.314 1.351 1.392 1.440 1.500 1.643
1.56 0.54 0.809 0.939 1.074 1.103 1.133 1.163 1.196 1.230 1.267 1.308 1.356 1.416 1.559
1.48 0.56 0.729 0.860 0.995 1.024 1.053 1.084 1.116 1.151 1.188 1.229 1.276 1.337 1.479
1.40 0.58 0.655 0.785 0.920 0.949 0.979 1.009 1.042 1.076 1.113 1.154 1.201 1.262 1.405
1.33 0.6 0.583 0.714 0.849 0.878 0.907 0.938 0.970 1.005 1.042 1.083 1.130 1.191 1.333
1.27 0.62 0.515 0.646 0.781 0.810 0.839 0.870 0.903 0.937 0.974 1.015 1.062 1.123 1.265
1.20 0.64 0.451 0.581 0.716 0.745 0.775 0.805 0.838 0.872 0.909 0.950 0.998 1.058 1.201
1.14 0.66 0.388 0.519 0.654 0.683 0.712 0.743 0.775 0.810 0.847 0.888 0.935 0.996 1.138
Example: A motor 1.08 0.68 0.328 0.459 0.594 0.623 0.652 0.683 0.715 0.750 0.787 0.828 0.875 0.936 1.078
has a power rating 1.02 0.70 0.270 0.400 0.536 0.565 0.594 0.625 0.657 0.692 0.729 0.770 0.817 0.878 1.020
of 1000 kW and 0.96 0.72 0.214 0.344 0.480 0.508 0.538 0.569 0.601 0.635 0.672 0.713 0.761 0.821 0.964
a cosφ of 0.8 0.91 0.74 0.159 0.289 0.425 0.453 0.483 0.514 0.546 0.580 0.617 0.658 0.706 0.766 0.909
(tgφ = 0.75). 0.86 0.76 0.105 0.235 0.371 0.400 0.429 0.460 0.492 0.526 0.563 0.605 0.652 0.713 0.855
To obtain cosφ = 0.95, 0.80 0.78 0.052 0.183 0.318 0.347 0.376 0.407 0.439 0.474 0.511 0.552 0.599 0.660 0.802
you must install 0.75 0.80 0.130 0.266 0.294 0.324 0.355 0.387 0.421 0.458 0.499 0.547 0.608 0.750
a reactive power in 0.70 0.82 0.078 0.214 0.242 0.272 0.303 0.335 0.369 0.406 0.447 0.495 0.556 0.698
capacitors equal to 0.65 0.84 0.026 0.162 0.190 0.220 0.251 0.283 0.317 0.354 0.395 0.443 0.503 0.646
k x P, namely: 0.59 0.86 0.109 0.138 0.167 0.198 0.230 0.265 0.302 0.343 0.390 0.451 0.593
Qc = 0.421 x 1000 = 0.54 0.88 0.055 0.084 0.114 0.145 0.177 0.211 0.248 0.289 0.337 0.397 0.540
421 kvar 0.48 0.90 0.029 0.058 0.089 0.121 0.156 0.193 0.234 0.281 0.342 0.484
90
compensation
Stage two:
Choice of compensation mode
Where to install capacitors? Global compensation
The location of capacitors on an electrical network The bank is connected at the head of
is determined by: the installation to be compensated and performs
• the goal sought (elimination of penalties, relief compensation for the entire installation. It is
for cables, transformers, etc., raising the voltage suitable when the load is stable and continuous.
level);
Example below:
• the load conditions (stable or rapidly variable);
• HV bank on HV distribution system (1);
• the foreseeable influence of the capacitors on
• MV bank for MV subscriber (2);
the network characteristics;
• Regulated or fixed LV bank for LV subscriber (3).
• the cost of installation.
Compensation by sector
Reactive energy compensation can be:
The bank is connected at the head of
• total;
the installation sector to be compensated.
• broken down by sector;
This is suitable when the installation is extensive
• separate for each load.
and includes workshops having different load
It is more economical to install capacitor banks conditions.
in medium and high voltage for power ratings
Example below:
greater than about 800 kvar. Analysis of
• MV bank on MV network (4);
the networks of the various countries, however,
• LV bank for each workshop for MV subscriber (5).
shows that there is no universal rule.
Individual compensation
The bank is connected directly to the terminals
of each inductive type load (especially motors).
It should be considered when the motor power
is high relative to the subscribed demand.
This compensation is technically ideal because
it produces the reactive energy at the very place
where it is consumed, and in a quantity adjusted
to the demand. Example below: LV bank for load
compensation (6).
HV distribution network
DE90092
MV distribution network
MV/LV
distribution
transformer
MV/LV MV/LV
transformer transformer
LV busbar
LV subscriber MV subscriber MV subscriber
Summary of compensation locations
91
compensation
Stage three: Choice of

compensation type
Types of MV compensation Automatic compensation
The capacitor banks are branch-mounted on the The banks are divided up into “steps”
network. They can be fixed or automatic. with capability for switching on or off
a smaller or larger number of steps, generally
Fixed compensation
automatically.
The entire bank is put into service, with a fixed
This is an “automatic adjustment” to the load level.
value of kvar. This is “on/off” type operation.
The capacitors have a constant power output These banks are very commonly used by certain
and their switching on and off can be: heavy industries with high power demand
• manual, by circuit breaker or switch; and energy distributors in source substations.
• semi-automatic by contactor;
• servo controlled by the terminals of inductive This allows step-by-step regulation of reactive
loads (motors or transformers). energy.
This type of compensation is used: Each step is operated by a switch or a contactor

• when their reactive power is low (< 15% of using SF6 or Vacuum breaking technology.
the power of the upstream transformer) and Capacitor step switching on or off can be
the load is relatively stable; controlled by power factor relays. For this purpose,
• on HV and EHV transmission networks a current transformer should be positioned
for power ratings of up to 100 Mvar. upstream of the loads and banks.
Stage four: How to allow for

harmonics
Harmonic currents flow in an installation due to the • Absorption of harmonic currents
presence of nonlinear loads (e.g. variable speed Capacitors do not generate harmonic current
drives, uninterruptible power supplies, but are very sensitive to them.
arc furnaces, lighting). The flow of harmonic The impedance of a capacitor
currents in the network impedances creates Zc = 1/Cω = 1/C2πf decreases when
harmonic voltages. the frequency increases. It thus offers, in a certain
way, less resistance to a harmonic current
The magnitude of the harmonic disturbance
in the event of a current distortion. This results
on a network is measured by:
in an increase in the current in the capacitor.
• the individual harmonic voltage factor u(%),
• Risk of resonance
which gives a measure of the scale of each
The presence of a capacitor in a network may
harmonic relative to the fundamental.
amplify certain harmonic orders. This is due to
For the harmonic of order h this factor is:
a resonance phenomenon, the frequency of which
u(%) = 100xUh/U1, where Uh is the harmonic
depends on the network impedance (or its short-
voltage of order h at the point in question
circuit power).
and U1 the fundamental voltage;
• the total harmonic distortion THDU (%) The resonance frequency (natural frequency)
which gives a measure of the thermal influence is equal to:
of all the harmonics.
H Ssc
U 2h fnatural = x f
THDU (%) = 100x 1
Q
U1
Ssc: short-circuit power in kVA.
H is generally limited to 40. Q: power of the capacitor bank in kvar.
f: power supply frequency.
In the same fashion, an individual factor and
a total harmonic for current distortion are The resonance’s effect will be all the more
defined. Generally, it is considered that the level pronounced as fnatural is close to that of one of
of harmonic disturbance is acceptable in an the harmonics present. The applied current
installation so long as the total harmonic voltage overload will cause overheating and then
distortion does not exceed 8%, in accordance with premature ageing of the capacitor.
IEC 61000 -2-4.
Solutions to limit stress due to harmonics
Effects of harmonics on capacitors
92
compensation
• Oversizing of capacitor links to the network: connections, the other measures to be taken
cables, lines, switchgear and controlgear should depend on the comparison between:
be sized for at least 1.43 Ic, the value of • Gh: total power in kVA of all harmonic generating
the capacitor’s rated current at 50 Hz; equipment (static converters, UPSs, variable
• voltage oversizing of capacitors; speed drives). If the power is known in kW, divide
• use of detuning reactors combined with by 0.7 to estimate Gh in kVA.
oversized capacitors. • Ssc: short-circuit power of the network (kVA).
• Sn: power of the upstream transformer(s).
In MV, the detuning reactor connected in series If several transformers are in parallel, allow for
with the capacitor is generally designed to form a the possible outage of a transformer.
capacitor bank tuned to 215 Hz (50 Hz) or 260 Hz
(60 Hz). Since this frequency corresponds to no The choice is summarized in the following table.
harmonic order, it makes it possible to reduce both
the harmonic overvoltages across the terminals of
the capacitor as a result of the resonance, and the Gh ≤ Scc / 120 Scc / 120 < Gh < Scc / 70 Scc / 70 < Gh ≤ Scc / 30
overload currents passing through the capacitor.
Standard Equipement Equipement
Solutions to comply with the permissible equipment with oversized with DR
distortion factor in a network capacitors and oversized
Apart from their effect on the capacitors, 1.2 x UN capacitors
the presence of harmonics in a network generates
a voltage distortion factor. The energy supplier
limits the values of the acceptable distortion factor
at the point of delivery to below a certain threshold.
This results in the distortion THDU being limited
to 5% downstream of the transformer.
If these values are not reached, the use
of attenuation devices is necessary.
The choice of these devices depends on
the characteristics of the installation, the power
of the harmonic generators, and the need for
reactive energy compensation. Calculation software
is used to determine the optimal solution.
Choice of solution
In addition to systematic oversizing of power
Complementary approach is to choose equipments according to industrial process described hereunder:
Activity Businesses process Equipment

Standard Oversized DR
Textile Weaving, print induction
Paper-works Roll, pumping
Printing Printing, recording
Chemistry, Pharmacy Dosage, clean rooms, filtration,
concentration, distillation
Plastic Extrusion, thermoforming
Glass, Céramic Rolling, furnace
Steel Arc furnaces, rolling mill,
wiredrawing, cutting, pumping
Metallurgy Welding, stamping, furnace,
surface treatments
Automotive Welding, stamping
Cement Kilns, shredding, conveying, lifting,
ventilation, pumping
Mining, Quarrying Conveying, lifting
Refineries Ventilation, pumping
93
Technical guide Control of capacitor banks
General characteristics Switching ON capacitor banks

of switchgear and controlgear Switching on a bank Qc (fixed or stepped)
The equipment used is defined by the following is accompanied by transient current and voltage
selection criteria: conditions. A making overcurrent of short
• rated voltage and current; duration (≤ 10 ms) appears. Its peak value
• making current; and its frequency, generally high, depend on
• capacitive breaking capacity; the characteristics of the upstream network
• making capacity; and the number of banks. Where necessary,
• number of operations. a surge reactor may or may not have to be inserted
to limit this overcurrent to the peak resistance of
Precautions should be taken concerning: the capacitors, namely: Imax. peak ≤100 IN, (IN: rated
• The capacitive breaking capacity (kA rms). current of bank Qc) or to a lower value if
The problem is due to the existence, after the switchgear has limited characteristics.
switching off, of a restriking voltage equal to
the difference between the mains voltage In the case of a single bank, the overcurrent
and the charging voltage of the capacitors. is generally from 10 to 30 IN, but for a high Scc
The device must be capable of preventing and low Qc it may exceed the limit and require an
this restriking. inrush reactor. In the case of banks in parallel,
• The making capacity (kA peak) which must either identical (regulated system) or of different
be able to withstand inrush currents. values (compensation of several motors),
the overcurrent will be very high and will have
to be limited. In making this choice, allow for
Type of switchgear and controlgear the number of possible operations under
the given current.
The choice of switchgear and controlgear
depends on electrical criteria but in particular
on the type of use of the banks. There are several
possibilities:
• Disconnector. Without breaking capacity,
it will be used only for operation of the bank with
the power off. It requires the use of a protection
device (fuse or circuit breaker).
• Switch. It has only a breaking capacity limited
to IN and a moderate making capacity, and does
not allow a large number of operations. Therefore,
it will be used especially in the case of so-called
fixed banks.
• Contactor. This allows a very large number
of operations, but is limited to 12 kV. It can be
coordinated with fuses of "High Rupturing Capacity"
(HRC).
• Circuit breaker. This very efficient device
will be used for general protection of high-power
banks.
94
Switching ON capacitor banks, synthesis

Fixed bank Stepped bank (identical)
DE90093
DE90093
1 2 n+1
Lo
U√3 C l l l
C C C

Lo = S/C inductance of the network n steps switched on when
Scc = √3 U Icc with U/√3 = LoωIcc n+1 is switched on
l = link inductance (0.5 µH/m)
Bank power Q = U2Cω = √3UIcapa Q = U2Cω = √3UIcapa ;
Q = Power of each step
Peak making
Ie = 1 x 1 x Icapa 2 Ie = 2 x U x n x C
current LoC ω 3 n+1 l
Ie = Icapa 2 x Scc Ie = Icapa x 2 x n f

x natural
H
Q n+1 fnetwork U 2h
Natural frequency fe = 1 fe = 1 1
2π LoC 2π lC U1
Q-factor, 2 (n+2)/(n+1)
mains
Q-factor, 2 2n/(n+1)
bank
Inrush reactor Generally, no need of an inrush Generally, need of an inrush reactor
reactor (unless high Ssc and low Q)
2 6 2
Calculation L ≥ 10 x 2Q U L ≥ 2.10 x Q x n x 1
2 2
inrush reactor ω 3 Imax peak Scc 3 ω n+1 Imax peak
L (μH) - Q (Mvar) - Ssc (MVA) L (μH) - Q (Mvar) - Ssc (MVA)
I max. peak (kA)* H
2 Imax. peak (kA)* H
U h U 2h
1 1
* Imax. peak is the smaller of the following 2 making values:
• maximum peak current of the bank (i.e. 100xIcapa) U1 U1
• maximum peak current of the switchgear Imaking max.
Note: For steps not having the same powers, please contact us
Example 1: Fixed bank of 250 kvar Example 2: Bank of 3 steps each of 350 kvar
at a phase-to-phase voltage of U = 5.5 kV powered at a phase-to-phase voltage of U = 5.5 kV
by a network of maximum short-circuit power Ssc = at a distance of 5 m from their associated cutoff
250 MVA. device.
L0 = 386 μH. C = 36,8 μF.
C = 26.3 μF. Icapa = 36.7 A.
Icapa = 26.2 A. ● without inrush reactor
Ie = 1173 A. l = 2,5 μH.
fe = 1581 Hz. Ie = 11490 A !!
fe = 16.5 kHz.
● inrush limiting reactor L is mandatory in order to
limit Ie to a value lower than 100 Icapa either:
L = 50 μH.
Ie = 2508 A.
fe = 3619 Hz.
95
Switching OFF capacitor banks Switchgear

A capacitor is switched off by a cutoff device used for capacitor control
precisely at zero crossing of the current, which Switches are chosen for banks with a low rate
coincides with the instantaneous maximum voltage. of operations (at most 2 operations per day);
On the one hand, a voltage surge escalation above this, contactors are used.
3 U, 5 U may occur if the device does not have fast For the most powerful banks (connected in double
dielectric restoration; this was the case for air cutoff star), the SF6 switch or circuit breaker is the most
devices; this phenomenon has disappeared appropriate device. All switchgear and controlgear
with SF6 devices. should be sized for 1.43 times the rated current
On the other hand, the capacitor remains charged at of the capacitor bank.
its maximum voltage. In the event of fast reclosing, The switched capacitive current values given
an increased transient phenomenon will occur. by the manufacturer should be complied with
The IEC 60871 standard requires a capacitor (see table below).
discharge device so that the voltage across
the terminals does not exceed 75 V, 10 minutes after
disconnection.
A quick discharge can be obtained using discharge
reactors; however, this system has a limit set of
3 consecutive discharges followed by a rest period
of 2 hours, due to reactor overheating. This will have
to be carefully evaluated when using banks having
regular switchings.
Medium voltage switchgear characteristics
Switchgear designation Short circuit performance Rated normal current Capacitive current switched
SF1 25 kA / 36 kV 630 and 1250 A 440 and 880 A
SF2 40 kA / 40.5 kV 630 and 3150 A 440 and 2200 A
contactor Rollarc R 400 10 kA / 7.2 kV 400 A 240 A
8 kA / 12kV
CBX-3C 6 kA / 7.2 KV 400 A 250 A
4 kA / 12 KV
96
Technical guide Protection and circuit
diagrams
of capacitor banks
DE90094
Capacitors Delta-connected bank
The capacitor is This circuit diagram will be used for insulation
a reliable component voltages of 7.2 kV and 12 kV.
if it is used in The maximum power is 900 kvar in three-phase
the conditions for which (2 capacitors in parallel). Above this, single-phase
it has been designed capacitors can be used up to 4000 kvar.
and manufactured.
It is formed of elements This type of circuit diagram is highly suitable for
placed in series to resist MV motor compensation and for automatic total
voltage, and placed compensation up to 12 kV.
in parallel to obtain Protection
the wanted capacitance. Overcurrent protection is provided by HRC fuses.
There are two types of
capacitor at present: Important note: Choose HRC fuses with a rating of
with or without internal at least 1.7 times the rated current of the bank.
fuses. In this type of circuit layout, never use capacitors
with internal fuses, because the breaking
Capacitors wit-
capacity of internal fuses is not designed
hout internal fuses
for network short-circuit currents.
Capacitor failure is
the result of failure of Delta connected capacitor bank
an internal element.
A fault in an element
results in short-circuiting
of a unit in series and
hence a rise in
the voltage on the other
units in series. Having
no protection device
inside the capacitor, Bank connected in double star
the fault will be elimina-
ted only by cutoff of For all power ratings, the bank is divided into two Protection
the bank or separation stars allowing detection of an unbalance between Protection is provided by an unbalance relay
of the circuit in the two neutrals by an appropriate relay. This type detecting a current flowing in the circuit between
the defective capacitor. of bank allows the use of capacitors with or without the two neutrals of the stars. The unbalance
internal fuses. current is generally less than 1 A. The setting
Capacitors It can be designed for any type of network up to value will be given after calculation for each bank.
with internal fuses EHV networks. The setting threshold is given by the manufacturer.
Each element is The mounting principle is always the same: It depends on the internal structure of the bank
protected by a fuse. to achieve voltage levels of 100 kV or 200 kV, (series and parallel combination of capacitor units)
In this case, any fault connect a sufficient number of MV capacitors in and on whether or not internal fuses for capacitor
in an element will be series. This layout will therefore be used for high protection are present.
eliminated. The defective powers to be installed, chiefly in fixed banks. The time delay is approximately several tenths
circuit will be isolated. However, regulated steps are used by certain of a second. In addition to this protection,
The result will be power distributors with powers ranging up to 8 provision should be made for overload protection
a slight capacitance Mvar at 36 kV, controlled by a special switch for on each phase. The value shall be set to 1.43
variation and the voltage capacitors. times the rated current of the bank.
DE90095
will be distributed over

the sound elements in
series. The setting of
the unbalance relay shall
be such that
the loss of elements
of a given unit in series
causes switching off
of the bank when
the resulting overvoltage
exceeds the limits
determined by the
standard (IEC 60871).
Protection by internal
fuses increases
the availability of capa-
citor banks, because
the loss of one element
does not systematically
result in switching off of
the bank. Double star connected capacitor bank
97
Technical guide Typical cases of
compensation
MV asynchronous motor
compensation
Risk of self-excitation of asynchronous motors
Power rating Nominal speed of rotation (rpm)
in the presence of capacitors
(kW) 1500 1000 750 132
When a motor drives a load of high inertia,
132 28 31 35 40
after a supply voltage interruption, it can continue
160 34 38 42 49
to rotate due to its inertia. It can in that case be
200 43 47 53 61
self-excited by the presence at its terminals of
250 54 59 66 76
capacitors that could provide it with the reactive
315 68 74 83 96
energy needed for its operation as an asynchro-
355 76 83 94 108
nous generator. This self-excitation causes
400 86 94 106 122
overvoltages exceeding the maximum voltage Um
450 97 106 119 137
of the network.
500 108 118 133 153
Precautions to be taken against this risk 1000 215 235 265 305
• Whenever a capacitor bank is installed at 2000 430 470 530 610
the terminals of a motor, it should be ensured Value in kvar of the maximum compensation feasible on
that the power of the bank is less than the motor terminals without risk of self-excitation
the power needed for self-excitation of the motor,
by complying with the following rule: Capacitor
current Ic ≤ 0,9 x Io (motor no-load current). Io
can be estimated by the following approximate DE90096
calculation:
Io = 2 x In x (1 - cos φn,)
- In = rated current of the motor under load
- cos φn = power factor of the motor under nominal
load.
• Moreover, in any installation containing motors
with high inertia and capacitor banks, the banks’
switchgear and controlgear shall be designed in
such a way that in the event of a general power
failure, no electrical bonding may remain between
these motors and the capacitors.
Capacitor mounting on motor terminals
Practical rule: The capacitive current should be
less than 90% of the motor’s current under
C
no load. This means compensating only
the reactive energy of the motor “under no load”,
which may represent only 50% of the needs under
load. Capacitor mounting on motor terminals
Advantage: This requires only switchgear.
The settings of the protection devices must take
into account the reduction in the reactive current
supplied by the capacitor.
DE90097
Additional compensation may be performed either

at MV at the overall level, or at LV.
Capacitor mounting in parallel with
separate control
In the case of high-power motors, to prevent
any risk of self-excitation, or else in the event
that the motor is started by means of special
equipment (resistors, reactors, autotransformers),
the capacitors will be switched on only after
starting. The reactive power to be supplied can be
calculated according to the improvement in
the power factor wanted. Inrush reactors
NB: If there are several banks of this type in where appli-
the same network, provision should be made for cable
inrush reactors, because this is the same case
as a so-called “stepped” system. Capacitor mounting in parallel with separate control
98
compensation
MV transformer compensation
The power rating of a transformer is given
as apparent power (kVA). The greater tg φ
(or the smaller cos φ), the lower the active power
available for a transformer. The transformer and
the installation are therefore poorly optimized.
The connection of capacitors to the MV terminals of
the transformer therefore offers two advantages:
• Compensate magnetic losses and relieve
the upstream installation. This is extremely
interesting, because the transformer generally
stays energized permanently.
For the reactive power values to be compensated,
see table below.
• Increase the active power available on
the transformer secondary. It is worthwhile,
in the event of a current or future extension,
improving the power factor and thus avoiding
investment in a new transformer.
Apparent power Primary voltage Secondary voltage Short-circuit Reactive power

(MVA) (kV) (kV) voltage to be compensated
Usc (%) unloaded (kvar)
2.5 20 3 to 16 6.5 40
30 3 to 16 6.5 50
3.15 20 3 to 16 7 50
30 3 to 16 7 60
4 20 3 to 16 7 60
30 3 to 16 7 70
5 20 3 to 16 7.5 70
30 3 to 16 7.5 80
6.3 10 to 36 3 to 20 8.1 70
8 10 to 36 3 to 20 8.4 80
10 10 to 36 3 to 20 8.9 90
12.5 10 to 36 3 to 20 9.4 120
16 10 to 36 3 to 20 10.1 130
20 10 to 36 3 to 20 11 140
25 10 to 36 3 to 20 12.1 175
31.5 10 to 36 3 to 20 13.5 190
40 10 to 36 3 to 20 15.3 240
99
compensation
Hybrid VAR compensator (HVC) Fixed capacitor bank & AccuSine PFV+
(No harmonic mitigation)
The Hybrid VAR Compensator is ideally suited
for ultra fast reactive power compensation in Principle diagram
many low and medium voltage distribution
networks containing highly transient loads where Load
DB301010
conventional systems are not suitable (too low).
The HVC employs a fixed or automatic capacitor

bank to provide reactive power at all times, while
MV/LV Qc
AccuSine PFV+ adjusts the output to meet system Xfo
reactive power requirement in timely manner.
AccuSine PFV+ provides dynamic VAR injection to
meet reactive power requirement within 1/4 cycle, AccuSine PFV+
reduce voltage sags created by inductive load
switching, welding operation, etc. Realization diagram
DB301011
HVC can be also proposed with AccuSine PCS+
for harmonic mitigation if non linear loads are
installed and create some distortion.
x2
HVC configurations involve special requirement for
CT sensing to work correctly.
MV/LV Qc
Xfo
AccuSine PFV+ Load
AccuSine PFV+ is connected through a MV/LV

transformer (480V).
AccuSine CTs sense I source. 2 CTs are required.
(If there are single phase loads connected
between Ph and Neutral, then 3 CTs are required).
Follow the CTs polarity as per the arrow.
Generally AccuSine PFV+ is rated at the same

KVAR as the fix capacitor value (Qc), so this
diagram allow fast reactive compensation:
• From Q = 0
(in this situation, AccuSine PFV+ provide -Qc)
• Up to Q = 2*Qc
(in this situation, AccuSine PFV+ provide +Qc).
AccuSine PFV+ can be a single unit or several

units in parallel to increase rating. Maximum
reactive power for PFV+:
Q = 2500KVAR (10 x 300A-480V).
Contact Competency Center if more than 10 units

are required.
100
compensation
Automatic PFC bank & AccuSine PFV+ Automatic PFC bank with AccuSine PFV+
(No harmonic mitigation): and harmonic mitigation (AFH):
This solution allows fast reactive power
Principle diagram compensation and Harmonics mitigation.
Principle diagram
DB301012
Load
DB301014
Load
MV/LV
Xfo
MV/LV MV/LV
Xfo Xfo
AccuSine PFV+ Automatic PFC bank
AccuSine Automatic AccuSine

Realization diagram PFV+ PFC bank PFC+
DB301013
Realization diagram
x2
x1
x1 x2
DB301015
x1
x2
MV/LV Load
Xfo x2
x1 x1
AccuSine PFV+ Automatic PFC bank

MV/LV MV/LV
AccuSine PFV+ is connected through a MV/LV Xfo Xfo
transformer (480V).
This diagram require 4 CTs:
AccuSine Automatic AccuSine
• 2 CTs for AccuSine PVF+ located on source Load
PFV+ PFC bank PCS+
• 2 CTs for Automatic PFC bank, 1 located on
the source and 1 on AccuSine PFV+ connection
(connected in parallel of the source CT but in AccuSine PFV+ and PCS+ are connected through
reverse position). a MV/LV transformer (480V).
Follow the CTs polarity as per the arrow This diagram require 8 CTs:
Sizing of the automatic PFC bank and AccuSine • 2 CTs for AccuSine PFV+ located on source,
PFV+ depends on the variation of the reactive load • 2 CTs for Automatic PFC bank, 1 located on
• Automatic PFC bank will be rated to compensate the source and 1 on AccuSine PFV+ connection
slow reactive variation, (connected in parallel of the source CT but in
• AccuSine PFV+ will be rated to compensate fast reverse position)
reactive variation. • 4 CT’s for Accuine PCS+, 2 located on the
This is recommended to use a PFC bank with all source and 2 on Automatic PFC bank connection
steps at same size to have a correct balancing (connected in parallel of the source CT but in
between all steps. The switching time of the PFC reverse position).
controller used in automatic PFC bank (10s per
default) will be increase to a value compatible with Follow the CTs polarity as per the arrow
both, In this solution, we recommend to use Automatic
• life duration of contactors & caps (around PFC bank with Detuned reactor (3.8th harmonic
100.000 switching’s), order preferred). So if AccuSine PCS+ units are
• accuracy and speed expected on reactive temporarily stopped, PFC bank can handle a
power regulation. temporary increase of THDU up to 8%.
To have a switching time no to important with AccuSine PFV+ or AccuSine PCS+ can be a
a correct life duration of Automatic PFC bank single unit or several units (up to 10 units for each)
(> 7 years) it is recommend to increase number operating in parallel.
of steps.
AccuSine PFV+ can be a single unit or several

units (up to 10) operating in parallel to increase
rating up to 2500KVAR (eg 10 x 300A at 480V).
101
Technical guide Capacitor definitions
and terminology
Scope of application Rated voltage of a capacitor (Un)

The standards (IEC 60871) apply to capacitor Rms value of the alternating voltage for which
units and capacitor banks designed in particular to the capacitor was designed.
be used to correct the power factor
of alternating-current networks having a rated Rated frequency of a capacitor (Fn)
voltage greater than or equal to 1000 V, Frequency for which the capacitor was designed.
of frequency equal to 16 2/3 , 50 or 60 Hz. Rated current of a capacitor (In)
Capacitor element Rms value of an alternating current for which
Device consisting basically of two electrodes the capacitor was designed.
separated by a dielectric.
Residual voltage
Capacitor unit Voltage which remains on the terminals of
Set of one or more capacitor elements placed in the a capacitor for some time after its disconnection.
same enclosure and connected to output terminals.
Highest network voltage (Um)
Capacitor bank The highest value of the phase-to-phase rms
Set of capacitor units connected so as to act jointly. voltage which may occur at any time and any point
on the network in normal operating conditions.
Internal protection of a capacitor This value does not take into account temporary
Fuse mounted inside a unit and con-nected in series with voltage fluctuations due to faults or sudden
an element or a group of elements. tripping causing the separation of major loads.
Capacitor discharge device
Highest voltage for the equipment
Device that can be incorporated in the capacitor
The highest voltage for which the equipment of
and is capable, in a specified time, of reducing
a network is specified with regard to its insulation
practically to zero the voltage between
in particular. This voltage must be at least equal to
the capacitor terminals when the capacitor
the highest voltage of the network for which
has been disconnected from the network.
the equipment is intended.
Rated capacitance (Cn)
Value of the capacitance for which the capacitor Insulation level
was designed. The insulation level of an equipment is defined,
in the present situation, as the expression of
Rated power of a capacitor (Qn) the values of its impulse withstand voltage
Reactive power output at rated values: and its power-frequency withstand voltage.
capacitance, frequency and voltage (or current).
102
Find more about Power
Quality Solutions
We deliver smart & cost-effective Power quality Reactive Energy Management

solutions to improve our customers’ efficiency.
Low Voltage components
Find out more visit

www.schneider-electric.com
and download
PFCED310003EN
AccuSine
Harmonic Filtering and Reactive Power Compensations
The Schneider Electric solution for active harmonic filtering in industrial and
building installations
Find out more visit

and download
AMTED109015EN
VarSet
Low Voltage Capacitor Banks
Energy efficiency, as simple as VarSet
Find out more visit

and download
PFCED310004EN
Relevant documents
Relevant documents published by Schneider Electric
bb Electrical Installation Guide.
bb Expert Guide n°4: "Harmonic detection & filtering".
bb Expert Guide n°6: "Power Factor Correction and Harmonic Filtering Guide"
bb Technical Guide 152: "Harmonic disturbances in networks, and their treatment".
bb White paper: controlling the impact of Power Factor and Harmonics on Energy Efficiency.
Relevant websites
bb http://www.schneider-electric.com
bb http://engineering.electrical-equipment.org/
bb http://www.electrical-installation.org
Relevant standards
bb IEC 60831 - Shunt power capacitors of the self healing for a.c. systems up to 1000V
bb IEC 61642 - Application of filters and shunt capacitors for industrial a.c. networks affected
by harmonics
bb IEC 61921 - Power capacitors-low voltage power factor correction capacitor banks
103
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Power Factor Correction

and harmonic ﬁltering

Energy quality with

• Power Factor Correction solutions modify and control the reactive

> These solutions result in lowering utility power bills by 5 to 10 %.

Harmonics stress the electrical network and potentially damage

• Harmonic Filtering solutions are a means to mitigate the harmonics.

> up to 32 % for single phase machines

> and up to 5 % for transformers.

Portucel Paper Mill

Power Factor Correction €9m

Equipment such as drives, inverters, These harmonics stress the network,

To define the solutions to be employed, you must:

Activity Fixed Automatic Dynamic Passive Surge Blocking

Schneider Electric undertakes...

Schneider Electric joins forces

Because each The variety of You can express your

Why compensate reactive energy? 14

Every electrical system (cable, line, transformer, motor, lighting, etc.)

The reactive energy demanded by the loads is supplied by the electrical

Active energy Active energy

For these reasons, it is necessary to produce reactive energy as close as

Active energy Active energy

Compensating reactive energy makes it possible to

reduce losses by Joule effect;

reduce voltage drops;

increase the installation’s service life by reducing overheating;

reduce the electricity bill.

A “capacitor bank” generally consists of several single-phase

The capacitor banks are branch-mounted on the network.

Choice of bank type according to the harmonics

Individual compensation is recommended especially when a load

switchgear. In large installations, the bank compensates all the reactive

Partial compensation has the advantage of entailing lower capital

grouped in a single place, usually in the transformer substation. However,

Protection by internal fuses increases the availability of capacitor banks,

This differential arrangement is a sensitive protection system, independent

Choice of coupling mode depends on:

Example of double star Example of delta Example of H connection

* DR: Detuning Reactor

CP 214 CP 227 DR CP 253 CP 254

All applications Energy application

CP 214 CP 253 CP 227 CP 254 CP 229 CP 230

* Standard offer; for other values, please contact us

Special service conditions (please, consult us)

Common electrical characteristics

The banks are delta-connected (three-phase capacitors). HRC fuses

5 Self de choc / Damping Reactor

6 Condensateurs / Capacitor Units

Mains voltage (kV)

Mains voltage (kV)

General view, dimensions and three-lines diagram

compensation 2banks can be installed indoors

in aluminium or3 steel enclosures.

4 Fusible / Fuse HRC

• Suitable for networks

Mains voltage (kV)

Mains voltage (kV)

General view, dimensions and three-lines diagram

These banks are made of predesigned modules connected together.

The I or I1 modules are delivered assembled to module C or module R.

General view, dimensions Electrical characteristics

5.5 1000 4100 5

• Incoming cables from bottom or top in option

• LV control cabinet

D L • Inrush current limiting reactors

• Measurement of DQ – “kvar” required to achieve target cos phi.