Location of Capacitor banks for PF Improvement

  • Thread starter b.shahvir
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Because of this, it is more cost effective to install fixed capacitors on the output LT side of the distribution transformer rather than the input HT side. Centralized APFC controlled capacitor banks can be placed at the LT or HT side of the distribution transformer to improve power factor for both the transformer and the load. This would eliminate the need for multiple satellite capacitor banks at individual load side panels, simplifying the electrical network.
  • #1
b.shahvir
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Hi All, :smile:

In an electrical system consisting of Distribution Xmer and Load, normally, fixed compensation for Dist Xmer PF improvement is provided by installing fixed value of capacitor banks at the LT side. A number of satellite capacitor banks controlled by APFC panels are installed at the load side elec. panels for PF improvement of individual loads.

My question is;

1) Why do we connect fixed capacitors on o/p LT side of Dist. Xmer and not on i/p HT side?

2) Instead of having several APFC controlled satellite capacitor banks scattered at individual load side panels, why can't centralised APFC controlled capacitor banks be placed at LT (or HT side) of Dist. Xmer which would take care of PF improvement of both Dist Xmer as well as load?

This, in my opinion, would prevent fixing of several lower kVAR capacity APFC controlled capacitor banks for PF improvement of individual loads which adds to unnecessary complications in a large electrical network.

Thanks & Kind Regards,
Shahvir
 
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  • #2
The cost of capacitors depends on both capacitance and rated voltage. Surge withstand voltage is also a cost factor.

Capacitors on the low side of DTs have less exposure to lightning surges.
 

Related to Location of Capacitor banks for PF Improvement

1. What is the purpose of capacitor banks for power factor (PF) improvement?

Capacitor banks are used to improve the power factor of an electrical system. Power factor is a measure of how efficiently electricity is being used, and a low power factor can lead to increased energy costs and decreased system performance. Capacitor banks help to correct the power factor by supplying reactive power to the system, which balances out the reactive power drawn by inductive loads.

2. How do you determine the optimal location for installing capacitor banks for PF improvement?

The optimal location for capacitor banks depends on the specific electrical system and its load characteristics. Generally, they should be placed as close as possible to the inductive loads that are causing the low power factor. This can be determined through power factor correction studies or by analyzing the system's power flow and load profiles.

3. Can capacitor banks be installed at any point in the electrical system?

No, capacitor banks should not be installed at just any point in the electrical system. They should be placed strategically to avoid overcompensation and potential damage to equipment. Capacitor banks should not be installed on the same feeder as large inductive loads, and they should be avoided near voltage regulators, transformers, or other sensitive equipment.

4. What are the potential benefits of installing capacitor banks for PF improvement?

There are several potential benefits of installing capacitor banks for PF improvement. These include reduced energy costs, improved voltage stability, increased system capacity, and decreased line losses. Capacitor banks can also help to prolong the life of electrical equipment by reducing the stress caused by poor power factor.

5. Are there any potential drawbacks or risks associated with installing capacitor banks for PF improvement?

While there are many benefits to installing capacitor banks, there are also potential drawbacks and risks that should be considered. If not installed properly, they can lead to overcompensation and cause voltage fluctuations, which can damage equipment. In addition, capacitor banks can also create harmonic distortion in the system, which can affect the performance of sensitive equipment. It is important to carefully plan and design the installation of capacitor banks to mitigate these risks.

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