Cfied205098en (Web)

Energy management
Power Factor Correction

and harmonic filtering
solutions
PE90085
Medium Voltage
Catalogue
2010
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
How to upgrade electrical network

and improve energy efficiency ?
Energy quality
with Power Factor
Correction 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
Every electric machine needs active and reactive power to operate.
Power factor is used to identify the level of reactive energy.
If the power factor drops below the limit set by the utility, then
power factor correction equipment can be installed in order to avoid
penalties. By correcting a poor power factor, these solutions also
reduce kVA demand. The results are a 5 to 10% lower electricity bill,
cooler equipment operation and longer equipment life. In addition
proper power factor correction helps optimize electrical network
loading and improves reliability.
1 month
payback.
We installed a 5Mvar
capacitor banks.
Annual cost savings
will reach 12m &
implementation costs
1m
Portucel Paper Mill
in Portugal
9%
Harmonic filtering
Equipment such as drives, inverters, UPS, arc furnaces,
transformers during energization and discharge lamps generate
harmonic currents and voltage distortion.
These harmonics stress the network, overload cables and
transformers, cause outages and disturb many types of equipment
such as computers, telephones, and rotating machines.
The life of equipment can be greatly reduced.
reduction in our
energy consumption
after we installed
10 capacitor banks.
Electricity bill
optimized
by 8% and payback
in 2 years
Testifies Michelin
Automotive
in France
9m
MV Capacitor banks
installed, cost saving
of 9m,
payback in
just 2 months.
RFF Railways France
1 year
DE90070
70 capacitor banks
installed, energy
consumption reduced
by 10%,
electricity bill optimised
by 18%, payback in
just 1 year.
Madrid Barrajas
airport Spain
5%
Before
After
LV capacitor bank
and active filter
installed, energy
consumption
reduced by 5%.
POMA OTIS
transportation
systems Switzerland
1
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
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.
PE90086
Contribute to environmental conservation by reducing losses

in transmission and distribution networks.
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%.
PE90087
Benefit from the assurance provided by standardization

by anticipating the requirements of regulations currently being
prepared, deploying environmentally friendly solutions.
E003435
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
MV Power Factor Correction

Energy - Production
Wind-power farms
MV capacitor banks
MV dynamic compensation
Blocking circuits
Energy - Transmission
EHV/HV substation
HV capacitor banks
HV passive lters
Industry
MV/MV substations
MV capacitor banks
MV passive lters
Surge suppressors
Energy - Production
Solar power farms
Blocking circuits
Energy - Distribution
MV/MV substation
Infrastructure
MV/LV substation
MV capacitor banks
MV passive lters
MV capacitor banks
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
MV Power Factor Correction

PE90079
PE90080
To define the solutions to be employed, you must:

identify and quantify the problems to be solved (usually by an on-site audit);
analyse the criticality of the installation and validate the objectives to be achieved.
The following table shows the typical solutions proposed for installations in various sectors
of activity.
Activity
PE90081
PE90075
PE90076
PE90077
PE90078
Energy
Transmission
Distribution
Wind-power
Solar power
Infrastructure
Water
Tunnels
Airports
Industry
Paper
Chemicals
Plastics
Glass-ceramics
Iron and steel
Mtallurgy
Automotive industry
Cement
Mines-quarries
Refineries
Fixed
banks
Automatic
banks
Dynamic
compensation
Passive
filters
Surge
suppressors
Blocking
circuits
PE56733
Quality & Environment
Quality certified ISO 9001,

ISO 9002 and ISO 14001
A major strength
In each of its units, Schneider Electric has an operating organization
whose main role is to verify quality and ensure compliance with
standards. This procedure is:
uniform for all departments;
recognized by numerous customers and official organizations.
But, above all, its strict application has made it possible to obtain
the recognition of an independent organization: French QA
management organization AFAQ ("Association Franaise pour
lAssurance Qualit").
The quality system for design and manufacturing is certified
in compliance with the requirements of the ISO 9001 Quality
Assurance model.
ISO 900 1
ISO 9002
ISO 14001
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.
Stringent, systematic controls

During its manufacture, each equipment item undergoes systematic
routine tests to verify its quality and compliance:
measurement of operating capacity and tolerances;
measurement of losses;
dielectric testing;
checks on safety and locking systems;
checks on low-voltage components;
verification of compliance with drawings and diagrams.
The results obtained are recorded and initialled by
the Quality Control Department on the specific test certificate
for each device.
10 %
Up to
savings on your
energy bill.
10%
Jarylec*
31%
Steel
Zinc
Epoxy resin
24%
Brass
Paper, wood, cardboard
Tin-plated copper
2%
19%
7%
Aluminium (film)
5%
1%
Polypropylene (film)
1%
* Jarylec: dielectric
liquid with no PCB
or chlorine, compatible
with the environment
Raw materials breakdown for MV capacitors
PE90088
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
A new solution for building your electrical

installations
A comprehensive offer
The power factor correction and harmonic filtering offer form part of
a comprehensive offering of products perfectly coordinated
to meet all medium- and low-voltage power distribution needs.
All these products have been designed to operate together:
electrical, mechanical and communications consistency.
The electrical installation is accordingly both 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.
Tools for easier design and setup

With Schneider Electric, you have a complete range of tools
that support you in the knowledge and setup of products,
all this in compliance with the standards in force and standard
engineering practice.
These tools, technical notebooks and guides, design aid software,
training courses, etc. are regularly updated
Because each
electrical installation
is a specific case,
there is no universal
solution. The variety
of combinations
available to you
allows you to
achieve genuine
customization of
technical solutions.
You can express
your creativity
and highlight your
expertise in the
design, development
and operation of an
electrical installation.
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
Main Contents
Overview
1-8
MV capacitor banks
11
Protection systems
39
Components
45
Special equipment
57
Installations and dimensions
65
Services
69
Design guide
73
Technical guide
79
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
MV capacitor banks
Contents
Why compensate reactive energy?

Choice of compensation type
Choice of compensation location
Choice of protection system type
Choice of coupling mode
Overview of offer
Functions and general characteristics
Banks for motor compensation
12
13
14
15
16
18
20
22
Fixed bank CP 214

Fixed bank CP 214 SAH
22
24
Banks for industrial compensation
26
Automatic bank CP 253

Automatic bank CP 253 SAH
26
28
Banks for global compensation
30
Fixed bank CP 227
30
Banks for distribution and large site networks
32
Automatic bank CP 254
32
Banks for distribution networks
34
Fixed bank CP 229
34
Banks for transport and distribution networks
36
Fixed bank CP 230
36
11
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 () between the voltage and current.
This is an energy that is necessary but produces no work.
DE90071
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.
Power
generation
Active energy
Transmission
network
Reactive energy
Active energy
Motor
Reactive energy
DE90071
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 installations 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.
Power
generation
Active energy
Transmission
network
Active energy
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 installations service life by reducing overheating;
reduce the electricity bill.
12
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.
13
MV capacitor
banks
Choice of compensation location
DE90072
Individual
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.
Individual compensation
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
and voltage drops in conductors.
Partial/by sector
DE90072
In the case of compensation by sector (or workshop), several loads

are connected to a joint capacitor bank which is operated by its own
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 /
by sector
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 occurrence of permanent overvoltages which cause premature
electrical equipment ageing.
Global
DE90072
In the case of global compensation, the production of reactive energy

is 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.
Total compensation
14
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 plants 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.
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 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.
PE90089
This differential arrangement is a sensitive protection system, independent

of network interference, very suitable whatever the power values.
15
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.
16
DE90073
DE90073
DE90099
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.
Example of double star

connection
Example of delta
connection
Example of H connection
(by phase)
Recommended configuration
2 000
2 400
3 000
3 500
YY connection
6 single-phase
capacitors
4 000
6 000
YY connection
9 or 12 capacitors
YY connection of 12 singlephase capacitors (series)
PE90091
PE90090
Q (kvar) /
600
900
1 200
U network (kV)
3,3
4,16
Delta connection
5,5
1 or 2 three-phase
6,6
capacitors
10
11
13,2
13,8
15
20
22
30
33
17
MV capacitor
banks
Overview of offer
Industrial application
Applications
Motor compensation
Fixed bank
Reference
CP214
Industrial compensation
Automatic bank
CP214SAH*
CP253
DE90082
DE90082
DE90082
Three-lines diagrams
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
18
PB102001_SE
CP 227SAH
PB102003_SE
CP 214
PB101996_SE
PE90107
* SAH: Detuning Reactor

** HRC: High Rupturing Capacity
*** CT: Current Transformer
**** For larger power rating, please contact us
CP 253
CP 254
Energy application
All applications
CP253SAH*
CP227
CP254
CP229
CP230
Up to 36kV
Single-phase capacitors with double star connection
HRC fuses
Unbalance by CT***
and relay
Unbalance by CT*** and relay
Up to 4000 kvar
12 x 600, i.e. 7200 kvar
12 x 480, i.e. 5760 kvar
Please contact us
Please contact us
SAH* on request
SAH* on request
SAH* on request
SAH* on request
PE90084
Up to 12 kV
Three-phase capacitors
up to 900 kvar,
single-phase capacitors
with double star
connection above
PE90108
From 12 to 36 kV
DE90082
Distribution
and Transport system
Fixed bank
DE90082
Distribution system
Fixed bank
DE90082
Distribution system
Large sites
Automatic bank
DE90082
Global compensation
Fixed bank
DE90082
Industrial compensation
Automatic bank
CP 229
CP 230
Up to 36 kV
Above 36 kV
Single-phase capacitors
with double star
or H connection
19
MV capacitor
banks
Functions and general characteristics
7.2 kV
12 kV
24 kV
36 kV
52 kV
Compensation and Filtering
Bank power*
kvar
Steps
quantity
type
Capacitor connection
delta
double star
H
Detuning reactor
Capacitor protection
Inrush reactors (N/A with DR)
Fuse protection
Blown fuse indicator
Quick discharge reactor (< 24 kV)
Switch
Measuring
Current transformer
Voltage transformer
People safety
Earthing switch
3-pole
5-pole
Line disconnector
with earthing switch
Interlock
Control and regulation
Control and
mounted on door
monitoring unit
separated
Automatic controller
standard
communication
Auto/local selector switch
Ingress protection
IP
IP00
IP23
IP54
Double roof
Connection
Cable entry
bottom
top
Access
with door
Mains voltage
CP 214
900
1
fixed
* Standard offer; for other values, please contact us

: standard
: optional functions
20
CP 253
4 500
5*
auto
CP 227
CP 254
CP 229
CP 230
7 200
1
fixed
5 760
5*
auto
1
fixed
1
fixed
Service conditions
Ambient air temperature
40C.
30 C average per 24h.
-25C.
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 -40C to +50C (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 -25C and +55C.
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: CEI 60871-1&2, BS 1650, VDE 0560, C22-2 N190-M1985, NEMA CP1.
High-voltage circuit breakers: IEC 56.
Current transformers: IEC 60044.
Earthing switch: IEC 129C.
Relays, Power factor controller: IEC 60010.
Quick discharge reactors, Damping reactors: IEC 60076-6.
Insulators: IEC 168 - 273 - 815.
High-voltage contactors: IEC 420 / IEC 470.
High-voltage fuses: IEC 282.1 / IEC 787.
Common electrical characteristics

Tolerance on bank power rating: 0/+10% (0/+5%, power > 3 Mvar).
Relative capacitance variation with temperature: -3,5.10-4/C
Insulation coordination
Highest voltage for the equipment
UM (kV)
7.2
12
17.5
24
36
Power-frequency withstand
voltage (kV rms, 50 Hz - 1 mn)
20
28
38
50
70
Impulse withstand
voltage (kV peak, 1.2 / 50 s)
60
75
95
125
170
21
MV capacitor
banks

Insulation up to 12 kV 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Fixed bank CP214
Application
DE90066
The CP214 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.
5
3
4
2
6
1
1: Frame
2: Insulators
3: Quick discharge reactors
4: Fuses
5: Inrushj reactors
6: Capacitors
The banks are delta-connected (three-phase capacitors). HRC fuses provide protection against
internal faults. The proposed CP214 compensation banks can be installed indoors or outdoors,
mounted in aluminium or steel enclosures.
Small size
Specially designed for motor compensation
22
Power (kvar)
DE90058
Electrical characteristics
Power (kvar)
DE90059
Mains voltage (kV)
Mains voltage (kV)
Composition
Each CP214 bank comprises the following components:
A frame in painted aluminium and steel panels (RAL 9002), IP 23 for indoor installation.
PROPIVAR single-phase capacitors (1 or 2 elements depending on the power of the bank).
Three inrush current limiting reactors.
Three HRC fuses (with striker).
Options
Outdoor type enclosure
(panels in unpainted aluminium).
Double roof for outdoor type enclosure.
Set of 2 quick discharge reactors.

Door with lock.
Blown fuse indicator.
MT20135
DE90100
General view, dimensions and three-lines diagram
H: 1700 mm, L: 900 mm, D: 1200 mm.

Approximate weight: 400 to 560 kg.
23
MV capacitor
banks

Fixed bank CP214 SAH
Application
DE90106
The CP 214 SAH medium-voltage capacitor banks are designed for use in electrical networks
up to 12 kV. The CP214 SAH banks are used for reactive energy compensation
in medium-voltage networks containing harmonics.
This range is especially suitable for individual MV motor compensation.
2
5
4
1: Frame
2: Insulators
4: Fuses
5: Detuning reactors
6: Capacitors
3
6
The banks are delta-connected (three-phase capacitors). HRC fuses provide protection against internal
faults. The proposed CP214SAH compensation banks can be installed indoors or outdoors, mounted
in aluminium or steel enclosures.
Small size
Specially designed for motor compensation
Suitable for networks with high harmonic levels
24
Power (kvar)
DE90060
Power (kvar)
DE90061
Mains voltage (kV)
Mains voltage (kV)
Composition
Each CP214SAH bank comprises the following elements:
A frame in painted aluminium and steel panels (RAL 9002), IP 23 for indoor installation.
PROPIVAR single-phase capacitors (1 or 2 elements depending on the power of the bank).
Three HRC fuses (with striker).
A three-phase detuning reactor (dry type with magnetic core and natural convection cooling).
Outdoor type enclosure (panels in unpainted aluminium).

Sets of two quick discharge reactors: 7.2 - 12 kV.
Door with lock.
Double roof for outdoor type.
DE90100b
Options
DE90062
80
H: 1900 mm, L: 2000 mm, D: 1100 mm.

25
MV capacitor
banks

Automatic bank CP253
Application
DE90107
The CP253 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.
The 1 step CP253 model is mainly designed for individual compensation of MV motors to avoid
the risk of self-excitation.
1
5
7
4
3
6
1: Frame
2: Insulators
4: Fuses
5: Contactors
6: Capacitors
7: Inrush reactors
These banks are delta-connected (three-phase capacitors) and the HRC fuses provide protection
against internal faults. An optional cubicle containing a power factor controller 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).
26
Total installation compensation

Fluctuating load level
Ease of access to components
Simplified maintenance
Easy installation
Mains
voltage (kV)
3.3
5. 5
6.3
6.6
10
11
Steps
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
kvar - 50 Hz
Min.
30
60
120
210
1 500
35
70
140
245
1 750
40
80
160
280
2 000
45
90
180
315
2 250
50
100
200
350
2 500
105
210
420
840
1 575
125
250
500
1 000
1 890
Mains
voltage (kV)
2.4
Max.
360
720
1 080
1 440
1 800
420
840
1 260
1 680
2 100
480
960
1 440
1 920
2 400
540
1 080
1 620
2 160
2 700
600
1 200
1 800
2 400
3 000
630
1 260
1 890
2 520
3 150
760
1 520
2 280
3 040
3 800
4.16
6.6
10
Steps
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
kvar - 60 Hz
Min.
20
40
80
140
1 000
60
120
240
420
3 000
60
120
240
420
3 000
125
250
500
1 000
1 890
Max.
240
480
720
960
1 200
720
1 440
2 160
2 880
3 600
720
1 440
2 160
2 880
3 600
750
1 500
2 250
3 000
3 750
Composition
Each CP253 bank comprises the following
elements:
An enclosure in unpainted aluminium or
galvanized steel, IP 23 for indoor installation.
PROPIVAR three-phase capacitors
(1 or 2 elements per step).
One ROLLARC SF6 contactor per step.
Three inrush current limiting reactors per step.
Three HRC fuses (with striker) per step.
Options
Outdoor type enclosure.
Door with lock.
Control and monitoring cubicle
for "n" steps.
Step auto/manual selector switch.

Sets of two quick discharge reactors:
7.2 - 12 kV.
Earthing switch.
DE90074
DE90102
80
1 stepp
2 steps
p
3 steps
4 steps
p
5 steps
p
H
2 000
2 000
2 000
2 000
2 000
L
1 500
2 600
3 700
00
4 800
5 900
D
D
1 600
1 600
1 600
1 600
1 600
27
MV capacitor
banks

Automatic bank CP253 SAH
Application
DE90108
The CP253 SAH medium-voltage capacitor banks are designed for use in electrical networks
up to 12 kV. The CP253 SAH 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.
2
3
6
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
Frame
Insulators
Fuses
Contactors
Capacitors
Detuning reactors
These banks are delta-connected (three-phase capacitors) and the HRC fuses provide protection
against internal faults. An optional cubicle containing a power factor controller 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).
28

Easy installation
Suitable for networks with a high harmonic level
Mains
voltage (kV)
3.3
5.5
6.3
6.6
10
11
Steps
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
kvar - 50 Hz
Min.
32,5
65
130
230
1 650
37,5
75
150
265
1 850
42,5
85
170
300
2 100
47,5
95
190
335
2 400
52,5
105
210
370
2 650
110
220
440
880
1 665
135
270
540
1 080
2 020
Mains
voltage (kV)
2.4
Max.
400
800
1 200
1 600
2 000
450
900
1 350
1 800
2 250
510
1 020
1 530
2 040
2 550
580
1 160
1 740
2 320
2 900
640
1 280
1 920
2 560
3 200
670
1 340
2 010
2 680
3 350
810
1 620
2 430
3 240
4 050
4.16
6.6
10
Steps
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
kvar - 60 Hz
Min.
20
40
80
140
1 050
65
130
260
455
3 250
65
130
260
455
3 200
125
250
500
1 000
1 890
Max.
260
520
780
1 040
1 300
780
1 560
2 340
3 120
3 900
770
1 540
2 310
3 080
3 850
750
1 500
2 250
3 000
3 750
Composition
Each CP253SAH bank comprises the following
elements:
An enclosure in unpainted aluminium or
galvanized steel, IP 23 for indoor installation.
PROPIVAR three-phase capacitors
(1 or 2 elements per step).
One ROLLARC SF6 contactor per step.
A detuning reactor (dry type, with magnetic
core, air cooling) per step.
Three HRC fuses (with striker) per step.
Options
Sets of two quick discharge reactors:
7.2 - 12 kV.
Earthing switch.

Door with lock.
Control and monitoring cubicle
for "n" steps.
1 stepp
2 steps
p
3 steps
p
4 steps
p
5 steps
p
H
2 000
2 000
2 000
2 000
2 000
DE90102b
DE90075
80
D
L
1 500
2 600
3 700
4 800
5 900
D
2 400
2 400
2 400
2 400
2 400
29
MV capacitor
banks
Banks for global compensation

Fixed bank CP227
Application
DE90067
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.
4
2
5
1
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. The proposed CP227 compensation banks
can be installed outdoors or indoors, mounted in aluminium or steel enclosures.
NB: CP 227 SAH fixed banks with detuning reactor are designed and proposed on request.
30

Easy installation
Power (kvar)
Power (kvar)
DE90063
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 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).
Door with lock.
Sets of two quick discharge reactors by steps.

Unbalance protection relay (supplied
separately).
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.
DE90064
DE90101
80
D
31
MV capacitor
banks
Banks for distribution

and large sites networks
Automatic bank CP254
Application
DE90109
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.
4
3
1
2
1: Frame
2: Insulators of earthing switch
4: Detuning reactors
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).
32

Easy installation
Mains voltage (kV)
15
20
22
30
33
kvar - 50 Hz
Min.
600
600
720
1 200
1 440
Mains voltage (kV)
Max.
4 200
4 800
5 760
4 800
5 760
13.8
33
kvar - 60 Hz
Min.
Max.
600
4 200
1 740
6 960
Composition
Each CP254 bank comprises the following elements:
An enclosure in unpainted aluminium or galvanized steel, IP 23 for indoor installation.
PROPIVAR capacitors (6, 9 or 12 elements per step depending on the power of the bank).
An SF6 switch.
A current transformer for unbalance protection.
Options

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.
* 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.
DE90103
DE90076
80
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.
33
MV capacitor
banks
Banks for distribution networks

Fixed bank CP229
Application
DE90068
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.
5
1
2
6
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
Frame
Insulators
Unbalance CT
Supporting stands
Capacitors
Copper busbar
Connection pad
These banks are connected in double star (up to 36 capacitors) and the unbalance current
detection system provides protection against internal faults.
34
Total plant compensation

Suitable for high power
Easy installation
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).
DE90104
DE90065
General view and three-lines diagram
35
MV capacitor
banks
Banks for transport and distribution

networks
Fixed bank CP230
Application
DE90069
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.
7
6
3
10
2
9
8
1
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 steel frames. Schneider
Electric can propose capacitor banks for networks up to 230 kV.
36
HV and EHV compensation

Special design adapted to customer specifications
Adaptation to site conditions
Simple, robust installation
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.
DE90105
DE90077
General view and three-lines diagram
37
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
Protection systems
Contents
Types of faults in capacitor banks

People safety
Protection of capacitors
40
41
42
39
Protection
systems
Types of faults in capacitor banks
DE90057
The main faults that can affect a capacitor

bank are:
Element short circuit in a capacitor.
Overload.
Short circuit (two- and three-phase).
Phase-to-earth fault.
1.33 IN
Element short circuit in a capacitor

Without internal protection (Fig. 1)
Elements wired in parallel are therefore bypassed by the short circuited
unit (cf. Propivar capacitors, p.46).
The capacitors impedance is modified.
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.
Initial voltage of element, UNE (equal to UN/4) becomes, after fault, equal
to UN/3, either 1.33 UNE.
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
If=1.33 IN
1.33 UNE
1.33 UNE
Figure 1: Wafer short circuit without

internal fuse protection
Overload
Overload is due to a permanent or temporary overcurrent:
permanent overcurrent due to:
- a rise in the supply voltage;
- the circulation of a harmonic current due to the presence of nonlinear
loads such as static converters (rectifiers, variable speed drives),
arc furnaces, etc.;
temporary overcurrent due to energizing of steps of a bank.
An overload results in overheating which is harmful to dielectric
strength, and causes premature capacitor ageing.
DE90056
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
external overvoltages (lightning stroke, switching surge) or insulation
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 IN
0.978 UNE
0.978 UNE
1.067 UNE
0.978 UNE
Figure 2: Wafer short circuit

with internal fuse protection
40
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 (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 the loop impedance (which depends on the networks earthing system).
The resulting current may be very low and inadequate to cause blowing
of external fuses, which may result in a gradual overpressure (accumulation
of gases) and heavy stresses on the enclosure.
Protection
systems
People safety
The main devices contributing to people safety

in reactive energy compensation equipment are:
Digital protection relay
(phase-to-earth fault, short circuit).
Quick discharge reactors.
Earthing switch.
External fuses.
Digital protection relays

It performs protection against the various types of fault.
Phase-to-earth fault by earth overcurrent protection (ANSI 50N-51N)
which allows detection of overcurrents due to phase-to-earth faults.
It uses measurement of the fundamental component of the earth current.
Overload by thermal overload protection (ANSI 49 RMS) which
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

PE90102
The installation of two quick discharge reactors (PT potential

transformers) between phases of the bank allows capacitor
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
and it is essential to comply with a 2-hour rest period (for cooling)
before starting a sequence again.
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
PE90101
Quick discharge reactors
The disconnector is an electromechanical device allowing mechanical

separation of an electric circuit and its power supply, while physically
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.
Medium-voltage line disconnectors are often combined with
an earthing switch.
Earthing switch
41
Protection
systems
Protection of capacitors
The main capacitor protection devices are:

Internal fuses.
External fuses.
Inrush reactors.
Unbalance protection relays.
Digital protection relay (overload).
Internal fuses
Propivar capacitors (single-phase capacitors) can be supplied with
protection by an internal fuse combined with each element.
In the event of failure of one element, it will be disconnected and
isolated. Failure of an element can occur:
when the capacitors 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 capacitors voltage is close to zero. Circulation of total
capacitor current causes blowing of the internal fuse (Fig. 2).
DE90078
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)
DE90079
Fig. 1: Internal fuse blowing caused by discharge of

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

the capacitors voltage is close to zero
42
PE90092
External fuses
PE90103
HRC fuses
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
the external fuse operates, eliminating the failed capacitor from
the circuit.
Protection by external HRC (High Rupturing Capacity) fuses
incorporated 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
PE90104
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
the current rating of the bank.
Main characteristics:
Air-core reactors, dry type.
Single-phase configuration.
Indoor or outdoor installation.
In compliance with IEC or equivalent standards.
Current transformer for 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 banks switchgear (circuit breaker, switch, contactor, etc.).
Note: there is no unbalance protection with three-phase capacitors.
43
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
Components
Contents
MV Propivar capacitor
Varlogic power factor controller
Current Transformer
Potential Transformer
Detuning or filtering reactor
Rollarc contactor SF1& SF2 circuit breakers
SF1& SF2 circuit breakers
Control and monitoring unit
Digital protection relay: Sepam
46
48
49
49
50
51
52
53
54
45
Components
MV Propivar capacitor
052312_SE
Propivar capacitors are used to build capacitor

banks for reactive energy compensation
on medium- and high-voltage networks.
Through various assemblies, they can cover
various reactive power ratings according to
the mains voltage, frequency and level
of harmonic distortion of the network.
Description
A medium-voltage Propivar capacitor takes the form of a metal
enclosure with terminals on top.
This enclosure contains a set of capacitor elements. Wired in seriesparallel groups, they can form unit elements of high power
for high network voltages. Two types are proposed:
with internal fuses (single-phase capacitor), available with Q > 150 kvar;
without internal fuse (three-phase or single-phase capacitor).
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, or without discharge resistor.
Composition
The capacitor elements forming the Propivar capacitor are made of:
aluminium sheet armatures;
polypropylene films;
a PCB chlorine free dielectric fluid.
Main characteristics
Propivar capacitors have a long service life increased by their thermal
resistance and their low losses, their chemical stability and
their resistance to overvoltages and overcurrents.
Single-phase Propivar
Thermal resistance
At low temperature, these capacitors start up without any special
precautions.
At higher ambient temperatures, they sustain very slight heating,
so that there is no risk of modification of the dielectric insulation
properties.
DB108807
Chemical stability
Transient surges in networks and partial discharge levels in enclosures
cause accelerated ageing of capacitor elements. The exceptionally long
service life of Propivar 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;
an overvoltage at power frequency of 1.15 UN, 30 minutes per day;
a permanent overcurrent of 1.3 IN.
Their resistance is verified (EDF certification) by:
1000 non-consecutive cycles at an overvoltage level of 2.25 UN
(cycle duration 12 periods);
ageing tests at 1.4 UN (3,000 hours).
Propivar capacitor with internal fuse, built with
4 series group of 12, parallel elements complete
with discharge resistors
46
Insulation voltage
In accordance with Standard IEC 60871-1 and 2.
Highest voltage for the equipment Um
kV
7.2
12
17.5
24
36
Insulation level
kV rms, 50 Hz-1 mn
kV impulse, 1,2/50 s
38
95
50
125
70
170
20
60
28
75
In accordance with Standard NEMA CP1 applicable in some

North American countries (USA, Canada).
Highest voltage for the equipment Um
kV
5.5
15.5
19.8
27.5
38
Insulation level
kV rms, 50 Hz-1 mn
kV impulse, 1,2/50 s
36
125
50
150
70
200
24
75
30
95
Environmental protection
The Propivar capacitor contains a dielectric liquid with no PCB
or chlorine, compatible with the environment.
Other characteristics
Operating frequency
Temperature range(1)
Average loss factor
at 20C after stabilization
Maximum
nominal
reactive power(2)
50 Hz or 60 Hz
-40 to +50C
0.16 W/kvar with internal fuses
0.12 W/kvar without internal fuse
450 kvar
Three-phase
capacitor
Single-phase
capacitor
600 kvar
Tolerance
-5 % to +15 %
on capacitance value
Relative capacitance
-3.5 . 10-4/C
variation C/C per C
Connection
on resin terminals for cables of cross section 50 mm2
Sealed welded enclosure Thickness
1.5 mm
Material: stainless steel 304L
Colour
RAL 7038 grey
Corrosion protection treatment
Fastening
by 2 pierced lugs for M10 screws
DB113001
DB113002
(1) +55)C on request - (2) Other power ratings, please consult us
Single-phase Propivar
Three-phase Propivar
47
Components
Varlogic power factor controller
PB10032_SE
PB10033_SE
Varlogic controllers constantly measure

the installations reactive power
and manage connection and disconnection
of capacitor steps to obtain the desired
power factor.
The NRC12 can manage up to 12 capacitor
steps and has extensive functionalities
including Modbus communication (optional).
It simplifies the commissioning, monitoring
and maintenance of power factor
correction equipment.
Varlogic NRC12
NRC12 technical specifications

Number of steps
Dimensions
Frequency
Monitoring current
Monitoring voltage*
Measured power
display
Nominal consumption
Tensions dalimentation
Output relay
Screen
Degree of protection
Target pf (cos ) range
Response current C/K
Reconnection time
Response time
Values displayed
Type of installation
Enclosure
Operating temperature
Alarm history
Stepped meter
Fan control
by dedicated relay
Alarm contact
TC range
Detection
of voltage dips
Communication
12
155 x 158 x 80 mm
50 Hz nominal (range 48...52 Hz)
60 Hz nominal (range 58...62 Hz)
01 A or 0...5 A
80690 V (nominal, max. 115%)
100 000 kVA
13 VA
110 V nominal, (range 88...130 V)
250 V, 2 A
Graphic display, resolution 64x128 pixels, backlit
IP41 front panel, IP20 rear panel
0.85 ind 1.00 0.90 cap

0.01 ... 1.99, symmetric or asymmetric
10900 s
20 % reconnexion time, min. 10 s
cos , Iact, Ireact, Iapp, IRMS/I1, P, Q, S, THD (U)
and harmonic voltages, THD(I) and harmonic current,
internal and external temperature
Flush mounting or on DIN rail
Impact-resistant PC/ABS, UL94V-0
060C
List of the last 5 alarms
Yes
Yes. 250 Vac, 8A
Yes. 250 Vac, 8A
25/1 6000/1 or 25/5 6000/5
Response time > 15 ms
Modbus protocol with CCA-01 (option)
* Voltage transformer ratio input allows display/monitoring of primary voltage

in MV installation
48
Components
Current Transformer
Current Transformer
Composition and types
Current Transformers are designed to perform protection and
monitoring functions.
Detection of overcurrents in capacitor banks and supply of a signal
to the protection relay.
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
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.
DE52359
DE52344
Current Transformers (CT) meet standard IEC

60044-1.
Their function is to supply the secondary
circuit with a current that is proportional to that
of the MV circuit on which they are installed.
The primary is series-mounted on the MV
network and subject to the same over-currents
as the latter and withstands the MV voltage.
Magnetic core
The double star arrangement and unbalance protection require the use
of special current transformers (class X).
Magnetic core
Closed core type current
transformer
PE56030
Wound type primary

current transformer
Current Transformer
Composition and types
Potential Transformers are designed to perform protection and
monitoring functions.
Detection of over-/under-voltages in capacitor banks and supply
of a signal to the protection relay.
Supply of a signal to the power factor controller.
PE56700
Potential Transformers (PT) meet standard

IEC 60044-2.
They have two key functions:
adapting the value of MV voltage on
the primary to the characteristics of metering
protection devices by supplying a secondary
voltage that is proportional and lower;
isolating power circuits from the metering
and/or protection circuit.
Phase-earth Potential
Transformer
49
Components
Detuning or filtering reactor
Iron-core reactor, resin-impregnated technology
PE90094
Indoor installation.
Three-phase type.
Max. voltage 12 kV.
Connection to copper pad.
Weight up to 2000 kg.
Iron-core reactor, resin-encapsulated technology
PE90093
PE90096
A detuning reactor forms part of the power

factor correction equipment, to prevent
amplification of the pre-existing harmonic in
current and voltage on the network.
There are many types of reactors.
Indoor installation.
Three-phase type.
Max. voltage 24 kV.
IEC 60076-6 standard.
Fire resistance.
Temperature class F.
Connection to copper pad.
Iron-core reactor, oil-immersed technology
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

3
Air-core reactors are characterized by a reactance which does not

depend on the current passing through them (constant permeability 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.
PE90095
1: Iron-core reactor, resin-impregnated technology

2: Iron-core reactor, resin-encapsulated technology
3: Iron-core reactor, oil-immersed technology
4: Air-core reactor (coreless), resin-impregnated
technology
50
Components
Rollarc contactor
Applications
The Rollarc three-pole type contactor,

for indoor use, employs SF6 for insulation
switching.
The breaking principle is that of the rotating
arc. The basic device consists of three pole
units mounted in a single insulating enclosure.
The insulating enclosure containing the live
parts of these poles is filled with SF6
at a relative pressure of 2.5 bar.
The Rollarc contactor is available in two types:
R400 contactor, with magnetic holding.
R400D contactor, with mechanical latching.
Control and protection of

MV motors.
Capacitor banks and power transformers.
Reference standards
IEC 60470 standard: High-Voltage Alternating Current Contactors
and Contactor-Based Motor-Starters.
IEC 62271-105 standard: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear,
Alternating current switch-fuse combinations.
Rated
voltage
UR (kV)
50/60Hz
kV
7,2
Insulation level
Breaking capacity
Inpulse
1,2/50s
kV peak
60
1 mn
50/60Hz
kV rms
20
kA
10
with
fuses
kA
50
12
60
28
40
Rated
current
IR
A
400
400
Making capacity Short-time Mechanical

thermal endurance
with
current
fuses
3s
kA peak
kA
kA rms
25
125
10
100 000
operations
20
100
8
Maximum operable power

Voltage (kV)
3,3
4,16
6,6
10
12
With integrated fuse

Power (kvar)
790
800
1270
960
1155
Modern, tried and tested breaking technology thanks to SF6.

Equipment requiring no maintenance on live parts.
High mechanical and electrical endurance.
Very low surge level without additional devices (surge suppressor).
Insensitivity to the environment.
Gas pressure can be monitored constantly.
PE56761
PE90105
Without fuse
Power (kvar)
1255
1585
2510
3810
4570
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)
51
Components
SF1 & SF2 circuit breakers
PE56501
The SF circuit breaker of the Schneider

Electric equipment range is used for switching
on capacitor banks or steps.
This circuit breaker uses SF6 as dielectric.
It has been especially tested for the specific
operation of capacitor banks.
Description
The SF circuit breaker, in its basic fixed version, consists of:
3 main poles, linked mechanically and each comprising an insulating
enclosure of the sealed pressure system type. The sealed enclosure
is filled with SF6 at low pressure.
A spring type energy storage manual control (electrical on option).
This means the devices making speed and breaking speed
are independent of the operator. When it is provided with electric
control, 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
PE56503
SF1 circuit-breaker
Electric control
Supporting frame fitted with rollers and floor mounting brackets
for a fixed installation.
Circuit breaker locking in open position by lock installed
on the control front plate.
SF6 pressure switch for highest performance.
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
Side or front operating mechanism
Rated voltage Ur (kV, 50/60 Hz)
SF2 fixed
Front operating mechanism
40.5 kV
36 kV
24 kV
36 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
to 40 kA
Rated current (Ir )
630 A
from 400 to 1 250 A
52
from 25
to 40 kA
31.5 kA
from 630 to 3 150 A
2 500 A
Rated switching capacitive current (Ic )

440 A
from 280 to 875 A
from 440 to 2 200 A
1 750 A
Components
Control and monitoring unit
The function of these units is to control

and protect capacitor banks.
Description
These enclosures are designed for indoor installation.
They comprise the following elements:
A Varlogic 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
PE90106
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).
Monitoring and control unit

1. Varlogic power factor controller
2. Sepam digital protection relay
53
Components
Sepam protection relay
Sepam protection relays maximise energy

availability and the profits generated by
your installation while protecting people
and property.
Stay informed to manage better

With Sepam, get intuitive access to all system information in
ones own language to manage the electrical installation
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.
Enhance installation dependability
Sepam protection relays
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 todays 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
S20
S24
Protection of a capacitor
bank (delta connection)
without voltage monitoring
capacitor bank shortcircuit protection
54
S40
C86
Protection of a capacitor
bank (delta connection)
without voltage monitoring
capacitor bank sc
protection
U et f monitoring
overload protection:
(Sepam C86)
C86
Protection of a double star connected capacitor bank

with 1 to 4 steps
capacitor bank short-circuit protection
U et f monitoring
overload protection
unbalance protection
Technical specifications
: standard
: option
* Figures indicate
the number of protection
functions available
Protections*
Phase overcurrent
Earth fault
Sensitive earth fault
Breaker failure
Negative sequence / unbalance
Thermal overload for capacitors
Capacitor-bank unbalance
Positive sequence undervoltage
Remanent undervoltage
Undervoltage (L-L or L-N)
Overvoltage (L-L or L-N)
Neutral voltage displacement
Negative sequence overvoltage
Overfrequency
Underfrequency
Temperature monitoring (16RTDs)
Measures
Phase current RMS I1, I2, I3
Measured residual current I0
Demand current I1, I2, I3
Peak demand current IM1, IM2, IM3
Measured residual curent I0, I0
Voltage U21, U32, U13, V1, V2, V3
Residual voltage V0
Frquency
Active power P, P1, P2, P3
Reactive power Q, Q1, Q2, Q3
Apparent power S, S1, S2, S3
Peak demand power PM, QM
Power factor
Active and reactive energy
Network, switchgear and capacitors
Tripping current
tripI1, tripI2, tripI3, tripI0
Harmonic distortion (THD) current
and voltage THDi, THDu
Phase displacement 0, '0, 0
Phase displacement 1, 2, 3
Disturbance recording
Thermal capacity used
Capacitor unbalance
current and capacitance
CT/PT supervision
Trip circuit supervision
Auxiliary power supply monitoring
Cumulative breaking current
Number of operations
Control and monitoring
Circuit breaker/contactor control
Logic discrimination
Latching/acknowledgement
Annunciation
Communication protocols S-LAN
Modbus RTU
Modbus TCP/IP
DNP3
CEI 60870-5-103
CEI 61850
Code ANSI S10A
S10B
S20
S24
S40
C86
50/51
50N/51N
50G/51G
50BF
46
49RMS
51C
27D
27R
27
59
59N
47
81H
81L
38/49T
2
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
4
4
4
1
1
4
4
4
1
2
8
8
8
1
2
1
8
2
2
4
4
2
2
2
4
2
2
2
1
2
4
diagnosis
60/60FL
74
94/69
68
86
30
55
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
Specific equipments
Contents
Hybrid Var Compensator (HVC)

Passive harmonic filters
Blocking circuits
Surge protection capacitors
58
60
61
62
57
Specific
equipments
Hybride Var Compensator (HVC)
HVC (Hybrid Var Compensator) equipment

is designed to perform economical reactive
energy compensation in real time.
Its use can:
improve the quality of public and industrial
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
Hybrid Var Compensator (HVC)

Description
The equipment comprises a fixed MV bank of shunt capacitors with
detuning reactor, and an AccuSine electronic device combined with
an LV/MV step-up transformer.
DE90083
25 / 4.16 kV
25 / 4.16 kV
2000 A
2000 A
CT (3) 1000/5
CT (3) 1000/5
1200A
4.16kV
4.16kV
CT (3) 1000:5
2000A
6 x 250kvar
Accusine
Example of implementation
58
PE90082
PE90046
4.16 / 0.48 kV
1225 kvar
MV bank
with detuning
reactors
DE90084
Operation
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
fixed kvar
load
AccuSine
result kvar
Injection of reactive energy in leading or lagging mode.

Response time less than one cycle.
Power factor adjustable up to unity.
Reactive energy compensation without transient.
Continuous compensation.
Separate monitoring of each phase for unbalanced loads.
Applications
PE90074
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.
AccuSine range
59
Specific
equipments
PE90097
Schneider Electric can propose numerous

passive harmonic filtering solutions in medium
and high voltage, for 50 or 60 Hz networks.
These solutions are custom designed on
a case by case basis. A preliminary site audit
and a precise definition of needs (objectives
to be achieved, etc.) are essential to guarantee
the performance of this type of solution.
Passive harmonic filter
60

Technical characteristics
Insulation: 72.5 kV (for other values, please consult us).
Maximum reactive power: 35 Mvar (for other values, please consult us).
Reactors: single-phase, dry, air-core; they are most commonly used
for passive filters.
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).
Specific
equipments
Blocking circuits
Principle
In its range of solutions, Schneider Electric has

low-frequency passive blocking circuits which
can prevent disturbance by musical-frequency
remote control signals emitted by the power
distributor, especially in the context of
installation of an autonomous production unit.
DE90054
400
Reactor
Reactor
1640
To meet the conditions required by the power

distributor, the blocking circuit is defined
on a case by case basis according to
the characteristics of:
the HV power supply line of the source
substation;
the HV/MV transformer of the source
substation;
the remote control order injection device;
the load of the MV feeders;
the generating sets.
DE90054
These blocking circuits are often used in

installations provided with cogeneration plants.
The blocking circuit is implemented by placing in parallel an reactor and

a capacitor element whose values have been calculated to allow blocking
of a chosen frequency (175 Hz or 188 Hz in France, for example).
Insulator 24kV
Path AL
6060
900
900
Capacitor
20
300
413
1100
20
Superimposed mounting
Juxtaposed mounting
(passive blocking circuit for 15 and 20 kV networks )
PE90083
Tuning frequency
Insulation level
Available ratings
Characteristics of components
of 175 Hz blocking circuits
Single-phase reactors
Characteristics of components
of 188 Hz blocking circuits
Single-phase reactors
Maximum ambient temperature
Altitude
Mounting
IP
207F / 2100V, without internal fuses

4mH, without magnetic core
179F / 2100V, without internal fuses

4mH, without magnetic core
45 C
< 1000 m
Juxtaposed (capacitors upright, alongside the
reactor) or on top of one another (capacitors
installed in a rack, under the reactor)
00 on unpainted aluminium substrate
4400
1200
1100
1000
1100
Phase 1
In-line arrangement
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 2
4150 min.
Phase 1
600
1100 1100
1155
1100
Phase 3
1200
1100
2400
1200
1100
1150
6600 min
min.
1200
DE90055
DE90055
Blocking circuit
175 or 188 Hz
(other frequencies on request)
Up to 24 kV
200, 300 ou 400 A per phase
Delta arrangement
61
Specific
equipments
Surge protection capacitors
Surge protection capacitors are used for

the protection of equipment sensitive to
the harmful effects of transient overvoltages
(due to switching surges, short circuits,
operation of arc furnaces, lightning impacts,
for example). The equipment to be protected
is generally:
high-power motors, power transformers;
high-voltage capacitor banks, etc.
Principle
The characteristics of overvoltages of atmospheric origin serve as
a basis for the definition of surge protection devices.
The phenomenon of attenuation of transient overvoltages by surge
arresters and surge protection capacitors is described by means
of the figure below.
PE90098
DE90085
Surge protection capacitors should be

installed upstream of the equipment
to be protected.
Usually they are mounted in a star
arrangement, between phases and earth.
Red: transient overvoltage in the absence of protection.

Blue: transient overvoltage attenuated by a surge protection capacitor.
Green: attenuation obtained with a surge arrester and a surge protection capacitor.
The surge protection capacitor introduces into the circuit a capacitance

which modifies the slope of the transient overvoltage. The value V/t
is diminished. As a consequence, this protects the windings
of machines such as motors, generators and transformers,
which are especially sensitive to high V/t values.
Surge arresters limit the peak values of these transient overvoltages
to a maximum value acceptable by the equipment.
There are two types of surge protection capacitor:
with one isolated terminal and one earth terminal;
with two isolated terminals.
Each capacitor contains an internal discharge resistor to bring
its residual voltage back to less than 75 V, 10 minutes after
its disconnection from the network.
On special request, these capacitors can be supplied without
an internal resistor.
62
PE9099
Rated frequency
Insulation levels
Maximum voltage
Power-frequency withstand voltage
- 1 minute
Impulse withstand voltage
Tolerance on capacitance
Capacitance variation
Temperature class
Max. installation altitude
Enclosure
Connection
Coating
Mounting
Compliance - Standard
17.5 kV
38 kV rms
24 kV
50 kV rms
36 kV
70 kV rms
95 kV peak
125 kV peak 170 kV peak
-5, +15 %
C/C = -3.5 10-4 / C
-25, +55 C
< 1000 m
Stainless steel
Terminals for connection of cables of max.
cross section 50 mm2
Acrylic paint - RAL 7038 Thickness 50 m
2 pierced lugs for M10 bolts
IEC 60271
DE90080
DE90081
Surge protection
capacitor
50 Hz / 60 Hz
DE90080
Fig. 1: separate use
Installation
DE90080
Fig. 2: use in parallel
Surge protection capacitors can be used:

separately, in star connection (Fig. 1);
in parallel with surge arresters, in star connection (Fig. 2);
in series with resistors, in star connection (Fig. 3).
Other configurations can be used; please contact us.
When one terminal of the capacitor has to be connected to earth,
it is possible to use a capacitor with a single isolated terminal
and one earth terminal.
In other cases, capacitors must be used with two isolated terminals.
Chemical stability
Fig. 3: use in series
Transient overvoltages and partial discharge phenomena can cause

accelerated ageing of capacitors. The long service life of the Propivar
capacitor is due to the intrinsic properties of the dielectric liquid:
very high chemical stability;
high capacity for absorption of the gases generated by partial
discharges;
high dielectric strength.
63
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
Installation (drawings, dimensions)

Contents
CP 214, CP 214 SAH, CP 227, CP 254

CP 229, CP 230, CP 253, CP 253 SAH
66
67
65
Installation
( drawings,
dimensions)
CP 214, CP 214 SAH, CP 227, CP 254
Drawing
Dimensions and weight

H: 1700 mm, L : 900 mm, D: 1200 mm.
80
MT20135
CP 214
Drawing
CP 214 SAH
80
DE90062
H : 1900 mm, L : 2000 mm, D : 1100 mm.

Drawing
CP 227
80
DE90064
Isolement 24 kV
H : 2000 mm, L : 1400 mm, D : 1400 mm.
36 kV insulation
H : 2000 mm, L : 3000 mm, D : 2100 mm.
Drawing
CP 254
80
DE90076
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.
66
CP 229, CP 230, CP 253, CP 253 SAH
CP 253
Dimensions
Number of steps
1
H : 2 000, L
2
H : 2 000, L
3
H : 2 000, L
4
H : 2 000, L
5
H : 2 000, L
:
:
:
:
:
1 500,
2 600,
3 700,
4 800,
5 900,
D
D
D
D
D
:
:
:
:
:
Drawing
1 600
1 600
1 600
1 600
1 600
DE90074
80
CP 253 SAH
Dimensions
Number of steps
1
H : 2 000, L
2
H : 2 000, L
3
H : 2 000, L
4
H : 2 000, L
5
H : 2 000, L
:
:
:
:
:
1 500,
2 600,
3 700,
4 800,
5 900,
Drawing
D
D
D
D
D
:
:
:
:
:
2 400
2 400
2 400
2 400
2 400
DE90075
80
CP 230
DE90077
DE90065
CP 229
67
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
Services
Contents
Schneider Electric expertise

Maintenance & end of life
70
71
69
Services
Schneider Electric expertise
For more than 50 years, Schneider Electric

has designed and manufactured power factor
correction and harmonic filtering equipment.
From the beginning, it was clear that on-site
measurements were often decisive.
That is why Schneider Electric set up a team
of specialists to perform measurements,
site audits, simulations and expert appraisals.
Each category of service is organized on
various levels. The level depends on
the equipment used (power factor meter,
harmonic recorder, network analyser, etc.)
and the qualifications of the personnel
involved.
The services offering includes:
On-site measurements.
Installation, supervision and commissioning.
Repairs.
Simulations and studies.
Hire of measuring instruments (network
analysers, etc.).
Training sessions.
Schneider Electrics services

Listen, Understand, Act,
is the virtuous circle guaranteeing you the energy efficiency you need.
Listen
This means collecting information, about symptoms and
other difficulties concerning the operation of the installation.
It requires -> Audit -> specific measurements -> recording
of the characteristic parameters of the networks key points.
Understand
Once this information has been collected, the diagnosis must be drawn up,
and the corrective actions must be identified and determined.
Act
This the decisive phase removal of network disturbances, correction
of the power factor, installation of standby or battery back-up
networks and it is also the heart of our expertise.
In all cases, the ideal solution is to correct, but also and above all to
monitor the effectiveness of the installed solutions over a period of time;
an installation is alive, and like any living thing its characteristics change
over time.
In many countries, the local service team of Schneider Electric has
the competencies and equipment needed to perform measurements,
diagnoses, repairs, etc. as required.
PE90100
The Schneider Electric specialists can be called on to provide support

or 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
70
Proposal of capacitor replacement and substitution plans.

Management of the destruction process.
Power factor correction upgrade.
Reduction of networks harmonic distorsion.
PE90090
Maintenance & end of life
Maintenance
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.
PE90091
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 capacitor end of life

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).
71
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
Design guide
Contents
Installation conditions & General characteristics

Frame/enclosure & Propivar capacitors
Additional equipment
74
75
76
73
Design guide
Installation conditions
General characteristics
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
Atmosphere
Pollution / Creepage
distance, insulators
and bushings
Short-circuit
current power (kA)
Temperature (C)
1000 m
> 1000 m
Normal
Saline
SO2
Other
Low I (16 mm/kV)
Moderate II (20 mm/kV)
High III (25 mm/kV)
Very high IV (31 mm/kV)
> -25C
40 C
45 C
50 C
55 C
Standards
IEC
Others
Type of bank (STD, DR or filter)
Rated voltage (kV)
Power (kvar)
Rated frequency (Hz)
Insulation level
Max. voltage for the equipment
Power-frequency test voltage (50Hz - 1 mn)
Impulse test voltage (1.2 / 50 s)
Connection
74
DR
50
60
Filter
kV
kV rms
kV peak
Double star
Delta
H single-phase
Single-phase
Other
Depending on site conditions
Short-circuit current withstand capacity
Auxiliary voltages
STD
kA
sec
VDC
VAC
1
24
110
3
48
127
60
110
220-230
Other
125
220
Design guide
Frame/enclosure
Propivar capacitors
Frame/enclosure
Type
Indoor
Outdoor
IP 00
IP 54
Steel
Aluminium
Steel
Aluminium
Bare
Bare
Yes
Supplier standard
IP 23
Other:
Galvanised steel
Stainless steel
Galvanised steel
Stainless steel
Painted
Painted
No
Other
Door
Supplier standard
Other
Lock (type)
Supplier standard
Other
Degree of protection
Frame material
Panel material
Frame coating
Panel coating
Double roof
Colour
RAL
Propivar capacitors
Type
Design voltage (V)
Rated frequency (Hz)
Specification of steps
Insulation level
Max. voltage for the equipment
Power-frequency test voltage (50Hz - 1 mn)
Impulse test voltage (1.2 / 50 s)
Internal fuses
Terminal creepage distance
Internal discharge resistors

Temperature
Three-phase
50
N
kvar
sequence
1
1
2
2
Single-phase
60
3
3
4
4
5
5
kV
kV rms
kV peak
Yes
No
Supplier standard
mm
mm/kV
V/min
Max. (C)
Min. (C)
Gradient
16
20
75/10
50/5
40
45
-25
Other
Supplier standard
Other
25
31
50
55
Other
V/m
75
Design guide
Unbalance relays
Relays
Supplier standard
Other
Type
Thresholds
Mounting
Detuning reactors
Type
Installation
Trip
Alarm and trip
Supplied separately
In bank
In enclosure or cabinet with the control
and monitoring components
Resin-impregnated
Resin-encapsulated
Oil-immersed
Air core
1-phase
3-phase
Indoor
Outdoor
In enclosure
Outside the enclosure
Harmonic order
Measuring PT
Rated voltage (V/V) (primary/secondary)
Discharge function
Quantity
Yes
2
No
3
Protection CT
Power (VA)
Precision class
Number of protected phases
5P
1
3P
2
Switching device
Type
Breaking technology
Circuit breaker
SF6
Fuses
System for protection against

single-phase operation
Inrush reactors
Quick discharge reactors
76
Contactor
Vacuum
Design guide
Surge arresters (by default one per phase)
Line disconnector
Earthing switch
Type
Earthing switch connection
Quantity
3-pole
Line side
1 per step
5-pole
Load side
1 per bank
Combined disconnector (line disconnector + ground switch)

Earthing switch connection
Line side
Load side
Interlocking system
Supplier
pp
standard scheme
Other, to be defined
Monitoring/Control
g
Number of steps
p to be controlled
Installation
Controller
Protection relay
Type
yp
Sequence
q
Modbus com.
U
U (V) measurement
measurement
II (A) measurement
measurement
Functions
Byy default
No
NRC12
Yes
No
1 A secondary
y
Unbalance
Over current
O
Over
e voltage
o age
Other:
Type
yp
Quantity
Q
y
Auto
u o / 0 / Manual
a ua function
u c o
Indicator lamps
Cabinet
Cubicle
In ba
bank
Yes
NR6/NR12
Per step
p
Yes
es
5 A secondary
y
Overall
No
o
Aux. voltage
g presence
p
ON
O // step
step
s ep
OFF / step
p
Alarm-Unbalance-Blown
Alarm-Unbalance-Blown
Alarm
Unbalance Blown fuse
fuse
Other
Accessories
Ventilation
Supplier
S
pp
standard
Other
O
Yes
No
Type
yp
Lighting in bank
77
Power Factor
Correction and
harmonic filtering
Technical guide
Contents
Reminders concerning reactive energy
80
Reactive energy
Reactive energy compensation
Reactive energy and network components
Power factors of typical equipment
Why compensate?
82
Economic benefits
Technical benefits
Reduction in transmission losses according to the power factor improvement
Economic evaluation of compensation
Method for determining compensation

Stage
Stage
Stage
Stage
84
one: Calculation of reactive power

two: Choice of compensation mode
three: Choice of compensation type
four: How to allow for harmonics
Control of capacitor banks
88
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
91
Capacitors
Delta-connected bank
Bank connected in double star
Typical cases of compensation
92
MV asynchronous motor compensation

MV transformer compensation
Capacitor definitions and terminology
94
79
Reactive energy
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
is the watt (W), the multiples kilowatt (kW) and
megawatt (MW) being used for convenience.
In a circuit in which the applied rms voltage is Vrms
and in which flows an rms current Irms,
the apparent power S is the product of Vrms x Irms.
The apparent power is therefore the basis
for sizing of electrical equipment. A device
(transformer, cable, switch, etc.) should be
designed on the basis of the rms values of
voltages and currents.
The physical unit of apparent power is the voltampere (VA), the multiples kilovolt-ampere (kVA)
and megavolt-ampere (MVA) being used for
convenience.
The power factor is the ratio of the active
power P (kW) to the apparent power S (kVA)
for a given circuit.
= P(kW)/S(kVA).
In the specific case where the current and voltage
are sinusoidal and phase-shifted by an angle ,
the power factor is equal to cos , called
the displacement power factor.
For most electric loads such as motors,
the current I lags the voltage V by an angle .
In vector representation, the current can therefore
be broken down into two components:
Ia in phase with the voltage and called
the active component;
Ir in quadrature with the voltage and called
the reactive component.
80
DE90086
Reminders concerning reactive energy
The above diagram established for currents also

applies to powers, by multiplying each current
by the common voltage V.
One can therefore define:
apparent power: S = V x l (kVA);
active power: P = V x la = V x I x cos (kW);
reactive power: Q = V x lr = V x I x sin (kvar).
The physical unit of reactive power is the voltampere-reactive (var), the multiples kilovoltampere-reactive (kvar), and megavolt-amperereactive (Mvar) being used for convenience.
DE90087
Technical guide
The reactive current Ir is the component

consumed by the inductive magnetic circuits
of electrical machines (transformers and motors).
The reactive power is therefore commonly
associated with magnetization of the magnetic
circuits of machines.
Accordingly, the power supply source must provide
not only the active power P but also the reactive
power Q, resulting in an apparent power S.
The function tg is often used; it is equal to:
tg = Q(kvar)/P(kW).
Over a given period of time, this ratio is also that
of the reactive energy (Wr) and active energy (Wa)
consumed: tg = Wr(kvarh)/Wa(kWh).
In some countries, this ratio is used for billing
reactive energy.
DE90088
Reactive energy compensation

The flow of reactive energy has significant
technical consequences for the choice of
equipment, operation of networks and,
accordingly, has economic consequences.
For a given active power P used, the lower
the cos, i.e. the larger the angle , the more
apparent power S must be supplied.
Qr
Qc
Fig. 1: Principle
of reactive energy
compensation
Accordingly, the flow of reactive energy in

distribution systems results, due to an excessive
current demand, in:
overloads at the transformer level;
end-of-line voltage drops;
overheating of power cables, hence active
energy losses.
DE90089
For these fundamental reasons, it is necessary

to produce reactive energy as close as possible
to motors and transformers, to avoid increased
demand on the network.
Transformer
To avoid over-sizing his network, the power

distributor therefore encourages his customers
to improve the power factor, by billing reactive
energy above a certain threshold.`
The principle of reactive energy compensation
is to generate reactive power in the vicinity
of the load, so as to relieve the power supply.
Capacitors are most commonly used
to supply reactive power. On figure1,
the reactive power Qc supplied
by capacitors allows the apparent power
to be reduced from the value S to the value S.
Active
power
Reactive energy
and network components
Synchronous machines
These machines have an (active energy) generator
function when they convert mechanical energy
into electrical energy. In the opposite case, they are
motors. By adjusting their excitation, these machines
can supply or consume reactive energy.
In some cases, the machine supplies no active
energy: this is the case of the synchronous
compensator.
Asynchronous machines
These are distinguished from the preceeding
machines in particular by their property of being
always consumers of reactive energy. This energy
is very significant: from 25% to 35% of the active
energy at full load, and much more at partial
load. The asynchronous motor is in common use
universally. It is the main consumer of reactive
energy in industrial networks.
Lines and cables
The inductive and capacitive properties
of overhead lines and cables are such
that they are consumers of reactive energy.
Transformers
Transformers consume reactive energy
corresponding to about 5% to 10%
of the apparent energy passing through them.
Reactors
Reactors are chiefly consumers of reactive energy.
Active energy losses represent only a small
percentage of the reactive energy (QR) consumed.
Capacitors
Capacitors generate reactive energy with very
small losses, hence their use in the reactive
energy (QC) compensation application.
Motor
Before compensation
DE90089
Power factors of typical equipment

Transformer
Device
Asynchronous motor loaded at
Power
made
available
Active
power
Reactive
power
supplied by
capacitor
Motor
After compensation
Incandescent lamps
Non-compensated fluorescent lamps
Compensated fluorescent lamps (0.93)
Discharge lamps
Resistance furnaces
Induction furnaces with integral pf correction
Dielectric ovens
Resistance welding machines
Single-phase stationary arc welding stations
Rotary arc welding sets
Arc welding rectifier transformers
Arc furnaces
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
cos
0.17
0.55
0.73
0.80
0.85
1
0.5
0.93
0.4 to 0.6
1
0.85
0.85
0.8 to 0.9
0.5
0.7 to 0.9
0.7 to 0.8
0.8
tg
5.80
1.52
0.94
0.75
0.72
0
1.73
0.39
2.29 to
0
0.62
0.62
0.75 to
1.73
1.02 to
1.02 to
0.75
1.33
0.48
0.48
0.75
81
Why compensate?
Improvement of
the power factor of
an installation, known
as compensation,
offers numerous
benefits of
an economic and
technical nature.
Economic benefits
Increase in the active power available

at the secondary of transformers
The installation of means of compensation on
the downstream terminals of an overloaded
transformer can release a power reserve that can be
used for a possible extension of the plant without
having to change transformer, thus postponing
a major investment.
The benefits provided by reactive energy compensation are such that they give a very rapid
return on investment.
These benefits are as follows:
elimination of billing for excessive reactive
energy consumption;
reduction in subscribed demand in kVA;
decrease in active energy consumed in kWh
(losses reduction).
Technical benefits
Attenuation of voltage drops
The flow of reactive currents is responsible for
voltage drops on power supply lines.
These are detrimental to satisfactory operation of
the loads, even if the voltage at the head of the line is
satisfactory. The presence of a capacitor bank at end
of line can reduce this phenomenon.
The relative voltage level at the end of the line
is defined by the following formula:
Increase in the active power carried by lines

for equal losses
An increase in the workload often makes it
necessary to carry greater active power in order
to meet the energy needs of the loads.
The installation of a capacitor bank will make it
possible to increase the transmission capacity
without changing the existing electric power lines.
The following chart gives, as a function of
the power factor improvement, the percentage
increase in the power carried for equal active losses.
Increase in the active power carried
DE90090
Technical guide
U(%) XLxQ/U
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
reduction in transmission losses according to
the improvement in the power factor.
Example: if, before compensation, cos1 = 0.7

and after compensation cos2 = 0.9, there is a 35%
increasing in carrying capacity
Reduction in transmission losses according to the power factor improvement

Cos1
Reduction in
before compensation Cos2 0.8
0.70
23
0.72
19
0.74
14
0.76
10
0.78
5
0.80
0
0.82
0.84
0.86
0.88
0.90
transmission losses at constant active power according to cos2 (%)

0.85 0.9
0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99
32
28
24
20
16
11
7
2
0 to 15% reduction in losses

15% to 30% reduction in losses
30% to 50% reduction in losses
82
40
36
32
29
25
21
17
13
9
4
41
37
34
30
27
23
19
15
11
6
2
42
39
35
32
28
24
21
17
13
9
4
43
40
37
33
30
26
22
18
14
10
6
45
41
38
35
31
28
24
10
16
12
8
46
43
39
36
33
29
25
22
18
14
10
47
44
41
37
34
31
27
23
20
16
12
48
45
42
39
35
32
29
25
21
18
14
49
46
43
40
37
33
30
27
23
19
16
50
47
44
41
38
35
31
28
25
21
17
Economic evaluation
of compensation
The economic benefits of compensation are
measured by comparing the cost of installation of
capacitor banks with the savings they provide.
Cost of capacitor banks
The cost of capacitor banks depends on several
factors, including:
the voltage level;
installed capacity;
number of steps;
the control mode;
the protection quality level.
Capacitors can be installed either at low voltage
or at medium voltage.
Note that:
medium-voltage compensation becomes
economically worthwhile when the capacity
to be installed exceeds 800 kvar;
below this value, compensation should,
if possible, preferably be performed at low voltage.
Savings obtained
Let us illustrate this by the following example of
an installation comprising a 20 kV/400 V transformer
of power 630 kVA (nominal apparent power).
Installation without capacitor
Characteristics of the installation: P = 500 kW
at cos = 0.75.
Consequences:
- The apparent power S is equal to 667 kVA;
- The transformer is overloaded by a factor
of 667/630, or about 6%;
- The reactive power Q is equal to 441 kvar
(cos = 0.75 corresponds to tg = 0.882)
and is billed by the power distributor;
- The circuit breaker and cables have to be
chosen for a total current of 962 A;
- The losses in the cables are proportional
to the square of the current, i.e. (962)2.
Installation with capacitor
Characteristics of the installation: P = 500 kW
at cos = 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
(cos = 0.928 corresponds to tg = 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.
83
Technical guide
Compensation
for an installation
is determined
in 4 stages.
Calculation of
reactive power.
Choice of
compensation mode.
- Global for the entire
installation.
- By sector.
- Separate for each
load.
Choice of
compensation type.
- Fixed by switching
on and off a bank
supplying a fixed
quantity of kvar.
- Automatic by
switching on and off
steps dividing up
the banks power
and making it possible
to adapt to
the kvar needs of
the installation.
Allowance for
harmonics.
In what follows,
we describe
these various stages
in greater detail.
Stage one:
Calculation of reactive power
Example: A motor
has a power rating
of 1000 kW and
a cos of 0.8
(tg = 0.75).
To obtain cos =
0.95, you must install
a reactive power in
capacitors equal to
k x P, namely:
Qc = 0.421 x 1000 =
421 kvar
84
Principle of calculation
The aim is to determine the reactive power Qc (kvar)
to be installed in order to increase the power factor
cos and reduce the apparent power S.
For < , we shall have: cos > cos
and tg < tg.
This is illustrated by the figure below.
DE90091
Pa
S
QR
S Qc
To calculate Qc there are two possible

approaches, depending on the available data:
Calculation based on billing data;
Calculation based on the electrical data
of the installation.
Before
Reactive
Re
power (kvar) to be
compensation tg 0.75
0.620 0.484
cos 0.80
co
0.85 0.90
tg
tg
g
cos
2.29
0.4
1.541 1.672 1.807
2.16
0.42
1.411 1.541 1.676
2.04
0.44
1.291 1.421 1.557
1.93
0.46
1.180 1.311 1.446
1.83
0.48
1.078 1.208 1.343
1.73
0.5
0.982 1.112 1.248
1.64
0.52
0.893 1.023 1.158
1.56
0.54
0.809 0.939 1.074
1.48
0.56
0.729 0.860 0.995
1.40
0.58
0.655 0.785 0.920
1.33
0.6
0.583 0.714 0.849
1.27
0.62
0.515 0.646 0.781
1.20
0.64
0.451 0.581 0.716
1.14
0.66
0.388 0.519 0.654
1.08
0.68
0.328 0.459 0.594
1.02
0.70
0.270 0.400 0.536
0.96
0.72
0.214 0.344 0.480
0.91
0.74
0.159 0.289 0.425
0.86
0.76
0.105 0.235 0.371
0.80
0.78
0.052 0.183 0.318
0.75
0.80
0.130 0.266
0.70
0.82
0.078 0.214
0.65
0.84
0.026 0.162
0.59
0.86
0.109
0.54
0.88
0.055
0.48
0.90
Calculation based on billing

The aim here is to eliminate billing by the power
distributor. To do this, proceed as follows:
Consider the monthly consumption of reactive
energy R in kvarh;
Assess the period t of operation (in hours)
during which reactive energy is billed during
the month in question.
The hours to be allowed for are peak hours,
i.e. 16 h per day, if there is no billing of reactive
power during off-peak hours. Under these
circumstances, the following estimate of t will be
taken for companies operating in shifts of:
1 times 8 hours; t = 176 h (i.e. 22 days);
2 times 8 hours; t = 308 h;
3 times 8 hours; t = 400 h.
Deduct from this the reactive power
to be installed: Qc= R (kvarh) / t (hours).
Calculation based on the installation data
The power to be installed is calculated from
the cos or tg measured for the installation.
Qc can be calculated:
directly from the relationship Qc = P x (tg-tg)
which is based on the figure, where
- Qc = power of the capacitor bank in kvar;
- P = active power of the load in kW;
- tg = tangent of phase shift angle before
compensation;
- tg = tangent of phase shift angle after
compensation.
from the following table, knowing tg or cos
of the existing installation and the tg or cos
that is wanted.
installed per kW of load to achieve the cos or tg objective

0.456 0.426 0.395 0.363 0.329 0.292 0.251 0.203 0.142 0.000
0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1.000
1.836
1.705
1.585
1.475
1.372
1.276
1.187
1.103
1.024
0.949
0.878
0.810
0.745
0.683
0.623
0.565
0.508
0.453
0.400
0.347
0.294
0.242
0.190
0.138
0.084
0.029
1.865
1.735
1.615
1.504
1.402
1.306
1.217
1.133
1.053
0.979
0.907
0.839
0.775
0.712
0.652
0.594
0.538
0.483
0.429
0.376
0.324
0.272
0.220
0.167
0.114
0.058
1.896
1.766
1.646
1.535
1.432
1.337
1.247
1.163
1.084
1.009
0.938
0.870
0.805
0.743
0.683
0.625
0.569
0.514
0.460
0.407
0.355
0.303
0.251
0.198
0.145
0.089
1.928
1.798
1.678
1.567
1.465
1.369
1.280
1.196
1.116
1.042
0.970
0.903
0.838
0.775
0.715
0.657
0.601
0.546
0.492
0.439
0.387
0.335
0.283
0.230
0.177
0.121
1.963
1.832
1.712
1.602
1.499
1.403
1.314
1.230
1.151
1.076
1.005
0.937
0.872
0.810
0.750
0.692
0.635
0.580
0.526
0.474
0.421
0.369
0.317
0.265
0.211
0.156
2.000
1.869
1.749
1.639
1.536
1.440
1.351
1.267
1.188
1.113
1.042
0.974
0.909
0.847
0.787
0.729
0.672
0.617
0.563
0.511
0.458
0.406
0.354
0.302
0.248
0.193
2.041
1.910
1.790
1.680
1.577
1.481
1.392
1.308
1.229
1.154
1.083
1.015
0.950
0.888
0.828
0.770
0.713
0.658
0.605
0.552
0.499
0.447
0.395
0.343
0.289
0.234
2.088
1.958
1.838
1.727
1.625
1.529
1.440
1.356
1.276
1.201
1.130
1.062
0.998
0.935
0.875
0.817
0.761
0.706
0.652
0.599
0.547
0.495
0.443
0.390
0.337
0.281
2.149
2.018
1.898
1.788
1.685
1.590
1.500
1.416
1.337
1.262
1.191
1.123
1.058
0.996
0.936
0.878
0.821
0.766
0.713
0.660
0.608
0.556
0.503
0.451
0.397
0.342
2.291
2.161
2.041
1.930
1.828
1.732
1.643
1.559
1.479
1.405
1.333
1.265
1.201
1.138
1.078
1.020
0.964
0.909
0.855
0.802
0.750
0.698
0.646
0.593
0.540
0.484
Stage two:
Choice of compensation mode
Where to install capacitors?
The location of capacitors on an electrical
network is determined by:
the goal sought (elimination of penalties, relief
for cables, transformers, etc., raising the voltage
level);
the load conditions (stable or rapidly variable);
the foreseeable influence of the capacitors on
the network characteristics;
the cost of installation.
Reactive energy compensation can be:
total;
broken down by sector;
separate for each load.
It is more economical to install capacitor banks
in medium and high voltage for power ratings
greater than about 800 kvar. Analysis of
the networks of the various countries, however,
shows that there is no universal rule.
Global compensation
The bank is connected at the head of
the installation to be compensated and performs
compensation for the entire installation. It is
suitable when the load is stable and continuous.
Example below:
HV bank on HV distribution system (1);
MV bank for MV subscriber (2);
Regulated or fixed LV bank for LV subscriber (3).
Compensation by sector
The bank is connected at the head of
the installation sector to be compensated.
This is suitable when the installation is extensive
and includes workshops having different load
conditions.
Example below:
MV bank on MV network (4);
LV bank for each workshop for MV subscriber (5).
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
n6.
compensation
DE90092
HV distribution network
MV distribution network
MV/LV
distribution
transformer
MV/LV
transformer
MV/LV
transformer
LV busbar
LV subscriber
MV subscriber
MV subscriber
Summary of compensation locations
85
Technical guide
Stage three: Choice of

compensation type
Types of MV compensation
The capacitor banks are branch-mounted on the
network. They can be fixed or automatic.
Fixed compensation
The entire bank is put into service, with a fixed
value of kvar. This is on/off type operation.
The capacitors have a constant power output
and their switching on and off can be:
manual, by circuit breaker or switch;
semi-automatic by contactor;
servo controlled by the terminals of inductive
loads (motors or transformers).
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 ratings of up to 100 Mvar.
Automatic compensation
The banks are divided up into steps
with capability for switching on or off
a smaller or larger number of steps, generally
automatically.
This is an automatic adjustment to the load level.
These banks are very commonly used by certain
heavy industries with high power demand
and energy distributors in source substations.
This allows step-by-step regulation of reactive
energy.
Each step is operated by a switch or a contactor
using SF6 breaking technology.
Capacitor step switching on or off can be
controlled by power factor relays. For this
purpose, a current transformer should be
positioned upstream of the loads and banks.
Stage four: How to allow for

harmonics
Harmonic currents flow in an installation due to
the presence of nonlinear loads (e.g. variable
speed drives, uninterruptible power supplies,
arc furnaces, lighting). The flow of harmonic
currents in the network impedances creates
harmonic voltages.
The magnitude of the harmonic disturbance
on a network is measured by:
the individual harmonic voltage factor u(%),
which gives a measure of the scale of each
harmonic relative to the fundamental.
For the harmonic of order h this factor is:
u(%) = 100xUh/U1, where Uh is the harmonic
voltage of order h at the point in question
and U1 the fundamental voltage;
the total harmonic distortion THDU (%)
which gives a measure of the thermal influence
of all the harmonics.
Effects of harmonics on capacitors

Absorption of harmonic currents
Capacitors do not generate harmonic current
but are very sensitive to them.
The impedance of a capacitor
Z c = 1/C = 1/C2f decreases when
the frequency increases. It thus offers, in a certain
way, less resistance to a harmonic current
in the event of a current distortion. This results
in an increase in the current in the capacitor.
Risk of resonance
The presence of a capacitor in a network may
amplify certain harmonic orders. This is due to
a resonance phenomenon, the frequency of which
depends on the network impedance (or its shortcircuit power).
The resonance frequency (natural frequency)
is equal to:
U 2h
THDU (%) = 100x
U1
H is generally limited to 40.

In the same fashion, an individual factor and
a total harmonic for current distortion are
defined. Generally, it is considered that the level
of harmonic disturbance is acceptable in an
installation so long as the total harmonic voltage
distortion does not exceed 8%, in accordance
with IEC 61000 -2-4.
86
fnatural =
Ssc
Q
Ssc: short-circuit power in kVA.
Q: power of the capacitor bank in kvar.
f: power supply frequency.
The resonances effect will be all the more
pronounced as fnatural is close to that of one of
the harmonics present. The applied current
overload will cause overheating and then
premature ageing of the capacitor.
Solutions to limit stress due to harmonics

Oversizing of capacitor links to the network:
cables, lines, switchgear and controlgear should
be sized for at least 1.43 Ic, the value of
the capacitors rated current at 50 Hz;
voltage oversizing of capacitors;
use of detuning reactors combined with
oversized capacitors.
In MV, the detuning reactor connected in series
with the capacitor is generally designed to form
a capacitor bank tuned to 215 Hz (50 Hz) or
260 Hz (60 Hz). Since this frequency corresponds
to no 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 overload currents passing
through the capacitor.
Solutions to comply with the permissible
distortion factor in a network
Apart from their effect on the 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.
Choice of solution
In addition to systematic oversizing of power
connections, the other measures to be taken
depend on the comparison between:
Gh: total power in kVA of all harmonic generating
equipment (static converters, UPSs, variable
speed drives). If the power is known in kW, divide
by 0.7 to estimate Gh in kVA.
Ssc: short-circuit power of the network (kVA).
Sn: power of the upstream transformer(s).
If several transformers are in parallel, allow for
the possible outage of a transformer.
The choice is summarized in the following table.
Gh Scc / 120 Scc / 120 < Gh < Scc / 70
Scc / 70 < Gh Scc / 30
Standard
Equipement
equipment with oversized
capacitors
1.2 x UN
Equipement
with DR
and oversized
capacitors
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.
Complementary approach is to choose equipments according to industrial process described hereunder:
Activity
Businesses process
Textile
Paper-works
Printing
Chemistry, Pharmacy
Weaving, print induction

Roll, pumping
Printing, recording
Dosage, clean rooms, filtration,
concentration, distillation
Extrusion, thermoforming
Rolling, furnace
Arc furnaces, rolling mill,
wiredrawing, cutting, pumping
Welding, stamping, furnace,
surface treatments
Welding, stamping
Kilns, shredding, conveying, lifting,
ventilation, pumping
Conveying, lifting
Ventilation, pumping
Plastic
Glass, Cramic
Steel
Metallurgy
Automotive
Cement
Mining, Quarrying
Refineries
Equipment
Standard
Oversized
DR
87
Technical guide
of switchgear and controlgear
The equipment used is defined by the following
selection criteria:
rated voltage and current;
making current;
capacitive breaking capacity;
making capacity;
number of operations.
Precautions should be taken concerning:
The capacitive breaking capacity (kA rms).
The problem is due to the existence, after
switching off, of a restriking voltage equal to
the difference between the mains voltage
and the charging voltage of the capacitors.
The device must be capable of preventing
this restriking.
The making capacity (kA peak) which must
be able to withstand inrush currents.
Type of switchgear and controlgear

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.
88
Switching ON capacitor banks

Switching on a bank Qc (fixed or stepped)
is accompanied by transient current and voltage
conditions. A making overcurrent of short
duration ( 10 ms) appears. Its peak value
and its frequency, generally high, depend on
the characteristics of the upstream network
and the number of banks. Where necessary,
a surge reactor may or may not have to be inserted
to limit this overcurrent to the peak resistance of
the capacitors, namely: Imax. peak 100 IN, (IN: rated
current of bank Qc) or to a lower value if
the switchgear has limited characteristics.
In the case of a single bank, the overcurrent
is generally from 10 to 30 IN, but for a high Scc
and low Qc it may exceed the limit and require
an inrush reactor. In the case of banks in parallel,
either identical (regulated system) or of different
values (compensation of several motors),
the overcurrent will be very high and will have
to be limited. In making this choice, allow for
the number of possible operations under
the given current.
Switching ON capacitor banks, synthesis

Stepped bank (identical)
DE90093
Fixed bank
DE90093
Lo
U3
n+1
Lo = S/C inductance of the network

Scc = 3 U Icc with U/3 = LoIcc
n steps switched on when

n+1 is switched on
l = link inductance (0.5 H/m)
Bank power
Q = U2C = 3UIcapa
Q = U2C = 3UIcapa ;
Q = Power of each step
Peak making
current
Ie = 1 x 1 x Icapa 2
LoC
Ie = 2 x U x n x C
n+1 l
3
Ie = Icapa 2 x Scc
Q
1
fe =
2 LoC
Ie = Icapa x 2 x
fe = 1
2 lC
Q-factor,
mains
(n+2)/(n+1)
Q-factor,
bank
2n/(n+1)
Inrush reactor
Generally, no need of an inrush

reactor (unless high Ssc and low Q)
Generally, need of an inrush reactor
Calculation
inrush reactor
L . 10
Natural frequency
2Q
3 Imax peak
x natural
n+1
fnetwork
U
Scc
L . 2.10 x Q x
3
L (H) - Q (Mvar) - Ssc (MVA)

I max. peak (kA)*
n
n+1
1
Imax peak
L (H) - Q (Mvar) - Ssc (MVA)

Imax. peak (kA)*
* Imax. peak is the smaller of the following 2 making values:

maximum peak current of the bank (i.e. 100xIcapa)
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

at a phase-to-phase voltage of U = 5.5 kV
powered by a network of maximum short-circuit
power Ssc = 250 MVA.
Example 2: Bank of 3 steps each of 350 kvar

at a phase-to-phase voltage of U = 5.5 kV
at a distance of 5 m from their associated cutoff
device.
L0 = 386 H.
C = 26.3 F.
Icapa = 26.2 A.
Ie = 1173 A.
fe = 1581 Hz.
C = 36,8 F.
Icapa = 36.7 A.
without inrush reactor
l = 2,5 H.
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 H.
Ie = 2508 A.
fe = 3619 Hz.
89
Technical guide
Switching OFF capacitor banks

A capacitor is switched off by a cutoff device
precisely at zero crossing of the current, which
coincides with the instantaneous maximum voltage.
On the one hand, a voltage surge escalation
3 U, 5 U may occur if the device does not have fast
dielectric restoration; this was the case for air cutoff
devices; this phenomenon has disappeared
with SF6 devices.
On the other hand, the capacitor remains charged at
its maximum voltage. In the event of fast reclosing,
an increased transient phenomenon will occur.
The IEC 60871 standard requires a capacitor
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.
Switchgear
used for capacitor control
Switches are chosen for banks with a low rate
of operations (at most 2 operations per day);
above this, contactors are used.
For the most powerful banks (connected in double
star), the SF6 switch or circuit breaker is the most
appropriate device. All switchgear and controlgear
should be sized for 1.43 times the rated current
of the capacitor bank.
The switched capacitive current values given
by the manufacturer should be complied with
(see table below).
Medium voltage switchgear characteristics

Switchgear designation
SF1
SF2
contactor Rollarc R 400
90
Short circuit performance

25kA/36kV
40kA/40.5kV
10kA/7.2kV
8kA/12kV
Rated normal current

630 and 1250A
630 and 3150A
400A
Capacitive current switched

440 and 880A
440 and 2200A
240A
Protection and circuit diagrams

of capacitor banks
Capacitors
Delta-connected bank
The capacitor is
a reliable component
if it is used in
the conditions for which
it has been designed
and manufactured.
It is formed of elements
placed in series to resist
voltage, and placed
in parallel to obtain
the wanted capacitance. There are two
types of capacitor at
present: with or without
internal fuses.
This circuit diagram will be used for insulation

voltages of 7.2 kV and 12 kV.
Capacitors
with internal fuses
Each element is
protected by a fuse.
In this case, any fault
in an element will be
eliminated. The defective circuit will be isolated. The result will be
a slight capacitance
variation and the voltage
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 capacitor banks, because
the loss of one element
does not systematically
result in switching off of
the bank.
The maximum power is 900 kvar in three-phase

(2 capacitors in parallel). Above this, single-phase
capacitors can be used up to 4000 kvar.
This type of circuit diagram is highly suitable for
MV motor compensation and for automatic total
compensation up to 12 kV.
Protection
Overcurrent protection is provided by HRC fuses.
Important note: Choose HRC fuses with a rating
of at least 1.7 times the rated current of the bank.
In this type of circuit layout, never use capacitors
with internal fuses, because the breaking
capacity of internal fuses is not designed
for network short-circuit currents.
Delta connected capacitor bank
Bank connected in double star

For all power ratings, the bank is divided into two
stars allowing detection of an unbalance between
the two neutrals by an appropriate relay. This
type of bank allows the use of capacitors with or
without internal fuses.
It can be designed for any type of network up to
EHV networks.
The mounting principle is always the same:
to achieve voltage levels of 100 kV or 200 kV,
connect a sufficient number of MV capacitors in
series. This layout will therefore be used for high
powers to be installed, chiefly in fixed banks.
However, regulated steps are used by certain
power distributors with powers ranging up to 8
Mvar at 36 kV, controlled by a special switch for
capacitors.
Protection
Protection is provided by an unbalance relay
detecting a current flowing in the circuit between
the two neutrals of the stars. The unbalance
current is generally less than 1 A. The setting
value will be given after calculation for each
bank. The setting threshold is given by the
manufacturer. It depends on the internal structure
of the bank (series and parallel combination of
capacitor units) and on whether or not internal
fuses for capacitor protection are present.
The time delay is approximately several tenths
of a second. In addition to this protection,
provision should be made for overload protection
on each phase. The value shall be set to 1.43
times the rated current of the bank.
DE90095
Capacitors without
internal fuses
Capacitor failure is
the result of failure of
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,
the fault will be eliminated only by cutoff of
the bank or separation
of the circuit in
the defective capacitor.
DE90094
Technical guide
Double star connected capacitor bank
91
Technical guide
Typical cases of compensation
MV asynchronous motor
compensation
Risk of self-excitation of asynchronous motors
in the presence of capacitors
When a motor drives a load of high inertia,
after a supply voltage interruption, it can continue
to rotate due to its inertia. It can in that case be
self-excited by the presence at its terminals of
capacitors that could provide it with the reactive
energy needed for its operation as an asynchronous generator. This self-excitation causes
overvoltages exceeding the maximum voltage Um
of the network.
Capacitor mounting on motor terminals

Practical rule: The capacitive current should be
less than 90% of the motors current under
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.
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.
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.
NB: If there are several banks of this type in
the same network, provision should be made for
inrush reactors, because this is the same case
as a so-called stepped system.
92
Nominal
1500
28
34
43
54
68
76
86
97
108
215
430
speed of rotation (rpm)

1000 750
132
31
35
40
38
42
49
47
53
61
59
66
76
74
83
96
83
94
108
94
106
122
106
119
137
118
133
153
235
265
305
470
530
610
DE90096
Value in kvar of the maximum compensation feasible on

the motor terminals without risk of self-excitation
Capacitor mounting on motor terminals
DE90097
Precautions to be taken against this risk

Whenever a capacitor bank is installed at
the terminals of a motor, it should be ensured
that the power of the bank is less than
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
calculation:
Io = 2 x In x (1 - cos n,)
- In = rated current of the motor under load
- cos n = 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.
Power rating
(kW)
132
160
200
250
315
355
400
450
500
1000
2000
Inrush reactors
where applicable
Capacitor mounting in parallel with separate control
MV transformer compensation
The power rating of a transformer is given
as apparent power (kVA). The greater tg
(or the smaller cos ), 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
(MVA)
Primary voltage
(kV)
Secondary voltage
(kV)
2.5
20
30
20
30
20
30
20
30
10 to 36
10 to 36
10 to 36
10 to 36
10 to 36
10 to 36
10 to 36
10 to 36
10 to 36
3 to 16
3 to 16
3 to 16
3 to 16
3 to 16
3 to 16
3 to 16
3 to 16
3 to 20
3 to 20
3 to 20
3 to 20
3 to 20
3 to 20
3 to 20
3 to 20
3 to 20
3.15
4
5
6.3
8
10
12.5
16
20
25
31.5
40
Short-circuit
voltage
Usc (%)
6.5
6.5
7
7
7
7
7.5
7.5
8.1
8.4
8.9
9.4
10.1
11
12.1
13.5
15.3
Reactive power
to be compensated
unloaded (kvar)
40
50
50
60
60
70
70
80
70
80
90
120
130
140
175
190
240
93
Technical guide
Capacitor definitions and terminology
Scope of application
The standards (IEC 60871) apply to capacitor
units and capacitor banks designed in particular
to be used to correct the power factor
of alternating-current networks having a rated
voltage greater than or equal to 1000 V,
of frequency equal to 16 2/3 , 50 or 60 Hz.
Capacitor element
Device consisting basically of two electrodes
separated by a dielectric.
Capacitor unit
Set of one or more capacitor elements placed in the
same enclosure and connected to output terminals.
Capacitor bank
Set of capacitor units connected so as to act jointly.
Internal protection of a capacitor
Fuse mounted inside a unit and con-nected in series
with an element or a group of elements.
Capacitor discharge device
Device that can be incorporated in the capacitor
and is capable, in a specified time, of reducing
practically to zero the voltage between
the capacitor terminals when the capacitor
has been disconnected from the network.
Rated capacitance (Cn)
Value of the capacitance for which the capacitor
was designed.
Rated power of a capacitor (Qn)
Reactive power output at rated values:
capacitance, frequency and voltage (or current).
94
Rated voltage of a capacitor (Un)

Rms value of the alternating voltage for which
the capacitor was designed.
Rated frequency of a capacitor (Fn)
Frequency for which the capacitor was designed.
Rated current of a capacitor (In)
Rms value of an alternating current for which
the capacitor was designed.
Residual voltage
Voltage which remains on the terminals of
a capacitor for some time after its disconnection.
Highest network voltage (Um)
The highest value of the phase-to-phase rms
voltage which may occur at any time and
any point on the network in normal operating
conditions.
This value does not take into account temporary
voltage fluctuations due to faults or sudden
tripping causing the separation of major loads.
Highest voltage for the equipment
The highest voltage for which the equipment of
a network is specified with regard to its insulation
in particular. This voltage must be at least equal
to the highest voltage of the network for which
the equipment is intended.
Insulation level
The insulation level of an equipment is defined,
in the present situation, as the expression of
the values of its impulse withstand voltage
and its power-frequency withstand voltage.
Technical guide
95
Technical guide
96
Technical guide
Energy management

solutions
Schneider Electric Industries SAS

Head Office
35, rue Joseph Monier
CS 30323
92506 Rueil-Malmaison
www.schneider-electric.com
CFIED 205098EN-02
As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, please ask for confirmation
of the information given in this publication.
This document has been
printed on ecological paper.
Publishing: SYNTHESE ECA, Schneider Electric.
Photos: Schneider Electric
Printing:
11/2009
ART960085 - Schneider Electric Industries SAS - All rights reserved
Medium Voltage
Catalogue
2010

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Energy management

Power Factor Correction

How to upgrade electrical network

Power Factor Correction

Reduce your electricity bill by reducing your reactive energy

Optimize the size of your electrical installation by increasing

Improve energy quality and the service life of your equipment.

Contribute to environmental conservation by reducing losses

Increase continuity of service by eliminating risks of stoppages

Eliminate malfunctions of your electrical equipment by reducing

Benefit from the assurance provided by standardization

MV Power Factor Correction

MV Power Factor Correction

To define the solutions to be employed, you must:

Quality & Environment

Quality certified ISO 9001,

Stringent, systematic controls

Raw materials breakdown for MV capacitors

A new solution for building your electrical

Tools for easier design and setup

Installations and dimensions

Why compensate reactive energy?

Fixed bank CP 214

Banks for industrial compensation

Automatic bank CP 253

Banks for global compensation

Fixed bank CP 227

Banks for distribution and large site networks

Automatic bank CP 254

Banks for distribution networks

Fixed bank CP 229

Banks for transport and distribution networks

Fixed bank CP 230

Why compensate reactive energy?

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

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

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

Compensating reactive energy makes it possible to

reduce losses by Joule effect;

reduce voltage drops;

increase the installations service life by reducing overheating;

reduce the electricity bill.

Choice of compensation type

A capacitor bank generally consists of several single-phase or three-phase capacitor units

Choice of bank type according to the harmonics

Choice of compensation location

In the case of compensation by sector (or workshop), several loads

Partial compensation has the advantage of entailing lower capital

In the case of global compensation, the production of reactive energy

Choice of protection system type

This differential arrangement is a sensitive protection system, independent

Choice of coupling mode

Choice of coupling mode depends on:

Example of double star

YY connection of 12 singlephase capacitors (series)

Three-phase capacitors with delta connection

HRC fuses (**)

2 x 450, i.e. 900 kvar

* SAH: Detuning Reactor

Single-phase capacitors with double star connection

Unbalance by CT*** and relay

12 x 600, i.e. 7200 kvar

12 x 480, i.e. 5760 kvar

Functions and general characteristics