Power compensation

ACR
Air-Core Reactors Dry Type

Air-Core Reactors (ACR) provide a linear response of impedance versus current which
is essential for numerous applications. The dry type design is maintenance free and
environmentally friendly.

Alstom Grid has more than 50 years experience

in designing and manufacturing Air-Core
Reactors for various market segments around
the world, including power generation, T&D
networks, industrial facilities, OEMs and
electrical test laboratories.

For both industrial environments and

networks, Alstom Grid offers a broad
range of cost-effective solutions:

Current-limiting reactors limit the fault

currents to levels compatible with existing
protection/control equipment and as a result
provide for a very cost-effective solution.
N eutral-earthing reactors are connected
between the neutral of a power system and
earth to limit the line-to-earth current to
a desired value under system earth fault
conditions.
D amping reactors limit the inrush and
outrush currents of capacitor banks.
D ischarge reactors are used in the bypass/
discharge circuit in series compensation
systems to limit the capacitor discharge
current.
Customer Benefits
High mechanical strength
to withstand elevated short-
circuit forces
Low noise level for noise

Smoothing reactors reduce the harmonic
currents and transient overcurrents (ripple)
in DC systems.
H armonic filter reactors are usually
connected with capacitors and resistors in
filter circuits to reduce harmonic content
in the network which cause higher losses,
high neutral currents and interference
with computer and telecommunications
equipment and which are responsible for
high harmonic distortion levels.
S
 hunt reactors compensate for the
capacitive currents of long transmission lines
or cables, allowing more active energy to
pass through the system.
A rc-furnace series reactors provide the sensitive applications
Conservative temperature
necessary power factor correction and
limit the unstable arc-furnace current and rise for extended service life
voltage.
P ower flow control reactors control the
Customized space saving
solutions for installations in
current into two or more parallel circuits. compact areas
M otor starting reactors are connected Surface treatment for
in series with a motor to limit the inrush protection against UV
current during the motor starting operation. radiation and pollution
S pecial applications: test lab reactors are Minimum maintenance
special ACRs used in test laboratories, requirements and
mainly for current-limiting purposes. Other environmentally friendly
devices include duplex current-limiting
reactors, split-phase shunt or zero tolerance
reactors, etc.

GRID

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 Air-Core Reactor ACR

Inducing Energy with Success

1. Applications 1.4. Harmonic filtering

1.1. Current-limiting G
~ The harmonic currents are distortions
This reactor is series connected to the introduced to the network as a result of the
transmission line or to the feeder for limiting operation of power electronics devices, large
the current under system fault conditions inductive machines, etc.
to levels compatible with the protection
equipment of the circuit. It is a very cost-
1.1 Current-limiting reactors
effective solution, as it eliminates the need for
upgrading the entire switching and protection
system when the short-circuit power of the
1.2. Neutral-earthing
This single-phase reactor is used to ground the
system is increased.
neutral point of three-phase networks to limit
the current in the event of a fault between
This reactor is designed to offer specified
phase and ground. If the circuit is perfectly
impedance and to withstand the rated and
balanced, the resulting current flow through
fault (short-time) currents during a specified
the reactor will be zero and there will be no
period of time.
losses.

1.4 HV harmonic filter

G
~

These harmonic currents create several

M
network problems, such as:
Greater losses
Malfunctioning control systems
High neutral currents
1.2 Neutral-grounding reactor Interference with computers

1.3. Smoothing
Interference with telecommunications
equipment.
Smoothing reactors are used to reduce the
harmonic currents and transient overcurrents
in the DC system. They are used in HVDC links
and industrial applications such as rectifiers,
traction systems, etc.

1.1 Current-limiting reactor seismic design 1.3 Smoothing reactor 1.4 Filters reactors

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 Air-Core Reactor ACR

1.5.1 SVC 1.5.1 TCR reactor

Moreover, most utilities impose high fees when 1.5. Shunt cranes, arc-furnaces), paper mills, mining
a certain HDL (Harmonic Distortion Level) companies, etc.
These reactors are used in a parallel
threshold is reached. SVC systems provide dynamic power
configuration to compensate for the capacitive
compensation for utilities and industry
currents of long transmission lines or cables.
Harmonic filter reactors, in association with networks. The main benefits include
As a result, they allow the flow of more active
capacitor units and, occasionally, resistors, dynamic voltage support, improvement of
energy through the system. In a low-load
create a filter circuit tuned to a certain system stability, power oscillation damping,
situation, shunt reactors may be used to
frequency (resonance frequency) so as to reactive power balancing, flicker control and
reduce the voltage rise due to capacitance of
reduce, block or provide a low impedance reduction of losses. SVC normally consists of
the transmission line and, in so doing, reduce
path for the harmonic currents in the audio a combination of thyristor-controlled reactors
corona losses.
frequency range. They are connected either in a (TCR), thyristor-switched capacitors and
In many installations, the reactors are
parallel or in a series configuration. reactors (TSC and TSR), mechanically-switched
connected to the tertiary winding of the high
capacitor banks (MSC) and harmonic filters
voltage transformer.
Harmonic filters are typically installed in (HF).
substations, in SVCs (Static VAr Compensators)
and in HVDC links.
1.5.1. SVC (Static VAr Compensation)
SVC applications are used to provide dynamic 1.6. Damping reactor
voltage stabilization, improve synchronous This reactor is series connected with one
The reactors are designed to meet specific
stability and operate as steady-state voltage or more capacitor banks to limit the inrush
design criteria such as Quality-factor, tolerance
support. The SVC can also be required currents that occur during their switching
of the inductance between phases and of the
for dynamic load balancing in industrial operation. It is designed to offer a specified
reactor itself.
installations using large electrical motors and impedance and to withstand the rated
other equipment with variable loads. Typical current and the fault current in the event of a
Special low Q-factor requirements can be met
applications include steel works (steel mills, short-circuit associated with a high frequency
using an integrated damping circuit.
discharge current of the capacitor bank.

1.5 Shunt reactor connected 1.5.1 Thyristor controlled reactors 1.6 Damping reactors
to tertiary of HV Transformer

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 Air-Core Reactor ACR

1.7. Discharge reactor Its winding has a high mechanical strength to withstand the forces caused
by the fast switching operations of the electrical arc and the high harmonic
This application includes reactors for series compensation systems which
currents which are inherent to the electrical arc.
use capacitor banks series connected to the transmission lines.
They:
improve voltage regulation 1.9. Power flow control
improve system transient stability These reactors are connected in series in a power system (usually a
increase transmission line capacity transmission line) to optimize the power flow through modification of the
reduce electrical losses and save costs. transfer impedance. They change the line impedance characteristic in such
a way that the load flow can be controlled, ensuring maximum power
1.8. Arc-furnace series reactors transfer over adjacent transmission lines.
The arc-furnace series reactor is connected in series with the electrodes of
an arc-furnace used to smelt metals (iron, steel, aluminum, etc.). 2.0. Motor starting
The reactor is series-connected with a motor to limit the inrush current
during the motor starting operation. After start-up, the reactor is typically
by-passed to limit losses in continuous operation. The reactor can be
dimensioned to be short-circuit-proof or not.

2.1. Special applications

2.1.1 Test laboratory reactors
Test laboratories often require versatile reactors with taps to adjust the
inductance value as well as flexible links to connect the reactor in parallel
or in series according to test requirements.
Usually, the rated current value is low, and the BIL or the short-time
current is high.

1.8 Arc-furnace

It provides the
necessary power
factor correction
and limits the very
unstable arc-furnace
current and voltage
(flicker), specially
during the melting
process.
1.8 Arc-furnace reactor 2.1.1 Special reactor for laboratories

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 Air-Core Reactor ACR

2.1.2 Duplex current-limiting reactors 2.1.3 Split-phase shunt reactors

Duplex current- Depending on the required ratings, shunt reactors can be manufactured
Duplex Reactor limiting reactors with split-phase design to provide sufficient sensitivity in detecting turn-
produce a low to-turn faults. In this case, unbalance currents between two windings of
reactance under the reactor can be informed for settings of the protection relays.
normal conditions
Gen. and high reactance
IL
under fault conditions, T

with the advantage

2.1.2 Duplex reactor
of a low voltage
drop under normal N1 N2

conditions. This type of reactor can be used in systems which always IN1 IN2
1P1

1S1
remain isolated. 1P2
T
A

1P2 1S2

The duplex reactor is designed in such a way that, under normal 2P2

conditions, the magnetic fields of the two half-coils are opposite,
resulting in a low reactance between power supply and load.
In case of a fault in one feeding circuit, the fault current flows only
through one half-coil, and consequently the opposite flux of the other
half-coil is limited by the increased reactance of the half-coil in series
with the feeder under fault conditions.
2.1.3 Split-phase reactor
2.1.4 Zero tolerance reactors
It is possible to use a split-phase arrangement (two vertically installed
part coils) if the inductance tolerance requirement is 0 (zero). The
inductance is set at nominal value by adjusting the spacing of the part
coils.

Alstom Grid has an experienced team of reactive power compensation specialists able to
provide customized solutions to meet special customer needs.

2. Manufacture
Alstom Grids reactor windings consist of numerous aluminum or
copper conductors connected in parallel. These conductors can be
insulated single wires, insulated cables or aluminum profiles separated
by fiberglass spacers. The cost-effective solution to be selected, in
terms of dimensions and conductor type to be used in each design,
depends on the required ratings for the equipment.
For encapsulated design, the conductors are mechanically immobilized
and encapsulated by epoxy impregnated fiberglass filaments forming
cylinders. Depending on the reactor ratings, one or more of these
cylinders are connected in parallel between aluminum or copper
spiders. The individual cylinders are separated by fiberglass spacers
forming cooling ducts.

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 Air-Core Reactor ACR

3. Accessories
3.1. Corona rings 3.3. Insulators
When it is necessary to eliminate visible Alstom Grid can provide all the necessary
corona, Alstom Grid reactors are provided support insulators for the reactors.
with suitable corona rings made from
aluminum tubes. 3.4. Pedestals
The pedestals provided with Alstom Grid
reactors maintain the magnetic and electrical
clearances required by the reactor design to
minimize induced losses.
3.5. Enclosures
On request, Alstom Grid can design and
supply reactors with enclosures.
3.6. Tapping
Reactors can be supplied with taps for
variable inductance.

Air-Core Reactor construction

2
3

Current limiting 4

3.2. Bird barriers

On request, Alstom Grid can provide the
reactors with bird barriers.
The bird barriers consist of a temperature
and UV resistant fiberglass reinforced plastic
grid with square-shaped openings. The bird
barrier does not adversely affect the cooling
of the reactor.

Fig.01. Air-Core Reactor construction

1/ Lifting lug
2/ Spacers (cooling ducts)
3/ Crossarms (spider) 6
4/ Terminal
5/ Insulator
6/ Extension brackets (pedestals)

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 Air-Core Reactor ACR

Cost-effective Solutions

4. Installation
4.1. Location 4.3. Magnetic clearances
Alstom Grid reactors are suitable for either Alstom Grids basic guidelines for magnetic
indoor or outdoor installation. clearances are shown in figure 3.

Reactors are often installed in existing B

Ds
1.1xDs 1.1xDs

substations or installed to replace existing

reactors. Alstom Grid can design reactors to
fit inside space limitations or to be mounted
directly onto the existing foundations. 1.1xDs 1.7xDs 1.7xDs 1.1xDs
Fig 04.
Alstom Grid can also design reactors for use
C
inside enclosures. In this case, the reactors 1.0xDs
B
are designed to avoid excessive heating. 0.5xDs 6. Painting
A TOP
1.1xDs

4.2. Mounting arrangement 1.5xDs

After the curing process, the reactor is
BOTTOM 0.5xDs carefully prepared before painting with a high
Reactors can be mounted individually as 1.0xDs grade quality enamel, which provides long-
single-phase units, side-by-side, or as three- A: Reactor outer surface term protection against UV radiation.
phase stacks, one coil on top of the other. Keep metallic parts not forming closed loops The typical colors are Munsell N6.5 grey,
outside B ANSI 70, RAL 7037 and RAL 5024, but
Special mounting arrangements can be Keep metallic parts forming closed loops or
offered in case of space limitations. Figure 2 large metallic parts outside C other colors can be accommodated on
illustrates options available. Ds: Reactor outer diameter request.
Fig 03. Magnetic clearances
In heavily polluted environments, Alstom Grid
uses a special painting process (RTV), and
reactors can be provided with a top cover to
5. Terminal orientation and hole
limit the adverse effects of pollution.
patterns
Alstom Grid reactors are supplied with
NEMA or IEC flat pad aluminum or copper
terminals. Other standards can be supplied
on request.
Figures 4 & 5 show typical terminal
orientations and hole patterns.
Other terminal orientations and hole patterns
can be provided on request. For copper
connectors, bimetallic tin-plated interfaces
can be provided.
Fig 02. Mounting arrangement Fig 05.

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 Air-Core Reactor ACR

to the accuracy or completeness of such data or the achievements of any projected performance criteria where these are indicated. No liability is accepted for any reliance placed upon the information contained in this brochure. Alstom Grid reserves the right to revise or
companies. The technical and other data contained in this document are provided for information only. Neither Alstom Grid, its officers nor employees accept responsibility for or should be taken as making any representation or warranty (whether express or implied) as
GRID-Products-L3-ACR_0602_V3_V2010_08_EN - Alstom Grid, the Alstom Grid logo and any alternative version thereof are trademarks and service marks of Alstom Grid. The other names mentioned, registered or not, are the property of their respective

change these data at any time without further notice. Printed on paper made with pure ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) ecological cellulose produced from trees grown in production forests under responsible management, and selected recycled three-layer fibres.
7. Formulas Thanks to this fundamental principle, Mounting arrangement
Some useful formulas: associated with a formal quality management Rated power (MVAr): for shunt reactors
XL Inductive reactance () system, all manufacturing units of Alstom Additional information: seismic
f Frequency (Hz) Grid are ISO-9001, ISO 14001 and conditions, wind load, pollution level,
L Rated inductance (H) OHSAS 18001 certified. salt spray, space limitations, operating
QL Rated power (VAr) altitude, compliance standard, ambient
IN Rated current (A) 9. Testing temperature, humidity, ice load,
Q Quality-factor (Q-factor) The reactor test program is carried out using duty cycle, tap requirements, noise
Rac Effective resistance () at system measurement systems specifically developed requirements, etc.
or tuning frequency for the purpose.
11. R&D activities
Tests comply with international standards Alstom Grid is at the forefront of
XL = 2 x x x L such as IEC, ANSI or equivalent. innovation. The company boasts an
international team of research and
QL = IN2 x xL Numerous type tests have been successfully development experts with many
performed on Alstom Grid reactors at years experience in the leading-
XL recognized laboratories such as KEMA edge technologies emanating from
Q = (Holland), CESI (Italy), IREQ (Canada), the predecessor companies. Its aim
Rac
Q CEPEL (Brazil) and LAPEM (Mexico). Type is to develop innovative, advanced
Losses = L test reports are available on request. technologies that best meet the markets
Q needs at affordable cost and respecting
10. Inquiry data the environment. The Alstom Grid R&D
8. Quality control Rated inductance (mH) or impedance () community works with a dedicated team
At Alstom Grid, a continuous quality Rated current (A) focusing on reacting power compensation
improvement system is in place based on the Harmonic currents (A) and harmonic filtering. One of its key
constant quest for optimized product design, System voltage (kV) ambitions is continued leadership in
procurement of materials and components, BIL (kVp) manufacturing ACR solutions.
production and customer service. Products Rated frequency (Hz)
assembled by an experienced and well- Thermal short-time current (kArms)/
trained workforce guarantee maximum duration (s)
customer satisfaction. Mechanical short-time current (kAp)

Alstom Grid Worldwide Contact Centre

www.grid.alstom.com/contactcentre
Tel: +44 (0) 1785 250 070
www.grid.alstom.com
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