Product guide

High Voltage Reactive

Power Compensation and Harmonic Filtering Products

Our high voltage products enhance power quality of installations and

improve electrical network efficiency, both resulting in considerable
economical savings for end users.

High voltage reactive power compensation and harmonic filtering products help to improve performance of end user’s installations
through energy savings and better power quality. With Alstom Grid products and solutions, end users save money and reduce the
environmental impact of their operations.

Reactive Power Compensation and

Filtering components Customer Benefits
••High voltage capacitor units • Energy savings
••High voltage reactors
••Electronic products for high voltage • Improved power quality
applications
• Pay-back period 0.5-2 years
Reactive Power Compensation and • Reduction of losses in the
Filtering equipment electrical network
••High voltage shunt capacitor banks
• Improved transmission
Alstom Grid reactive power compensation capacity
and Harmonic Filtering Products – a wide
range of components and one-off solutions
at high voltage levels. We analyze your needs
and engineer the right solutions offering
optimal efficiency and economy.

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 High Voltage Compensation and harmonic Filtering products Product guide

Contents
Why do we need reactive power compensation and harmonic filtering? 3 Electronic products for high voltage applications 10

•Power factor controllers 10
- NC-12 10
• Product features
High voltage capacitor units 4
• Improved user-friendliness and condition monitoring
•
HV power capacitor units 4 • Applications
• Advantages • Typical customers
• Applications • Advantages
• Available accessories
- HV 3-phase capacitor units 5
• Product features
•Capacitor bank protections relays 11
- NPR-series 11
- HV 1-phase capacitor units 6 • Types
• Product features • Product features
• Available accessories
•HV special capacitor units 7
- HV surge protection capacitor units 7 - NUR-series 12
• Applications • Product features
• HV 1-phase surge protection capacitor units
•Digital capacitance meters 13
- HV induction heating installation capacitor units 7 - NCM-20 13
• Advantages • Product features
• Applications • Advantages
• HV 1-phase induction heating installation capacitor units • Typical customers
• Accessories

High voltage reactors 8

- HV encapsulated reactors 8  igh voltage shunt capacitor banks
H 14
• Advantages - High voltage shunt capacitor banks 14
• Applications • From the artic to the tropics
• Installation work minimized
- HV iron-core reactors 9 • High quality standards
• Advantages • Installation
• Applications • Data required for design
• Advantages
• Applications
- HV air-core reactors 9
• Advantages
• Applications - High voltage enclosed capacitor banks 16
• Product features
• Types of banks
• Configuration of banks
• Protection devices
• Switching components
• Reactors
• Capacitor units
• Additional components

- High voltage harmonic filter capacitor banks 18

• Harmonic filtering makes electrical power
work more efficiently
• Harmonics filters keep the voltage and
current distortion within allowed limits
• For effective harmonic filtering, call the professionals
• Harmonic filtering in practice

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 High Voltage Compensation and harmonic Filtering products Product guide

Why do we need Reactive Power

Compensation and Harmonic Filtering?
Reactive power compensation
Connected equipment (transformers, motors, air-conditioning, refrigerators, etc.) cause a phase angle between current and voltage.
When the current is phase-shifted, it takes more current to deliver the same amount of active power.

Voltage and Current Impact of reactive power

should be like this... but are like that. ••Transmission equipment has to be sized for the apparent power,
1,5 (maximum active power) 1,5 (deteriorated active power) yet only active power is useful
1 1 ••Increased losses in the network
0,5 0,5
••You pay for apparent power but use active power (higher electricity bill)
0 0
-0,5 -0,5 ••Penalty fees to customers with a low power factor installation
-1 -1 (example < 0.95)
-1,5 -1,5
WHO
Voltage Current Voltage Current
••Power consumers, network operators, electric utilities, power industry,
Active Power Active Power
hospitals, offices, public and commercial buildings, factories

= =
Apparent Power
<
<
Apparent Power
Dephasing between current
Solution
••The power factor of a facility can be improved by installing capacitor banks.
and voltage decreases the
Power factor = active power (only the active
Active power / power is converted into
Apparent power useful mechanical power).

Harmonic filtering Current but is like that.

Variable speed drives (process industries, lifts, air conditioning should be like this...
pumps, etc.), uninterruptible power supplies for computers, electronic
Current (Amps)

equipment, etc. distort the current (introduce harmonics).

Current (Amps)

Impact of harmonics on transmission / distribution equipment

Time (ms)
••Additional losses (paid for by the end user) Time (ms) Current oscillogram before filtration
••Heating in power cables
••Audible noise (transformers) Who
••Metering errors ••Power consumers, network operators, electric utilities, power industry,
Impact of harmonics on equipment connected public and commercial buildings
••Decreased machinery efficiency and lifetime Solution
••Costly process shutdowns ••Harmonics can be filtered through a combination of reactors and capacitors
••Disturbed electronic equipment (computers, telephones) (passive filtering) or by injecting the exact opposite of the harmonics
detected (active filter) into the network.

Reactive power compensation and harmonic filtering bring

Economic benefits Environmental benefits
••Saving the costs of reactive power ••Reduced CO2 emissions
••Additional
 savings through reduced active power losses Customers see environmental benefits through energy savings
••Reduction in investment cost and more efficient power systems.
- increase of machinery lifetime
- decrease of maintenance requirements and By saving millions of tons of CO2, reactive power compensation
downtime of equipment makes an active contribution to protecting the environment.

Return on investment is generally below 18 months.

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High voltage capacitor units

Alstom Grid high voltage capacitor unit offering is divided in:

HV power capacitor units

•• HV 3-phase power capacitor units
•• HV 1-phase power capacitor units

HV special capacitor units

•• HV 1-phase surge protection capacitor units
•• HV 1-phase induction heating installation capacitor units

HV power capacitor units

Their purpose is to compensate inductive loading from devices like
electric motors and transmission lines to make the load appear to be
mostly resistive.
Alstom Grid’s capacitor units are a simple, economical and reliable
source of reactive power on electrical power systems to improve their
performance, quality and efficiency.

Advantages
•• Improving power factor
•• Reducing installation’s losses
•• Decreasing voltage drop

Applications
•• Shunt capacitor banks
- Open rack capacitor banks
- Enclosed capacitor banks
- Pole mounted capacitor banks
•• Series capacitor banks
•• SVCs

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HV 3-phase power capacitor units

Product features
Alstom Grid high voltage power capacitor units are designed and
manufactured using the most advanced technology and high quality
materials. They are all-film dielectric capacitor units impregnated with
a biodegradable dielectric liquid. Each capacitor unit element has the
possibility of having separate internal fuse. In addition, each capacitor
unit is provided with an internal discharge resistor.

All high voltage power capacitor units are light-weight and have low
losses. They comply with most national and international capacitor unit
standards.

The dielectric liquid is specially made for capacitor units and has been
Detail 1
chosen by Alstom Grid for its excellent electrical properties and heat
45

M 16
stability at both low and high temperatures. It is non-pcb, non-chlorine
220

and biodegradable.
Ø 10
•• The capacitor units are equipped with weld-type porcelain bushings.
•• Capacitor unit containers are made of stainless steel.
a

•• Capacitor units for specific purposes can be designed

b

and manufactured to meet customer requirements.

c

330 •• Fuseless/External fuse designs on request.

M6x10

Standard types (internally fused)

86

90
d

11x16 Type Power Power Voltage Dimensions Weight

350
400 kvar kvar V mm kg
430
50 Hz 60 Hz Un a b c d
QYLP 50 60 3300/6600 500 280 180 145 28
QYLP 75 90 3300/6600 520 300 200 145 29
Technical data
QYLP 100 120 3300/6600 520 300 200 145 29
Type impregnated all-film dielectric QYLP 150 180 3300/6600 620 400 300 145 35
Rated voltage up to 8 kV QYLP 200 240 3300/6600 720 500 400 145 42
Rated frequency 50 Hz or 60 Hz QYLP 250 300 3300/6600 820 600 500 145 48
QYLP 300 360 3300/6600 920 700 600 145 55
Rated power up to 850 kvar
QYLP 350 420 3300/6600 1000 780 680 145 60
Average losses < 0.15 W/kvar
QYLP 400 480 3300/6600 1100 880 780 145 67
Dielectric liquid non-pcb HYLP 450 540 3300/6600 920 700 600 200 74
All-film dielectric polypropylene HYLP 500 600 3300/6600 980 760 660 200 79
Temperature category -50° C to + 55° C (D) HYLP 550 660 3300/6600 1060 840 740 200 85
HYLP 600 720 3300/6600 1140 920 820 200 92
Standards IEC 60871-1
HYLP 650 780 3300/6600 1180 960 860 200 95
ANSI/IEEE, CSA
In line with our policy of on-going product development,
Standard colour Light grey (RAL 7035) we reserve the right to alter specifications.

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HV 1-phase power capacitor units

Product features
Alstom Grid high voltage power capacitor units are designed and
manufactured using the most advanced technology and high quality
materials. They are all-film dielectric capacitor units impregnated with
a biodegradable dielectric liquid.

Each capacitor element has the possibility of having a separate internal

1
fuse. In addition, each capacitor unit is provided with an internal
45

Detail 1 discharge resistor.

M 16

1 All high voltage power capacitor units are light-weight and have low
45

losses. They comply with most national and international capacitor unit
standards.
a

Ø 10
b

The dielectric liquid is specially made for capacitor units and has been
c

chosen by Alstom Grid for its excellent electrical properties and heat
stability at both low and high temperatures. It is non-pcb, non-chlorine
and biodegradable.
86
d

11x16

350
400
430
•• The capacitor units are equipped with weld-type porcelain bushings.
•• Capacitor unit containers are made of stainless steel.
•• Capacitor units for specific purposes can be designed
Technical data and manufactured to meet customer requirements.
Type impregnated all-film dielectric •• Fuseless/External fuse designs on request.
Rated voltage 1000...13800 V (with internal fuses) Dimensions (8000 V) (internally fused)
above 13800 V (without internal fuses)
Power Power Dimensions Weight
Rated frequency 50 Hz or 60 Hz Type
kvar kvar mm kg
Rated power Up to 1000 kvar
50 Hz 60 Hz a b c d
Average losses < 0.15 W/kvar
Dielectric liquid non-pcb PSLP/PILP 100 120 620 400 300 145 31

All-film dielectric polypropylene PSLP/PILP 200 240 760 540 440 145 40
Temperature category -50° C to + 55° C (D)
PSLP/PILP 300 360 860 640 540 145 47
Standards BS
IEC 60871-1 PSLP/PILP 400 480 940 740 640 145 53
ANSI/IEEE, CSA TSLP/TILP 500 600 840 620 520 200 63
Standard colour Light grey (RAL 7035)
TSLP/TILP 600 720 940 720 620 200 71
Standard bushings 125 kV BIL
Creep 380 mm TSLP/TILP 700 840 1060 840 740 200 81
150 kV BIL
TSLP/TILP 800 960 1160 940 840 200 89
Creep 620 mm
200 kV BIL In line with our policy of on-going product development,
Creep 820 mm we reserve the right to alter specifications.

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High voltage special capacitor units

High voltage surge protection capacitor units
Medium voltage rotating machines and transformers can be exposed to HV 1-phase surge protection capacitor units
abnormal voltages (transient overvoltages or surges) due to internal or
•• Electrical features:
external reasons. The causes are:
- Rated voltage: up to 21 kV
•• Capacitor bank switching on the connected power systems - Rated frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz
•• Operation of vacuum circuit breakers - Capacitance: 0.1 μF - 0.5 μF
•• System faults - Element fuses: fuseless design
•• Lightning - Internal discharge resistors as standard
- 1 or 2 bushings design
- Insulation level: up to 70/170 kV
These surges can cause damage to the turn-to-turn insulation of - Standard capacitance tolerance: -5%...+10%
rotating machines and transformers. Connecting surge capacitor - Total losses: under 0.14 W/kvar
units from line to ground prevents this damage by bringing down the - Manufacturing standard: IEC 60871
steepness or slope of over voltage transients.

The surge capacitor units must be designed to withstand and absorb

damped or oscillatory line disturbances without affecting the mains
frequency performance at the point of common coupling.

Applications
•• Large motors and generators
•• MV switchgear and motor control centers
•• Large transformers
•• Shunt reactors

High voltage induction heating installation capacitor units

These capacitor units are designed for the oscillatory circuits of HV 1-phase induction heating installation capacitor units
induction heating equipment. •• Electrical features:
They tune the circuits to obtain a resonant frequency close to the - Rated voltage: up to 3 kV
power supply frequency. - Rated frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz
- Rated power:
Advantages > 50 Hz: up to 600 kvar
•• Improving the low power factor of these installations > 60 Hz: up to 600 Kvar
•• Improving the electrical circuit properties - Element fuses: internal fuse or fuseless designs
- Internal discharge resistors as standard
Applications - 2 bushings design
•• Heat treatment furnaces - Insulation level: up to 10/40 kV
•• Billet heating furnaces - Standard capacitance tolerance: -5%...+10%
•• Forging and casting furnaces - Total losses: under 0.2 W/kvar
•• Melting furnaces - Manufacturing standard: IEC 60110

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High voltage reactors

Alstom Grid high voltage reactors offering is divided in:

HV encapsulated reactors
•• HV encapsulated damping reactors

HV iron-core reactors
•• HV iron-core harmonic filter reactors
- HV iron-core detuned filter reactors
- HV iron-core tuned filter reactors

HV air-core reactors
•• HV air-core shunt reactors
•• HV air-core current-limiting reactors
•• HV air-core neutral-earthling reactors
•• HV air-core power flow control reactors
•• HV air-core motor starting reactors
•• HV air-core arc-furnace series reactors
•• HV air-core damping reactors
•• HV air-core harmonic filter reactors
- HV air-core detuned filter reactors
- HV air-core tuned filter reactors
•• HV air-core discharge reactors
•• HV air-core smoothing reactors
•• HV air-core reactors for special applications
- HV air-core SVC reactors (TSR and TCR)
- HV air-core test lab reactors

HV encapsulated damping reactors

When capacitor banks are switched on, this connection causes voltage Applications
transients and very high inrush currents. Damping reactors installed in •• Capacitor banks formed by several steps
capacitor banks limit the current transients to acceptable values for the •• Several capacitor banks connected in the same busbar
capacitor units and reduce surge currents to acceptable values for the •• Installations with very high network short-circuit power
corresponding switching devices. in relation to the power of the capacitor bank to be connected

Advantages
•• Increase of switching equipment’s life
•• Increase of capacitor units’ life

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HV iron-core harmonic filter reactors

These reactors are connected in series with the capacitor units to form
a series resonant circuit with a very low impedance.

Advantages
••Reactive power compensation (power factor correction) in networks
with harmonics
••Reduction of inrush currents that flow from step to step of the
capacitor banks when switched
••Avoiding the risk of resonance as the LC circuit is having a resonance
frequency below the first existing harmonic
••Decrease the level of harmonic distortion as the circuit is also having
a certain tuning frequency at which the branch will offer a low
impedance path for harmonic currents

Applications
•• Capacitor banks formed by several steps
•• Several capacitor banks connected in the same busbar
•• Capacitor bank installations with risk of resonance
or with presence of harmonics

HV air-core reactors
Air-core dry-type reactors provide a linear response of impedance Applications
versus current that is essential to numerous applications. They are ••Power generation
mainly employed in electric power transmission and distribution ••T&D networks
systems as well as in electric power systems of electrical plants. ••Industrial sites
They are installed to protect these systems and to increase their ••Electrical test laboratories
efficiency. These reactors are also used in electrical test laboratories
and research institutions.

Advantages
••No ferromagnetic saturation
••Good linearity degree
••Minimum maintenance
••Safe operation
••Fire and explosion proof
••Environmentally friendly

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Electronic products for high voltage applications

Alstom Grid electronic products offering is divided in:
Connection of steps 2...11 as with 1 and 12

Power factor controllers

C
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6

R7
R8
R9
R10
R11
R12
•• NC-12 power factor controllers
Power Factor Controller

- Modbus communication systems NC-12

Rear view

400 V
230 V
- External temperature probes

110 V
0V

Ф1
Ф2
U1
U2

S1
S2
T1
T2

F1
F2
A
B
No connection

Alarm

Capacitor bank protection relays Fuses max. 10 A

L
Auxiliary voltage
100 V

20 kV
circuit

230 VAC

•• Complete protection relays N

20 kV 50/60 Hz
L1

LOAD
- NPR-series protection relays

Example
L2
L3
PE

•• Unbalance protection relays

Aux. voltage Aux. voltage

- NUR-series unbalance protection relays

Aux. voltage Aux. voltage

Capacitor >

Digital capacitance meters

> Capacitor
step 1 step 12

•• NCM-20 digital capacitance meters

Power factor controllers

NC-12 power factor controllers
Product features Typical customers
Alstom Grid power factor controllers provide your network with •• Electrical panel builders
efficient reactive power compensation, measurement and supervision. •• HV switchgear manufacturers

Improved user-friendliness and condition monitoring

Improved user-friendliness due to multilingual user interface, clear
text and symbol messages, graphics, alarm log and communication
interface. Alstom Grid’s power factor controller offers advanced
condition monitoring for your network as well as for the capacitor
bank.

The supervision and condition monitoring functions add to the

simplified programming with intelligent self set-up to ensure optimal
use of the reactive power compensation system.

Applications
•• Control and supervision of capacitor banks

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Advantages NC-12
••Optimized user interface for easy operation Control up to 12 capacitor steps
••Intelligent stepping algorithm for optimum step utilization Microprocessor-based technology
and fast response C/K auto search
••All traditional stepping sequences also available Measures / Alarms of THD(U)
••Quick and simple mounting and wiring
Separate C/K setting for inductive and capacitive side
••Monitoring and protection
Accuracy class 1.5%
••User-friendly
Ambient temperature 0 to + 60° C
••Several language versions
Protection class IP41 at panel and IP20 DIN-rail installation
••Robust constructions
Measurements: cos φ, P, Q, S, THD(U), Ip, Iq, Irms/I1,
harmonics and temperature
Available accessories
Communication RS485/modbus via optional auxiliary modules
•• Modbus communication systems
•• External temperature probes

Capacitor bank protections relays

NPR-series
Types
•• NPR-C
- Overcurrent protection
- Overvoltage/undervoltage protection
- Current unbalance protection
•• NPR-V
- Overvoltage/undervoltage protection
- Voltage unbalance protection

Product features
••Measuring and supervision of electrical values
••Wide range of power supply voltages
••Wide graphical LCD screen with backlight
••Simple installation and commissioning
••Reliability in operation
••Calculated values are true RMS values Available accessories
••Up to 32 configurable alarms ••Data communication by RS-485 modbus
••Includes over-temperature protection ••Data recorder

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NUR-series unbalance protection relays

Our protection relay NUR-36 is a single phase, sensitive, over-current
relay. It features two stages of over-current protection, both having
their own parameters and output relays. The NUR-36 is designed
for unbalance current protection of double star (Y-Y) or H-connected
capacitor banks in high voltage applications. It has solid state
construction and is suitable for panel installation (DIN 43700). The
relay has filters for harmonic currents and operate at fundamental
frequency only. Protection is tested according to IEC 255-5c,
255-22-2 class III, 801-4 class III and the product fulfils the CE
requirements. Information about measurements and relay functions is
given by digital display and LEDs.

Product features
•• Memory storage for measured currents
- Values can be used for calibration purposes
••Current inputs: 1 A and 5 A
••Power supply: 40…265 V AC/DC (50/60 Hz)
••Power consumption: 3 W
••Ambient operating temperature: -10° C to +55° C
••User-friendly set-up and operation
••Simple installation and commissioning
••Separate settings for alarm and trip

1. Push-buttons for the menu selections and parameter scrolling

2. SET push-button for parameter settings
3. ENTER push-button for confirming new setting
4. Display
5. POWER indicator, indicates that all the supply voltages of the system are in order
6. FAULT indicator, indicates that an internal fault has been detected in the unit
7. Mode indicators
8. Trip and Alarm indicators
9. Start current and operate time of trip stage
10. Start current and operate time of alarm stage
11. Indicates routed Signal to Relay 3

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Digital capacitance meters

NCM-20 digital capacitance meters
Product features
••Designed to quickly and accurately measure the capacitance of
- Loose capacitor units
- Capacitor units mounted in a capacitor bank (without the need
of removing any connecting wire between the capacitor units)
••The measurement is used to find
- Capacitor units with low capacitance (with blown internal fuses)
- Capacitor units with high capacitance (with short-circuit
over a series connection)
••Measurement range:
0 μF to 2000 μF with 0.05% resolution

Advantages
••No need for power supply
- The display unit and the generator unit have rechargeable batteries
- The meter can be used in areas without readily available power supply
••Built-in calibration system
- Calibration capacitor located inside the generator unit
- Display unit and current clamp can be calibrated easily and fast
by putting the clamp around the handle of the generator unit
- Calibration is recommended before and after each measurement
••Small size and weight (approx. 9.5 kg)
••Rigid aluminum case
••Digital display
Specifications
Typical customers Ranges Range Display
••Electric utilities 2000μF 200μF 20μF 0…1999 μF
0…199.9 μF
••Companies providing maintenance 0…19.99 μF
••Companies providing measurements
Loading capacitance 2000 μF max.
••Consultant firms
Measuring frequency 111.86 Hz
Measuring voltage 1.41 Vrms
Accessories supplied with every capacitance meter
Error ±1% of reading
••Clamp-on current transformer (100 mm opening)
±2 digits
••Voltage clips with 1 m cable and connector
Resolution 0.05 % between 1 and 2000 μF
••1 pc carrying strap for display unit
Temperature range -10…+ 50° C
••1 pc suspension strap for generator unit
Dimensions 450 x 350 x 250 mm
••Instruction manual
••Battery charger 230VAC/18VDC 50/60 Hz Weight approx. 9.5 kg

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High voltage shunt capacitor banks

Alstom Grid high voltage shunt capacitor bank offering
is divided in:

By bank construction
•• HV open rack capacitor banks
•• HV enclosed capacitor banks

By bank design
•• HV capacitor banks without reactors
•• HV capacitor banks with damping reactors
•• HV harmonic filter capacitor banks
- HV detuned filter capacitor banks
- HV tuned filter capacitor banks
- HV double-tuned filter capacitor banks
- HV triple-tuned filter capacitor banks
- HV C-type filter capacitor banks
- HV high-pass filter capacitor banks

High voltage shunt capacitor banks

In power systems, the predominantly inductive nature of loads and
distribution feeders as well as transformers and lines accounts for
significant power losses due to lagging currents. Shunt capacitor banks
are used to improve the quality of the electrical supply and the efficient
operation of the power systems.

They are inexpensive solutions and can be easily and quickly installed
anywhere on the network. Capacitor banks are formed by several
capacitor units connected in series and in parallel to obtain a certain
power rate at a given voltage.

When it comes to high voltage shunt capacitors, Alstom Grid is the

name to remember. Whatever your exact needs are, Alstom Grid
can supply the right product. Our product range is both flexible and
comprehensive, with a large number of options available.

We build the capacitor banks to match your precise requirements, and

we can also produce special designs for use in places where space is
Reactive Power Compensation reduces transmission
restricted or climatic conditions are difficult. and distribution losses

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From the arctic to the tropics Data required for design

Alstom Grid´s capacitor banks are already giving excellent service in all parts ••Schematic diagram of the system to be compensated
of the world. Our know-how covers the design of capacitor banks for use ••Rated voltage and frequency
in extreme climatic conditions, ranging from the freezing arctic of northern ••Reactive power needed
Canada and Scandinavia to the tropical heat of Africa and the Far East. ••Data of harmonic loads if any
Alstom Grid´s shunt capacitor banks are built up from high voltage, all-film ••Permitted level of harmonic currents and voltages
dielectric capacitor units. The impregnation liquid is both non-PCB and non- ••Insulation level
chlorine, and the individual units are fully sealed in welded weather resistant ••Short circuit level of the system
stainless steel cases (AISI 409). ••Installation and environmental requirements
The cases are given a protective coating of paint selected according to ••Protection systems needed
conditions at the installation site. ••Extra accessories needed

Installation work minimized Advantages

Alstom Grid’s capacitor banks are designed for maximum possible ease ••Reduced power system losses
of installation, and allowance is also made for the special requirements ••Reactive energy billing charges reduction
imposed by transportation. The capacitor units are mounted in the frames ••Capital investments postponement
or enclosures and ready wired up before dispatch from the factory. At the ••Improved voltage profile of the system
installation site it is only necessary to fix the frames or enclosure in position ••Released power system capacity
and complete the connections. ••Harmonic distortion removal

High quality standards Applications

Alstom Grid put itself well ahead of its competitors when it was the first ••Windfarms
manufacturer to connect a 735 kV capacitor bank to the network. This ••Electric utilities
pioneering installation has proved itself over the years, and has subsequently ••Heavy manufacturing plants
helped to bring Alstom Grid a number of commissions for other major ••Large commercial institutions
projects. With a wealth of know-how and expertise that is second to none, ••Mines
our Research and Development team continues to produce innovative ••Petrochemical industries
applications to improve the quality of electrical supplies. Alstom Grid´s ••Pulp and paper factories
capacitor factory in Tampere is one of the most modern in Europe and ••Steel processing plants
provides all the facilities required for the development and production of
reliable, high technology equipment.

Installation
Installation of shunt capacitor banks can be made to any point of the
network. When measurements are done and harmonic distortion is known, LOAD 1
c)
the selection of the compensation method can be made (figure 1):
a) Individual compensation: bank connected directly to the terminals of
the consumer
b) Group compensation: bank connected to a distribution system that b) a)
LOAD 2 LOAD 3 LOAD 4
feeds a number of individual loads
c) Central compensation: bank connected to the main busbar in large
Figure 1: Installation of shunt capacitor banks
installations where many individual loads operate

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High voltage enclosed capacitor banks

Power factor correction systems, especially automatic ones, have
increased their presence in the electric utilities, large industrial and
commercial consumer environments during the last years. The main
reason behind this increase is the need to maintain voltage at acceptable
levels and to compensate reactive power to reduce losses in medium
voltage distribution systems.

Enclosed capacitor banks designed by Alstom Grid are used for power
factor correction, voltage support, harmonic suppression and to maximize
network capacity in industrial applications and distribution systems.
They supply individual, group or central reactive power compensation of
fluctuating loads in three-phase networks up to 36 kV.

Product features
••Modular, compact and robust design optimised for easy future expansion
of the system, facilitating transport, storage and installation.
••Galvanised steel enclosures available for indoor and outdoor Fixed banks with switching device
installations, with different ventilation systems. Protection class ranges The construction of these banks is basically the same as the fixed banks,
from IP30 to IP44. but they are fitted with a switching device (contactor or circuit breaker),
••Design and testing complies with the requirements of the latest edition that allows them to be connected and disconnected from the network at
of relevant standards and the specific technical requirements set by the any time.
customers.
••Use of simplified design and proven components ensures high reliability Automatic banks
and low maintenance costs. Formed by different steps, each one composed of capacitor units, reactors
••Several communication protocols and the possibility of using arc sensors and switching devices, mounted in a common enclosure.
available in protection relays. They can improve the power factor by providing the required amount
••Optimised to give a low environmental load by using recyclable of reactive power under varying load conditions.
materials.
••The banks are supplied as fully assembled units, factory tested and ready The operation, control and monitoring of the different steps is carried out
for connection. by a microprocessor based controller according to the need for reactive
power. The controller also provides network data and alarm conditions.
Types of banks
Fixed banks Configuration of banks
Formed by capacitor units and reactors mounted in a common enclosure A bank is usually formed by an incoming cubicle where the main circuit
with no stepping capability. The bank is connected on continuous mode breaker or disconnector, earthing switch and control and protection relays
directly to the loads and provides a fixed quantity of reactive power at all are placed. Next to it there are one or more step cubicles where capacitor
times. This method of correction is suitable for example for large machines units, reactors, fuses and the switching devices are located. Banks can be
operating at steady loads. manufactured with various options and configurations to meet virtually all
These banks can be permanently connected to the loads or they can be customer needs.
switched by means of devices located in customer’s switchgear.

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 High Voltage Compensation and harmonic Filtering products Product guide

Protection devices
Typical system protection might include:
•• Capacitor units equipped with internal fuses and discharging
resistors
•• Unbalance current protection
•• Overcurrent and earth-fault protection
•• Over and undervoltage protection
•• Monitoring of internal enclosure temperature
•• HV-HRC fuses with failure indication
•• Earthing switches
•• Quick discharge transformers

Switching components
Switching devices with tested capacitive switching capability are used
like vacuum or SF6 contactors and circuit breakers.

Reactors
Depending on the harmonic level of the network to which the bank
is connected, and the number of steps needed, the banks can be
fitted with air-cored or iron cored damping reactors or harmonic filter
reactors.

Capacitor units
Depending on the capacitor unit’s connection configuration, the banks
are divided into two groups:
•• Banks with one-phase capacitor units connected in star
or double-star, up to 36 kV.
•• Banks with three-phase capacitor units connected in star, up to 8 kV.

Additional components
Voltage indicators, ventilation fans, cooling units, anticondensation
heaters, earthing terminals, arc containment relief vents, enclosure
illumination, key locks, electrical locks, key interlocking systems,
bottom or side wall cable entries, door contact switches.

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 High Voltage Compensation and harmonic Filtering products Product guide

High voltage harmonic filter capacitor banks

Power transmission and
distribution systems are
designed for operation with
<=>
sinusoidal voltage and current Harmonic currents
amplified by the resonance
waveforms at a
constant frequency.

However, when non-linear

loads - such as thyristor
drives, converters and arc M Harmonic currents
furnaces - are connected to the 5th
7th
system, excessive harmonic 11th
13th
currents are generated, and
this causes both current and
voltage distortion. Harmonic filtering is the best way to eliminate this The capacitor bank and network may form a parallel resonant circuit.

distortion from the power system.

12 kV

Harmonic filtering makes electrical power work more efficiently

Harmonic distortion - an increasingly common problem
Harmonic distortion problems are becoming increasingly common and, High frequency harmonic currents often give rise to unexpected
-12 kV
problems. Excessive heat loss occurs in transformers, cables and
ironically, the cause can be traced back to the “electronic revolution”. 0 ms 20 ms
other components. Control, protection and metering systems fail
Modern electronic power control devices provide many advantages to function as required. Telecommunications and data networks are
over conventional control methods, and are widely used in industrial subject to interference and disturbance.
12 kV
processes. Their major disadvantage, however, is that they also
12 kV Particular problems are experienced when the network contains
generate harmonics.
power factor correction capacitor banks. The capacitor bank and
Problems are most often caused by the 3 , 5 , 7 , 11 and 13th order
rd th th th
the inductance of the network may form a parallel resonant circuit at
harmonics. the harmonic frequency, with the result that harmonics are amplified
-12 kVbecomes unsuitable for most
to such an extent that the voltage
0 ms 20 ms
-12 kV applications.
0 ms 20 ms
1. Voltage waveform distorted by 5 harmonic.
th
2. 5 harmonic (250 Hz).
th 3. Pure 50 Hz sine wave.
12 kV 12 kV 12 kV

-12 kV -12 kV -12 kV

0 ms 20 ms 0 ms 20 ms 0 ms 20 ms

12 kV
12 kV

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 High Voltage Compensation and harmonic Filtering products Product guide

With increasing reactive power charges, adequate reactive power

compensation has become an economic necessity. Power factor
correction systems pay for themselves in only 12-36 months through
reduced costs. In many countries regulations concerning the quality
of electricity supplies also sets limits on the amount of harmonic
distortion permitted.

Harmonic filters keep the voltage and current distortion

within allowed limits
Harmonic filters represent the optimum solution to distortion
problems. Consisting of capacitor units, reactors and resistors, filter
circuits provide a low impedance for harmonics. Distortion is reduced
to the required levels. Single-tuned, double-tuned and high-pass filters
are all available. At the fundamental frequency (50 or 60 Hz) the filter
acts as capacitor and produces reactive power, functioning in the same
way as a conventional capacitor bank.

For the best results, the capacitor units and reactors must be properly
matched. Alstom Grid is the only filter manufacturer in the world with
its own capacitor and air core reactor production. Alstom Grid filters
contain perfectly matched components for trouble-free operation.

For effective harmonic filtering, call the professionals

The effective solution of distortion problems demands a high level
of power transmission and distribution know-how. For many years
Alstom Grid´s professional team has successfully been designing filters
to eliminate harmonic distortion problems for customers in countries
all over the world. Alstom Grid´s expertise has been further enhanced
by cooperation with major industrial companies and electrical utilities.
Alstom Grid uses the latest computer software for system simulation
and design purposes. With accurate modelling techniques, the
optimum solution can be quickly and reliably found.

Each filter is custom designed; the input data for the design process is
obtained from on-site measurements or from a computer model.

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 High Voltage Compensation and harmonic Filtering products Product guide

Grid-Products-L3-HV-Compensation-products-72193-V2-2010 © - Alstom, the Alstom logo and any alternative version thereof are trademarks and service marks of Alstom. The other names mentioned, registered or not, are the property of their respective companies. The technical

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 reserves the right to revise or change these data at any time without further notice. Printed on
and other data contained in this document are provided for information only. Neither Alstom, its officers nor employees accept responsibility for or should be taken as making any representation or warranty (whether express or implied) as to the accuracy or completeness of such data
Harmonic filtering in practice
Alstom Grid’s harmonic filter capacitor banks are most commonly used This problem could not have been solved by the use of capacitor
in cases where reactive power is required, but capacitor banks without banks without reactors or with damping reactors, because the
reactors or with damping reactors would tend to amplify existing resulting parallel resonance would have amplified the harmonics and
distortion to excessive levels. exacerbated the distortion problem.

In a typical application (figure 3), Alstom Grid’s custom designed filters

110 kV 1500 MVA
represented the best solution to reactive power and distortion problems
at a paper mill. In the system, a number of 6-pulse rectifiers (total
rating 10.5 MW) were connected to an 11 kV bus supplied by 31,5 MVA
Transformer
a 31.5 MVA transformer.
11 kV 260 MVA
110 kV

31,5 MVA

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.
Harmonic
currents
5th
7th
M DC drive 11th
5th 7th HP
13th Filters
Loads
On-line diagram

5th 7th High-pass

Figure 3: 5 , 7 and high-pass filter

th th
IH I Filter

INetwork I5 I7 I HP
Source of
harmonics

A total of three filters - two single tuned filters for 5th and 7th harmonics
plus a high-pass filter for higher order harmonics - were connected to
Network 5th 7th High pass
the busbar. Together the filters produced a total reactive power output
of 13 Mvar, while the harmonics entering the system were reduced by
Equivalent circuit
70%.

IZI / Ω

15

10

Z
Network

Z
Filter

100 200 300 400 500 600 f / Hz

Impedance curves for network and filter

Alstom Grid Worldwide Contact Centre

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