Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

Catalogue

2000

MV capacitors and banks

Rectiphase

Contents

Schneider Electric

Presentation

MV capacitors and banks

Propivar capacitors

MV capacitor banks

Dimensions of Propivar capacitors

10

Dimensions of MV capacitor banks

11

469E1315.fm/1

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

Presentation
MV capacitors and banks

Compensation of reactive power on a

network or in an electrical installation has
various economic and technical
advantages:
b economic advantages in that it cuts down
on electricity bills through elimination of
excessive consumption of reactive power.
b technical advantages in that it:
v increases power available at the
secondary of the transformers
v reduces voltage drop in MV distribution
networks
v reduces temperature rise in cables for
constant active power.

Choosing reactive power compensation equipment

The method proposed comprises 4 successive steps.
Step 1: calculating the reactive power to be compensated:
b from the electricity bill: the aim is to eliminate the reactive power billed or reduce
the subscribed power. This will depend on the tariffs in force in each country.
b from the electrical data of the installation. The aim is not to pay for reactive power
consumption and to correctly size transformers, cables, control and protection
devices.

E29121

E62610

Step 2: choosing the compensation mode

Location of capacitors on electrical networks forms what is known as the
"compensation" mode.
Compensation of reactive power can be (see fig. below):
b either global, example:
v HV capacitor bank 1 on HV distribution / transmission network
v MV capacitor bank 2 for MV customer
v regulated or fixed LV capacitor bank 3 for LV consumer.
b or by sector, example:
v MV capacitor bank 4 on MV distribution network
v LV 5 or MV capacitor bank per workshop or per building for MV customer.
b or by unit
The capacitor bank 6 is parallel-connected to the machine consuming the reactive
power.
This compensation type is an ideal solution, technically speaking, as the reactive
power is produced where it is consumed in quantities to meet the demand.

469E1320.fm/2

Step 3: choosing the compensation type

Compensation may be:
b fixed by delivering a constant reactive power
b automatic by delivering a variable reactive power compensating the power
consumed by the load.
Step 4: choosing compensation equipment in networks disturbed by
harmonics
Presence of non-linear loads (speed controllers, UPS...) creates harmonic voltages
and currents. Compensation equipment is chosen according to the size of these
harmonics.
This choice takes the following parameters into account:
b Gh: power in kVA of all the harmonics generators supplied by the same busbars
as the capacitors.
b Scc or Sn:
b Scc: real short-circuit power (kVA), if supply is via one or more > 2 MVA power
transformers
b Sn: power of the upstream transformer(s) (kVA) if supply is via one or more
< 2 MVA power transformers.

Schneider Electric

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

Presentation
MV capacitors and banks (cont.)

Based on these parameters there are 4 possible cases:

b using standard banks when there are few or no harmonics
b using banks with oversized capacitors
b using capacitor banks associated with detuning reactors which limit the harmonic
currents absorbed
b using harmonics filters to reduce harmonic currents by filtering them at their point
of creation.
The solution consists in arranging sets of capacitors and inductances in the form of
tuned filters to:
b compensate the reactive consumption of the installation
b absorb the main harmonic currents.
The experience acquired in this area allows us to define some simple rules (see table
below).
Sn > 2 MVA
Sn < 2 MVA

Gh y Scc/120
Gh y 0.15 Sn
Standard equipment

Scc/120 < Gh y Scc/70

0.15 Sn < Gh y 0.25 Sn
Equipment with oversized
capacitors

Scc/70 < Gh y Scc/30

0.25 Sn < Gh y 0.6 Sn
Equipment with detuning
reactors and capacitors

Gh > Scc/30
Gh > 0.6 Sn
Harmonic filters

Choosing CP type banks

Configuration
1500 kvar.

: is used for voltages less than 12 kV and maximum power

: for every voltage and power.

E62611

Configuration double star

Filtering harmonics
To improve electrical power quality, Merlin Gerin proposes HV or MV filters which
reduce or eliminate the harmonics flowing in the electrical installation.
These filters are made up of capacitors associated with reactors. They reduce the
distortion rate to a value permissible to or recommended by the electricity board or
clients system as well as compensate reactive power.
Merlin Gerin will conduct all compensation and filtering studies.

Schneider Electric

469E1320.fm/3

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

052312

The Propivar capacitors are used to

compensate reactive power on medium and
high voltage networks.

Propivar capacitors

Presentation
A Propivar medium voltage capacitor is a steel case or tank provided with resin
insulators. The tank comprises an assembly of capacitor elements having a
maximum permissible rated voltage of 2250 V.
When connected in series-parallel groups, they provide high power units for elevated
system voltages.
There are two types of capacitors:
b with internal fuses (single-phase capacitor)
b without internal fuses (three-phase or single-phase capacitor).
Each capacitor is normally provided with discharge resistors to bring the residual
voltage down to 75 V 10 minutes after the capacitor has been switched off.
If requested, the capacitors can be supplied without discharge resistors.
Construction
The Propivar capacitors are composed of elements which include:
b aluminium foil electrodes;
b a non-chlorinated biodegradable dielectric liquid and a polypropylene film.
The dielectric solely made up of plastic films helps to greatly reduce dielectric losses.

E14591

Propivar capacitor 250 kvar/17.5 kV

Compliance with standards

The Propivar capacitor complies with standard NF C 54-102 and with the following
standards:
b IEC 871, 1 and 2
b BS 1650
b VDE 0560
b C22-2 N 190-M1985
b NEMA CP1.
Capacitors with internal fuses comply with the following standards: NF C 54-102,
IEC 60871.
Protection by internal fuse
Propivar capacitors can be supplied with internal protection: each element or unit
capacitor is equipped with a fuse. In the event of a breakdown of an element, the
element is disconnected and isolated. Breakdown of a unit capacity may occur:
b when capacitor voltage is close to its maximum amplitude. In this case, it is the
power stored in the capacitances of the parallel elements which guarantees a current
sufficient to rupture the internal fuse (fig. 1)
b when capacitor voltage is close to zero. This current ensures breaking of the
internal fuse (fig. 2).
Advantages of this protection type:
b instantaneous disconnection of the short-circuiting element
b continuity of service is ensured
b considerable increase in the life of the equipment
b reduction in material costs and maintenance
b possibility of programming site maintenance.

Main characteristics

E14445A

Propivar capacitor with internal fuses, composed of 4 groups

connected in series, each group comprising 12 elements
connected in parallel.

E14445B

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

469E2325.fm/4

b The exceptional life of Propivar capacitors is due to their temperature withstand,

small temperature rise, chemical stability and overvoltage and overcurrent withstand.
Temperature withstand
These capacitors can be put into service at low temperatures without any special
precautions being taken.
At higher ambient temperatures, the temperature rise is very low, so they can be
operated without any risk of modifying the insulation characteristics of the dielectric.
Chemical stability
Transient overvoltages in circuits and partial discharge levels in tanks cause
accelerated ageing of capacitors. The exceptional life of Propivar capacitors is
closely connected with the intrinsic properties of the dielectric liquid:
b very high chemical stability
b high absorption capacity for gases generated during partial discharges
b very high dielectric strength.
Overvoltage and overcurrent withstand
The capacitors can accept:
b an overvoltage of 1.10 Un for 12 hours a day
b a power frequency overvoltage of 1.15 Un for 30 minutes a day
b a permanent overcurrent of 1.3 In.
The withstand of capacitors is verified by:
b 1 000 cycles at an overvoltage level of 2.25 Un (cycle duration 1 s)
b ageing tests at 1.4 Un.

Schneider Electric

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

Propivar capacitors

Insulating voltage of the Propivar capacitors

Highest voltage for equipment Um
kV

3.6

7.2

12

17.5

24

36

Rms kV, 50 Hz-1 mn

10
Basic impulse level (BIL) kV, 1.2/50 s 40

20
60

28
75

38
95

50
125

70
170

Insulation level

Environmental protection / biodegradability

Propivar capacitors are biodegradable and are certified in accordance with the
recommendations in force.
The total absence of PCB makes them perfectly compatible with the environment.
No special precautions are required in installing them.

Other characteristics
The rated reactive power of the unit capacitors is 100 to 600 kvar, according to rated
voltage (see tables opposite).
The capacitance of the capacitors is always between 0.95 and 1.15 times rated
capacitance. Other intermediate powers can be offered on request.
Service frequency
50 Hz - (60 Hz if requested)
Temperature range
-25 to +45 C (other ranges, if requested)
Average loss factor at 20 C
0.16 W/kvar with internal fuses
after stabilisation
0.12 W/kvar without internal fuses
Capacitance variation C/C
-3.5 . 10-4/C
Connection to porcelain or resin insulators for cables with a section y 50 mm2
Tank
welded steel
thickness
1.5 mm
paint
vinyl
colour
grey RAL 7038
anticorrosion treatment indoor type
wash-primer, thickness 5 m
paint, thickness 20 m
outdoor type sanding
metallisation, 80 m of zinc
wash-primer and paint: thickness 20 m
Fixing
2 perforated brackets for M10 screw
system

Choice
The three tables opposite present the range of Propivar capacitors.
Single-phase capacitors without internal fuses
for Um voltages 7.2 - 12 - 17.5 - 24 - 36 kV/50 Hz (*)
Nota : Um = highest network voltage
Power
(kvar)
100 to 150
150 to 200
200 to 250
250 to 300
300 to 350
350 to 400
400 to 450
450 to 500
500 to 550
550 to 600

Rated (kV) voltage

1
1.5 2
2.5

3.5

4.5

5.5

6.8

9.1

11.4 13.8

5.5

6.8

9.1

11.4 13.8

5.5

6.8

9.1

11.4 13.8

Single-phase capacitors with internal fuses

for Um voltages 7.2 - 12 - 17.5 - 24 - 36 kV/50 Hz
Power
(kvar)
100 to 150
150 to 200
200 to 250
250 to 300
300 to 350
350 to 400
400 to 450
450 to 500
500 to 550
550 to 600

Rated (kV) voltage

1
1.5 2
2.5

3.5

4.5

Three-phase capacitors without internal fuses

for Um voltages 7.2 - 12 kV/50 Hz
Power
Rated (kV) voltage
(kvar)
1
1.5 2
2.5
100 to 150
150 to 200
200 to 250
250 to 300
300 to 350
350 to 425
425 to 500
(*) for 60 Hz, please contact us
Schneider Electric

3.5

4.5

469E2325.fm/5

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

052314

The Propivar capacitor banks are used to

compensate reactive power on medium
voltage networks.

052323

CP225 fixed capacitor banks

MV capacitor banks

Presentation
Composition of capacitor banks
Merlin Gerin designs all types of capacitor banks whatever:
b the complexity of the system (calculation of the filter)
b the desired reactive power
b the rated insulating voltages.
For easier selection, Merlin Gerin has standardised its capacitor equipment and
offers two versions:
b in open rack IP 00
b in cubicle IP 23, with or without control devices.
The capacitor banks are designed according to two capacitor connection modes:
delta connection or double star connection.
Cubicles increase:
b safety of operating personnel by protecting them from contact with live parts and
integrating the switching and protection functions
b continuity of service by reducing electrical faults by isolation of live parts.
The capacitor bank control equipment is incorporated into the cubicles containing the
capacitors when:
b compensation is on an individual basis, for each machine consuming large
quantities of reactive power
b the capacitor banks in the system are separate and distributed throughout the
installation
b multi stage automatic compensation is required.

Capacitor protection
Capacitors must be protected against short-circuits and earth faults.
Current and voltage overload protection is also recommended.
Bank with delta-connected capacitors (fig. 3)
These capacitors must be protected by a device that trips quickly should an internal
fault occur. Only limiting HBC fuses can provide such protection. Their rating must
be at least 1.8 lN. The exact determination of the rating requires knowledge of
installation data. A circuit-breaker alone does not provide sufficient protection.

CP254 automatic capacitor banks

Banks with single-phase capacitors (fig. 4)

To provide protection against capacitor internal faults, a double-Y assembly with
unbalance detection must be used. This system can be used with capacitors with and
without internal fuses. The setting thresholds of this protection depend on the internal
data of the devices and must be supplied by Rectiphase or Merlin Gerin. Such
protection causes the switching device at the incoming end of the bank to open.
Overload and short-circuit protection must be installed to protect the bank.

Overcurrent and overvoltage protection devices:

b the stresses:
MV capacitor banks require protection against:
v risk of overvoltage due to rapid reclosing before capacitor discharge
v overcurrents on switching, load overcurrents often present on bank step switching.
b the means: installation of two discharge coils between the phases reduces to
roughly 10 s capacitor discharge time. Use of this device must, however, respect coil
cooling time, i.e. operations performed at intervals of at least 6 minutes.
Damping reactors placed in series on the connections of each step limit the switching
overcurrents.
Open rack type capacitor banks
The banks are fixed. Always used for a voltage greater than 36 kV. But this version
is used in high power equipment and for all voltage levels. The indoor and outdoor
types are provided with an unpainted aluminium rack.
This version also comprises item CP210 which is designed for low power individual
compensation and includes a terminal cover.
Capacitor banks in IP 23 cubicles
b fixed type banks
This equipment is suitable for indoor or outdoor use with:
v an unpainted aluminium rack
v unpainted aluminium panels.
The cubicles are furnished with a bottom gland plate:
v for 1 to 6 capacitors: 1 gland 100 mm dia.
v for more than 6 capacitors: 3 glands 100 mm dia.
b multi stage automatic banks.
These banks are designed in the same way as fixed banks.
They also include control equipment.

469E2330.fm/6

Schneider Electric

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

MV capacitor banks

Choice of switching devices

E29126

The fitness of the devices to switch capacitive currents must be checked with the
manufacturer.
Current sizing
Breaking and protection devices must withstand a continuous current of 1.43 times
rated bank current.

Fig. 3: example for delta connection

E29128

Withstand to switching transients

Switching devices must withstand the transient overcurrents that occur on
energisation. For banks parallel-connected to the same busbar, use of limiting
reactors to reduce switching currents is essential.
Rearcing
Switching devices must be suited for the switching of capacitive currents. These
devices must be designed to avoid the risk of reacing on opening. If the rearcing risk
is high (case of some off-load devices), surge arresters must be fitted to limit the
transient overvoltages.
Merlin Gerin devices with SF6 are well adapted to capacitive current operations.
Please consult us for more details

Connection mode
The equipment can have different forms:
b delta connection:
v three-phase capacitors (without internal fuse) connected in parallel
v single-phase capacitors (without internal fuse).
b double star connection: from 6 to 48 single-phase capacitors (with or without
internal fuse)
b single star connection (special for EHV) 36 single-phase capacitors
(12 per branch) if requested.
The selection depends on:
b the following characteristics: network voltage and capacitor bank power
b the type of compensation, fixed or controlled (switched steps)
b the type of protection:
v capacitor with or without internal fuse
v unbalance current with MV fuses.
b economic requirements. In response to this last point, it should be noted that the
cost of a capacitor bank is a direct function of the number of elements: with identical
operating characteristics, a system composed of three capacitors with a delta
connection is therefore cheaper than a system composed of six single-phase
capacitors with a double star connection.

Fig. 4: example for double star connection

Standard assemblies
Aside from the capacitors, the banks standardised by Merlin Gerin include the
elements mentioned in the opposite table. Any power available on request.
Rated voltage Un (kV)
Highest voltage Um (kV)
Connection mode delta
double star
Fixed bank, open rack
Maximum power (kvar)
Protection against internal faults
MV fuses
unbalance measurement
Fixed bank, cubicle
Maximum power (kvar)
Protection against internal faults
MV fuses
unbalance measurement
"switched steps" bank, cubicle
Maximum power (kvar)
control device
contactor
switch or CB
Protection against internal faults
MV fuses
unbalance measurement

Schneider Electric

y 6.6
7.2

6.6 to 11
12

11 to 15.6
17.5

15.6 to 21.8 21.8 to 32.7 > 32.7

24
> 24

1500

4200

1500

21000

36000

36000

36000

1500

4200

1500

7200

7200

7200

7200

1500

4200

1500

7200

7200

7200

7200

all powers

469E2330.fm/7

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

MV capacitor banks

Fixed CP banks with terminal cover

E29125

Characteristics
CP 210 (*)
fixed

Type of bank
Capacitors

CP210

numbers
type

1, 2 or 3
three-phase
Connection
delta
Rack
open with terminal cover
Protection index
IP 23
Indoor
yes
Outdoor
yes
Maximum insulating voltage
12 kV
Max. power
1500 kvar
(*) capacitor protection is ensured using HBC fuses (not supplied)

Fixed CP banks with open rack

E29126

Characteristics
Type of bank
Capacitors

E29128

CP212

numbers
type

CP212
fixed

CP225
fixed

CP229
fixed

CP230
fixed

1, 2 or 3
three-phase
delta
open
yes
no (1)
12 kV
1500 kvar

6, 9 or 12
single-phase
double star
open
yes
yes
36 kV
7200 kvar

60 maxi
single-phase
double star
open
yes
yes
36 kV
36000 kvar

as required
single-phase
double star
open
yes
yes
> 36 kV
all powers

Connection
Equipment
on rack
Indoor
Outdoor
max. insulating voltage
Max. power (2)
Additional equipment
Inrush current reactor
Rapid discharge reactor
HBC fuses
Unbalance protection relay (supplied separately)
(1) the equipment can be used outdoor if the fuse option is not chosen.
(2) please consult us for higher powers.

E29127

CP225

E29129

CP229

CP230

469E2330.fm/8

Schneider Electric

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

MV capacitor banks

Fixed CP banks in cubicle

E29126

Characteristics
Type of battery
Capacitors

E29127

CP214

number
type

CP214
fixed

CP227
fixed

1, 2 or 3
three-phase
delta
in cubicle
yes
yes
12 kV
1500 kvar

6, 9 or 12
single-phase
double star
in cubicle
yes
yes
36 kV
7200 kvar

Connection
Equipment
Indoor
Outdoor
Max. insulating voltage
Max. power (2)
Additional equipment
Inrush current reactors
rapid discharge reactor
HBC fuses
Unbalance protection relay (supplied separately)

CP227

Multi stage automatic CP banks in cubicle

E29132

Characteristics
Type of battery
Capacitors

E29133

CP253

number
type

Connection
Equipment
Indoor
Outdoor
Max. insulating voltage
Max. power
Additional equipment
MV equipment: Inrush current reactors
Rapid discharge reactor
Earthing switch
Control device with
- Rollarc with HBC fuses
- Fluarc SF1 circuit breaker
LV equipment:

CP253
modulable steps

CP254
modulable steps

1, 2 or 3
three-phase
three-phase
in cubicle
yes
yes
12 kV
1500 kvar

6, 9 or 12
single-phase
double star
in cubicle
yes
yes
36 kV
7200 kvar

Regulator (automatic controller)

Manual remote control
"on" and "fault" signals
Unbalance protection relay (supplied separately)

CP254

Schneider Electric

469E2330.fm/9

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

Dimensions of Propivar capacitors

Propivar capacitors
E62612

Dimensions (mm) and weight (kg) of banks (for information only)

Powers
(kvar)
50 Hz
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
600

Single-phase capacitors
with internal fuses
without internal fuses

Three-phase capacitors
without internal fuses

H
320
390
460
530
610
650
710
780
770
840
900

H
280
370
460
530
620
640
700
760
760

P
130
135
140
145
145
155
165
165
185
185
185

masse
25
31
36
42
48
54
62
68
74
80
86

H
270
360
430
510
590
630
670
760
740
810
870

P
130
130
140
140
140
150
160
160
180
180
180

masse
21
27
34
39
45
51
57
64
69
75
80

P
130
130
135
140
140
150
160
160
180

masse
24
30
37
43
49
53
61
65
72

Single-phase and three-phase capacitors

Connection

E62613

Single-phase Propivar capacitor

Fixing system

on resin insulators for cables with a section y 50 mm2

overall external height (b) of terminals 135 mm for voltages y 7.2 kV
233 mm for voltages
12 and 17.5 kV
282 mm for voltages 24 kV
377 mm for voltages 36 kV
2 performed brackets for M10 screw
pitch 401 5 mm
height (h), from top of tank to fixing
150 mm for voltages y 7.2 kV
brackets
180 mm for voltages > 7.2 kV

Three-phase Propivar capacitor

469E3340.fm/10

Schneider Electric

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

Dimensions of MV capacitor banks

Fixed CP banks with terminal cover

E62614

H (mm)
1300

L (mm)

D (mm)

Weight (kg)

750

600

10

Nota : the dimensions and weight (not including the capacitor) are shown with the most complete
equipment.

CP210

Fixed CP banks on open rack

E62615

Model
CP212
CP225
CP229
CP230

H (mm)

L (mm)

D (mm)

Weight (kg)

1600
2000
1950
3000

1500
2300
3100
3100

700
1200
2200
2200

150
200
400
450

Nota : the dimensions and weights (not including the capacitor) are shown with the most
complete equipment of this type of bank.

E62616

CP212

E62617

CP225

E62618

CP229

CP230

Schneider Electric

469E3345.fm/11

Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

Dimensions of MV capacitor banks

Fixed CP banks in cubicle

E62619

Model
CP214
CP227

H (mm)

L (mm)

D (mm)

Weight (kg)

1800
2000

1550
2350

950
1400

340
350

Nota : the dimensions and weights (not including the capacitor) are shown with the most
complete equipment of this type of bank.

E62621

CP214

CP227

Multi stage automatic CP bank in cubicle

E62620

Model

H (mm)

L (mm)

D (mm)

Weight (kg)

CP253
2000
3200
1400
280
CP254
2100
2700
1400
650
Nota : the dimensions and weights (not including the capacitor) are shown with the most
complete equipment of this type of bank.

E62622

CP253

CP254

469E3345.fm/12

Schneider Electric

AC0469E/2 2000 Schneider Electric - All right reserved

Schneider Electric Industries SA

Rectiphase
BP10
74371 Pringy cedex
France
Tel.: (33) 04 50 66 95 00
Fax: (33) 04 50 27 24 19
ART 63973

As standards, specifications and designs develop from time to time, always ask for confirmation
of the information given in this publication.
This document has been printed on ecological paper

Design: Schneider Electric - AMEG

Publication: Schneider Electric
Printed: Colorpress - 1500 ex.

04-2000