Introduction to capacitors
Capacitors are used in industrial premises for two basic functions: the first, to correct the load power factor, usually to meet the supplying authority’s supply requirements and avoid tariff penalties if the required power factor is not met, and the second, to correct voltages within the plant.
Medium Voltage Capacitor Banks (photo credit: powersurvey.com)Individual capacitors can also be attached to circuits feeding loads with inherently low power factors to correct for their low power factor and so improve both the overall plant’s net power factor and, at the same time, reduce the voltage drops within the plant.
Capacitor banks and individual capacitors can therefore form either fixed installations, which are always connected when that section of the plant is running, or be switched when required. A common example of application is capacitors connected directly in motor circuits that are switched with the motor and keep the net power factor for each motor circuit at an ideal level.
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Edvard Csanyi
Hi, I'm an electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal. I worked twelve years at Schneider Electric in the position of technical support for low- and medium-voltage projects and the design of busbar trunking systems.I'm highly specialized in the design of LV/MV switchgear and low-voltage, high-power busbar trunking (<6300A) in substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. I'm also a professional in AutoCAD programming.
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