Power factor correction

and harmonic filtering

MV capacitors and banks

Catalogue
Rectiphase
2000
Contents

Presentation 2
MV capacitors and banks 2
Propivar capacitors 4
MV capacitor banks 6
Dimensions of Propivar capacitors 10
Dimensions of MV capacitor banks 11

Schneider Electric 469E1315.fm/1

 Power factor correction
and harmonic filtering
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.
E62610
E29121
469E1320.fm/2
Presentation
MV capacitors and banks
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.
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.
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 Presentation
and harmonic filtering 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 Gh y Scc/120 Scc/120 < Gh y Scc/70 Scc/70 < Gh y Scc/30 Gh > Scc/30
Sn < 2 MVA Gh y 0.15 Sn 0.15 Sn < Gh y 0.25 Sn 0.25 Sn < Gh y 0.6 Sn Gh > 0.6 Sn
Standard equipment Equipment with oversized Equipment with detuning Harmonic filters
capacitors reactors and capacitors

Choosing CP type banks

Configuration : is used for voltages less than 12 kV and maximum power
1500 kvar.

Configuration double star : for every voltage and power.

E62611

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 Propivar capacitors
and harmonic filtering

The Propivar capacitors are used to Presentation

compensate reactive power on medium and A Propivar medium voltage capacitor is a steel case or tank provided with resin
high voltage networks. 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:
052312

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.
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.
Propivar capacitor 250 kvar/17.5 kV 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
E14591

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.

Propivar capacitor with internal fuses, composed of 4 groups
connected in series, each group comprising 12 elements
connected in parallel.
E14445A
Main characteristics
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
Fig. 1 b high absorption capacity for gases generated during partial discharges
b very high dielectric strength.
Overvoltage and overcurrent withstand
E14445B

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.
Fig. 2

469E2325.fm/4 Schneider Electric

Power factor correction Propivar capacitors
and harmonic filtering

Insulating voltage of the Propivar capacitors

Highest voltage for equipment Um
kV 3.6 7.2 12 17.5 24 36
Insulation level
Rms kV, 50 Hz-1 mn 10 20 28 38 50 70
Basic impulse level (BIL) kV, 1.2/50 µs 40 60 75 95 125 170
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 µm
paint, thickness 20 µm
outdoor type sanding
metallisation, 80 µm of zinc
wash-primer and paint: thickness 20 µm
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 Rated (kV) voltage
(kvar) 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.8 9.1 11.4 13.8
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
Single-phase capacitors with internal fuses
for Um voltages 7.2 - 12 - 17.5 - 24 - 36 kV/50 Hz
Power Rated (kV) voltage
(kvar) 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.8 9.1 11.4 13.8
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
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 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.8 9.1 11.4 13.8
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 469E2325.fm/5

 Power factor correction
and harmonic filtering
The Propivar capacitor banks are used to
compensate reactive power on medium
voltage networks.
052314
CP225 fixed capacitor banks
052323
CP254 automatic capacitor banks
469E2330.fm/6
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.
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.
Schneider Electric
 Power factor correction MV capacitor banks
and harmonic filtering

Choice of switching devices

The fitness of the devices to switch capacitive currents must be checked with the
E29126

manufacturer.
Current sizing
Breaking and protection devices must withstand a continuous current of 1.43 times
Fig. 3: example for delta connection rated bank current.
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
E29128

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

Fig. 4: example for double star connection
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.

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) y 6.6 6.6 to 11 11 to 15.6 15.6 to 21.8 21.8 to 32.7 > 32.7
Highest voltage Um (kV) 7.2 12 17.5 24 > 24
Connection mode delta
double star
Fixed bank, open rack
Maximum power (kvar) 1500 4200 1500 21000 36000 36000 36000 all powers
Protection against internal faults
MV fuses
unbalance measurement
Fixed bank, cubicle
Maximum power (kvar) 1500 4200 1500 7200 7200 7200 7200
Protection against internal faults
MV fuses
unbalance measurement
"switched steps" bank, cubicle
Maximum power (kvar) 1500 4200 1500 7200 7200 7200 7200
control device contactor
switch or CB
Protection against internal faults
MV fuses
unbalance measurement

Schneider Electric 469E2330.fm/7

 Power factor correction MV capacitor banks
and harmonic filtering

Fixed CP banks with terminal cover

Characteristics
CP 210 (*)
E29125

Type of bank fixed

Capacitors numbers 1, 2 or 3
type three-phase
Connection delta
Rack open with terminal cover
CP210
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

Characteristics
CP212 CP225 CP229 CP230
E29126

Type of bank fixed fixed fixed fixed

Capacitors numbers 1, 2 or 3 6, 9 or 12 60 maxi as required
type three-phase single-phase single-phase single-phase
CP212 Connection delta double star double star double star
Equipment on rack open open open open
Indoor yes yes yes yes
Outdoor no (1) yes yes yes
E29128

max. insulating voltage 12 kV 36 kV 36 kV > 36 kV

Max. power (2) 1500 kvar 7200 kvar 36000 kvar all powers
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.

CP225
E29127

CP229
E29129

CP230

469E2330.fm/8 Schneider Electric

 Power factor correction MV capacitor banks
and harmonic filtering

Fixed CP banks in cubicle

Characteristics
CP214 CP227
E29126

Type of battery fixed fixed

Capacitors number 1, 2 or 3 6, 9 or 12
type three-phase single-phase
CP214 Connection delta double star
Equipment in cubicle in cubicle
Indoor yes yes
Outdoor yes yes
E29127

Max. insulating voltage 12 kV 36 kV

Max. power (2) 1500 kvar 7200 kvar
Additional equipment
Inrush current reactors
rapid discharge reactor
HBC fuses
Unbalance protection relay (supplied separately)

CP227

Multi stage automatic CP banks in cubicle

Characteristics
CP253 CP254
E29132

Type of battery modulable steps modulable steps

Capacitors number 1, 2 or 3 6, 9 or 12
type three-phase single-phase
Connection three-phase double star
CP253
Equipment in cubicle in cubicle
Indoor yes yes
Outdoor yes yes
E29133

Max. insulating voltage 12 kV 36 kV

Max. power 1500 kvar 7200 kvar
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: Regulator (automatic controller)
Manual remote control
"on" and "fault" signals
Unbalance protection relay (supplied separately)

CP254

Schneider Electric 469E2330.fm/9

 Power factor correction Dimensions of Propivar capacitors
and harmonic filtering

Propivar capacitors
Dimensions (mm) and weight (kg) of banks (for information only)
E62612

Single-phase capacitors Three-phase capacitors

Powers with internal fuses without internal fuses without internal fuses
(kvar)
50 Hz H P masse H P masse H P masse
100 320 130 25 270 130 21 280 130 24
150 390 135 31 360 130 27 370 130 30
200 460 140 36 430 140 34 460 135 37
250 530 145 42 510 140 39 530 140 43
300 610 145 48 590 140 45 620 140 49
350 650 155 54 630 150 51 640 150 53
400 710 165 62 670 160 57 700 160 61
450 780 165 68 760 160 64 760 160 65
500 770 185 74 740 180 69 760 180 72
550 840 185 80 810 180 75
600 900 185 86 870 180 80
Single-phase and three-phase capacitors
Connection on resin insulators for cables with a section y 50 mm2
Single-phase Propivar capacitor
overall external height (b) of terminals 135 mm for voltages y 7.2 kV
233 mm for voltages
12 and 17.5 kV
E62613

282 mm for voltages 24 kV

377 mm for voltages 36 kV
Fixing system 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 Dimensions of MV capacitor banks
and harmonic filtering

Fixed CP banks with terminal cover

H (mm) L (mm) D (mm) Weight (kg)
E62614

1300 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

Model H (mm) L (mm) D (mm) Weight (kg)
E62615

CP212 1600 1500 700 150

CP225 2000 2300 1200 200
CP229 1950 3100 2200 400
CP230 3000 3100 2200 450
Nota : the dimensions and weights (not including the capacitor) are shown with the most
complete equipment of this type of bank.

CP212
E62616

CP225
E62617

CP229
E62618

CP230

Schneider Electric 469E3345.fm/11

 Power factor correction Dimensions of MV capacitor banks
and harmonic filtering

Fixed CP banks in cubicle

Model H (mm) L (mm) D (mm) Weight (kg)
E62619

CP214 1800 1550 950 340

CP227 2000 2350 1400 350
Nota : the dimensions and weights (not including the capacitor) are shown with the most
complete equipment of this type of bank.

CP214
E62621

CP227

Multi stage automatic CP bank in cubicle

Model H (mm) L (mm) D (mm) Weight (kg)
E62620

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.

CP253
E62622

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
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.

ART 63973 04-2000