Reactive Power – Less is more

Power which keeps the world working

Independent dependence Productive power

Cover photo
Improving the performance,
quality and efficiency of
electrical systems.
The quality of life is intimately connected
with freedom and independence. Freedom is
all about having and exercising choice. A
modern lifestyle and society is creating one of
the greatest paradoxes of life. On the one
hand, we are immensely dependent on electric
power. On the other hand, reliable access to
electric power gives us the freedom we seek
to do as we wish.
Natural resources and energy reserves are
finite. Ensuring and improving energy
production and energy distribution is all about
improving economy and the quality of life.
Our aim is that as large a proportion as
possible of the energy we produce and
distribute is turned into productive work or
active power. Non-active power (also known
as reactive power) is necessary for the
creation of a magnetic field. But it can also
occur in the form of un-desired interference
such as distortion and transients in the
electrical system.
By minimizing the transportation of “non-
usable” reactive power in the electrical
system, we will be more able to manage our
finite energy resources.

The high-technology soci-

ety is founded on the need
for unlimited supplies of
power. The resources for
its production, however,
are limited.

That is why top priority is

given to streamlining and
improving utilization of the
resources at our disposal.

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Reduction of reactive power
Reactive power is needed to form magnetic
fields in motors and other equipment, but it
cannot perform any actual work itself.
The more reactive power that is distributed in
the electrical system, the less space is left for
“productive” or active power. By generating
reactive power as close as possible to the
machine which is to use it, there is less need
to waste valuable resources in transporting it
in the power network.
This is known as reactive power
compensation improvement in the power
factor - the efficiency rating - of the plant.
The best part is, everyone is a winner.
Electrical interference
An electrical system for alternating current is
designed to handle and distribute electric
power of a specific voltage and frequency. All
electric-powered devices and machines are
designed to receive a smooth, stable voltage.
However, many of today’s essential and
everyday devices cause problems by
providing undesirable side-effects which have
to be eliminated. Equipment with thyristors,
such as frequency converters and direct-
current converters, as well as furnaces, to take
a few examples, affect and distort the voltage.
Voltage distortion can cause resonance
amplification and interference, and it cannot
be harnessed to create productive work.
Instead, distortion leads to poor energy
utilization and increased wear of the machines
and equipment which are affected.
Furthermore, there is an added risk of
malfunction in electronic equipment.
With the help of tailor-made harmonic filters,
distortion can be filtered out and a smooth
sinusoidal curve created.
ABB Capacitors for increased
Electric energy is the key
energy utilization to advances in the quality
of our life. At the turn of
the century, we had no
Our role is to develop and provide the best need to worry about
solutions for improved energy utilization in phase angles, reactive
the electrical system, from electricity power, distortion and
filters. Today’s energy
transmission and distribution to local electric supply focuses sharply on
power systems and users. Everyone stands to cost effectiveness and
long-term efficiency.
gain: society in general, the utilities, industry
and individual consumers can all save energy
and money.
ABB Capacitors offers highly effective high
voltage capacitors which considerably help to
balance reactive power levels in the network.
We design and build efficient harmonic filters
which minimize interference and suppress
distortion in the electrical supply system. Our
solutions are used by customers in power
transmission and distribution, as well as by
local energy suppliers and industry.
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Only quality can improve efficiency

Fast improvements in efficiency Quality is action

Power factor correction gives fast results in
terms of both higher efficiency and lower
costs. The purpose is to reduce the proportion
of reactive power in the electrical system.
Power factor correction is done with
capacitor banks in the distribution systems
and industrial networks.
The basic principle is to generate reactive
power as close as possible to the equipment
which needs it. The payoff comes quickly in
terms of higher efficiency in the network,
fewer production disruptions, lower charges
and increased network and equipment service
life.
HiQ is our high-voltage capacitor
designation. It also stands for High Quality.
That is to say, products which meet top
standards for high performance and low loss
levels. Quality means action, and it covers
the entire chain from raw material, product
development and the production process,
through inspection, customer relations,
problem solving and on to delivery and after
sales.
Being close to the market and being closely
attuned to all that happens in the electrical
network are as important as staying one step
ahead in technological development and
production technology.

The installation of filters to reduce harmonics

brings about fast improvement in energy
utilization, resulting in reduced equipment
wear and fewer problems of interference.

At the forefront of technological gains

Investments in electrical equipment are long-

term considerations. Therefore, high-quality,
operational reliability, good performance and
long service life are crucial factors. ABB
ABB Capacitors has led
the development of ca-
Capacitors has been in the industry from the
pacitor technology over very outset and has always played a leading
the past seventy years. role in the development of technology.
Intensive research in new materials and
manufacturing methods mean that we can
offer extremely high performance and
capacitor reliability in a compact format,
tailored to suit individual requirements.

Quality requires consistency and dedication,

every day and at all levels.

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Not just capacitors
ABB Capacitors is a partner offering a wide
range of competence, backed by the ability to
solve problems and provide users with
tailormade solutions.
Electrical networks are highly individual
constructions. The way in which they behave
depends on the interplay between a variety of
factors. By measuring and analysing these
factors, we can simulate various solutions
designed to increase performance. By
providing capacitor banks, filters and other
equipment we can enhance peak results, with
better resource utilization, which is of benefit
to all.
Worldwide electrical company
ABB Capacitors´ products are found in plants
within all business segments of the ABB group:
Power Generation, Transmission and
Distribution, and Industry. We are in an un-
paralleled position to work closely with other
ABB companies to offer package solutions and
complete turnkey plants to customers through-
out the world.
Quality is a vital part
of a chain of activities
based on every
employee’s expertise, in-
sight and motivation.
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An unbroken chain for higher
performance and quality
Research and
development
Intensive research and
development have put
ABB Capacitors in a lead-
ing position. The compact
and highly efficient power
capacitors of today are a
result of the interaction
between new technology,
new materials and new
solutions.
All development work is
conducted in close inter-
action with the marketing
and production processes.
The development of
power capacitors is di-
rected towards the use of
new technology and new
materials for higher
performance, while retain-
ing reliability and service
life. It is also aimed at
improving design and
production technology in
order to rationalize and
streamline the production
process.
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The quality process
All levels in the develop-
ment and production/
delivery chain have pre-
defined quality indexes,
from purchase and inspec-
tion of raw materials to
testing of fully assembled
capacitors.
Production capacity and
delivery precision are also
measured regularly.
ABB Capacitors is well-
knowned for its high and
uniform quality, owing in
no small measure to the
fact that the company’s
focus on quality is well
established in every
process.
ABB Capacitors is
certified according to
ISO 9001 (quality) and
ISO 14001 (environ-
ment).
Production
The production of high-
voltage capacitors takes
place in one of the
world’s most modern
plants. An advanced,
highly automated produc-
tion system which is
continuously developed to
keep pace with higher
demands from the
market, requires a flexible
organisation with im-
mense technological
know-how and experi-
ence.
The organization is
strongly decentralised,
stimulating involvement
and motivation, and this is
the key to optimum pro-
duction processes
characterized by short
lead times, high service
ratings and high quality.
Quality features
The capacitors are sub-
jected to extreme loads,
more than ten times more
than other high voltage
products, making them a
truly high technology
product.
A specially equipped labo-
ratory is used to test
capacitors to verify that
they meet the relevant
technical requirements.
Since the end of the ‘70s
the company’s capacitors
have been made without
any PCBs. The impregna-
tion fluid used is a pure
hydro-carbon compound
which is bio-degradable.
Customer-tailored
solutions
Our competence is used
to reduce costs and in-
crease efficiency in power
networks. Our customers
are companies with
responsibility for the use,
distribution and
transmission of electric
power at medium and
high-voltage levels, that is
to say from 1 kV and
upwards, alternating or
direct current.
HiQ capacitors
Our capacitors are avail-
able in sizes up to 1 Mvar
per unit (at 50 Hz),
characterized by negli-
gible losses and high reli-
ability. The capacitors
consists of thin dielectric
polypropylene film wound
together with electrodes
of aluminium foils.
Capacitor banks Harmonic filters
Capacitors are built into A harmonic filter usually
banks to cater for all consists of a capacitor
types of voltage and which is connected in se-
power outputs. A compact ries with a reactor.
design means a reduction
in the space requirements The components are di-
for capacitor banks. This mensioned to create a
in turn means fewer com- series resonance circuit
ponents and lower main- for a required frequency.
tenance and service costs
together with higher reli- A harmonic filter works
ability and a longer ser- like a short circuit at one
vice life. or more specified frequen-
cies. Filters are most
commonly used in indus-
trial networks.
Complete system in-
stallations
Power producers, distribu-
tors and engineers re-
sponsible for industrial
electrical networks will de-
mand more economical
solutions in terms of
operation and energy re-
source use. Backed by
the ABB group’s wide
range of competence and
experience, ABB
Capacitors is well
equipped to meet
forthcoming higher re-
quirements.

ABB Capacitors assists
with surveys, analyses
and suggestions for mea-
sures as well as delivery
of systems for reactive
power compensation and
harmonic filtering. The
solutions are adapted and
designed to suit each
customer’s specific
requirements and condi-
tions. We help the
customer to get more
power for his money and
we thus assist in the drive
towards better energy
utilization.
A bio-degradable hydro-
carbon compound with
excellent electrical prop-
erties is used as the im-
pregnation fluid. The con-
tainer is of surface-
treated high-quality steel
and the bushings and ter-
minals are of the highest
quality and reliability.
QBank is an open-rack ABB Capacitors helps to The key consideration in
shunt capacitor bank for calculate and design the context of electric sup-
installation up to 500 kV. filters which will reduce in- ply is quality. Quality im-
QBank is a compact, cost terference and interruption plies high energy utiliza-
effective design with well on the network. tion with low losses, high
proven long-term reliabil- availability and opera-
ity. tional reliability as well as
minimization of interrup-
A portable capacitance tion and interference.
measurement device is
used for simple and con- Harmonic filters will be
venient inspection of increasingly important in
each capacitor’s condi- achieving high-quality
tion. electric power distribution.

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 Contact ABB Capacitors if you want
more power for your money

ABB Capacitor’s competence is available throughout the world. We also

work together with ABB companies within the areas of: Power Generation,
Transmission and Distribution, and Industry.

For more information: Contact your local ABB-representative.

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ABB Capacitors AB
SE-771 80 LUDVIKA, Sweden
Phone +46 240 78 20 00
Fax +46 240 78 36 77 SECAP A01.en
www.abb.com/powersystems Edition 2, 2000-05