X - CONTROL, PROTECTION, CONNECTION OF CAPACITORS
1) CONTROL DEVICE
The engagement current of a capacitor depends on:
In the case of high-speed cycle loads (welding
machines, etc.), conventional systems (electro- ■ the power of the capacitor,
mechanical contactors) are no longer suitable
for controlling capacitors. High-speed ■ the short-circuit power of the network to which it is
switching compensation systems with solid connected,
state contactors are required.
ALPES TECHNOLOGIES offers this type of ■ whether capacitor banks already engaged are present or
equipment. not.
Given these parameters, it is essential to use quick opening
and closing control devices (switches, contactors, etc.).
When selecting the switch gear, the user must be made
aware of the choice of equipment (capacitor control).
Contactors are specially designed by contactor
manufacturers for capacitor control, particularly for
automatically controlled banks.
These contactors are equipped with auxiliary contacts
combined with preload resistors used to limit the current
requirement during engagement.
If these contactors are not equipped with these preload
resistors, an inductance (shock self-induction coil) of a
minimum value of 5 microH must be produced with the
cable connecting the contactor to the capacitor.
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2) PROTECTION
In addition to the internal protective devices incorporated in
the capacitor:
- self-healing metallized polypropylene film,
- internal fuses,
- overpressure disconnecting device ;
it is essential to provide an external protective device on the
capacitor.
This protection will be provided either:
■ by a circuit breaker:
. thermal relay, setting between 1.3 and 1.5 In,
. magnetic relay, setting between 5 and 10 In.
■ by GI type HRC fuses, rating 1.5 to 2 In.
In = Nominal capacitor voltage,
Qc
In =
3U
E.g.: 50 kvar - 400 V three-phase
50
In = = 72 A
1,732 x 0,4
3) CONNECTION (CABLE DESIGN)
Applicable capacitor standards are defined so that
capacitors can withstand a permanent excess current of
30%.
These standards also authorise a maximum tolerance of
+10% on the nominal capacitance.
Therefore, the cable should be designed at least for:
I cable = 1.3 x 1.1 . (I nominal capacitor)
i.e. I cable = 1.43 . I nominal
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