Reactors

®
REACTORS

Introduction

With 40 years of successful field Although air-core, dry type reactors

experience, Trench is the recognized represent the majority of reactor
world leader in the design and production volume, Trench also
manufacture of air core, dry type, produces a highly successful line of
power reactors for all utility and iron core/iron shielded and oil type
industrial applications. The unique, reactors for specific application (eg.
custom design approach, along Resonance Grounding/Petersen
with fully integrated engineering Coils). These reactors are also
and manufacturing facilities in both described in detail in other sections
North America and Europe have of the Trench product catalogue.
enabled Trench to become the
technical leader for high voltage
inductors worldwide. Design Features of
Air-Core Dry Type Reactors
A deep commitment to the power
industry, along with extensive • Epoxy impregnated, fibreglass
investment in engineering, encapsulated construction
manufacturing and test capability
give Trench customers the utmost • Aluminum construction
in high quality, reliable products throughout with all current
which are individually designed for carrying connections welded
each application.
• Highest mechanical and short
Trench reactor applications have circuit strength
grown from small, distribution class,
current limiting reactors to complex • Essentially zero radial voltage
EHV applied reactors surpassing stress, with uniformly graded
300 MVA per coil. axial voltage distribution between
terminals
Reactors are manufactured in
accordance with ISO 9001 quality • Low noise levels are maintained
standard. Trench's highly developed throughout the life of the reactor
research and development
program constantly addresses new • Weatherproof construction,
technologies and their potential with minimum maintenance
application in reactor products. requirements
Trench welcomes challenges for new
applications for power reactors. • Design service life in excess of
30 years
This brochure outlines the features,
capabilities and applications of • Designs available in compliance Fig. 1
Trench reactors. with ANSI/IEEE, IEC and other Three-phase stacked
major standards. current limiting reactor

2
Reactor Applications

Trench reactors are utilized on transmission and distribution

systems. Although it is not possible to list all reactor
applications, some of the most common are described below.

Series Reactors

Reactors connected in series with Current Limiting Reactors, Capacitor Reactors

the line or feeder. Typical uses reduce the short circuit current are designed to be installed in
are fault current reduction, load to levels within the rating of the series with a shunt connected
balancing in parallel circuits, limi- equipment on the load side of the capacitor bank to limit inrush
ting inrush currents of capacitor reactor. currents due to switching, to limit
banks, etc. outrush currents due to close in
Applications of current limiting faults and to control the resonant
reactors range from the simple frequency of the system due to
distribution feeder reactor to large the addition of the capacitor
bus-tie and load balancing reactors banks. Reactors can be installed
on systems rated up to 765 kV/ on system voltages through
2100 kV BIL. 765 kV/2100 kV BIL.

When specifying capacitor reactors,

the requested continuous current
rating should account for harmonic
current content, tolerance on
capacitors and allowable system
overvoltage.
Fig. 2
Schematic diagram

Fig. 3 Fig. 4
Single phase series reactors Current limiting reactor
3
Buffer Reactors for Duplex Reactors Load Flow Control Reactors
Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF). are current limiting reactors which are series connected on transmission
The most effective use of EAFs is consist of two half coils, wound in lines up to 800 kV.
achieved by operating the furnace opposition.
at low electrode current and long The reactors change the line
arc length. These reactors provide a desirable impedance characteristic such that
low reactance under normal load flow can be controlled, thus
This requires the use of a series conditions and a high reactance ensuring maximum power transfer
reactor in the supply system of under fault conditions. over adjacent transmission lines.
the arc furnace transformer for
stabilizing the arc.

Fig. 5 Fig. 6
Buffer reactor for E.A.F. Load flow control reactors

4
Filter Reactors

Filter Reactors are used in conjuction These rings, mounted on the reactor The Capacitor/Filter Protection
with capacitor banks to form series are simply coupled to the magnetic Relay CPR 97
tuned harmonic filter circuits, or in field of the reactor. This eliminates is a microprocessor based
conjunction with capacitor banks the concern of space, connection protection relay specially designed
and resistors to form broadband and reliability of additional for optimized protection of shunt
harmonic filter circuits. components such as resistors. banks and harmonic filter circuits.

Fig. 7
Schematic diagram

When specifying filter reactors,

the magnitudes of fundamental
and harmonic frequency current
should be indicated. If inductance
adjustment for fine tuning is
required, the required tapping range
Fig. 8
and tolerances must be specified.
Filter reactors

Many filter applications require a

Q-factor which is very much lower
than the natural Q of the reactor.
This is often achieved by connecting
a resistor in the circuit.

An economical alternative is the

addition of a de Q'ing ring structure
on a reactor. This can reduce the
Q-factor of the reactor by as much
as one-tenth without the necessity
of installing additional damping
resistors. (see Fig. 9)

Fig. 9 Fig. 10
Filter reactors with de Q’ing rings Capacitor/filter protection relay
5
 Static VAR Compensators are used on transmission systems to
improve the overall reliability, correct for voltage fluctuations
and power factor as well as increasing the transmission
capability and reducing losses.

Shunt Reactors

Shunt Reactors are used to Thyristor Controlled

compensate for capacitive VARs Shunt Reactors
generated by lightly loaded are extensively used in static VAR
transmission lines or underground systems, where reactive VARs
cables. are adjusted by thyristor circuits.
Static VAR compensator reactor
They are normally connected to the applications normally include:
transformer tertiary winding but
can also be directly connected on • Thyristor controlled shunt reactors
systems up to 115 kV. (TCR). The compensating power
is changed by controlling the
current through the reactor by
means of the thyristor valves.

• Thyristor switched
reactors (TSR)

Fig. 12 • Thyristor switched capacitor

Tertiary connected shunt reactors reactors (TSC)

• Filter reactors (FR)

Fig. 11 Schematic diagram

Fig. 13 Fig. 14
Thyristor controlled shunt reactors and filter reactors in a Static VAR Compensator Thyristor controlled reactor
6
HVDC-Reactors

HVDC lines are used for long HVDC Reactors normally include
distance bulk power transmission Smoothing Reactors, AC and DC
as well as back-to-back Harmonic Filter Reactors as well
interconnections between different as AC and DC PLC Noise Filter
transmission networks. Reactors.

a) AC - PLC b) AC - FR c) HVDC - SMR d) DC - FR e) DC - PLC

Fig. 15 Schematic diagram

Fig. 16 AC-Filters Fig. 17 HVDC-Smoothing reactor

7
Smoothing Reactors

Smoothing reactors are used to

reduce the magnitude of the ripple
current in a DC system.

They are used in power electronics

applications such as variable speed
drives and UPS systems.

They are also required on HVDC

transmission lines for system
voltages up to 500 kV.

Several design and construction

techniques are offered by Trench. Fig. 18
Schematic diagram

Fig. 19 Fig. 20 Fig. 21

Iron core, forced air cooled reactor Air core, encapsulated winding design Iron core, water cooled reactor

8
Test Lab Reactors

Test Lab Reactors are installed in

high voltage and high power test
laboratories.

Some typical applications include

current limiting, synthetic testing of
circuit breakers, inductive energy
storage, artificial lines, etc.

Fig. 22
Schematic diagram

Fig. 24
Adjustable current limiting reactor

Fig. 25
Short circuit test reactor

Fig. 23
Reactor bank for the
voltage circuit for synthetic
testing of circuit breakers;
32 kA peak to peak,
0,318 mH to 353,6 mH,
up to 1600 kV BIL

9
Neutral Grounding Arc Suppression Coils
Reactors
Single-phase neutral grounding The earth fault detection system
Neutral Grounding Reactors limit (earthing) reactors (arc suppression developed by Trench utilizes the
the line to ground fault current to coils) are intended to compensate plunger core coil (moveable core
specified levels. for the capacitive line-to-ground design).
current during to a single phase
Specification should also include ground-fault. Based on extensive experience in
unbalanced condition continuous design, construction and
current and duration. The arc suppression coil (ASC) application of ASCs, Trench
represents the central element of products can meet the most
the Trench earth fault stringent requirements for earth
protection system. fault compensating techniques.

Since the electric system is subject

to changes, the inductance of the
ASC used for neutral earthing must
be variable.

Fig. 26
Schematic diagram

Fig. 27 Fig. 28
Arc suppression coil 110 kV Standard arc suppression coil

10
Construction

A Trench air core dry type reactor

consists of a number of parallel
connected, individually insulated,
aluminum (copper on request)
conductors. These conductors can
be small wire or proprietary cables
custom designed and
manufactured.

The size and type of conductor

used in each reactor is dependant
on the reactor specification. The
various styles and sizes of
conductors available ensure
optimum performance at the most
economical cost.

The windings are mechanically

reinforced with epoxy resin
impregnated fibreglass, which after
a carefully defined oven cure cycle
produces an encapsulated coil. A
network of horizontal and vertical
fibreglass ties coupled with the
encapsulation minimizes vibration in
the reactor and achieves the highest Fig. 29
available mechanical strength. Typical Trench air core dry type reactor construction

The windings are terminated at Trench air core dry type reactors are
each end to a set of aluminum bars installed in polluted and corrosive
called a spider. This construction areas supplying trouble free
results in a very rigid unit capable operation. In addition to the
of withstanding the stresses standard fixed reactance type of
developed under the most severe coil, units can be supplied with taps
short circuit conditions. for variable inductance. A number
of methods are available to vary
Exceptionally high levels of terminal inductance for fine tuning or to
pull, tensile strength, wind loading provide a range of larger
and seismic withstand can be inductance steps.
accommodated with the reactor.
See Fig. 29 for details on Trench utilizes various other designs
construction. for reactors (eg. iron core, water
cooled, etc.) which are described in
This unique design can be installed other sections of this catalogue.
in all types of climates and
environments and still offer
optimum performance.

11
Terminals / Magnetic Clearance

Terminals

Fig. 30 Fig. 31
Terminal orientation Terminal details

Magnetic Clearence

Minimum clearances to metallic It is the customer's responsibility to If required, non-magnetic extension

parts, and between coils, must be consider these minimum brackets can be supplied by Trench
maintained as indicated by Figs. 32 clearances, especially if steel to maintain the necessary magnetic
and 33. The values shown are only reinforcing in concrete foundations clearance below the reactor. Trench
guidelines. Each specific reactor or floors, or structural steel is can provide additional details on
design will specify magnetic involved in the building or station space requirements and
clearance requirements. design. It is important, even outside recommended reinforcing steel
these minimum magnetic (rebar) design, if requested.
clearances, to avoid closed electrical
loops with metallic parts.

Fig. 32
Minimum magnetic clearance to other reactors and metallic parts not forming closed loops (approximate values only)
12
Installation

Generally, air core, dry type reactors

can be installed in either side by
side or vertically stacked
configurations and are often added
to existing substations or locations
where space limitations exist.

With its highly developed computer

design expertise, Trench can design
reactors with optimized
dimensions, to suit limited space
requirements. The multi-spider
construction allows flexibility in
terminal location, which minimizes
connection problems (see Fig. 35).

Number of spider arms to be

obtained from the actual quotation
design.

Installation assembly is minimal and

typically requires only that brackets
and insulators be bolted to the
main coil. Installation instructions
are provided with each reactor
order.

Trench takes into consideration all

aspects of the reactor installation.
These include requirements of
ventilation, reactor supports,
connections and busbar
arrangements.

Trench can also provide detailed

information regarding: Fig. 33
Three-phase stacked arrangement
• magnetic field distribution
analysis for mounting pads and
foundations, grounding grids,
fences and adjacent structures • Seismic analysis on entire reactor
assemblies, including support
• Force calculations on adjacent coil insulators and mounting pedestals,
installations, bus and cable when furnished.
connections

13
Testing / Losses

Testing Losses

At Trench each reactor manufactured The custom design approach used by

is subjected to a rigorous test and Trench allows optimum use of
inspection program. In addition to materials to control reactor losses. If
the routine testing required by ANSI/ a loss evaluation is not indicated in
IEEE or IEC a number of in-process the specification, the reactor will be
tests are performed on each unit designed to meet the applicable
during production to ensure standards at a most economical
maximum in-service reliability. Each initial cost.
reactor is supplied with a certified
test report with the results from all All customers are aware of the
tests performed. advantages in minimizing system
losses and are applying loss evaluation
In addition to routine testing we techniques for reactor purchases. In
have the capability in our High the cases where loss evaluations are
Voltage and Power labs to perform included in the reactor specifications,
most of the design tests described in Trench optimizes the initial cost of
the applicable standards. the reactor plus the cost of operating
Fig. 34 losses, to ensure the most
High voltage test laboratory Design tests can be performed at an economical balance.
additional cost or test reports on
similar units can be supplied upon Generally, a loss optimized reactor
request. will operate at a lower temperature
rise and will thus extend the reactor
The materials used in the overload capability.
manufacture of the reactor are
also subject to a strict test program. Trench's ability to design and
Cooling duct spacers and the manufacture low loss reactors allow
fibreglass epoxy resin composite many electric power utilities to
encapsulation are subject to routine economically justify the replacement
mechanical strength and tracking of older, inefficient reactor
resistance testing. Accelerated installations. The low loss reactors
thermal and multifactor aging can usually be installed on existing
studies are carried out which help mounting pads.
to verify performance of the reactor
components over their full Losses can also be influenced for
service life. other purposes. In some applications it
is important to control the Q factor (X/R
This testing coupled with our Quality ratio) of the reactor. This may be
Assurance program enables us to important at the fundamental
ensure the continuous performance frequency or at specific harmonic
of our reactors throughout the frequencies where additional losses
design service life. are advantageous, for example
capacitor switching reactors and
certain filter applications.

14
Enclosures and Pedestals

Trench designs and manufactures

enclosures and support pedestals
specifically for air core, dry type
reactors.

Enclosures, depending on the

requirement, are made of steel or
fibreglass and can be designed for
indoor or outdoor installations.
Trench enclosure design minimizes
circulating current loops and
optimizes the size by defining
ventilation area and acceptable
temperature rise. Enclosures have
been qualified as complete
assemblies by short circuit testing
Fig. 35
of the enclosed reactor.
Filter reactor with sound shield
Trench can supply support pedestals
to elevate reactor live parts to a
height commensurate with
personnel safety standards.
Pedestals also provide proper
magnetic clearance below the
reactor.

Various pedestal designs are

available and include fibreglass,
braced aluminum and non-magnetic
steel designs.

Trench can recommend the most

practical pedestal for each reactor
application. Additional information
on enclosures and pedestals is
available on request.

Sound shields can be provided to

reduce the reactor noise level for
special applications (HVDC).
Fig. 36
Filter reactor with top-hat and pedestal

15
 Trench Facilities

Trench® Austria GmbH Trench® Limited

Paschinger Strasse 49 Instrument Transformer Division
Postfach 13 390 Midwest Road
A-4060 Linz-Leonding Scarborough, Ontario
Austria Canada M1P 3B5
Phone: 43-732-6793-0 Phone: 416-751-8570
Fax: 43-732-671341 Fax: 416-751-6952

Trench® Brasil Ltda Trench® Limited

Via Expressa de Contagem, 2685 Power Line Carrier Division
Contagem, Minas Gerais 815 Middlefield Road, Unit 6A
CEP 32370-485 Scarborough, Ontario
Brazil Canada M1V 2P9
Phone: 55-31-3391-5959 Phone: 416-291-8544
Fax: 55-31-3391-1828 Fax: 416-291-5581

Trench® China Trench® France S.A.

MWB (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 16, Rue du Général Cassagnou
No. 3658, Jiancheng Road B.P. 70 F-68 302
Minhang, Shanghai St. Louis, Cedex, France
The Trench Group is your Peoples Republic of China Phone: 33-3 89-70-2323
200245 Fax: 33-3 89-67-2663
Phone: 86-21-54720088
partner of choice for electrical Fax: 86-21-54723118 Trench® Germany GmbH
Nürnberger Strasse 199
Trench® Shenyang D-96050 Bamberg, Germany
power transmission and Trench High Voltage Products Ltd., Phone: 49-951-1803-0
Shenyang Fax: 49-951-1803-224
distribution solutions today; Dao Yi Economic Development Zone
Shenyang 110136 Trench® Switzerland AG
Peoples Republic of China Lehenmattstrasse 353
and for the development Phone: 86-24-89725308 CH-4028
Fax: 86-24-89737200 Basel, Switzerland
Phone: 41-61-315-51-11
of your new technology Trench® Limited Fax: 41-61-315-59-00
Bushing Division
432 Monarch Avenue Trench® (UK) Limited
solutions of tomorrow. Ajax, Ontario South Drive
Canada L1S 2G7 Hebburn, Tyne & Wear
Phone: 905-426-2665 NE 31 1 UW
Fax: 905-426-2671 Phone: 44-191-483-4711
Fax: 44-191-430-0633
Trench® Limited
Coil Product Division Trench® Italia
71 Maybrook Drive Strada Curagnata
Scarborough, Ontario 37 Bragno-Cairo
Canada M1V 4B6 17014, Italy
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