Enclosed vs Open Air (Rack Mount) Capacitor bank.

[rockman7892]

Hello

Interested in pro's and con's for metal enclosed cap bank for open air rack mounted unit. I'm exploring a project option to replace a 26.4kV 6MVAR metal enclosed Cap Bank. Preferred approach is to replace in same location with new metal enclosed unit but and option has come up for open air rack mount.

I don't have much experience with open air rack mount units so was hoping to hear from others on pro's / con's related to cost, maintenance, etc....

Thanks

 

[unclebob]

Open air cap bank is a bird's favorite place to nest and then die... and burn your fuses. I would go metal enclosed 100 %.

 

[cranky108]

Does cost matter?

 

[rockman7892]

@cranky108 - Yes cost is a factor as it usually is. I have not yet done a pricing exercise but expect that an open air application would be more expensive from a project standpoint considering cost of on-site installation etc. especially in this case where the existing unit is enclosed. I'm not sure how the equipment pricing components compare?

@unclebob - Thanks for the feedback on rodent/bird issues. I have heard that in the past and seen some installations with screened enclosures surrounding bank for that reason.

Are there any con's to an enclosed option vs open air?

 

[cranky108]

Arc-flash in a box is much worse than in open air. Also no air filters, or box heaters in open air.

 

[crshears]

Open air cap bank is a bird's favorite place to nest and then die... and burn your fuses.

Too true; this morning we had an outdoor rack-mounted 44 kV phase-to-phase static cap bank rated at 28.8 MX trip out of service due to a bird contact; inspection revealed no damage, bulging, leaking or bursting of any cap cans, but eight fuses in one tier were found blown.

The robin did not survive . . .

CR

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27:17, NIV]