Shunt Reactor application on Medium Voltage system(34.5 kV) 1

[uddins]

Has anyone studied or recommended Shunt Reactors to be installed for an over compensated system. We are seeing an overcompensdated system during low load periods becuase majority of our Distribution capacitor(unctrolled)banks are not closed loop(VAr or I)controlled.

The intent is install Shunt reactors at key locations to take in leading Vars during low load periods- if it is a financially feasible solution.

Also do we have shunt reactors that can be installed on lines or H pole structures to be more economically feasible as compared to Substation ones. Size will unlikely be greater than 2.4, 5, 10 MVAr per application site.

Thank you,

 

[dpc]

I have seen shunt reactors installed on very long underground feeder circuits. These generally work well because the charging current is essentially constant. With varying loads, they will present the same problem as your capacitors but in the opposite direction, unless they are switched.

Why not just add automatic switching to the cap banks?

 

[bacon4life]

Over compensating can exacerbate harmonic issues. When your system is lightly loaded there may not be much damping.

I am a bit confused how adding a switching device and reactor will be cheaper than just the switching devices.

 

[uddins]

The application that I am looking is at 34.5 kV(L-L). I need to make a economical comparison on either going the Capacitor controller way i.e extensively change the capacitor controls on the Distribution circuits or have switched shunt reactors for low load periods when we observe excessive VArs.
The problem is that I don't have much idea on shunt reactors or size, price etc. Therefore if some one knows any manufacturers that may be help , then please let me know.

 

[dpc]

The shunt reactor will be basically a "one winding transformer", so there are probably quite a few options on suppliers. You might check with Uptegraff:

http://www.uptegraff.com/

But switched capacitors and ancillary equipment are very common, so I'd expect it to be more economical. If you have standard cap banks, the switches and controller can be retrofit to the existing caps. You don't have to replace anything you already have.

 

[scottf]

You can contact Areva for shunt reactors of this type.

http://www.areva-td.com

 

[uddins]

Are there any Shunt Reactors manufacturers similar to UPTEGRAFF that make shunt in smaller sizes like less 1 MVAr. For eg 300 kVAr, 500 kVAr etc.