Location of Capacitor banks for PF Improvement

[b.shahvir]

Hi All,

In an electrical system consisting of Distribution Xmer and Load, normally, fixed compensation for Dist Xmer PF improvement is provided by installing fixed value of capacitor banks at the LT side. A number of satellite capacitor banks controlled by APFC panels are installed at the load side elec. panels for PF improvement of individual loads.

My question is;

1) Why do we connect fixed capacitors on o/p LT side of Dist. Xmer and not on i/p HT side?

2) Instead of having several APFC controlled satellite capacitor banks scattered at individual load side panels, why can't centralised APFC controlled capacitor banks be placed at LT (or HT side) of Dist. Xmer which would take care of PF improvement of both Dist Xmer as well as load?

This, in my opinion, would prevent fixing of several lower kVAR capacity APFC controlled capacitor banks for PF improvement of individual loads which adds to unnecessary complications in a large electrical network.

Thanks & Kind Regards,
Shahvir

 

[anorlunda]

The cost of capacitors depends on both capacitance and rated voltage. Surge withstand voltage is also a cost factor.

Capacitors on the low side of DTs have less exposure to lightning surges.