What is a capacitor bank used for?

Capacitor banks are used to correct the power factor of an AC system or to compensate for reactive energy absorbed by electrical system loads, and sometimes to make up filters to reduce harmonic voltage. In terms of power system, the function of the capacitor is to improve the quality of the electrical system.

How do you protect a capacitor bank?

Notably, the chosen protection strategy involves the incorporation of a neutral current transformer positioned between the two star-connected capacitor banks. An additional distinctive feature is the intentional decision not to ground the star point of these capacitor banks.

What happens when a capacitor bank is protected by a fuse?

Whenever the individual unit of capacitor bank is protected by fuse, it is necessary to provide discharge resistance in each of the units. While each capacitor unit generally has fuse protection, if a unit fails and its fuse blows, the voltage stress on other units in the same series row increases.

How a voltage sensitive relay is connected to a capacitor bank?

Here the capacitor bank is connected in star and the neutral point is connected to the ground through a potential transformer. A voltage sensitive relay is connected across the secondary of the potential transformer.

Why are capacitor banks important in substations?

Capacitor banks play a pivotal role in substations, serving the dual purpose of enhancing the power factor of the system and mitigating harmonics, which ultimately yields a cascade of advantages. Primarily, by improving the power factor, capacitor banks contribute to a host of operational efficiencies.

How does a capacitor work?

An electric field forms across the capacitor. Over time, the positive plate (plate I) accumulates a positive charge from the battery, and the negative plate (plate II) accumulates a negative charge. Eventually, the capacitor holds the maximum charge it can, based on its capacitance and the applied voltage.