Performance Assessment of Power Factor Capacitors.
Voltage effects: Ideally capacitor voltage rating is to match the supply voltage. If the supply
voltage is lower, the reactive kVAr produced will be the ratio V1
2 /V2
2 where V1 is the actual
supply voltage, V2 is the rated voltage.
On the other hand, if the supply voltage exceeds rated voltage, the life of the capacitor is
adversely affected.
Material of capacitors: Power factor capacitors are available in various types by dielectric
material used as; paper/ polypropylene etc. The watt loss per kVAr as well as life vary with
respect to the choice of the dielectric material and hence is a factor to be considered while selection.
Connections: Shunt capacitor connections are adopted for almost all industry/ end user applications, while series capacitors are adopted for voltage boosting in distribution networks.
Operational performance of capacitors: This can be made by monitoring capacitor charging
current vis- a- vis the rated charging current. Capacity of fused elements can be replenished as
per requirements. Portable analyzers can be used for measuring kVAr delivered as well as
charging current. Capacitors consume 0.2 to 6.0 Watt per kVAr, which is negligible in comparison to benefits.
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