Why capacitor bank is used in substations?

Power factor is an important metric in electrical systems that determines how efficiently electrical power is used.

A low power factor can cause a number of problems, including greater energy consumption, higher electricity bills, & less efficient electrical equipment.

Capacitor banks serve an important function in increasing power factor & ensuring efficient power distribution.

Capacitor banks provide advantages such as:

1). Improved Power Factor

2). Voltage Stability

3). Increased Power Handling Capacity

4). Reduction in Phase Difference

5). Compensation for Reactive Power

6). Power Factor Correction

1). Improved Power Factor

  • A capacitor bank improves power factor by correcting for reactive power.
  • Reduces the quantity of reactive power derived from the electrical grid.
  • Improves overall system efficiency & reduces energy expenses.

2). Voltage Stability

  • Helps to control & maintain supply voltage levels in substations.
  • Reduces voltage fluctuations, which can damage electrical equipment.
  • Provides a consistent voltage supply, which improves equipment performance.

3). Increased Power Handling Capacity

  • Capacitor banks improve the power factor, allowing substations to manage more active power.
  • Supports higher load demand at peak hours.
  • Improves the total capacity of the electrical system.

4). Reduction in Phase Difference

  • Inductive loads, such as motors & transformers, require reactive power from the system.
  • Capacitor banks serve to reduce the phase mismatch between voltage & current.
  • This leads to a more effective power system with fewer losses.

5). Compensation for Reactive Power

  • Provides reactive power to the load, which reduces dependency on grid-supplied reactive power.
  • Increases energy efficiency & lowers operating costs.
  • Improves the performance and lifetime of electrical equipment.

6). Power Factor Correction

  • Connects the power factor closer to unity, which improves system efficiency.
  • Reduces energy waste and avoidable financial loss.
  • Increases the overall power quality and dependability of the electrical network.

Industries & substations can improve efficiency, save money, and assure a more steady power supply by including capacitor banks into their electrical systems.