Distribution System Static VAr

Compensators: Field Experience

Ray Kemerer
Power Quality Systems, Inc.
February 4, 1998

IntelliVAr Advanced Static VAr Compensator

(ASVC)
Block Diagram

Some Typical ASVC

Applications

Lumber/Paper Mills
Arc Welders
Arc Furnaces
Large Motor Loads
Large Power Supplies
Pumping Stations

Typical ASVC Specifications

Frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz
Voltage: 7200 to 7967 volts line to neutral (directly
connected)
95 kV BIL
-40 to +40C
2500 lbs. (1100 kg)
Applied kVAr Capacity: 100 lagging to 1000 leading per
phase
Stepless Control
Dimensions: 85 (216) x 51 (130) x 47 (119) inches (cm)

Requirements for Installation

Install Platform (not required if pole-mounted).
Install load break cutout for connection to ASVC line
bushing.
Replace pole top insulator with current sensor.
Connect neutral to ASVC ground pad.
Provide 200 VA, 120 volt service and telephone or cellular
connection (for remote communication only).
Installation does not cause customer service interruption.

Pole-Mounted Installation
Detroit Edison

Pre-Installation Considerations
Source and transformer impedance data
Baseline load data such as harmonic
content, power factor, and time duration of
dynamic loads
Modeling and simulation
Installation type: pole, platform, or padmount

Actual vs. Modeled Power

System

290.0
280.0

260.0
250.0
240.0
230.0

Cycle Number
Measured Voltage

Theoretical Voltage

209

196

183

170

157

144

131

118

105

92

79

66

53

27

14

220.0
1

Voltage

270.0

Predicted ASVC Response

122.00
121.00
Voltage

120.00
119.00
118.00
117.00
116.00
115.00
114.00

Cycle Number
Uncompensated Voltage

Compensated Voltage

Oconee EMC
(Ogelthorpe Power) Installation Dudley, GA
7200 volt line to neutral rating
50 kVAr inductive to 650 kVAr capacitive per
phase (stepless)
Installed at highly automated Gilman Building
Products plant (lumber mill)
Motor load was generating flicker
Gilman plant had motor failures and motor drive
tripping
Power factor ranged from .7 lagging to worse than
.866 leading

Platform-Mounted ASVC System

at Gilman Building Products
Installed January 27, 1997

Improved Voltage Stability

Conclusions - Lumber Mill Installation

No customer motor failures in the year since
installation
Power factor improved to near unity during
leading and lagging load conditions
Improved power quality for Gilman and
neighboring distribution customers
Directly connected ASVC has been a
reliable and effective solution.