This presentation will review several methods presently used to achieve power factor correction and voltage flicker control, with a specific focus on the use of thyristor switching of capacitors to achieve these results.
The need for voltage sag correction, voltage flicker mitigation, and power factor correction arise from industrial applications which share a similar load profile -- a rapidly varying demand for active and reactive power. Solutions to this problem can range from simple to complex, depending on the impact the dynamic load is having on either adjacent loads or on the upstream electrical system.
Thyristor-switched capacitors are distribution-class static VAR compensators utilizing power-electronic switching to provide variable amounts of reactive compensation on a cycle-by-cycle basis. These compensators continuously monitor load conditions and match the output to the requirement of the load, providing real-time VAR compensation. Typical applications for this device include voltage-support, voltage-flicker, and power-factor correction for dynamically varying industrial loads, such as welding operations and large motor drives. In some cases, industrial customers install these devices to mitigate the effects of their variable loads on other customers on the feeder. In other cases, utilities use these devices to improve voltage regulation, to utilize their capacity more efficiently, or to reduce distribution transformer loading and system losses.
Applications for thyristor switched capacitors include such industries as resistance welding operations, petrochemical pumping, mining operations, wood processing operations, paper conversion, steel rolling mills, metal-forming and stamping operations, and even linear-induction-motor-driven rides in amusement parks.
Mike Jones is Application Director for the Power Quality Products Division of S&C Electric Company. He holds a BSEE and MBA from the University of Virginia. Prior to S&C he worked at divisions of Emerson Electric and ITT.
| Location | Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ComEd Commercial Center - Auditorium | 5:30 PM | Social | |
| 1919 Swift Drive (park behind building) | 6:30 PM | Dinner | |
| Oak Brook, IL 60523-1850 | 7:30 PM | Presentation | |
| (near I-290 & I-294 interchange) | 8:30 PM | Adjourn | |
| 630-684-3200 |