LV-ACB™ - Low Voltage Automatic Capacitor Banks

Product Features

• System is designed with Aerovox 3-terminal ICS capacitors and are rated for conversion to a harmonic filter.
• Compact modular design with provisions for future expansion in the field.
• Programmable digital power factor controller with control up to 15 steps.
• Standard reactive power ratings from 150 kvar to 1000 kvar at 480 and 600 volts (75 kvar to 300 kvar at 240 volts).  Higher ratings available upon request.
• Indoor/Outdoor Design as standard
• Automatic C/K Calibration
• UL Listed as Industrial Control Panel (508A)
• Multi-Ratio Split-Core Current Transformer Supplied as standard.
• Short lead times.

Application  

NEPSI’s low voltage automatic capacitor banks are designed for low voltage systems requiring automatic power factor correction, reduced system capacity, and improved voltage regulation.  The simple modular design allows for future expansion as plant loads increase.  The capacitors and system topology is designed for direct conversion into harmonic filters, if the need should ever arise. Installation and startup is simple and free of common problems.

Specification

NEPSI’s low voltage automatic capacitor banks are designed to endure the harsh electrical and environmental conditions that are typically found in industrial process facilities.

Enclosure
NEPSI’s automatic capacitor banks are housed in an enclosure with NEMA 1 construction (3R can be provided as an option) and is suitably supported, constructed, and assembled to meet the strength and rigidity requirements given in ANSI/IEEE C37 and UL Standards. All fastening hardware inside and out is stainless steel. To maximize corrosion resistance, the outside of the enclosure is coated with an ANSI 61 light gray marine epoxy finish. 

The front of the enclosure is equipped with a hinged door for easy access. The doors are mounted on stainless steel hinges and are held shut with 3-point latching handles. The handles are stainless steel and are lockable.

Capacitor supports and enclosure base consists of welded C4 structural steel channel.  Four removable lifting eyes are provided.

 
Capacitors
The capacitor bank consists of UL Listed, low loss, three bushing, industrial rated, metallized electrode, self-healing capacitors with integral discharge resistors mounted in a single steel tank. The capacitors are finished with a UL listed ANSI #61 light-gray finish and meet or exceed the latest applicable ANSI and IEEE standards.

The capacitors have a proven 20-year (continuous duty) life expectancy.  The capacitor’s steel case is welded and hermetically sealed with an internal pressure interrupter, virtually eliminating the possibility of case rupture.

The capacitors are designed for harmonic filter bank duty and can be utilized in a harmonic filter bank retrofit, if required.

Discharge Resistors: Each capacitor cell incorporates internal discharge resistors designed to reduce the capacitor voltage to 50 volts or less within one minute after removal from the circuit.

Environmental Parameters: Capacitors are designed to operate between

-40°C and +46°C (-40°F to +115°F).

Contactors  

Each step of the LV-ACB™ is switched with a NEMA rated 600 Volt contactor that is UL listed for capacitor switching.  The contacts, coils, and auxiliary contacts can be changed without disturbing other components within the bank.

Power Factor Controller  

The LV-ACB™  is controlled by a digital power controller with the following features:

• Automatic self adjustment to any capacitor step value
• Digital indication of power factor, preset parameters and specified installation data
• No-Volt release feature to immediately disconnect all capacitors in the event of a power failure.
• Facility to connect mini-printer
• Plug-in terminal connection
• Automatic elimination of defective capacitor steps, and their indication (i.e. Welded contacts, failed capacitor, etc.)
• Visual display of target power factor alarm
• Visual display of harmonic overload alarm

Protection

NEPSI’s capacitor banks are equipped with overload and short circuit protection.  Protection features are as follows:

Fusing: Each stage is protected from overloads (resulting from resonance) and faults by 600 volt 200,000 AIC (amps interrupting current), UL rated, bus mounted fuses.  Fuses are located on the line side of the capacitors and contactors.

Blown Fuse Lights:  Each fuse is equipped with a blown fuse light that indicates a fuse operation.  Lights are mounted on the outside of the enclosure.

 
Warranty

·          12 month system warranty

Optional Accessories
 

Main Disconnecting Devices: (MC___) or (FD___) NEPSI’s automatic capacitor banks may be equipped with either a main disconnect, main fusible disconnect, or a molded case circuit breaker that is externally operated through a rotary handle. 

On/Off/Auto Switches: (H) On/Off/Auto Switches may be added to NEPSI’s standard automatic banks to provide complete individual control of each capacitor bank stage.

Dust Proofing: (D) Can be provided where location require filtering over louvers.

Cooling Fan: (CF) A cooling fan can be provided that increases the cooling when installed in places where accessive heat may cause  problems. Not recommended if ambient temperature does not exceed 90^oF.

Out of KVAR Alarm: (KA or KL)  An out of kvar alarm can be provide to give visual and/or audible indication of not having the capability to meet the target power factor.

Ammeter: (A) A three-phase ammeter can be provided to show the operating current of each filter bank stage.

Voltmeters: (V) A three-phase voltmeter can be provided to show the system voltage.

Keyed Interlock System: (KK) A keyed interlock system can be provided that will prevent access into the capacitor bank until the bank has been shut down by an upstream disconnecting device.

Outdoor Rating: (O) The enclosure and control panel can be designed for outdoor application.

Three-line diagram of typical low voltage automatic capacitor bank.  Capacitors, transient inrush reactors, control power transformer, contactors, 3 phase fusing, current transformer placement and incoming breaker are shown.

Northeast Power Systems, Inc.
66 Carey Road
Queensbury, New York 12804
Phone: 518-792-4776
Fax: 518-792-5767
Email: sales@nepsi.com
Website: www.nepsi.com

Copyright © 1999 - 2009 Northeast Power Systems, Inc.