LOCATION OF REQUIRED CAPACITORS

METHOD #2: FIXED CAPACITOR BANK
Install a fixed quantity of KVAR electrically connected at one or more locations in the plant's electrical distribution system, and energized at all times.

This method is often used when the facility has few motors of any sizeable horsepower to which capacitors can economically be added. A fixed amount of KVAR can be added to the main buses in a motor control center. In most cases, however, the fixed bank (Capacibank^® brand capacitor) is usually located near the service entrance switchboard. In all cases, a separate fused switch, or circuit breaker, must be provided ahead of the capacitor bank.

There is one most important fact to remember whenever you install a fixed bank. When the system is lightly loaded (perhaps on Sundays or holidays), and you have too large a bank of KVAR energized, the voltage can be so great that motors, lamps, and controls can burn out. Unbalanced load or other similar conditions can aggravate the trouble with harmonics. Our research indicates that KVAR equal to 20% of the transformer KVA is the maximum size of a fixed KVAR bank that should be installed. Values larger then this can result in a large resonant current, potentially harmful to the system.

Remember, that while the fixed bank can unload the transformer, and show an improved power factor on your monthly bill, it does nothing to reduce the conductor watt loss (and thus billed KW-Hrs).

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