Shunt Capacitor Bank Protection Methods

A "Guide for Protection of Shunt Capacitor Banks," ANSI/IEEE Standard C37.99-1980, has been prepared recently by the, Power System Relaying Committee to assist in the effective application of relays for the protection of shunt capacitor banks used in substations. The various protective considerations along with recommended and alternate methods of protection for the most commonly used capacitor bank configurations are covered. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the highlights of the guide to familiarize the industry with the scope and usefulness of this new document, and to invite considered discussion for the purpose of improving this guide in the future.