Application of double-layer capacitor technology to static condensers for distribution system voltage control

Static condensers may be utilized to mitigate many power quality problems in distribution systems. The condenser requires some type of energy storage such as a battery, a superconducting magnetic system, or a capacitor. The use of double-layer capacitors in static condensers is examined in this paper. These capacitors are characterized by high values of capacitance and equivalent parallel resistance and low values of equivalent series resistance. Double-layer capacitor technology is discussed and equivalent circuit models are presented. Test results for a 2.3 V, 470 F double-layer capacitor are presented to demonstrate how operation in a static condenser may affect capacitor performance. Design considerations for the use of this technology in a static condenser are discussed. Operation of a static condenser employing double-layer capacitors is illustrated using EMTP.