Application of Shunt Capacitor Banks

The power capacitors can be used in series or shunt connections. The series capacitors are used in high-voltage (HV) transmission lines for series compensation to improve the power-handling capabilities. The shunt capacitors can be applied to an electrical system for multiple tasks in one single application. Formation of shunt capacitor banks from small to large sizes and at various voltages is required for harmonic filter designs and reactive power compensation. The shunt capacitors can be connected in a variety of three-phase connections, which depend on the best utilization of the standard voltage ratings, fusing, and protective relaying. The capacitor banks may be connected in (I) ungrounded wye connection, (ii) ungrounded double-wye neutrals, (iii) grounded double-wye neutrals, (iv) delta connection and (v) H-bridge connection for large banks. The switching of capacitors with motors in the presence of harmonic producing loads can give rise to resonance and impact filter design.