Date of Award

2009

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Engineering Science

Program

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Supervisor

Prof. Dr. Tarlochan Singh Sidhu

Abstract

Power factor correction is the main application for shunt capacitor units in the power system. The advantage of improved power factor is reduced line and transformer losses, improved voltage profile, reduced maximum demand, and improved power quality. The capacitors are installed in a distribution system on pole-mounted racks, substation banks, and high voltage (HV) or extra-high voltage (EHV) units for bulk power applications.

Capacitors have many applications in power systems: they can be used in series to compensate the inductance of transmission lines to transmit more power. They can also be used as surge capacitors, starting motors, and static VAR compensators.

Capacitor banks installed in power substations are vital in the sense that they provide the reactive power needed for the power system, which in turn improves the voltage profile in the system. There is always the option of grounding the banks or leaving them ungrounded. Each of the above configurations has its own advantages and disadvantages; to name a few, ungrounded banks are slightly more expensive compared to grounded banks as the neutral point needs to be insulated up to system basic insulation level; whilst grounded banks are prone to inject high-frequency transients (e.g., switching, ground faults) into the ground mat.

This study is intended to address the recent incident in a high-voltage substation which led to the explosion of a capacitor bank. The study goes on to suggest grounding as a method to prevent such incidents. Furthermore, the effects of grounding and induction on control/signal cables as well as protecting relays are investigated.

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