How to select capacitors for automatic low-voltage reactive power compensation

Sep 03, 2025|

In low-voltage power systems, automatic reactive power compensation is of vital importance for the stable operation of the power grid. Among these, capacitor compensation is a common method of reactive power compensation. Capacitor compensation achieves this by connecting or paralleling appropriate-sized capacitors in series or parallel on the power grid to counteract the effects of inductance and resistance in the grid. Selecting the correct size of capacitors is crucial for achieving reactive power compensation.

When selecting low-voltage reactive power automatic compensation capacitors, the following aspects usually need to be considered:

 

● System voltage level: Select capacitors that match the system voltage level. For example, for a 380V low-voltage power grid, use the corresponding low-voltage capacitors.

● Capacitor capacity: The capacity (kvar) of the capacitor should be selected based on the reactive power demand of the system. A common calculation method is to determine it according to the reactive power of the load or the target value for improving the power factor.

● Working environment: Capacitors need to adapt to specific environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, pollution, etc.). For example, in environments with high temperatures or a lot of dust, special-protected capacitors should be selected.

● Types of capacitors: There are various types of low-voltage capacitors. For instance, common types include oil-immersed and dry-type capacitors, etc. For most industrial applications, dry-type capacitors are more commonly used because they are less prone to leakage and are more suitable for long-term stable operation.

● Withstand Voltage and Safety: Capacitors must have excellent withstand voltage capability, be able to adapt to voltage fluctuations in the power grid, and possess overvoltage protection and short-circuit protection functions.

● Reactive power compensation strategy: Different automatic compensation systems have different control strategies, such as control based on load changes or control based on power factor. Select the appropriate capacitor according to the required compensation method.

● The impact of harmonic pollution: If there are high levels of harmonics in the power grid, it may be necessary to select capacitors with harmonic filtering capabilities, or to use them in combination with filtering devices, in order to prevent the capacitors from overheating or being damaged.

● Brand and Quality: Choose reputable brands such as Jinneng Electrical or other well-known manufacturers to ensure the quality and reliability of the capacitors, and avoid potential failures caused by quality issues.

 

Jinneng electric BSMJ series cylindrical self-healing low voltage parallel capacitor, self-healing low-voltage parallel capacitor are good choice for you.

Send Inquiry