MV (Medium voltage) detuned power factor correction systems are designed to optimise the power factor by maintaining a balance of reactive power. Reactive power, generated by inductive or capacitive loads, can cause unwanted energy losses in electrical systems. These detuned power factor correction systems improve overall system efficiency by filtering and balancing the reactive power through the use of capacitors.

MV detuned power factor correction systems typically incorporate passive filters, which are particularly well known for their harmonic filtering capabilities. These passive filters limit the ingress of harmonics into the system, thereby increasing its reliability. In addition, these systems usually include a combination of capacitor banks and reactors. The reactors are used to protect the capacitor banks from excessive currents, thus ensuring the overall reliability of the system.
At What Kw Level is Power Factor Correction Needed?
Power factor correction is required in industrial electrical systems once a certain power threshold is reached. The typical recommendation for low voltage networks is to implement power factor correction when consumption exceeds 150-200 kW. However, the required threshold may be higher in high voltage networks, often around 500 kW or more. Ultimately, the need for power factor correction depends on local regulations and the specific requirements of the utility. As a result, the requirements for power factor correction can vary between different industrial plants and facilities.
Operating Data
| Rated Voltage | 3,6 – … – 36kV |
| Rated Power | up to 12000kVAr or tailor made |
| BIL | Acc. to the rated voltage |
| Rated Frequency | 50/60Hz |
| Ambient Temperature | ≤55⁰C |
Standard
- TS EN 60871-1
Electrical Design
| Connection | Fixed / Automatic / Double star connection with unbalance protection |
| Short Circuit Protection | MV Fuses |
| Protection Units | Earthing Switches, Discharge Coils, Surge Arresters, Microprocessor based Power Factor Correction Relay |
| Switching | Vacuum/SF6 Contactor – Circuit Breaker |
| Detuning | 7% – 14% |
| Capacitors | APP Type |
Enclosure Design
| Installation | Indoor or Outdoor |
| Protection Degree | IP00…IP65 |
| Cooling | Natural / Forced |
| Enclosure | Hot Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet, Painted Galvanized Steel Sheet or tailor made |
How Do MV Detuned Power Factor Correction Systems Work?
So how do mv detuned power factor correction systems work. The basic principle of MV detuned power factor correction systems is to compensate for reactive power and optimise the power factor. Reactive power, generated by inductive or capacitive loads, can cause energy losses in electrical systems. These systems improve efficiency by filtering and balancing reactive power through the use of capacitors.
They typically use a combination of capacitor banks and chokes. Passive filters within the system limit the ingress of unwanted harmonics, while reactors protect the capacitor banks from excessive currents, ensuring system reliability.
Detuned power factor correction systems operate within a specific frequency range, effectively preventing the intrusion of unwanted harmonics. The result is a more reliable, stable and efficient electrical system. In addition, these systems reduce energy costs, extend equipment life and improve the overall performance of the electrical grid, making them essential for industrial facilities and large power distribution networks.
What Is Power Factor Correction, and What Are Its Types?
Let’s start with the question, “What is power factor correction?”. Power factor correction refers to systems that compensate for reactive power and regulate the power factor in electrical systems. Reactive power occurs alongside active power due to the presence of inductive or capacitive components, leading to inefficiencies in the transmission and use of energy. The primary objective of Power factor correction is to compensate for reactive power, thereby improving the efficiency of electrical systems and reducing energy losses. As a result, businesses can save on energy costs and electrical grids can operate more effectively. There are three main types of power factor correction systems:
- Individual Compensation: This method involves connecting reactive power sources directly to the load terminals. This compensates for the reactive power of each individual load. Commonly used for asynchronous motors, the benefits include reducing power demand, minimising reactive power penalties, preventing transformer overload and reducing cable losses.
- Partial Compensation: Multiple loads are connected to a single contactor. Instead of using separate capacitors for each load, they are compensated as a group. Benefits include minimising reactive power penalties, reducing apparent power requirements, preventing transformer overload, allowing more loads to be connected and reducing cable losses.
- Global Compensation: Capacitors are switched on from the main panel based on reactive power requirements, controlled by a reactive power relay. This method is typically used in large and powerful installations. Benefits include centralised control of the power factor, cost effectiveness and prevention of both over- and under-compensation.
What Are the Components of MV Power Factor Correction Systems?
Power factor correction systems comprise various elements to increase energy efficiency and improve the power factor. Components of MV Power Factor Correction Systems:
- Capacitors: The basic components used to compensate for reactive power and improve power factor.
- Detuned Filters: Used to protect capacitors from excessive currents and improve system reliability.
- Fuses: Protect the system from overcurrent conditions.
- Contactors and Relays: Control and protect capacitor banks to ensure safe and correct system operation.
- Measurement and Control Devices: Measure and regulate system parameters to ensure efficient operation.
- Cables and Connectors: Provide interconnection between components.
These components enable the correct and reliable operation of compensation systems, contributing to increased energy efficiency.
Benefits of MV Detuned Power Factor Correction Systems
The benefits of using MV Detuned Power Factor Correction Systems in industrial plants and power distribution networks are significant. These systems minimise energy losses, resulting in significant cost savings for companies by improving energy efficiency. By improving the power factor, they ensure more efficient network operation and prevent penalties associated with low power factors. They also improve voltage stability and increase the reliability of electrical systems.
MV Detuned Power Factor Correction Systems also extend the capacity of existing electrical infrastructure, allowing additional loads to be connected to meet the needs of business growth. These systems filter out harmonic distortion, improving power quality and allowing sensitive electronic equipment to operate more safely. With their extended life and low maintenance requirements, they reduce operating costs and shorten the payback period.
These systems also regulate sudden power surges, protecting equipment from overcurrents. Their user-friendly design and modular structure make them easy to install and adapt. Importantly, as an environmentally conscious solution, they improve energy efficiency and contribute to sustainability goals.
By improving operational efficiency, MV Detuned Power Factor Correction Systems provide effective solutions to modern energy management requirements.
In summary, these systems offer significant technical and economic benefits, improving the reliability and efficiency of the electrical infrastructure.
Characteristics of MV Detuned Power Factor Correction Systems
Easy Installation:
Designed for quick installation, MV Detuned Power Factor Correction Systems can be easily and efficiently deployed in any location. The practical design reduces installation time.
Earthing Switch with Grounding:
These systems feature earthing switches that can disconnect the power supply and ground the capacitors, allowing the system to be quickly shut down in emergency situations. This capability is supported by safety measures to disconnect the power supply and ground the capacitors.
Detuned Reactors:
The systems are equipped with Detuned Reactors that block current harmonics and protect the entire installation from system resonance. They also extend the service life of capacitors and electronic equipment in the installation.
Over-current and short-circuit protection:
These compensation systems are protected against overcurrents or short-circuits caused by load changes.
Double star connection for unbalance protection:
The system can be optionally configured with a double star connection for unbalance protection, which monitors phase changes and unbalances, thereby improving system performance.
Ergun Elektrik MV Detuned Power Factor Correction Systems
Ergun Elektrik’s MV Detuned power factor correction systems improve grid efficiency and build a reliable energy infrastructure. With its professional approach, Ergun Elektrik improves energy efficiency and helps companies reduce their energy costs.
With a customer-centric approach, Ergun Elektrik offers flexible designs tailored to each customer’s specific needs. These systems provide reliable, optimised solutions for a wide range of applications, from industrial plants to large energy consumers. For more information and services on Ergun Elektrik’s MV Detuned power factor correction systems, please contact us.