Power capacitors are now widely used in substations and other electrical settings, playing a critical role in improving power factor and stabilizing voltage.

To ensure the smooth operation of the electrical grid and the safety of personnel, it's imperative to follow certain rules when switching power capacitors on or off. Let's dive into the regulations surrounding the engagement and disengagement of power capacitors.

Power Capacitors Before Switching

Inspect the Overall State: It's essential to check the overall condition of the power capacitor to ensure it can operate normally, avoiding the use of capacitors with issues. If any capacitor is found to be faulty or exhibiting abnormal behavior, it must be promptly addressed or replaced.

Verify Parameters: Before engagement, verify that the power capacitor's parameters are within specified limits. Measuring the capacitor voltage to ensure it matches the system voltage can avoid instances of abnormally high or low voltages.

Ensure No Residual Charge: Before officially engaging or disengaging the capacitor, make sure it holds no residual charge, preventing the addition of current that could damage the power capacitor.

Power Capacitors During Switching

Timing: The timing of capacitor engagement or disengagement in substations should be based on actual conditions, generally during periods of low demand, to minimize the impact on grid operation.

Follow Procedures: Switching should be done according to relevant procedures, typically starting with capacitors of smaller capacity before moving on to larger ones.

Monitor Parameters: Personnel must closely monitor the relevant parameters of the substation capacitors to ensure normal operation of the power capacitors. If voltage or current parameters deviate from norms, immediately halt switching activities and investigate.

Power Capacitors After Switching

Observe Operation: Continue to observe the operation state of the power capacitor, checking if the running voltage and current are normal.

Regular Maintenance: Personnel should regularly inspect and maintain the capacitor bank, including cleaning dust and measuring capacitance, to ensure its optimal operation.

Record Keeping: Maintain records of the capacitor bank's switching times, order, and various data for future maintenance and analysis.

Beyond these practices, personnel involved in the switching of substation power capacitors must prioritize their safety, wearing personal protective equipment and ensuring reliable grounding and discharge to prevent electrical accidents.