CAPACITOR BANK SIZING CALCULATIONS

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Document covers the basic calculations to calculate Capacitor Bank Sizing for the switchboard 914-
SW3-001.

2.0 GENERAL
The function of the capacitor banks is to supply the reactive power required locally and relieve the utility
from supplying the reactive power to the load

The main advantage of power factor correction is the reduction in electricity cost. However, the
additional benefits are reduction in I²R losses in the electrical system and improvement in system
efficiency, release of additional capacity, reduction in size of electrical equipment for delivery of same
amount of power and improvement in voltage regulation.

Before, installation of capacitor banks we should look into the following points.

• How much power factor compensation is required i.e. how much power factor is needed to
improve.

• Capacitor bank of what capacity is required

• Where these capacitor banks are to be located

3.0 CALCULATION
Formula to be used:

Qc = P x (TanΦ1-TanΦ2)

Qc (kvar) = PXK

= Active Power X Factor ‘K’

Sample Calculation:
Method 1:
Total Power (P) = 1000Kw
CosΦ1 = 0.8
CosΦ2 = 0.96

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 Qc = P x (TanΦ1-TanΦ2)

Φ1 = Cos⁻¹ (0.8) = 36.86°

Φ2 = Cos⁻¹ (0.96) = 16.26°
TanΦ1 = 0.75
TanΦ2 = 0.2916

Qc = P x (TanΦ1-TanΦ2)

= 1000 X (0.75-0.2916)
= 1000 X 0.46
= 460 Kvar
Method 2:
Total Power (P) = 1000Kw
Actual Power Factor = 0.8
Target Power Factor = 0.96
From the above table Factor ‘K’ is = 0.46
Qc (kvar) = P X Factor ‘K’
Required Kvar = 1000 X 0.46
= 460 Kvar
Some of the standard Capacitor Bank Sizes are mentioned below

5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50 etc.

So we will select multiples of above values to install the required KVAR.

4.0 LOCATION FOR CAPACITOR BANK:

It is always advantageous to place the capacitor bank near the load that reduces the losses in the circuit
between the load and the feeder.

Sometimes, capacitor banks are installed to act as group correction i.e. it is connected with the main
bus bar and the main bus has many feeders, since it not always economical to install the capacitor for
individual feeders.

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