Power Capacitors

Power Capacitors
Power capacitors are specialized capacitors designed to operate in electric power systems and
high-voltage applications. They are widely used for reactive power compensation, power factor
correction, harmonic filtering, and voltage regulation in transmission and distribution networks,
as well as in industrial and commercial facilities.
Construction and Materials
Power capacitors are typically constructed with alternating layers of conductive and dielectric
materials, forming a capacitive element. The conductive layers are usually made of aluminum or
zinc, while the dielectric layers can be made of various materials, such as polypropylene,
polyester, or metallized paper.
The capacitor elements are housed in a sturdy metal container filled with an insulating liquid or
gas, such as mineral oil or nitrogen, respectively. This construction allows power capacitors to
withstand high voltages and currents while providing efficient cooling and insulation.
Types of Power Capacitors
Power capacitors can be categorized based on their construction, dielectric material, and
application:
1. All-Film Capacitors: These capacitors use polypropylene or polyester films as the
dielectric material. They are known for their low losses, high reliability, and long service
life.
2. Metallized Capacitors: In these capacitors, a thin layer of metal is deposited on the
dielectric film, forming the conductive layer. Metallized capacitors have a higher
capacitance density and are more cost-effective than all-film capacitors.
3. Impregnated Paper Capacitors: These capacitors use paper impregnated with insulating
oil as the dielectric material. While they have higher losses compared to film capacitors,
they are economical and suitable for lower voltage applications.
4. High-Voltage Capacitors: These capacitors are designed to operate at high voltages,
typically above 72.5 kV. They are used in applications such as power factor correction
and harmonic filtering in high-voltage transmission systems.
Applications
Power capacitors have various applications in power systems and industrial facilities:
 1. Reactive Power Compensation: Capacitors can supply reactive power to the system,
improving the power factor and reducing losses in transmission and distribution lines.
2. Power Factor Correction: By connecting capacitor banks in parallel with inductive loads,
the overall power factor of the system can be improved, resulting in increased efficiency
and reduced energy costs.
3. Harmonic Filtering: Capacitor banks, in combination with reactors, can be used as
harmonic filters to mitigate the effects of harmonic distortion caused by non-linear
loads.
4. Voltage Regulation: Capacitors can help regulate voltage levels in power systems by
providing reactive power support, improving the overall voltage profile and stability of
the network.
5. Energy Storage: In some applications, power capacitors can be used as temporary
energy storage devices, providing short-term power during voltage sags or other
transient events.
Power capacitors play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of power
systems, industrial plants, and commercial facilities by providing reactive power compensation,
power factor correction, harmonic filtering, and voltage regulation capabilities.