Static VAR Generators

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Static VAR Generators

Static VAR Generators are high performance, compact, flexible, modular and cost-effective Active Power Factor Correction (APFC) systems that provide an instantaneous and effective response to power quality problems in low or high voltage electric power systems.

  • Connected in parallel with the load to be compensated, SVG units act as a controlled current source, providing a current waveform in real time.
  • SVGs enable longer equipment lifetime, higher process reliability, improved power system capacity and stability, and reduced energy losses, complying with most demanding power quality standards and grid codes

Typical Applications

SVGs offer significant benefit when integrated into many low and high voltage applications, including:
• Installations that experience rapid fluctuations in reactive power demand like electric arc furnaces and ball mills
• Highly dynamic loads that experience rapid fluctuations in power factor including cranes, sawmill machinery and welding machines
• Facilities requiring the correction of leading power factor such as data centres. SVG integration enables back-up generators to more easily synchronise with the network
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems
• Solar and wind turbine generators
• Railway electrification systems
• Loads experiencing low power factor such as motors, cables, lightly loaded transformers and lighting amongst others

How Does SVG Work?

Connected in parallel with the load, SVG systems identify inconsistencies within the current waveform and inject a controlled lagging or leading current in real-time, dependent on the nature of the current inconsistency (capacitive or inductive).

This real-time current injection acts to align the phase angle waveforms of both the current and voltage and assists in bringing the electrical systems power factor to unity.

In addition to the advantage of real-time compensation, SVG units also provide significant advantages over traditional capacitor based compensation systems. Unlike traditional compensation systems, SVGs are designed to operate more effectively in conjunction with current day electric systems as they are free from harmonic distortion and resonance, whilst remaining uninhibited by network voltage fluctuations.

SVGs are also capable of reducing voltage variations, mitigating flicker and balancing the loads of the connected system.

Key Specifications

  • Specifications from +/-17 kvar to +/-152 kvar (200-690 V) in 3- and 4- wire systems can be covered by a single module. There is no limit to the number of SVG modules that can be connected in parallel.
  • Simple connection to high voltage systems.
  • 3-level NPC inverter topology reduces losses, noise, size and extends modules lifetime.
  • Overall response time <100 microseconds.
  • Instantaneous, precise & step-less power factor correction of both inductive and capacitive loads.
  • It is not possible to over or under compensate the system and there is no risk of harmonic resonance.
  • Capability of switching contactors or thyristor switches of detuned filter capacitor bank steps.
  • Compact and modular design optimised for easy installation, commissioning and maintenance.
  • Remote monitoring & analysis capability / IIoT.
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Key Benefits

  • Capability to deliver instantaneous capacitive and inductive reactive power compensation.
  • The system will only inject the required level of reactive power needed to successfully compensate the load.
  • Optimised for highly dynamic applications where conventional capacitor banks or reactor banks are unable to track the loads.
  • Capable of supplying compensation to loads fed by generators without the risk of overcompensation.
  • Unaffected by network voltage drops. Even under reduced network voltage levels, full reactive current can be provided to meet the required demand.
  • Simple installation and maintenance procedures.
  • Compliance with the strictest power quality standards and grid codes.

SVG technology can also commonly be referred to as:

  • Active Power Factor Correction Compensator
  • Advanced Static Var Generator (ASVG)
  • Active Load Balancer
  • Hybrid VAR Generators
  • Instantaneous Reactive Power Compensator