Hybrid Active Power Factor Correction
Hybrid Active Power Factor Correction
PRECICON’s Hybrid Active Power Factor Correction System (HAPFC) is the next generation solution developed to address modern day power quality issues. The HAPFC system combines the technological advantages of Active Harmonic Filtration (AHF) or Static VAR Generation (SVG) with conventional contactor or thyristor capacitor banks to provide step-less, real-time compensation.
Traditionally, poor power quality has been addressed through the integration of a single module targeted to address a specific power quality problem. For example, a Power Factor Correction (PFC) unit would be commissioned if power factor was identified as a problem and an Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) if harmonics were identified as a problem.
Whilst these singular solutions have traditionally addressed the power quality issue prescribed to them, advancements in diagnostic technology has led to a common acknowledgement that power quality issues stem from a combination of different problems and, as such, a more flexible solution is required.
PRECICON’S HAPFC units are high performance, customisable, modular and cost effective power quality solutions that provide an instantaneous, dynamic and effective response to identified power quality issues within electrical systems.
Key Features
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How Does it Work?
Connected in parallel with the supply or load, Hybrid Active Power Factor Correction units provide a dynamic controlled current source capable of matching any waveform in real-time.
HAPFC units predominantly utilise the integrated capacitor bank steps to provide the fundamental capacitive reactive power, with the dynamic compensation (capacitive or inductive) provided by the in-built AHF. The HAPFC unit’s ability to address reactive power between the capacitor bank steps removes the requirement for differing capacitor bank sizes and results in a smooth output within the network.
Integration of both technologies within the HAPFC unit allows the administration of harmonic filtering, voltage variation reduction, flicker mitigation and balance of supply simultaneously.
HAPFC units have been designed with two distinct operational modes: Ultra-fast and PFC mode.
- The ultra-fast operational mode has been designed to allow rapid ‘open-loop’ reactive power compensation. The ultra-fast operational mode reduces minimum step switching times from one second (as observed within PFC mode) to <0.2 seconds.
- PFC mode provides a more traditional operational mode, allowing operators closed loop system control.
Combining the technical advantages of AHF and Static VAR Generators (SVG) with the cost effectiveness of traditional contactor or thyristor switched detuned filter capacitor bank technologies ensures an economical, step-less, real-time compensator operated through a single Human Machine Interface (HMI).
HAPFC Operating Principle
Typical HAPFC Connection
Common Applications
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HAPFC Benefits
PRECICON HAPFC solution provides a range of benefits including:
- Protection of loads and electrical equipment from waveform distortions, voltage variations and fluctuations, low power factor measurements and unbalance
- Simultaneous capacitive and inductive reactive power compensation
- Step-less and seamless dynamic output – removal of visible ‘steps’ in reactive power ensures better performance than is achievable using only capacitor banks or reactor bank steps
- Units are optimised to perform where capacitor banks, reactor banks or passive harmonic filters are unable to
- Single HMI ensures an intuitive and simple control mechanism. Operators can utilise this HMI to track and record measurements, implement logic and assume wider control of the unit, whilst each module remains uniquely programmable for each application
- HAPFC units will still operate at reduced network voltage levels with full reactive current supplied to meet demand
- Compliant with the most stringent power quality standards and supply authority requirements