How Do Series Reactors Protect Capacitor Compensation Systems?

Capacitors are useful for reactive power compensation, but installations with significant harmonics require additional consideration.

This is where series reactors become important.

Why Are Harmonics a Concern?

Modern factories use more power electronics than ever.

Variable-frequency drives, rectifiers, UPS systems and switching power supplies can generate harmonic currents.

When capacitors and system inductance interact, certain harmonic frequencies may become amplified.

What Does a Series Reactor Do?

A series reactor changes the electrical characteristics of the capacitor branch.

The combination of capacitor and reactor can be designed as a detuned filter branch, helping reduce the risk of harmonic resonance.

Common Applications

Series reactors may be considered in:

● Industrial plants

● Data centers

● Commercial complexes

● Solar power facilities

● Motor-control systems

● Facilities with numerous VFDs

Geyue CKSG Series

Geyue Electric manufactures CKSG series reactors for reactive power compensation systems. The company lists a 14% reactance-rate CKSG series product among its featured products.

Final Consideration

A reactor should not be added simply because “harmonics exist.” The correct reactor percentage depends on the system design, capacitor voltage, harmonic spectrum and required compensation performance.