~ CP Automation announces the availability of REVCON RPC-eSVG ~
Power quality expert CP Automation has added the REVCON RPC-eSVG to its power factor correction (PFC) range to help protect industrial facilities from high reactive power usage and shield LV applications. As well as being a reliable alternative to capacitor banks, which are vulnerable to resonances, the new device is more compact than competitive static var generators (SVGs) and can filter a limited range of harmonics.
While traditional capacitor banks use contactors, the RPC-eSVG uses silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETS to control the reactive power. By avoiding additional components like snubber circuits and supporting smaller inductors, transformers and capacitors, the new device can significantly improve power density, offering a more compact and lightweight design.
As well as protecting against high reactive power usage, the RPC-eSVG can compensate harmonics in the 5-13th order (250-650 Hz). This is where most industrial loads, such as motors and drives, typically sit on the frequency spectrum —providing holistic protection for a wide range of devices.
“High Reactive power usage and harmonics are common issues in industrial facilities, and treating the two in tandem will be a game-changer,” explained John Mitchell, global sales and marketing director at CP Automation. “Many engineers and operators will have used either capacitor banks or conventional SVGs, but these will only compensate reactive power. Protecting against harmonics requires an additional solution, with added costs and footprint.
“By using SiC technology, the RPC-eSVG offers unparalleled efficiency,” added Mitchell. The SiC version of the SVG is far superior in technology, efficiency and footprint compared to other solutions, such as IGBT-based SVGs, Thyristor-controlled capacitor banks, and tuned and de-tuned capacitor banks.”
Another benefit of the RPC-eSVG is its response time. Typically, a capacitor bank will take around 40 seconds to activate or deactivate and adjust the power factor. In contrast, the new product from REVCON has a response time of less than 15 ms, meaning it can adapt far quicker to changes in power system conditions, like voltage fluctuations or sudden load shifts. This allows for efficient, timely correction of reactive power.
To find out more about the RPC-eSVG or speak to a member of the CP Automation power quality team about your PFC needs, visit https://www.cpaltd.net/industries/power-quality/
