Electrical Science Solutions

ESS_SEPT_2016

Capacitor Inrush Current And Its

Switching.
Author: Prasad Gore Edition: ESS_SEPT_2016

Abstract : This paper is very basic attempt to explain inrush current of capacitor switching. we are
going to talk about INRUSH CURRENT of power factor capacitor bank, because we hear lot like this,
Capacitor detoriates because of switching by Electromechanical Contactor. Thyrsitor based panel
shall be implemented.

So we thought to share this to understand how does this INRUSH CURRENT take place? How can we
control by thyrsitor switching?

Capacitor Inrush Current

This is an ideal circuit diagram of Capacitor with switch.

We know that capacitor resist to change in voltage (Voltage Constant) across it.

When we close switch, we apply Vs across capacitor plates. Lets imagine and assume capacitor
voltage Vc is 0 before switch is closed, at switch close Vs (AC voltage is at its peak value). Here at
switch close ,change in voltage is from 0 to peak voltage, so we explain like this, now capacitor resist
change in voltage, but now applied voltage is peak value, so to resist change in voltage means
capacitor must attain this new voltage instantaneously. It will do so by exchange of required amount
of charges (Q) between its two plates and capacitance (C) value. Flow of charges means current, for
reaching to new voltage level, huge nos of Q flows in small time. Now this means very high inrush
current is generated.

Let’s understand this,

We know, Q = C Vc ( This shows Q is function of Vc and it changes with Vc)

Take derivative both side wrt dt

dq/dt= C dVc/dt (I= dq/dt)

I = C dVc/dt
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ESS_SEPT_2016

Now this explains same, if dVc/dt is high, i.e chage in voltage is high, associated change in charges
will be high and flow of Q will be high and thus current will be high. Now this flow of Q is limited by
‘C’ Capacitance and source impedance.

This is very basic logic and due to this capacitor starting, create high inrush current.

Switching Logic
Now it is obvious, that if we want to start capacitor without high inrush current , we must see that
change in voltage shall be ZERO, i.e. capacitor must be started when Vs= Vc so we can have dVc/dt=0

So when Vc= x Volt then switch must be close at Vs= x Volt.

Below is practical demonstration when 3 Phase capacitor starts at 0 V of voltage waveform

With Series Inductances

In practical operations, there always exist series inductances and resistance. See circuit below.

Now we know that,

VL = L di/dt
2

According to this, inductor resist to change in current (Current Constant) through it. Now as
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explained above, capacitor wants to exchange charges at faster rate to attain new voltage, exactly

prasad@electricalsciencesolutions.com
 Electrical Science Solutions
ESS_SEPT_2016

opposite behaviour is shown by inductor and it tries to stop exchange of charges. And it is done by
self inductance. Now this opposition is limited by ‘L’ Inductance.

So in this process charges does not flow as required for getting new voltage of capacitor ( i.e. Vc)
and we see oscillation in current. Refer below graph.

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prasad@electricalsciencesolutions.com