A U T O M AT I O N & I N F O R M AT I O N

S YS T E M S

NoVAR
Automatic Power Factor
Control

NOVAR 300 COMPENSATES FOR INDUCTIVE LOADS BY

SWITCHING IN CAPACITORS

> Optimises the system power factor

> Realise benefits and cost savings
> Up to 6 or 12 stages of control

Many power utilities worldwide apply financial

penalties to industrial consumers of electrical energy
when highly inductive loads are connected.

Power Factor Correction (PFC) switches in different

capacitors to achieve the optimum quantity of
capacitive compensation in order to maintain the
desired power factor.

NoVAR 300 uses true rms measuring techniques

together with a proven software algorithm to achieve
this rather than with mean sensing and zero
crossing techniques which are inaccurate on
distorted waveforms.

NoVAR 300 has been designed for safe, simple and

reliable operation and is available in two models :

> NoVAR 305 (12 stage capacitor controller)

> NoVAR 315 (6 stage capacitor controller)

Customer Benefits
• Intelligent rotational and
linear capacitor switching
• Safety mode if left in
"manual" setting
• Automatically tracks
system frequency

T&D
 NoVAR: CAPACITOR SWITCHING
STEP SEQUENCE ROTATIONAL

NoVAR switches in differing levels of capacitance in Rotational switching shares the switching duty equally
order to compensate for the inductive load changes. amongst the capacitors and contactors. If a sequence is
The amount of capacitance is controlled with a stepping selected the equal size stages are switched rotationally.
technique. The table below shows the maximum Contactors are switched on a first in, first out basis.
number of steps available on the NoVAR 305 and Selection of rotational switching can result in faster
NoVAR 315. response to system load changes and an even rate of
wear on the capacitor contactors.
Sequence Sequence NoVAR NoVAR
Number 315 305
00 1:1:1:1:1 etc 6 12
01 1:1:2:2:2 etc 10 22
LINEAR
02 1:2:2:2:2 etc 11 23
Linear switching operates contactors on a first in, last
03 1:2:3:3:3 etc 15 33
out basis .
04 1:2:3:4:4 etc 18 30
05 1:2:4:4:4 etc 19 31
06 1:2:3:6:6 etc 24 30
07 1:2:4:8:8 etc 31 31 INTELLIGENT: CAPACITOR

Examples of sequence number selection are:
00; used where all capacitor values are the same,
where inductive loading is limited to a few drives of
equal size.
07; where the first 4 stages progressively double in size,
used where many capacitor switching steps can give
very accurate power factor correction..
TIME INTERVAL
Sudden heavy inductive loads, switched onto or off a
system, ideally require capacitance to be added or
subtracted more rapidly to maintain the optimum power
factor.
NoVAR achieves this by "double stepping". For example
on sequence 00 (1:1:1) a second step is quickly added
after a 2 second delay from the first step being
switched.
On sequence 03 (1:2:3:3) in order to add or subtract
double steps, the switching pattern would be
(2:1+3:3+3) etc. safety lockout time is always observed
in the above.

The time interval between switching stages, sometimes

called safety lockout time, is governed by 8 TIME
selections. Time selection is dependent upon the INTELLIGENT: CONTACTOR
capacitor discharge time and the system voltage.
To ensure even contactor wear, all common sequence
steps sizes are rotated independently. For example if
LIMIT OPTIONS (1:1:2:2:2) sequence is selected the single stages are
rotated along with the double stages to even out the
12 LIMIT options are available (LIMIT is the highest contact wear for both sets of capacitor contactors.
number of capacitor stages to be switched), depending
on the sequence selected it removes the possibility of
the controller trying to switch in a contactor for which
there is no capacitor.

CAPACITOR SWITCHING

With NoVAR it is possible to select which type of

switching best meets the site application.

4 4
3 1 3 4
2 2 2 3
1 3 1 2
4 1

ROTATIONAL LINEAR NoVAR :

selectable rotational,
linear or intelligent
switching
2>3
 NoVAR: SAFETY FEATURES
SWITCH ON SELF TEST
Upon power up, the controller undergoes a series of
self checks operations to confirm that established set
points within the electronic circuitry are maintained and
within tolerance.
For a few seconds whilst checking these operations are
in progress, the LCD shows the model type number. To
ensure full integrity of control, this self test feature is
repeated every 10 minutes and runs in parallel with the
normal operation mode.
If the NoVAR fails the CAP and IND LED's will flash
alternatively.
PASSWORD PROTECTION
The NoVAR 315 settings cannot be changed without
entering the three digit password code. When initally
supplied the password corresponds to the last three
digits of the serial number. The password prevents
unauthorised personnel from changing the existing
settings.
Two depressions of the Fn key in swift succession will
display the sequence setting. A subsequent depression
of the ∨ key will cause the password function to be
displayed.
Using the ∧ and ∨ keys enables the operator to enter
the password ; upon confirmation the Fn key is pressed
to confirm the setting.
RETURN TO AUTO MODE ON
TIMEOUT
The NoVAR is usually put in to the manual mode during
commissioning. During this period the safety lockout
time is always observed. It is possible that the NoVAR
can be left in the manual mode with the result that no
power factor correction takes place.
NoVAR protects against this eventuality by waiting for a
period of 5 minutes plus the safety lockout time delay
before it automatically returns to the AUTO mode. This
feature is cancelled if the operator uses the NoVAR in
any way.
This is a optional feature and the NoVAR can be
supplied without it.
NoVAR : designed with
safety in mind
CONNECTION DIAGNOSTICS
The NoVAR controller has the ability to inform of
incorrect connection of either the current or voltage
circuits.
This is achieved by the CAP and IND segments of the
display flashing and an error code appearing in the
main portion of the LCD display. See below :
%Vn
%Ιn
Cos Ø
The error code, being the phase angle by which the
current leads the voltage, can enable early fault
recognition and rectification resulting in reduced
commissioning times.
NO VOLT RELEASE
A momentary loss of supply voltage could result in the
capacitors that have not been safely discharged being
reconnected.
To protect against this eventuality NoVAR will disable all
the output contacts within 15ms if the voltage supply
dips below 85% of nominal.
After restoration normal operation is resumed and the
outputs are energised in sequence after the safety
lockout time has elapsed.
SAFETY LOCKOUT TIME
The time interval between switching stages, sometimes
called safety lockout time, is governed by 8 TIME
selections. Time selection is dependent upon the
capacitor discharge time and the system voltage.
The time interval between steps must be larger than the
discharge time of the capacitor being switched. As a
guide 415V capacitors should discharge to a safe level
within 1 minute whilst 11kV capacitors will require 5
minutes.
Times can be selected from 10, 20, 30, 60, 180, 300,
480 and 600 seconds.
 NoVAR: SETTINGS
STEPPED MENU SYSTEM DISPLAY OF SETTINGS

NoVAR normally displays a continuously updated
indication of system power factor, cos ϕ and AUTO to
indicate that automatic switching is in progress.
By pressing the ∧ and ∨ keys the display will scroll
through the %In and %Vn measurements before
returning to power factor.
Two depressions of the Fn key on the NoVAR 315 in
quick succesion allows access to the settings. These
can be stepped through by subsequent depressions of
the Fn key :
Setting Display

In addition the NoVAR uses the display and function Sequence

keys to provide a stepped menu to facilitate manual Safety lockout time
operation, display controller settings or to change
settings during operation. Stage limit
C/k
Target COSΥ
C/K CONTROLLER RATING
Harmonic alarm detection
C/k or controller rating is used to set the switching dead level (1 to 5%, or off) is an
band in terms of the smallest capacitor size in use. optional feature
Rotational or linear
Details on how to calculate this setting can be found in switching selection
the NoVAR commissioning instructions.
Double stepping (on/off)
Single or three phase
TARGET COS ∅ operation (P1 or P3)
Return to COSΥ display
NoVAR can be set to achieve a target COS ϕ of
between between 0.8 lagging and 0.95 leading Holding the Fn key down will run the controller rapidly
through to the normal power factor display.
% IN AND % Vn MEASUREMENT
If the NoVAR is left unattended it will return to normal
NoVAR can display the percentage of nominal inout operation after 5 minutes from the last key operation.
voltage and current.

SINGLE PHASE OPERATION

%Vn
%Ιn NoVAR is normally supplied for use on a three phase
balanced load system.
Cos Ø
The NoVAR 315 unit may be programmed by the user
for use on a single phase operation where required.

It should be noted that changing the mode of operation

BUILT IN COS ∅ DISPLAY
NoVAR can display both inductive and capacitive
loading with the default display set to show inductive
loading.
does not alter the voltage input rating. For example, if
changing the mode of operation of a 415V, 3 phase
NoVAR to a 240V, single phase operation, a 240 / 415V
interposing transformer must be used.

Capactive loading is indicated by the inclusion of C in

the display after the power factor reading.

%Vn
%Ιn NoVAR :
Cos Ø
flexibility to match
most system
requirements
4>5
 NoVAR: ORDER OPTION FEATURES
VOLT FREE OR COMMONED RELAY
OUTPUT CONTACTS

NoVAR output relays are offered in two configurations;

• commoned contacts are typically used where the

system contactors are driven from the same voltage
supply. If specified, this option also provides the COS ∅ alarm
• >Volt free contacts allow connection of contactors by default as the same relay is used for both types of
with differing coil ratings of up to 500V. alarm.

COS ∅ ALARM CHOICE OF TERMINALS

An internal alarm relay is used to provide remote
indication of failure to reach targeted power factor.
Indication is also shown on the NoVAR display.
Stages in
NoVAR rear case terminals can be supplied in 2
different styles:
• Barrier Block offers a terminal size of M3.5 and
allows the NoVAR to be directly hardwired.

1 2 3 4 5 6 Alarm

%Vn
%In
Cos Ø

NoVAR 315 HARMONIC ALARM
Excessive system harmonics can result from capacitor
resonance during switching or from drive controllers.
• Plug in connector suitable for all wire connections
up to 2.5mm2 (14AWG). Note that plug in terminals
are only available with commoned output contacts
and are restricted to operation at 415V and below.

The presence of harmonics will degrade and shorten

the life of the stage capacitors. NoVAR will detect
excess harmonics in two ways:

• where the total harmonic distortion exceeds a pre-

set value of 5%
• If the difference in harmonic level during switching
between stages exceeds a preset value selectable
between 1% and 5%.

RETURN TO AUTO MODE

The alarm will operate if either preset level is passed.
As a further aid to fault diagnosis the display will NoVAR can be ordered with or without this feature.
indicate "H" in the left-hand digit. The user can disable
the alarm if not required. OUTPUTS
Commoned output contacts Volt free contacts

COMMON 5 5
Stage 1
Stage 1 6 6
7 7
2
2 8 8
9 9
3
3 10 10

11 11
4
4 12 12

NoVAR : 5
13
14
5
13
14
maximise your assets 15
6
15

by minimising your costs 6 16 16

 NoVAR: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
VOLTAGE INPUT IMPULSE TEST

• Rating (Vn) 110, 120, 415 and 440V NoVAR will withstand 5kV 1.2/50us, 0.5j to BS923 and
(Others available in the range 63.5 to 440V) IEC60255-22-1 between:
(Note 415V maximum with plug in terminals) • All terminals to case
• Current terminals to all others
• Range 85% to 110% Vn • Voltage terminals to all others
• Frequency 45 to 65Hz • Open output contacts
• Any pair of independent circuits
CURRENT INPUT
SURGE WITHSTAND
• Rating (In) 1A or 5A
(Others available in the range 0.5 to 5A) IEC 60255-22-1 and ANSI C37-90A
• Range 0 to 120% In IEEE std 472 SWC where applicable
• Frequency 45 to 65Hz
• Line CT specification Class 1.5VA
ENVIRONMENTAL

Temperature range
CONNECTION MODE
• Storage -40 … +80C
• Three phase Ia, Vbc or • Operation -10 … +55C
Ib, Vca or
Ic, Vab Relative Hunmidity 93% non condensating
• Single phase IL, VLN
OUTPUT AND ALARM CONTACTS
(AC)
SETTINGS
• Make (resistive) 1250VA, 500Vac
Customer selectable • Carry 5A ac
• C/K 0.03 to 1.0 (for commoned outputs,
• COS ϕ 0.8 … 1.0…0.95 leading the 5A is divided by the number of stages used)
• Safety Lockout time 10 to 600s • Break 5A, 500V ac
• Stage limit 1 to 6
• Step sequence 8 choices NO VOLT RELEASE
• Harmonic Alarm off, 1 to 1.5%
All output contacts are disabled within 15ms. After the
supply voltage is restored, normal operation is resumed
OVERLOAD and the outputs are energised in sequence after the
appropriate safety lockout time has elapsed.
• Voltage Vn 1.5 x Vn for 10 seconds
• Current In 2 x In continuously
BURDENS
20 x In for 3 seconds
• Current circuit 0.4VA at In
ISOLATION • Voltage circuit 7VA (6 stages )
15VA (12 stages)
NoVAR will withstand 2kV rms 50/60Hz for 1 minute
between:
• All terminals to case
• Current terminals to all others
• Voltage terminals to all others

6>7
NET WEIGHT ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
DIRECTIVE 89/336/EEC
• NoVAR 305 1.5kg
• NoVAR 315 0.8kg • Emissions : EN50081-2 1994
Industrial environment
• Immunity : EN50082-2 : 1995
TERMINALS Industrial environment
• Susceptibility to Electrostatic discharge :
• Barrier type M3.5
8kV air discharge/ 4kV contact
• Plug in type 1… 2.5mm
(18 … 14 AWG)
WARNING : This specification applies for direct
contact with the terminals and via air discharge. When
LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE
the device happens to be opened appropriate ESD
72/23/EEC
precautions must be taken.
Designed to EN61010-1: 1993

NoVAR: ORDER GUIDE

Common Features N305 Features

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
N 3 ? 5 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? A
N305 Model 0 5
N315 model 1 5
1 Relays (N315) 1
3 Relays (N315) 3
6 Relays (N315) 6
9 Relays (N305) 9
12 Relays(N305) T
Nominal Voltage 110V 1 1 0
120V 1 2 0
230V 2 3 0
240V 2 4 0
380V 3 8 0
415V 4 1 5
Nominal current 1A 1
5A 5
Contact type Volt free V
Common C

Connection Three phase connection without alarm N

Three phase connection with alarm Y
Single phase connection without alarm 0
Single phase connection with alarm I
Switching Rotation switching with normally open contacts R
Linear switching with normally open contacts L
Rotation switching with normally closed contacts O
Linear switching with normally closed contacts I
Terminal type Barrier B
Plug in leads P
Features Auto return A
Auto return and lockable cover G
Without Auto return H
Without Auto return and with lockable cover I
Auto return and without double stepping J
Without Auto return and without double stepping K
Design issue Letter A

N315 Features
11 12 13 14 15
? ? A ? A
Connection Three phase connection without alarm N
Three phase connection with alarm Y
Single phase connection without alarm I
Single phase connection with alarm O
Three phase with harmonic alarm H
Single phase with harmonic alarm S
Terminal type Barrier B
Plug in leads P
Unassigned Fixed Character A
Features Auto return A
Auto return and lockable cover B
Without Auto return C
Without Auto return and with lockable cover D
Design issue Letter A
 MiCOM is a registered trademark of AREVA. The other names mentioned, registered or not, are the property of their respective companies. - 389191982 RCS PARIS - SONOVISION-ITEP.
AUTOMATION-L3-NOVAR-BR-07.04-0482-GB - ©2004 AREVA . AREVA, the AREVA logo and any alternative version thereof are trademarks and service marks of AREVA.

T&D Worldwide Contact Centre

Available 24h a day: +44 (0) 1785 25 00 70
http://www.areva-td.com/contactcentre/

Our policy is one of continuous development.

Accordingly the design of our products may change at any time.
Whilst every effort is made to produce up to date literature, this brochure
should only be regarded as a guide and is intended for information purposes only.
Its contents do not constitute an offer for sale or advise on the application
of any product referred to in it.
We cannot be held responsible for any reliance on any decisions
taken on its contents without specific advice.

www.areva-td.com