Pre-Insertion Resistors in High Voltage

Capacitor Bank Switching

Abstract: The switching of high-voltage capacitor banks for reactive-power or voltage support
can produce significant transients. It is well understood that reactors, pre-insertion resistors,
pre-insertion inductors, and synchronous switching can mitigate the transients. Circuit
inductance can limit peak currents but resistance damps the oscillations most effectively.
Computer simulations of transient inrush for single and back-to-back capacitor banks indicate
that pre-insertion resistors can significantly reduce transients. The ability to incorporate
another circuit parameter, the pre-insertion resistor, provides opportunities for improved
high-voltage capacitor bank design.

This paper presents an overview of capacitor switching options and the results of computer
simulations for a “typical” application showing the expected transient currents in single-bank
and back-to-back switching, as well as the effect of various reactor and pre-insertion resisitor
combinations. Results of the simulations are summarized in a table and provide the reader
with a simple overview of the results of using pre-insertion resistors in capacitor switching
applications.

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WPRC 2004 Page 1

Pre-insertion Resistors in High Voltage Capacitor Bank Switching

Michael Beanland, P.E., TriAxis Engineering, Corvallis, OR

Thomas Speas, Southern States LLC, Hampton, GA
Joe Rostron, P.E., Southern States LLC, Hampton, GA

Prepared for Western Protective Relay Conference

October 19-21, 2004
Spokane, WA

Abstract: The switching of high-voltage
capacitor banks for reactive-power or voltage
support can produce significant transients. It is
well understood that reactors, pre-insertion
resistors, pre-insertion inductors, and
synchronous switching can mitigate the
transients. Circuit inductance can limit peak
currents but resistance damps the oscillations
most effectively. Computer simulations of
transient inrush for single and back-to-back
capacitor banks indicate that pre-insertion
resistors can significantly reduce transients. The
ability to incorporate another circuit parameter,
the pre-insertion resistor, provides opportunities
for improved high-voltage capacitor bank design.
This paper presents an overview of capacitor
switching options and the results of computer
simulations for a “typical” application showing
the expected transient currents in single-bank
and back-to-back switching, as well as the effect
of various reactor and pre-insertion resistor
combinations. Results of the simulations are
summarized in a table and provide the reader
with a simple overview of the results of using
pre-insertion resistors in capacitor switching
applications.
voltages, these high transient currents can raise
ground grid potentials and may damage anything
tied to the same ground mat.
The engineer’s goal is to control, limit and direct
transient currents so that adverse effects on the
source system, the capacitors, their switching
devices, and associated equipment are limited to
acceptable values. Since every switching event
has the potential for very high currents, limiting
transients also prolongs equipment life. It is
hoped that a workable compromise between
competing values can be achieved.
When switching transients are limited in
grounded banks, the required mitigation for these
transients on ground grid design, control cable
grounding and routing, and transient over-
voltage protection can be simplified.
In addition to the local effects of current and
voltage transients during capacitor switching, the
remote effects of “voltage magnification” at
lower voltage capacitors can be an issue. Several
excellent papers on this subject are available.
IEEE Classic Estimates

Capacitor Switching Transients ANSI/IEEE C37.012-1979 IEEE Application

Capacitor switching transients are created by the
effective short circuit provided by a discharged
capacitor during energization. This short circuit
creates high inrush currents and the subsequent
voltage dips on the source. The high inrush
currents also stress switching equipment, fuses,
and the capacitor units.
When more than one capacitor bank exists on a
common bus, the energized capacitor bank
provides an extremely low source-impedance for
the second switching capacitor bank leading to
extremely high transient currents in both banks.
In grounded wye banks, more common at higher
Guide for Capacitance Current Switching for AC
High-Voltage Circuit Breakers provides an
accepted analytic approach for computation and
estimation of the transient currents expected
during capacitor switching. However, the
complexities of modern equipment including
pre-insertion inductors, pre-insertion resistors,
full-time inductors, resistance of current limiting
fuses are not considered in the basic IEEE
methods. As such, it is an excellent guide and
first-order approximation to the expected system
performance. These equations are:

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004
Single Bank Switching
I max peak = Sqrt( 2 * Isc * Ic)
Freq (Hz) = 60 * Sqrt ( Isc / Ic)
Back-to-Back Switching
I max peak = 1750 * Sqrt ( Vll * Ic1 * Ic2 / (Leq
* (Ic1 + Ic2)))
Freq (kHz) = 9.5 * Sqrt ( Fs * Vll * (Ic1 + Ic2) /
( Leq * Ic1 * Ic2))
Where:
Isc = 3-phase RMS symmetrical short circuit
current in Amperes
Ic = RMS current in capacitor bank in
Amperes
Vll = Line-to-line voltage in kilo-Volts
Fs = 60 Hz
Leq = Equivalent per-phase inductance between
capacitor banks in micro-Henrys
Computer Simulations
To enhance our understanding of capacitor
switching transients, modern computer
simulations are excellent tools. Power engineers
have long used load flow and short circuit
modeling software. More sophisticated area
control problems make use of system stability
software. However, it has been electronic
engineers who have taken advantage of
simulation programs such as EMTP, PSCAD,
PSpice. Such simulation programs allow the
engineer to create a model of the electrical
system and the control system, integrate the two
and observe the effects of changes in system
design and control. The Bonneville Power
Administration is a supporter and proponent of
ATP, a public-domain version of EMTP.
Such models require the user to build the model
symbolically, using text or iconic symbols.
PSpice is widely available, however, it requires
the development of text files and has a relatively
steep learning curve. The authors have used
CASPOC for similar simulations. CASPOC, by
Simulation Research, Netherlands, was designed
for the power electronics industry to allow
engineers to “build” a power system from
resistors, capacitors, switches, etc. The engineer
then builds, using logic blocks, the control
system. Outputs from the control system can be
used to control the electric circuit. CASPOC is
Beanland/Speas
Page 2
iconic rather than text oriented, provides
feedback during the simulation, and has a quick
learning curve (Valuable for us aging engineers.)
CASPOC was used to develop the simulations
and analyses presented in this paper.
Base System
To keep the system modeling for this paper
within a reasonable set of parameters, a standard
or “typical” capacitor bank was selected for
modeling. The principles apply to any capacitor
bank. Given the ease of use of the software, there
is little reason not to create a specific model for
each and every capacitor bank being designed or
studied.
For this paper we selected the following:
20,000 kVAr 3-phase (100A Ic)
115kVl-l
Grounded wye
25,000A available fault duty (Isc) (500MVA)
One or two identical banks
Assume 20 micro-Henrys bus reactance to each
bank
For this system, the IEEE calculations give:
Single Bank Switching
I max peak = Sqrt(2 * Isc * Ic)Sqrt(2 * 25000 *
100) = 2236 A
Freq (kHz) = 60 * Sqrt ( Isc / Ic)60 *
Sqrt (25000/100) = 949 Hz
Back-to-Back Switching
I max peak = 1750 * Sqrt ( Vll * Ic1 * Ic2 / (Leq
* (Ic1 + Ic2)))1750 * Sqrt(115 *
100 * 100/((20 + 20) * (100 +
100))) = 20,982 A
Freq (kHz) = 9.5 * Sqrt ( Fs * Vll * (Ic1 + Ic2) /
( Leq * Ic1 * Ic2))9.5 * Sqrt(60 *
115 * (100 + 100) / ((20 + 20) *
100 * 100)) = 17.6 kHz
October 20th, 2004
WPRC 2004 Page 3

Transient Control Options For each system, we present typical transient

summaries. Our focus is on worse case switching
Using this “typical” capacitor bank, switching transients since these provide the proof of the
transients were examined using CASPOC. Five design. For each case, we show the transients for
system configurations were studied. switching of the first capacitor bank and the
results for the switching of the second bank after
No Transient Limiting the first is already energized. Each bank is
Full-time Inductor independently controlled. Details of the peak
Pre-insertion Inductor (Standard & Enhanced) current, ringing frequency, and peak voltage are
Zero-Crossing Breaker with 1ms Error provided for each portion of the switching event.
Pre-insertion Resistor (Standard & Enhanced)

The general diagram for the CASPOC model is shown below. The various models were created by
varying component parameters and switch timings.

L1 S4
20uH
RSOURCE LSOURCE S2 S3 R3 L4
400u Ohm 7mH 80 Ohm 1uH
L2 S1 R1 L3 SCOPE2 SCOPE1
20uH 80 Ohm 1uH
+
SCOPE4
V1 sin(0,93900,60,0,0)
- R2 20uOhm R4 20uOhm

C1 4uF C2 4uF
GROUND

TIME SWITCH SWITCH SWITCH SWITCH

TIME1 S1 S2 S3 S4
i i i i

In this model diagram, inductors, capacitors, and resistors are clearly shown. Oscilloscope blocks are
attached to the circuit to monitor voltages and currents. Switches are shown in the circuit and their
associated control blocks shown below the schematic. Each switch block has its closing time programmed
as a parameter for that block.

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 4

No Transient Limiting Employed Full-time Inductor

This would be the basic “across the line” A common design at lower voltages and chosen
switching of the capacitor bank. No attempt is for its simplicity is the use of a full-time inductor
made to reduce or limit the transient inrush into in the switched circuit. The inductor is chosen to
the capacitor bank and through the switching limit inrush below the damage levels for the
device. Where the source resistance is high or the switching device, the capacitor units and any
capacitor bank is small relative to the ratings of associated equipment. However, there is a
the switching devices, this will be the simplest tradeoff since the inductor is continuously
and least cost option. This is the most common energized and produces losses (heat) from its
switching design for small capacitor banks resistance. To limit peak currents to 6000A, the
installed on distribution feeders or in substations inductor is 200 micro-Henry and about 20milli-
with weak sources. Worst-case switching occurs Ohm.
at the peak of the cycle in the simulation.
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
200.000k 12.000k

150.000k 11.000k

0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

200.000k 18.000k
100.000k 10.000k
Vc1

150.000k 16.500k
50.000k Vc1 9.000k

100.000k 15.000k
Vc1
8.000k

50.000k 13.500k
Vc1
-50.000k Vc1 7.000k

12.000k
Vc1
-100.000k 6.000k

-50.000k Vc1 10.500k

-150.000k 5.000k
Vc1

-100.000k 9.000k
-200.000k 4.000k

-150.000k 7.500k
-250.000k 3.000k

-200.000k 6.000k
-300.000k 2.000k

-250.000k 4.500k
-350.000k 1.000k

Ic1
-300.000k 3.000k
-400.000k Ic1 Ic1
Ic1

-350.000k 1.500k
-450.000k -1.000k

Ic1 Ic1
-400.000k Ic1
Ic1 -500.000k -2.000k

-450.000k -1.500k
-550.000k -3.000k

-500.000k -3.000k -600.000k -4.000k

0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

Voltages and Current for Energization of 1st Bank

-550.000k -4.500k

-600.000k -6.000k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

Voltage and Current for Energization of First Bank

Full Time Peak Frequency Peak
Inductor Current Voltage
No Transient Peak Frequency Peak
Bank 1 2155A 925Hz 182kV
Limiting Current Voltage
Energization (1.94pu)
Bank 1 2172A 943Hz 182kV
Bank 2 5459A 5329Hz 143kV
Energization (1.93pu)
Energization (1.52pu)
Bank 2 14038A 16400Hz 137kV
Bank 2 Ringing 806A 670Hz
Energization (1.46pu)
Bank 2 Ringing 830A 681Hz

0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m 0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
200.000k 12.000k
200.000k 18.000k

150.000k 11.000k
150.000k 16.500k

100.000k 10.000k
100.000k 15.000k Vc2
Vc2

50.000k Vc2 9.000k

50.000k 13.500k
Vc2

Vc2 Vc2 8.000k

Vc2 Vc2 12.000k

-50.000k 7.000k
-50.000k 10.500k

-100.000k 6.000k
-100.000k 9.000k

-150.000k 5.000k

-150.000k 7.500k

-200.000k 4.000k

-200.000k 6.000k

-250.000k 3.000k

-250.000k 4.500k

-300.000k 2.000k

-300.000k 3.000k

-350.000k 1.000k

-350.000k 1.500k
-400.000k Ic2 Ic2 Ic2
Ic2
Ic2 Ic2 Ic2
-400.000k
Ic2
-450.000k -1.000k

-450.000k -1.500k
-500.000k -2.000k

-500.000k -3.000k
-550.000k -3.000k

-550.000k -4.500k
-600.000k -4.000k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

Voltage and Current for Energization of 2nd Bank

-600.000k -6.000k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

nd
Voltage and Current for Energization of 2 Bank

Full Time Peak Frequency Peak

No Transient Peak Frequency Peak Inductor Current Voltage
Limiting Current Voltage Bank 2 5690A 5310Hz 142kV
Bank 2 14149A 16400Hz 137kV Energization (1.51pu)
Energization (1.46pu) Bank 2 Ringing 846A 662Hz
Bank 2 Ringing 830A 674Hz

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 5

Pre-insertion Inductor 200.000k

150.000k
0 60.000m 120.000m 180.000m 240.000m 300.000m 360.000m 420.000m 480.000m 540.000m
3.600k

3.300k

100.000k 3.000k

In this system, a two-stage switching device is 50.000k

Vc2
2.700k

used to momentarily introduce an inductance

Vc2 2.400k

-50.000k Vc2 2.100k

into the circuit before shorting out the inductance

Vc2
-100.000k 1.800k

by the main switching device contacts. An open-

-150.000k 1.500k

-200.000k 1.200k

air contact makes the initial circuit through the -250.000k

-300.000k
900.000

600.000

pre-insertion inductor. The pre-insertion inductor -350.000k 300.000

is bypassed and disconnected as the switch blade

Ic2
-400.000k Ic2
Ic2

-450.000k -300.000

rotates into its contacts. The inductor (reactor) is -500.000k

Ic2
-600.000

chosen to reduce the initial transient upon -550.000k

-600.000k
-900.000

-1.200k

energizing the voltage-less capacitor bank and to

0 60.000m 120.000m 180.000m 240.000m 300.000m 360.000m 420.000m 480.000m 540.000m

Voltage and Current for

balance the inrush events between this initial Energization of 2nd Bank at 5.5 Ohms
inrush and the inrush from bypassing the
inductor. The inductor is typically 40mH, 5.5 Pre-Insertion Peak Frequency Peak
Ohm, and is in the circuit for 7-12 cycles (117- Inductor Current Voltage
200mS). Worst case transients occur when the Bank 2 810A 361Hz 149kV
Energization (1.58pu)
initial switch closing occurs at a voltage peak
Bank 2 268A 16,340Hz 97kV
and the bypassing of the inserted device occurs Transient (1.03pu)
at a current peak. Simulations were performed Bank 2 Ringing 147A 657Hz 94.5kV
using this timing. Manufacturer’s also offer an (1.00pu)
“enhanced” option of 40mH and 81 Ohms.
Results for both options are presented below. 200.000k
0 60.000m 120.000m 180.000m 240.000m 300.000m 360.000m 420.000m 480.000m 540.000m
3.600k

150.000k 3.300k

100.000k 3.000k
Vc1

0 60.000m 120.000m 180.000m 240.000m 300.000m 360.000m 420.000m 480.000m 540.000m 50.000k Vc1 2.700k
200.000k 3.600k

2.400k
150.000k 3.300k

-50.000k Vc1 2.100k

100.000k Vc1 3.000k

Vc1
-100.000k 1.800k
50.000k 2.700k
Vc1

-150.000k 1.500k
2.400k

-200.000k 1.200k
-50.000k Vc1 2.100k

Vc1
-250.000k 900.000
-100.000k 1.800k

-300.000k 600.000
-150.000k 1.500k

-350.000k 300.000
-200.000k 1.200k

Ic1 Ic1
Ic1
-400.000k
-250.000k 900.000 Ic1

-450.000k -300.000
-300.000k 600.000

-500.000k -600.000
-350.000k 300.000

Ic1 Ic1 Ic1 -550.000k -900.000

-400.000k
Ic1

-600.000k -1.200k
-450.000k -300.000 0 60.000m 120.000m 180.000m 240.000m 300.000m 360.000m 420.000m 480.000m 540.000m

-500.000k -600.000

Voltage and Current for Energization of 1st Bank at 81 Ohms

-550.000k -900.000

-600.000k -1.200k
0 60.000m 120.000m 180.000m 240.000m 300.000m 360.000m 420.000m 480.000m 540.000m

Voltage and Current for Energization of 1st Bank at 5.5 Ohms Pre-Insertion Peak Frequency Peak
Inductor Current Voltage
Bank 1 526A 351Hz 114kV
Pre-Insertion Peak Frequency Peak
Energization (1.21pu)
Inductor Current Voltage
Bank 1 Bypass 419A 948Hz 101kV
Bank 1 812A 365Hz 172kV
Closes (1.08pu)
Energization (1.83pu)
Bank 2 365A 1030Hz 107kV
Bank 2 540A 1036Hz 111kV
Energization (1.14pu)
Energization (1.18pu)
Bank 2 1620A 16130Hz 98.5kV
Transient (1.05pu)
During the time that the pre-insertion inductor is Bank 2 Ringing 240A 672Hz 98.5kV
(1.05pu)
in the circuit, heat is being generated in this
device. The magnitude of the I2t times the
resistive value of the pre-insertion inductor gives The I2t on the 81 ohm, 40mH, pre-insertion
an indication of the transient heat that must be inductor is 1900A^2sec.
handled and dissipated. The I2t on the 5.5 ohm,
40mH, pre-insertion inductor is 4500A2sec.

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 6

0 60.000m 120.000m 180.000m 240.000m 300.000m 360.000m 420.000m 480.000m 540.000m 0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
200.000k 3.600k 200.000k 7.200k

150.000k 3.300k 150.000k 6.600k

100.000k 3.000k 100.000k 6.000k

Vc1

Vc2
50.000k Vc1 5.400k
50.000k 2.700k

Vc2 4.800k
2.400k

Vc2 -50.000k Vc1 4.200k

-50.000k 2.100k

Vc2 Vc1
-100.000k 3.600k
-100.000k 1.800k

-150.000k 3.000k
-150.000k 1.500k

-200.000k 2.400k
-200.000k 1.200k

-250.000k 1.800k
-250.000k 900.000

-300.000k 1.200k
-300.000k 600.000

-350.000k 600.000
-350.000k 300.000

Ic1
Ic1
Ic2 -400.000k Ic1
-400.000k Ic2 Ic1
Ic2
Ic2 -450.000k -600.000
-450.000k -300.000

-500.000k -1.200k
-500.000k -600.000

-550.000k -1.800k
-550.000k -900.000

-600.000k -2.400k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
-600.000k -1.200k
0 60.000m 120.000m 180.000m 240.000m 300.000m 360.000m 420.000m 480.000m 540.000m

Voltage and Current for Energization of 2nd Bank at 81 Ohms Voltage and Current for Energization of 1st Bank

Pre-Insertion Peak Frequency Peak Zero-crossing Peak Frequency Peak

Inductor Current Voltage Breaker Current Voltage
Bank 2 479A 1034Hz 116kV Bank 1 942A 944Hz 120kV
Energization (1.24pu) Energization (1.28pu)
Bank 2 1920A 16529Hz 98.5kV Bank 2 5021A 16807Hz 108kV
Transient (1.05pu) Transient (1.15pu)
Bank 2 Ringing 210A 670Hz Bank 2 Ringing 419A 672Hz

0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

200.000k 7.200k

150.000k 6.600k

Zero-crossing Breaker
100.000k 6.000k
Vc2

50.000k Vc2 5.400k

Vc2 Vc2 4.800k

Modern control systems attempt to exploit the

-50.000k 4.200k

-100.000k 3.600k

ability to precisely and repetitively control with -150.000k 3.000k

precision the instant at which the switching

-200.000k 2.400k

-250.000k 1.800k

contacts come together. Under ideal -300.000k

-350.000k
1.200k

600.000

circumstances, if the poles close at the point of -400.000k Ic2 Ic2

Ic2
Ic2

zero-voltage, there will be no current transients -450.000k

-500.000k
-600.000

-1.200k

created. This requires precise timing and control -550.000k -1.800k

of the three individual poles. Any drift in the

-600.000k -2.400k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

Voltage and Current for Energization of 2nd Bank

control must be compensated for or else the
system reverts toward the first case above.
Zero-crossing Peak Frequency Peak
Simulations for 1mS closing error are performed. Breaker Current Voltage
This error is chosen for simulation purposes only Bank 2 5228A 16,667Hz 108kV
and is not meant to be indicative of the actual Energization (1.15pu)
zero-crossing performance of any specific Bank 2 Ringing 420A 670Hz
breaker or installation.

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 7

Pre-insertion Resistor 200.000k

150.000k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
7.200k

6.600k

100.000k Vc2 6.000k

Similar to the pre-insertion inductor, the pre- 50.000k

Vc2 Vc2
Vc2
5.400k

insertion resistor provides inrush limiting by the

4.800k

-50.000k 4.200k

momentary insertion of a resistive device into the -100.000k 3.600k

circuit before full energization of the capacitor

-150.000k 3.000k

-200.000k 2.400k

bank. The insertion of the resistor is a two step -250.000k

-300.000k
1.800k

1.200k

process. The initial circuit is made through the -350.000k 600.000

pre-insertion resistor in an SF6 environment. The Ic2 Ic2 Ic2

-400.000k Ic2

-450.000k -600.000

resistor is then shunted as the main contacts -500.000k -1.200k

close. For similar levels of transient suppression, -550.000k

-600.000k
-1.800k

-2.400k

the pre-insertion resistor can be physically

0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

nd
Voltage and Current for Energization of 2 Bank
smaller than the equivalent pre-insertion
at 80 Ohms
inductor. Various values of pre-insertion resistor
are available. A typical manufacturer-
recommended pre-insertion resistor for this Pre- Peak Frequency Peak
application is 80 Ohm and is in the circuit for 5- insertion Current Voltage
15mS. An enhanced 150 Ohm pre-insertion Resistor
resistor is also available. Worst case transients Bank 2 1100A 892Hz 98.7kV
occur when the initial switch closing occurs at a Energization (1.05pu)
voltage peak and the bypassing of the inserted Bank 2 1820A 16,529Hz
device occurs at a current peak. Simulations Transient
were performed using this timing. Results for Bank 2 235A 672Hz 98.3kV
both options are included below. Ringing (1.05pu)

0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
200.000k 7.200k
200.000k 7.200k

150.000k 6.600k
150.000k 6.600k

100.000k Vs 6.000k
100.000k Vc1 6.000k

Vs
Vc1
50.000k 5.400k
50.000k 5.400k

4.800k
4.800k

-50.000k Vs 4.200k
-50.000k Vc1 4.200k

Vs
Vc1
-100.000k 3.600k
-100.000k 3.600k

-150.000k 3.000k
-150.000k 3.000k

-200.000k 2.400k
-200.000k 2.400k

-250.000k 1.800k
-250.000k 1.800k

-300.000k 1.200k
-300.000k 1.200k

-350.000k 600.000
-350.000k 600.000

Is
Is Is
Ic1 -400.000k Is
-400.000k Ic1
Ic1 Ic1

-450.000k -600.000
-450.000k -600.000

-500.000k -1.200k
-500.000k -1.200k

-550.000k -1.800k
-550.000k -1.800k

-600.000k -2.400k
-600.000k -2.400k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m

st st
Voltage and Current for Energization of 1 Bank at 80 Ohms Voltage and Current for Energization of 1 Bank at 150
Ohms
Pre-insertion Peak Frequency Peak
Resistor Current Voltage Pre-insertion Peak Frequency Peak
Bank 1 835A NA 97kV Resistor Current Voltage
Energization (1.03pu) Bank 1 529A NA
Bank 1 Transient 404A 948Hz 101kV Energization
(1.07pu) Bank 1 Ringing 614A 947Hz 107kV
Bank 2 1100A 809Hz 114kV (1.14pu)
Energization (1.21pu) Bank 2 600A 903Hz 108kV
Bank 2 Transient 1520A 16,400Hz Energization (1.15pu)
Bank 2 Ringing 235A 670Hz 97kV Bank 2 2870A 16,400Hz
(1.03pu) Transient
Bank 2 Ringing 312A 670Hz 102kV
(1.09pu)
In addition, the I2t for the 80 ohm pre-insertion
resistor is 330A2s.
In addition, the I2t for the 150 ohm pre-insertion
resistor is 215A2s.

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 8

200.000k

150.000k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
7.200k

6.600k
Pre-Insertion Resistor Actual Field Results
100.000k Vc2 6.000k

In order to verify the basic system modeling

Vc2
50.000k 5.400k

Vc2 Vc2

approach, actual field test results for operation of

4.800k

-50.000k 4.200k

-100.000k 3.600k

a pre-insertion resistor switch were obtained

courtesy of a U. S. investor owned utility. The
-150.000k 3.000k

-200.000k 2.400k

-250.000k

-300.000k
1.800k

1.200k
actual transient records (oscillograph results
-350.000k 600.000 attached) were compared to a simulation model
-400.000k

-450.000k
Ic2 Ic2
Ic2
Ic2

-600.000
(results attached). The results agree favorably in
-500.000k -1.200k that peak transient currents are of the same
-550.000k

-600.000k
0 15.000m 30.000m 45.000m 60.000m 75.000m 90.000m 105.000m 120.000m 135.000m
-1.800k

-2.400k
magnitude and ringing frequencies are similar.

The actual results show lower transients

Voltage and Current for Energization of 2nd Bank at 150
Ohms
magnitudes and less ringing upon pre-insertion
resistor bypass. These can be explained by the
Pre-insertion Peak Frequency Peak
lack of detailed component data used in to build
Resistor Current Voltage the model. Higher actual component resistances
Bank 2 600A 860Hz than those used in the model will lead to reduced
Energization transients. Substation load will cause some
Bank 2 3170A 16,529Hz additional damping of transients. Also, current
Transient
Bank 2 Ringing 312A 671Hz 102kV transformer hysteresis may add to current
(1.09pu) measurement error at the 4500Hz ringing
frequencies.

Generally, the model provides good agreement

with the recorded data.

Summary

The following table summarizes the most significant data in the above results:

Single-bank Single-bank Back-to-back Back-to-back Peak

Simulation Case
Peak Current Frequency Peak Current Frequency Voltage
IEEE Calculations 2236A 949Hz 20,982A 17,600Hz
No damping 2172A 943Hz 14,038A 16,400Hz 1.93pu
Full time inductor 2155A 925Hz 5459A 5329Hz 1.94pu
Standard pre-insertion
812A 365Hz 810A 16.340Hz 1.83pu
inductor
Enhanced pre-insertion
526A 351Hz 1920A 16,529Hz 1.23pu
inductor
Zero crossing with
942A 944Hz 5021A 16,807Hz 1.28pu
1mS error
81 Ohm pre-insertion
835A 948Hz 1820A 16,529Hz 1.22pu
resistor
150 Ohm pre-insertion
614A 947Hz 3170A 16,529Hz 1.14pu
resistor

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 9

Conclusions

The conclusions we would like to take from this work are:

1) IEEE guidelines for calculation of capacitor switching transients are good first estimates for
transients with no limiting applied.

2) The engineer has several options for limiting transient events during capacitor switching.

a. The full time inductor, pre-insertion inductor, zero-crossing breaker, and pre-insertion
resistor successfully mitigate current transients.

b. Devices with resistance provide the added advantage of reducing voltage transients.
Proper selection of the resistance value can significantly reduce voltage transients.

c. Zero-crossing switching shows good transient mitigation but transients will increase if
timing calibration drifts.

d. The transients from connection of the pre-insertion device and those from bypassing the
pre-insertion device need to be considered.

3) Transient modeling, by computer simulation software, has produced results that are consistent
with actual field testing.

4) Modern computer simulation software can provide the engineer with a better understanding of
the transient events during capacitor switching.

5) Because every capacitor bank and electric system is different, the designer must analyze the
situation and tailor the switching device accordingly. Manufacturer’s offer variations to aid
the designer in this customization.

References

“Innovations for Protection and Control of High
Voltage Capacitor Banks on the Virginia Power
System,” Jeffery F. Peggs, Phillip W. Powell,
Thomas E. Grebe, 1994 IEEE/PES Transmission
and Distribution Conference and Exposition
“S&C Circuit Switchers – Mark V,” Data
Bulletin 711-95
“Capacitor switching needs a switch, not a
circuit breaker,” Electrical World, April 1996

“Impact of Utility Switched Capacitors on “The SyncCap Power Quality Switch:

Customer Systems – Magnification at Low
Voltage Capacitors,” M. F. McGranaghan, R. M.
Zavadil, G. Hensley, T. Singh, M. Samotyj, 1991
IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution
Exposition
“Synchronous MV Circuit-Breaker with
Magnetic Drive and Electronic Control,” Carlo
Cereda, Carlo Gemme, Christian Rueber, ABB
Review 6/1999
Minimizing Switching Transients on Power
Systems During Capacitor Switching,” Frank
DeCesaro, John Baranoski, Michael Dunk,
Dwayne Tector, Cooper Power Systems
Southern States CapSwitcher Product
Specification Guide, Publication No. PSG-807-
031904

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 10

Oscillograph from Installation at U. S. Utility

For CapSwitcher® Capacitor Switch with Pre-Insertion Resistors

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 11

SWITCH SWITCH SWITCH

VOLTAGE
SW2A SW2B SW2C
i i i VOLTAGEA
V(Va)
SCOPE3
TIME SWITCH SWITCH SWITCH VOLTAGE VaVc Vc
Vb
VaVa
Vb
TIME1 SW1A SW1B SW1C V(Vb) VOLTAGEBVc
i i i

VOLTAGE VbVa
VcVb
V(Vc) VOLTAGEC

RXFMRA LXFMRA VA SA2 VCA VOLTAGE

SIGNAL
+ 2m 100uH V(Vca) VOLTCA
SIGNALA
time B1 SA1 R1A L2A 20uH
- VOLTAGE SCOPE2
DC 17 Ohm
41858 V(Vcb) VOLTCB
AC
Vc Vc
60 Vb
Va
F R2A 10m VOLTAGE Vb Va
0 VN
Va
Vb
Vc
VVNV
NN
Phase VOLTCC
V(Vcc)
d Va
VcVb
VOLTAGE
C3A 17.158uF
V(Vcn) VOLTCN

RXFMRB LXFMRB VB SB2 VCB

SIGNAL
+ 2m 100uH
SIGNALB
time B2 SB1 R1B L2B 20uH
DC - 17 Ohm
41858
AC
60 SCOPE1
F R2B 10m
4.1888
Phase
d
Ic Ib
IaIa
Ib IaIc
IcIc
IbIb
Ia
C3B 17.158uF
VCN
RXFMRC LXFMRC VC SC2 VCC
SIGNAL
+ 2m 100uH
SIGNALC
time B3 SC1 R1C L2C 20uH
DC - 17 Ohm
41858
AC
60
F R2C 10m
2.0944
Phase
d
C3C 17.158uF
GROUND

Simulation Model for Ungrounded Wye Capacitor Bank

72.5kV, 27.5MVAr installed at U. S. Utility

50.000k

45.000k

40.000k

35.000k

Va
30.000k

Vc
25.000k Vc

20.000k Vb
Va

15.000k
Va
Vb

10.000k

Vc
5.000k

-5.000k

-10.000k

-15.000k

-20.000k

-25.000k

-30.000k

-35.000k

-40.000k Vb
Va Vb
Vc
-45.000k

-50.000k
0 3.000m 6.000m 9.000m 12.000m 15.000m 18.000m 21.000m 24.000m 27.000m 30.000m

Substation Bus Voltages from Simulation for U. S. Utility

Installation of Capacitor Switch using Pre-Insertion Resistor

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004

WPRC 2004 Page 12

50.000k

45.000k

40.000k

35.000k

30.000k Vc

25.000k Vc

20.000k Vb
Va

15.000k
Va

10.000k
Vb

5.000k

VN
Va
Vb
Vc VN VN VN

-5.000k

-10.000k

-15.000k

-20.000k

-25.000k

-30.000k

-35.000k

-40.000k
Va
Vc Vb

-45.000k

-50.000k
0 3.000m 6.000m 9.000m 12.000m 15.000m 18.000m 21.000m 24.000m 27.000m 30.000m

Capacitor Voltages from Simulation for U. S. Utility

Installation of Capacitor Switch using Pre-Insertion Resistor

2.000k

1.750k

1.500k

1.250k

1.000k

750.000

500.000

250.000
Ib
Ia Ic

Ib
Ia
Ib
Ic Ic
Ia

Ic
-250.000 Ib
Ia

-500.000

-750.000

-1.000k

-1.250k

-1.500k

-1.750k

-2.000k
0 3.000m 6.000m 9.000m 12.000m 15.000m 18.000m 21.000m 24.000m 27.000m 30.000m

Capacitor Currents from Simulation for U. S. Utility

Installation of Capacitor Switch using Pre-Insertion Resistor

Beanland/Speas October 20th, 2004