Updated:
Originally Published:
Series capacitor banks are a type of FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission) project. Like pumping stations along water lines, series capacitors perform a similar function for the power grid, boosting and stabilizing power when it travels over long distances. As electricity demand increases across the U.S., now more than ever power utilities are turning to series capacitor banks as a cost-effective solution to maximize high-voltage transmission line capacity, minimize power loss, and meet growing energy demands.
A capacitor is a two-terminal electronic component that stores electrical energy, similar to a battery. A capacitor bank is a group of capacitors connected together to form an energy storage system. Capacitors are commonly connected in series or parallel configurations. When in series, capacitors have the same current flowing through them and are daisy-chained together to form a single line. This creates one path for current to flow through.
Series capacitor banks maximize transmission line capacity by addressing voltage drops. In doing so, they help utilities extend the life and efficiency of new and existing transmission lines and deliver more reliable power to their customers.
Voltage drops occur when power is transferred over long distances, due to a phenomenon known as inductive reactance. Inductive reactance is similar to friction and causes energy loss as electric current travels. Series capacitor banks introduce capacitive reactance to the transmission line to compensate for inductive reactance, reduce the transmission line’s impedance, and regulate voltage. They accomplish this by temporarily storing small amounts of energy when voltage is high and releasing it when voltage is low.
Think of it like this. A transmission line is like a congested highway with several cars (power) trying to reach their destination. Obstacles, such as roadblocks and traffic jams, typically occur when traveling long distances, causing delays and making it difficult for cars to travel efficiently. These obstacles are similar to the inductive reactance that impedes power flow in the transmission line.
Now, consider that additional lanes are added to the highway to alleviate congestion. The extra lanes create space for cars to maneuver around obstacles and travel more efficiently. In the same way, series capacitor banks temporarily store energy and release it to counteract variations in voltage.
Compared to building additional power generation sources, series capacitor banks are significantly less expensive. They provide a cost-effective solution for increasing grid efficiency and reliability without the hefty price tag associated with building new power plants.
Series capacitor banks are relatively easy to maintain. Because they do not have moving parts, they require less frequent maintenance compared to other types of electrical equipment. This reduces downtime and ensures a more reliable power supply.
Modern series capacitor banks come equipped with remote monitoring and control capabilities. This feature allows utilities to optimize their performance in real-time, ensuring that the system operates at peak efficiency.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind farms, are often located far from populated areas where energy will be consumed. Series capacitor banks make it easier to transmit this clean energy over long distances, helping utilities meet their renewable energy goals.
Minnesota Power is leveraging series capacitor banks to achieve their ambitious clean energy goals. One example of this is its 500kV Great Northern Transmission Line, which delivers hydropower from Manitoba, Canada, all the way to northeastern Minnesota. A vital component allowing this clean energy to transfer efficiently across the 224-mile transmission line is one of the largest series capacitor banks in the world. The 500kV, 1440-MVAR series capacitor bank has increased the line’s total transfer capabilities by more than 880 MW, which significantly increases the amount of clean energy Minnesota Power can provide its customers. (2)
Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), one of New Jersey’s largest utilities, built the first 500kV series capacitor bank in the state to increase power reliability in the area.
Utilities across the U.S. have been leveraging FACTS projects like series capacitor banks for years. In fact, Beta Engineering has been engineering, procuring and constructing these types of projects for more than 25 years from coast to coast. We have overseen series capacitor projects across a range of voltages, from 138kV to 500kV.
The examples of Minnesota Power and Public Service Electric & Gas illustrate the pivotal role that modern transmission infrastructure plays in meeting today's evolving energy demands. By incorporating advanced technologies such as series capacitor banks, these utilities are not only enhancing the efficiency and reliability of their grids but also ensuring the seamless delivery of cleaner, more sustainable energy. As the energy landscape continues to shift towards greener alternatives, investing in infrastructure upgrades is essential for a resilient and future-ready power grid.
Updated:
October 3, 2024
Updated:
Originally Published:
Series capacitor banks are a type of FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission) project. Like pumping stations along water lines, series capacitors perform a similar function for the power grid, boosting and stabilizing power when it travels over long distances. As electricity demand increases across the U.S., now more than ever power utilities are turning to series capacitor banks as a cost-effective solution to maximize high-voltage transmission line capacity, minimize power loss, and meet growing energy demands.
A capacitor is a two-terminal electronic component that stores electrical energy, similar to a battery. A capacitor bank is a group of capacitors connected together to form an energy storage system. Capacitors are commonly connected in series or parallel configurations. When in series, capacitors have the same current flowing through them and are daisy-chained together to form a single line. This creates one path for current to flow through.
Series capacitor banks maximize transmission line capacity by addressing voltage drops. In doing so, they help utilities extend the life and efficiency of new and existing transmission lines and deliver more reliable power to their customers.
Voltage drops occur when power is transferred over long distances, due to a phenomenon known as inductive reactance. Inductive reactance is similar to friction and causes energy loss as electric current travels. Series capacitor banks introduce capacitive reactance to the transmission line to compensate for inductive reactance, reduce the transmission line’s impedance, and regulate voltage. They accomplish this by temporarily storing small amounts of energy when voltage is high and releasing it when voltage is low.
Think of it like this. A transmission line is like a congested highway with several cars (power) trying to reach their destination. Obstacles, such as roadblocks and traffic jams, typically occur when traveling long distances, causing delays and making it difficult for cars to travel efficiently. These obstacles are similar to the inductive reactance that impedes power flow in the transmission line.
Now, consider that additional lanes are added to the highway to alleviate congestion. The extra lanes create space for cars to maneuver around obstacles and travel more efficiently. In the same way, series capacitor banks temporarily store energy and release it to counteract variations in voltage.
Compared to building additional power generation sources, series capacitor banks are significantly less expensive. They provide a cost-effective solution for increasing grid efficiency and reliability without the hefty price tag associated with building new power plants.
Series capacitor banks are relatively easy to maintain. Because they do not have moving parts, they require less frequent maintenance compared to other types of electrical equipment. This reduces downtime and ensures a more reliable power supply.
Modern series capacitor banks come equipped with remote monitoring and control capabilities. This feature allows utilities to optimize their performance in real-time, ensuring that the system operates at peak efficiency.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind farms, are often located far from populated areas where energy will be consumed. Series capacitor banks make it easier to transmit this clean energy over long distances, helping utilities meet their renewable energy goals.
Minnesota Power is leveraging series capacitor banks to achieve their ambitious clean energy goals. One example of this is its 500kV Great Northern Transmission Line, which delivers hydropower from Manitoba, Canada, all the way to northeastern Minnesota. A vital component allowing this clean energy to transfer efficiently across the 224-mile transmission line is one of the largest series capacitor banks in the world. The 500kV, 1440-MVAR series capacitor bank has increased the line’s total transfer capabilities by more than 880 MW, which significantly increases the amount of clean energy Minnesota Power can provide its customers. (2)
Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), one of New Jersey’s largest utilities, built the first 500kV series capacitor bank in the state to increase power reliability in the area.
Utilities across the U.S. have been leveraging FACTS projects like series capacitor banks for years. In fact, Beta Engineering has been engineering, procuring and constructing these types of projects for more than 25 years from coast to coast. We have overseen series capacitor projects across a range of voltages, from 138kV to 500kV.
The examples of Minnesota Power and Public Service Electric & Gas illustrate the pivotal role that modern transmission infrastructure plays in meeting today's evolving energy demands. By incorporating advanced technologies such as series capacitor banks, these utilities are not only enhancing the efficiency and reliability of their grids but also ensuring the seamless delivery of cleaner, more sustainable energy. As the energy landscape continues to shift towards greener alternatives, investing in infrastructure upgrades is essential for a resilient and future-ready power grid.
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