Signature analysis to track capacitor switching performance

Abstract

Although capacitor switching transient events are one of the most common disturbance events on distribution systems, information on whether the capacitor bank is energized properly or as desired is often not available. The capacitor switching performance tracker is designed to examine capacitor switching transient events and determine the condition relative to the events. The module identifies if the root cause of the event is due to energizing a capacitor bank. It then determines the relative location of the bank, i.e., upstream or downstream from the monitoring location, and examines if the kVAr generated from the capacitor bank is added properly to the system and if the kVAr is distributed evenly among all phases. By determining the kvar changes, it is possible to identify unsuccessful energization, blown fuses, or even failed capacitor cans on one of the phases.