Short circuit power
| Custom designed
|
Overload capabilities
| Custom designed
|
Voltage
| 1 - 15 kV
|
Frequency
| 50 or 60 Hz
|
Standards
| IEC, NEMA, CSA etc.
|
Ambient temperature
| -50oC to +60oC
-58oF to +140oF
|
Cooling methods
| Open duct ventilated with WP filter
Air-water heat exchanger
Air-air heat exchanger
|
Starting medhods
| Pony motor
Reactor
Capacitor
Auto-transformer
Direct On Line
Others on request
|
*Higher output is achieved by using several modules in parallel
Fundamentally, a synchronous condenser is a synchronous generator operating without a prime mover. Generation/consumption of reactive power is achieved by regulating the excitation current.
An important benefit of a synchronous condenser is that it contributes to the overall short circuit capacity in the network node where it is installed. This, in turn, improves the chances that equipment connected to the network will be able to "ride through" network fault conditions.
A synchronous condenser is also well suited for operation during overload conditions, whether for shorter or longer periods of time. Synchronous condenser can support the power system voltage during prolonged voltage sags by increasing the network inertia. The kinetic energy stored in the rotor of a synchronous condenser contributes to the total inertia of the power system and is thus also beneficial from a frequency control perspective. They can therefore be utilized as VAR compensating devices in situations where voltage instability must be prevented at all cost.
ABB synchronous condenser modules are compact and have minimal footprint requirements. The synchronous condenser modules are fully functional units, requiring minimal external auxiliary support.