Synchronous condensers 15 to 60 Mvar, up to 15 kV
Synchronous condensers rated 15 to 50 Mvar, in some cases up to 60 Mvar, for voltages up to 15 kV and 50/60 Hz. A rotating synchronous machine with no load on the shaft generates and absorbs reactive power, holds the voltage and gives the grid back inertia and short-circuit current. They are installed at power system nodes with a large share of solar and wind plants and at steelworks.
- Reactive power
- 15 to 50 Mvar, in some cases up to 60 Mvar (up to 55 Mvar per machine)
- Voltage
- up to 15 kV
- Frequency
- 50 / 60 Hz
- Short-circuit power
- 350 MVA per unit
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
When the share of inverter-based solar and wind generation in a power system grows, the grid loses inertia and short-circuit current. It tolerates frequency deviations and voltage fluctuations less well and recovers longer after faults. A synchronous condenser restores these properties, and the manufacturer regards it as one of the basic technologies for stabilising future grids. The machine works in three directions at once. A large rotating mass stores kinetic energy and releases it automatically during a frequency disturbance, reducing the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF), so the system gets time to react. A significant contribution to the short-circuit current is needed for correct operation of relay protection and fast clearing of faults. Continuous generation and absorption of reactive power stabilises the voltage and speeds up recovery of the grid.
The condenser generates no harmonics, is little sensitive to torsional oscillations, maintains a sinusoidal voltage waveform and has its own overload capability. There is no mechanical connection to a prime mover. Starting succeeds in about 98 % of cases. One machine delivers up to 55 Mvar, and installations are assembled from one or several units in modular configurations. The short-circuit power is 350 MVA per unit. With a flywheel the stored energy reaches 500 MW·s, and an additional flywheel is provided on request.
The machine is accelerated by a starting (pony) motor mounted on a common frame with couplings and the flywheel bearing supports. The starting motor is fed from a low-voltage or medium-voltage frequency converter. The standard scope of supply also includes a static excitation system, an oil system, air coolers and a cooling water pump unit. Design is carried out to the customer's requirements, and on site the manufacturer provides supervision of installation and commissioning.
Each rotating machine undergoes individual routine tests, and type and special tests are performed according to the production schedule. Production works to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. For steelworks with a large number of induction motors the manufacturer offers synchronous condensers and synchronised induction motors for local reactive power compensation. The machines are made by the rotating machines plant in Tapiószele (Hungary), where the accredited test facility is also located. The same plant makes MV and HV induction motors from 500 kW to 15 MW and synchronous generators up to 50 MVA. The annual production capacity of the plant is 400 MW, and the shop cranes lift up to 100 t.
Technical specifications
| Reactive power | 15 to 50 Mvar, in some cases up to 60 Mvar (up to 55 Mvar per machine) |
|---|---|
| Voltage | up to 15 kV |
| Frequency | 50 / 60 Hz |
| Short-circuit power | 350 MVA per unit |
| Stored energy | up to 500 MW·s (with flywheel) |
| Starting | starting (pony) motor with an LV or MV frequency converter |
| Starting success rate | about 98 % |
| Scope of supply | static excitation, oil system, air coolers, cooling water pumps |
Request a price and lead time
Synchronous condensers 15 to 60 Mvar, up to 15 kV. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Questions and answers
What rating and voltage are synchronous condensers supplied for?
The standard range is 15 to 50 Mvar, in some cases up to 60 Mvar, and one machine delivers up to 55 Mvar. The voltage is up to 15 kV and the frequency 50 or 60 Hz.
How much energy does a condenser with a flywheel store?
With a flywheel the stored energy reaches 500 MW·s, and an additional flywheel is possible. The short-circuit power is 350 MVA per unit.
How is a synchronous condenser started?
The machine is accelerated by a starting (pony) motor on a common frame, fed from an LV or MV frequency converter. Starting succeeds in about 98 % of cases.
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