For industrial grids and large commercial buildings, TDK has developed the Epcos PQvar, modular static var generator for active, stepless power factor correction and load balancing.
It has a fast response time of less than 15 milliseconds and a dynamic reaction time of 50 micro seconds and offers significantly faster compensation than conventional systems, claims TDK. The Epcos PQvar is suitable for the active compensation of both inductive and capacitive loads and can achieve a power factor of 0.99. At the low-voltage level PQvar is designed for 400 and 690V supply systems. In these voltage classes, individual modules with outputs of between 30 and 200kvar are available, as well as systems for up to 880kvar per compensation cabinet.
The targeted use of power factor correction systems can significantly improve energy efficiency as the power losses in the electrical transmission and distribution network are significantly reduced and, the CO2 emissions for generating wasted power are avoided. Transformers and the power transmission and distribution networks can be used more efficiently, says TDK.
Using advanced multi controllers (AMC), the PQvar system can be combined with conventional passive low-voltage compensation stages. The medium-voltage level is covered by systems for 6.0, 10 and 35kV. The modules are designed for outputs of between 2000 and 12,000kvar. All modules are available for three-phase grids with or without neutral conductors. Depending on the output and size, the modules are designed as slide-in units for control cabinets and systems for wall mounting (low-voltage) or as control cabinet systems (medium-voltage).
TDK is an electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialise ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK’s portfolio includes passive components, such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, ferrites and inductors, high-frequency products, and piezo and protection components, as well as sensors and sensor systems and power supplies. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, Epcos, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. Further main product groups include magnetic application products, energy devices, and flash memory application devices. TDK focuses on information and communication technology and automotive, industrial and consumer electronics.
