SECTION 16280

AUTOMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

FEDERAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS DIVISION 16: ELECTRICAL WORK
Section 16280– AUTAMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

Contents

1 GENERAL

1.1 REFERENCE

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

1.3 QUALITY CONTROL/ASSURANCE

1.4 SUBMITTALS

2 PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIALS

2.2 TESTS AT WORK

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FEDERAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS DIVISION 16: ELECTRICAL WORK
Section 16280– AUTAMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

SECTION 16280
AUTOMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

1.0 GENERAL

1.1REFERENCE

Conform to General Requirements for Electrical Services of Division 16.

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

1.2.1 Supply, installation, testing and commissioning of capacitor banks with

microprocessor based reactive power controller as specified here after and with
ratings as indicated in the relevant electrical drawings.

1.2.2 Capacitor Banks shall be sized for improving the power factor to 0.92 minimum.

1.2.3 3 phase series reactor shall be connected in series with each capacitor stage for
ha rmonic current suppression and to prevent resonance.

If the THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) limits are exceeded even with the use of the detuned
harmonic suppression capacitor bans, suitably rated active filters shall be provided with the
detuned capacitor banks to limit the total harmonic distortion to below the specified limits of the
IEEE519 and to DEWA requirements.

1.3 QUALITY CONTROL/ASSURANCE

Design, manufacture, testing and method of installation of all apparatus and materials furnished
under requirement of these specifications shall conform to latest publications or standard rules of
the following:

A. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) regulations for electrical installation works
B. Department of Civil Defence requirements
C. ETISALAT standards and requirements
Codes and Standards

Capacitors IEEE 519, IEC 831-1,2

Series Reactors IEC 76
Contactors IEC 947-4-1
Fuses IEC 269
Circuit Breakers IEC 947 – 1,2
Degree of Protection IEC 144

All such equipment shall be manufactured only by manufacturer having ISO 9001 certificates
1.4 SUBMITTALS

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 FEDERAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS DIVISION 16: ELECTRICAL WORK
Section 16280– AUTAMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

1.4.1 Manufacturers Technical Data

During the time of the contract and before substantial completion of the electrical installation,
submit to COMPANY three(3) copies of descriptive literature, technical data, maintenance
recommendations(from the equipment manufacturer), catalogues etc

1.4.2 Test Reports

Provide test reports prepared in accordance with DEWA requirements to the COMPANY.
Provide other tests reports necessary to establish the adequacy, quality, safety, completed status,
and suitable operation of each system.

1.4.3 Installation Instructions

Submit the complete manufacturers installation instructions of all the products used.

1.4.4 Calculations

Forward the following calculations and data:

Calculations and charts proving that discrimination in the breaker characteristics is achieved. Detailed
short circuit level calculation to select the short circuit rating of the various switchboards. Bus
bar sizing calculation for each switchboard. Calculation for Temperature rise inside switchboards

1.4.5 Shop drawings

The contractor shall furnish the following drawings and documents along this submittal for approval:

A. Dimensioned drawing showing outline of the switch boards arrangement and position of
important external features. These drawings shall show masses, crane lift necessary for
untanking and size of lifting lugs or eyes.
B. Single line diagram showing all auxiliary devices.
C. Original catalogues for various proposed components.
D. Drawings of nameplate and all termination arrangements.
E. Drawing giving typical mechanical and electrical details of the voltage control apparatus.
F. Details of cable terminations and fittings.
G. Foundation plan, including foundation loading.
H. Schematic and connection diagrams covering all equipment pertaining to the switch
board.
I. Type and special test certificates as applicable
J. Approved test certificate / test report
K. Schedule of Accessories and Fittings
L. Technical Manual giving installation, operation and maintenance instructions
M. Schedule of recommended spare parts.

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 FEDERAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS DIVISION 16: ELECTRICAL WORK
Section 16280– AUTAMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

2.0 PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIALS

1.4.1 Automatic Power Factor Improvement Plant

A. The power factor correction capacitor shall be suitable detuned with a series reactor for each step to
prevent any resonance or resulting amplification of harmonics present in the network and shall comply
with the relevant BS and IEC standard and shall be double insulated dry type with metallized
polypropylene dielectric to IP 54. The capacitor shall be able to withstand up to 130% of the rated
current caused by harmonics and shall incorporate a discharge resistance. Internal fuse combined with
the secondary solid foil electrode or an overpressure disconnector switch shall be fitted on each capacitor
as an additional safety measure.

B. Capacitance variation due to ambient temperature shall be taken into consideration and the capacitors
shall be derated to give the required capacitance at 50 deg. C.

C. When capacitors are not directly connected to the motors, these shall be protected by fuses and wired
through cables with capacity of 1.8 times the capacitor rating.

D. A six terminal capacitor, switched at the same time as the motor shall be used for star delta starting of the
motor.

E. Where multi steps capacitor bank is used the power factor shall be maintained at a set value indicated by
the reactive power regulator which shall control the opening and closing of the capacitor switching
contactors. The number of capacitors to be connected through the regulator in the event of power failure
or when the power is restored shall be in accordance with the system reactive power.

F. The high inrush current due to capacitor switching shall be taken into consideration by using fast acting
contactor designed for capacitor switching and which shall be able to handle 100 times the rated current.
In addition to that, the cable connecting the contactor to the bus-bar shall be installed in a way that self
inductance is produced e.g. by coiling the cable into necessary number of loops along the run.

G. The capacitor banks shall be separated from the contactors and controls by housing the same in a separate
compartment. A ventilation fan shall be provided in order to ensure that the temperature rise will not
exceed 35 degree C.

H. The automatic power factor improvement plant shall be provided with reactive power controller
commanded by microprocessor with working programs 1:1:1:….:1 and shall be supplied with LED
indicators showing the capacitors that are connected and also shall ensure uniform ageing of magnetic
contactors and capacitors by using a circular connection sequence that takes into account the time that
each capacitor has been switched on.

I. The automatic power factor improvement plant shall be equipped with voltmeter, ammeter with selector
switches, digital cos φ (Power Factor) display module and shall have the feature of automatic
disconnection of all the capacitors in the case of a failure in the electric power supply. The reactive

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 FEDERAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS DIVISION 16: ELECTRICAL WORK
Section 16280– AUTAMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

power controller shall be able to measure the reactive power needs of an installation and to give the
necessary command for connecting and disconnecting the capacitors in order to maintain the desired
power factor.

J. The panel shall be equipped with a relay and a blinking lamp with trouble acknowledged and reset button
incase the automatic power improvement plant does not achieve the desired power factor due to failure of
the capacitor banks.

K. The 3 phase series reactors to be connected in series with each capacitor stage for harmonic current
suppression and to prevent resonance should be of iron cored type with copper/ Aluminum windings. The
current rating of the reactors should be increased suitably to take into account the effect of harmonics in
the network which could be generated by variable speed drives, elevators, UPS systems, fax machines,
computers, fluorescent discharge lamps etc. The offered reactors should undergo tests wherein the
reactors should be subjected to harmonic currents generated by harmonic generating test equipment. The
magnitude of these harmonic currents should correspond to the harmonic current magnitude in the
network.

 The capacitors and the reactors combination should be tuned below the lowest harmonic present in
the network. With the capacitors and suitable series reactors connected it should be proved through
submission of relevant calculations that the Total Harmonic Voltage Distortion is within the limits as
specified in IEEE Std 519-1992, standards on IEEE recommended practices and requirements for
Harmonic Control in Electric Power Systems.

L. Three phase HRC fuses shall be provided for each capacitor step and mounted on fuse bases. They shall
be of modern industrial design, current limiting type and with a breaking capacity of over 100 KA. They
should have a current rating of between 1.7 to 2 times the rated 3-phase capacitor unit current. They shall
be tested as per IEC 269 with a test voltage 1.1x Un. The utilization category shall be ‘gG’. They shall be
plug in type with suitable handle to ensure safe operation to personnel. The fuses shall not be exposed
under normal operating conditions.

2.0 TESTS AT WORK

3.2.1 Routine tests to standards shall be carried out. Evidence that type test have been carried out provided
they are relatively to the configuration of the equipment offered, may be acceptable to THE COMPANY
and shall be made available.

3.2.2 A full visual check and electrical functional test shall be carried out on all apparatus and every circuit.
All wiring shall be inspected. It shall be verified that the FBA is fully in accord with the requisition.
Circuit breakers shall be closed and tripped at their rated minimum and maximum trip and close supply
voltage. Primary and secondary injection tests shall be done on protection relays and CT circuits and
indicating and metering instruments. All labels shall be checked.

3.2.3 The test procedure shall be as follows:

 Visual inspection to verify degree of protection creepage and clearance distances.

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 FEDERAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS DIVISION 16: ELECTRICAL WORK
Section 16280– AUTAMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

 All conductors and cables are checked for proper routing and all devices for proper mounting.

 Check effectiveness of all mechanical devices, e.g. handles, locks, interlocks, operating
devices, etc.
 Check panel conformity to drawing and Engineer’s requirements.

 Megger test all main circuit through to final terminals. Insulation resistance shall exceed 10
Methods . Record all measurements.

 Flash test all main circuit at 2.5 KV for one minute. Record leakage current.

 Repeat megger test to verify insulation resistance has not been affected by the dielectric test.

 Function test of all circuit breakers switches, contacts, etc. and every circuit to verify correct
operation.

 Primary and secondary injection tests of all relays, CT’s and indicating and metering Instruments.

3.2.4 Prior to energizing the switchboards, perform the following checks on site:

Operate the equipment through all design functions, including remote operation, actuation of alarm and
indicating devices, mechanical and electrical tripping and closing and operation of the protective devices.

Insulation resistance measurements on the buses, phase to phase and phase to ground, with all breakers in
the fully connected position and contacts open.

Control circuit insulation resistance to ground.

Inspect all relays and protective devices, and verify settings in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions or the information in the Coordination study.

Inspect current transformers and relays for correct polarity of connections and the installation of jumpers
on unused current transformer circuits.

Simulate the operations and check the logic of interlocks.

Manually close and trip each breaker checking and adjusting the main contact alignment and wiring
action in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check the phasing on each side tie breaker, before closing.

Test protective relay operation for incomer air circuit breakers.

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 FEDERAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS DIVISION 16: ELECTRICAL WORK
Section 16280– AUTAMATIC POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT PLANT

3.2.5 Routine Tests

Following routine tests are to be carried out by the switchgear assembler,

Inspection of assembly including inspection of wiring and electrical operation

Dielectric test:

Checking of protective measures and of the electrical continuity of the protective circuits.

Verification of insulation resistance.

END OF SECTION

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