In the modern industry, the types of loads characterized by rapid variations are continuously growing, and so does the demand for a power factor correction technology that responds in real time to those load variations. Power factor correction conventional technology using electromechanical contactors is being replaced by the dynamic technology that uses thyristor switches in combination with automatic power factor controller for accurate and fast switching of the capacitor steps.
A wide range of applications demand this dynamic power factor correction technology, for example cranes, elevators, presses, crushers, compressors, welding equipment, systems of the automotive industry, robotics, wind turbines, electric trains, drilling rigs, induction furnaces, etc.
BELUK is pioneer and leading manufacturer in the area of power factor control. Since 1956 the company has been developing and manufacturing innovative, as well as robust products for this technologically complex field.
Based on its extensive know-how, BELUK has developed and manufacture in Germany the BEL-TS thyristor switches which combined with their own automatic power factor controller BLR-CM is a suitable solution for any specific requirement of dynamic power factor correction.
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For these types of rapidly varying loads, the power factor correction using BEL-TS thyristor switches provides the much-needed high-speed response, while, the zero-crossing switching capability, is eliminating the inrush current peaks and the dangerous effect of transient voltage following the switching of capacitor steps. Consequently, the load on the capacitors is reduced and therefor their service life is increased.
Moreover, the absence of moving mechanical parts in case of the BEL-TS thyristor switches, in comparison with the electromechanical contactors, leads to a much longer service life with a higher number of switching cycles and to a reduced maintenance. This feature is particularly important in specific environments, where the presence of dust particles can lead in the long term to damage the moving parts of the electromechanical contactors.
Also, the dynamic power factor correction using BEL-TS thyristor switches ensures noiseless operation, this being particularly important when their installation is made in the proximity of habitable spaces or staff workstations.
The BEL-TS thyristor switches manufactured by BELUK are characterized by fast reaction switching behavior that is suitable for fast switching capacitor steps in three-phase power grids. BEL-TS thyristor switches are internally protected against thermal damage and are designed and manufactured for continuous operation, so they are extremely reliable and durable.
BEL-TS thyristor switches are provided with tool free, fast and secure connection 4 mm²- 25mm², which can save 70% of time compared to standard connections, and because of which, incorrect torques or loosening of the connections due to vibration or heating are completely avoided.
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A fast switch needs a fast controller, hence, the BEL-TS thyristor switches can be controlled by the automatic power factor controller BLR-CM which has an algorithm with approximately 1ms reaction time after measurement. The intelligent control algorithm of the BLR-CM switches capacitor steps in an optimized way, quickly selecting and matching the appropriate capacitor steps according to the load, in a precise real time operation and with a reduced number of switching operations.
The user Interface of BLR-CM is a backlit graphical LCD and a membrane keyboard with 4 soft keys. Optional, Modbus-RTU interface RS485 can be provided for the automatic power factor controller BLR-CM, thus fulfilling the communication standard according to IEC 60870.
All needed capacitor steps to reach the target power factor are switched simultaneously in one operation, to compensate for the actual reactive power of the load and thus, the load power factor is rapidly corrected and consistently maintained at the set value. The time from end of measuring to generation of the switching pulse is less 150μsec, while for the dynamic compensation in combination with BEL-TS thyristor switches, the switching time is less than 100ms.
Discover HERE the full range of power factor controllers developed and manufactured in Germany by BELUK.
If you have questions or if you need more information, we would gladly help you, so contact us.
All the best,
The ELECTRISIUM team