Synchronous Condensers
PrOTECTING YOU FROM GRID INSTABILITY AND IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF YOUR SYSTEM
Synchronous Condensers (Syncon) are large rotating machines developed to mimic the operation of carbon-powered generators by providing an alternative source of spinning inertia. They are a robust solution to address challenges posed by integrating power conversion technologies that do not supply the inertia grid operators rely on to maintain electric grid stability. They provide reactive power compensation and additional short-circuit power capacity, allowing more renewables to be reliably connected to the grid.
IDEAL recognizes the challenges of the changing grid environment where voltage fluctuation, among other factors, can make it difficult to avoid instability or all-out failure. Therefore, we design and build custom Synchronous Condensers trusted to provide a long-proven solution for plant voltage stabilization and power factor correction. Compared to capacitors operating in a system with harmonics, their life expectancy is ordinarily about 3-5 years or less. Alternatively, condensers have a life expectancy of between 20-30 years, significantly increasing the longevity of your system.
Ideal Electric can provide a complete synchronous condenser package including:
- Full-voltage or reduced-voltage starters
- Starting Pony motors with variable frequency drive (VFD)
- Excitation equipment
- Protection equipment
- Condenser output breaker switchgear
1 THE IDEAL SYNCHRONOUS CONDENSER
2 MECHANICAL FEATURES
3 ELECTRICAL FEATURES
Ideal SYNCON Capabilities
1 THE IDEAL SYNCHRONOUS CONDENSER
The IDEAL ELECTRIC synchronous condenser provides stepless automatic power factor correction with the ability to produce up to 150% additional MVARs. Synchronous condensers can be installed inside or outside and are relatively small. The system produces no switching transients and is not affected by system electrical harmonics, with some condensers capable of absorbing harmonics. Condensers will not produce excessive voltage levels and are not susceptible to electrical resonances. Because of the rotating inertia of the condenser, it can provide voltage support even during a short power outage. Exceptionally reliable, IDEAL synchronous condensers require little maintenance and have low spare parts costs.
Condenser Payback
A significant portion of industrial power bills is the demand charge which is based on KVA. With a better power factor, the KVA is reduced and the bill is significantly lowered. Many utilities charge additional large penalties for low power factors. By reducing power bills, many companies have had less than a two-year payback when installing condensers.
A recent plant expansion required 21MVAR to be added to the system on an adjustable basis. Because of existing background harmonics, inductors would have had to be added to switched capacitors to avoid electrical resonances and possible capacitor overheating. The synchronous condenser had the clear benefit of providing step-less control without creating voltage transients. The hardware cost for the synchronous condensers was $400,000 less than switched harmonic filters. An additional $75,000 was saved because the condenser could be installed on an outdoor foundation, while the switched filters would have required a new building.
There are significant annual savings that can be realized by installing synchronous condensers. IDEAL ELECTRIC rotating synchronous condensers are reliable, cost-effective, and have an average life expectancy of between 20-30 years, or even more.
2 MECHANICAL FEATURES
Rotor Construction
IDEAL Synchronous Condensers are produced using quality materials and innovative manufacturing techniques to optimize stability and allow high-performance under any condition. Vibrations are minimized with rigid frame construction and rotor pre-balancing. All rotor shafts are forged using high-quality steel. IDEAL 4-pole designs use integral pole laminations that are bolted together under pressure before being shrunk-fit and keyed to the shaft.
Bearings
IDEAL offers heavy-duty sleeve bearings as standard. Our bearing design can accommodate thrust, if required, and can be flood-oil lubricated or self-lubricated depending on the rating or application.
3 ELECTRICAL FEATURES
Sealed Insulation System
IDEAL offers full Class H insulation, epoxy VPI system, with our in-house 14′ diameter VPI facility.
Excitation
IDEAL brushless exciters use a high-frequency design to ensure minimum ripple in the rectified DC current supplied to the condenser field and to provide faster response times. The AC current is rectified by hermetically sealed diodes, which can be fused and supplied in parallel for critical applications.
IDEAL PRODUCTS
CONTACT US
Our expert IDEAL Electric Associates are here to support you in our Mansfield, Ohio, Houston, Texas and our European bases. Give us a call or e-mail us today!
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+1 (419) 520-3330
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+1 (419) 520-3255
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+1 (419) 520-3225
Field Service Repairs /
Remanufacturing & Technical Questions
+1 (419) 520-3245
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+1 (888) 915-2624
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