Capacitor Automation

Kansas City Power & Light has teamed with EnergyLine Systems of Berkeley, California, to integrate capacitor automation into the overall distribution network in an initiative to reduce Volt/VAr regulation anomalies, enhance network efficiencies and improve our response to network problems. EnergyLine's programmable capacitor controls are installed on Schlumberger's CellNet wireless data network where they monitor and control capacitor banks based on dynamically changing conditions.

Access to real time diagnostics, on-line bank operations, operations reports and historical analog profiles coupled with the ability to remotely control and program electrical distribution equipment creates a level of flexibility and reliability not possible with manual capacitor operation. Capacitor automation also provides a platform to support other powerful applications, such as three-phase monitoring and line switch automation. KCP&L is beginning to explore automating line switches using IntelliTEAM, EnergyLine's auto-configuration system.

KCP&L benefits resulted immediately from the new capacitor controls:

• Cycling problems caused by limited flexibility of electromechanical controls are resolved.

• Capacitor controls are based on load requirements rather than time or temperature.

• Data logs help identify more effective capacitor bank locations.

• Safety features now replace special equipment once necessary for manual switching.

• Neutral current alarms provide early warning of partial bank failures and blown fuses.

• Engineers and planners can view field data such as VAr flow and power factors.

• Dispatchers now make operating decisions based on real-time voltage and current readings.

• Valuable records provide information that helps determine switching causes.

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