> Capacitor bank to increase generator capacity?

Capacitor bank to increase generator capacity?

Posted at: 2015-01-07 
Would it be practical to connect a 50 KVAR capacitor bank to a 220 KVA, 176 KW generator to feed 156 KW motor loads.

Capacitor banks do not get along well with generators. They will make the output voltage uncontrollable, i.e., unstable.





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It is possible that the capacitor bank would aid in supplying starting inrush current to the motor, but it would probably be best if the capacitor is isolated from the circuit as soon as the motor started. Since the motor at nominal mechanical load would have fairly high power factor, the capacitor could result in excess current output, overloading the generator and may cause a voltage regulating problem.

You need to know the power factor of the load. In general, the real power capacity of a generator increases if you reduce the reactive power. But if your cap bank produces more reactive power than the motor absorbs, this wil have to be absorbed by the generator. so if the motor absorbs less than half of 50KVAR your will loose generator capacity!

Assuming it's all DC, then yes it could help with starting current. Simply won't work if it's AC.

Would it be practical to connect a 50 KVAR capacitor bank to a 220 KVA, 176 KW generator to feed 156 KW motor loads.