TMEIC Releases Reactive Power (VAR) Compensation Feature for Medium Voltage VFDs
New feature makes TMdrive-MVe2 the ideal solution for new and retrofit projects.
ROANOKE, Va. (June 23, 2017) – Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation (TMEIC) has released a new feature for its popular medium voltage TMdrive-MVe2, expanding the capabilities of a variable frequency drive (VFD) already considered an industry best.
VFDs have commonly been applied to motoring applications such as pumps, compressors and fans, or for unique regenerative applications such as hoists, conveyors, and test stands. TMEIC’s new generation of medium voltage drives allows for both motoring and active reactive power compensation on the connected bus.
The TMdrive-MVe2 is the ideal solution for new and retrofit projects where the intent is to run a motor at variable speed, while correcting for low power factor on the line side. Maintaining voltage stability and high-power factor at industrial sites has become a challenge. The issue is exacerbated where cyclical loads or future expansion is needed. Conventional methods of power factor correction and VAR compensation have included capacitor banks or static VAR compensators. TMEIC’s TMdrive-MVe2 uses power-electronics-based voltage source converters for VOLT/VAR compensation, while simultaneously controlling the speed of the motor.
This feature allows facilities to:
- Reduce or eliminate nuisance trips due to power instability.
- Optimize the size of back-up power sources.
- Reduce thermal stress on substation transformers.
- Reduce utility demand charges by releasing the power capacity tied up due to lagging loads on the system.
Requirements vary for selection of the right sized VFD, including the amount of VARs needed and required motor power. Additionally, the VFD requires a 4 – 20mA analog VAR signal input. Typically, this signal is generated at the bus where VAR compensation is required for holding specific power factors. For remote applications such as pump and compressor stations, the signal may be where end users are metered for electricity bills.
TMEIC VFD Features & Benefits
- Standard field-proven product: VFD power electronics use IGBT gating with Pulse Width Modulation
- Power system friendly: Line-side converter operates with harmonics as low as 2%. Default power factor of 1.0
- Proven technology with long maintenance intervals: Voltage source active front end converter with dry-film capacitors
To learn more about this new feature included in TMEIC VFDs and how can it be applied in your facility with existing capacitor banks or new expansions, please contact a TMEIC representative to schedule a lunch & learn at your facility.
