Power Factor, Harmonic Analysis, and Equipment Design Studies

Whether for a new installation, an existing facility, or a design verification study, VarStec applies product-specific technical expertise to assess complex harmonic environments, transient switching designs, and motor-starting performance. Our rigorous engineering approach helps ensure your project performs safely, efficiently, and reliably under all operating scenarios.

Comprehensive Engineering Study Objectives

VarStec’s studies provide the technical analysis needed to support the specification and design of equipment that is reliable, properly applied, and capable of performing as intended under actual system conditions. By defining the key system parameters and identifying risks such as harmonic resonance and switching duty, these studies help ensure the right equipment is selected for long-term performance and dependable operation.

Power Factor Correction & Harmonic Mitigation

• Reactive Power Determination: We calculate reactive power requirements for motor-starting projects, power factor penalty correction, or to provide sufficient reactive power to meet harmonic filter performance requirements.
• Filter Topology Design: Harmonic analysis and filter design studies are used to develop and optimize filter solutions for all operating conditions and filter types, including single-tuned (notch), high-pass (HP), and C-high-pass (C-HP) designs.
• Resonance & Distortion Analysis: We confirm that shunt power capacitors and harmonic filters will not excite resonance or negatively impact the electrical network, and that the system can be designed to comply with IEEE 519 and applicable IEC harmonic standards.

Specialized Transient & Switching Analysis

• Peak Inrush Evaluation: We verify that vacuum and SF6 switching devices are adequately rated to withstand high-frequency peak inrush currents and $I times f$ products during both isolated and back-to-back capacitor bank switching.
• Outrush & Close-in Fault Duty: Evaluation of transient discharge stresses on “victim breakers” (feeder or bus-tie breakers) helps identify the need for Transient Limiting Inductors (TLI) to ensure mechanical making and frequency-withstand capability.
• Reactor-Limited Fault TRV: We evaluate the Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) duty on circuit breakers clearing faults limited by air-core reactors, optimizing surge capacitor sizing to manage the Rate-of-Rise-of-Recovery Voltage (RRRV).

Advanced Equipment Design & Sizing

• MotorVAR™ Sizing: Steady-state impedance modeling is used to size MotorVAR systems, minimizing voltage sag and preserving motor-starting torque during across-the-line starting.
• Altitude Derating & Insulation Coordination: Rigorous dual-standard (IEEE/IEC) evaluations determine required equipment BIL at high elevations, using coordinated surge arresters to avoid unnecessary equipment oversizing.

Study Methodology & Deliverables

VarStec utilizes industry-standard simulation software, including ETAP, EasyPower, SKM, and EMTP-RV, to predict system performance under a range of operating conditions.

Detailed Engineering Reporting

• Traceable Calculations: Reports include explicit reactance-based formulations and impedance scans, providing transparency for independent verification.
• Technical Submittals: Every study concludes with a non-proprietary equipment specification, a preliminary one-line diagram, and software input data files.
• Consultative Approach: Experienced Power Systems Engineers with more than 30 years of experience conduct or oversee each study, helping ensure designs align with sound engineering practice and established industry standards.