Power factor compensation and harmonic analysis study for Nagpur Metro
POWER PROJECTS has successfully completed the power factor compensation and harmonic analysis study for Nagpur Metro. Nagpur Metro rail network has two corridors i.e. North-South Corridor and East-West corridor. The power network consists of 132kV, 33kV, 25kV & 0.4kV voltage levels that includes traction loads, station loads and solar PV generation.
PROJECT DETAILS
The study was carried out to analyse the issue of low power factor in the system (that causes higher electricity bills) and to design suitable power factor compensating device.
Power Projects have carried out extensive power quality measurements at site and prepared a detailed ETAP – Operation Technology, Inc. model of the electrical system. The software simulation results were validated based on the actual site measurements. A number of case studies were carried out to simulate various the system scenarios, (i.e., present and future loading scenarios, power intake from different source substations, varying traction loads, with & without PV generation).
The study results brought out the root cause of low power factor problem in the system. The most suitable solution of power factor compensating device (i.e., distributed shunt reactors) was recommended based on technical and economic analysis. The harmonic analysis was carried out to ensure that the harmonic limits are not violated even for the future scenario with additional renewable integration and to ensure that the harmonic resonance does not cause any issue. Power Projects have also supported in the procurement activities by providing a detailed RFP, estimated cost of installation and the potential vendor list for the power factor compensating device.
Continuously varying traction load was one of the key challenges while carrying out the study. However, the project team has carried out extensive studies for various system scenarios that brought out the most suitable solution.
The solution provided estimate a substantial reduction in electricity bills and the pay back period is estimated to be less than one year. The lifetime savings is estimated as several crores of rupees (more than 25 times of installation cost).
