Technical Problems Associated with the Application of a Capacitor in Series with a Synchronous Condenser

In January 1950, a 3,600-kva series capacitor was put into operation for the purpose of minimizing lamp flicker produced by large arc furnaces. This installation is unique in that the capacitor is located in series with the terminals of a 20,000-kva 13.8-kv synchronous condenser, rather than in series with the supply system. The capacitor has been operating successfully for over ten months and has produced the desired decrease in lamp flicker. This paper presents a summary of the studies made prior to the installation of the series capacitor, as well as a general discussion of the factors that should be considered in similar applications. Economic factors, which dictated the selection of a series capacitor for decreasing the lamp flicker in this case, and the results of field tests made since the installation was completed are covered in a companion paper.¹