Integrated switched capacitor bank
A switched capacitor bank assembly may include a first capacitor. The switched capacitor bank assembly may include a first switch selectively connected between the first capacitor and a first phase line. The switched capacitor bank assembly may include a first voltage sensor integrated within a housing of the first switch and used to sense a. The switched capacitor bank assembly may include voltage of the first phase line, a controller including an electronic processor, the controller operably coupled to the first voltage sensor and the first switch; and a frame arranged to physically support the first capacitor, the first switch, the first voltage sensor, and the controller; and a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device, wherein the communication module is contained within a second housing that is physically supported by the frame.
1 . A switched capacitor bank assembly comprising:
a first capacitor;
a first switch selectively connected between the first capacitor and a first phase line;
a first voltage sensor integrated within a housing of the first switch and used to sense a voltage of the first phase line;
a controller including an electronic processor, the controller operably coupled to the first voltage sensor and the first switch; and
a frame arranged to physically support the first capacitor, the first switch, the first voltage sensor, and the controller; and
a communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device, wherein the communication module is contained within a second housing that is physically supported by the frame.
2 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first switch is a vacuum interrupter and includes a housing that is formed of a solid dielectric material.
3 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 2 , wherein the first voltage sensor is embedded in the solid dielectric material of the housing.
4 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first switch further includes a solid dielectric bushing that connects the first switch to the first phase line; and
wherein the first voltage sensor is embedded within the solid dielectric bushing.
5 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to:
determine when a voltage of the first phase line is at a zero-crossing based on a voltage signal received directly from the first voltage sensor; and
close the first switch when a voltage of the first phase line is at a zero-crossing.
6 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , wherein the controller is contained within a third housing supported by the frame;
wherein the third housing shields the controller from electromagnetic interference.
7 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 6 , wherein the third housing is a tank that physically supports the first switch; and
wherein the tank includes a handle used for manually operating the first switch.
8 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second housing is separate from a third housing that encapsulates the controller.
9 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame further includes an arrester mounting portion.
10 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a second capacitor physically supported by the frame;
a second switch selectively connected between the second capacitor and a second phase line, the second switch being physically supported by the frame; and
a second voltage sensor integrated within a housing of the second switch and configured to sense a voltage of the second phase line;
wherein the controller is further configured to determine when the voltage of the second phase line is at a zero-crossing based on a second voltage signal received directly from the second voltage sensor.
11 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 10 , further comprising:
a third capacitor physically supported by the frame;
a third switch selectively connected between the third capacitor and a third phase line, the third switch being physically supported by the frame;
a third voltage sensor integrated within a housing of the third switch and configured to sense a voltage of the third phase line; and
wherein the controller is further configured to determine when the voltage of the third phase line is at a zero-crossing based on a third voltage signal received directly from the third voltage sensor.
12 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame is mounted to a distribution pole.
13 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame is mounted to a pad.
14 . The switched capacitor bank assembly of claim 13 , further comprising a cabinet arranged to contain the first capacitor, the first switch, the first voltage sensor, the controller, and the frame.