Capacitor Bank

A capacitor bank is a set of individual capacitors wired together in series and parallel to reach a target voltage and reactive power rating, then connected into an electrical or grid system as a single unit. On power grids, capacitor banks are switched in to supply leading reactive power and correct the power factor, which raises sagging voltage, increases how much real power a line or transformer can carry, and reduces resistive losses, and they are switched out again when voltage runs high. Because capacitors are comparatively inexpensive and can be installed at almost any point on a distribution or transmission network, utilities use capacitor banks widely as a low-cost way to improve voltage support and defer more expensive investment in new transmission or transformer capacity. The same principle is applied at solar and wind plants and industrial sites to correct power factor at the point where they connect to the grid.