Static Var Generator

Dynamic power factor correction for modern industries. Industrial electrical loads do not always consume reactive power at a constant rate. Motors, pumps, compressors, HVAC systems and other inductive loads can cause power factor to fluctuate as operating conditions change.

Product overview

Subodhan Static Var Generator solutions respond dynamically to these variations by supplying or absorbing reactive current as required. This helps maintain the desired power factor, reduce reactive-power demand from the supply and support stable electrical-system operation. Unlike conventional capacitor banks that switch in discrete steps, an SVG uses power electronics to regulate reactive-power compensation continuously within its operating limits.

Key benefits

Dynamic compensation

Dynamic reactive-power compensation.

Better power factor

Improved power factor under varying load conditions.

Smooth, stepless

Compensation without conventional capacitor-step switching.

Leading and lagging

Support for leading and lagging reactive-power conditions.

Optional load balancing

Three-phase load balancing, where supported by the selected model.

What is a Static Var Generator?

A Static Var Generator is a power-electronic reactive-power compensation device that controls the flow of reactive current in an electrical system. It continuously evaluates the relationship between voltage and current, determines the reactive-power requirement and adjusts its output accordingly.

An SVG is especially useful where reactive-power demand changes rapidly and conventional switched capacitor banks cannot provide sufficiently smooth or responsive correction.

How does an SVG work?

Measure

Current transformers and voltage measurements provide information about the electrical system’s operating condition.

Calculate

The controller evaluates the reactive-power requirement and determines the appropriate compensation current.

Compensate

The power converter supplies or absorbs controlled reactive current to move the system toward its power factor target.

Why choose Subodhan SVG solutions?

Responsive compensation for fluctuating loads

The SVG adjusts its reactive-current output as the load changes, beneficial for motor-driven systems, HVAC installations and variable production cycles.

Smooth control instead of discrete steps

Conventional APFC panels switch capacitor stages in steps. An SVG regulates its output electronically for finer adjustment within its rated capacity.

Support for leading and lagging power factor

Depending on system conditions, the SVG can provide inductive or capacitive reactive-power compensation.

Compact power-electronic architecture

SVG systems can offer installation and layout advantages compared with some conventional arrangements; actual space requirements depend on the model and cabinet design.

Designed for system integration

Proper CT placement, target power factor, network configuration and coordination with existing APFC equipment are important.

Typical applications

Applications

Application

Typical loads

Motors and industrial drives

Reactive-power demand that varies with operating load

HVAC and commercial buildings

Chillers, air handling and building services

Welding and manufacturing

Applications with rapidly varying electrical loads

Water and infrastructure

Pumping installations and utility infrastructure

Other potential sectors

Automotive, steel and metal, textiles, cement, pharmaceuticals, paper, data centres and industrial facilities with fluctuating reactive-power demand

SVG product features

Features

  • Bidirectional reactive-power compensation: capacitive and inductive, according to system demand
  • Continuous output regulation within the available reactive-power rating
  • Configurable power factor targets where supported
  • Fast electronic control for changing reactive loads within specified response capability
  • Monitoring, alarms and protection functions as provided by the model
  • Integration with existing electrical panels or dedicated SVG cabinets
  • Optional load balancing on models designed for this function

Technical specifications

Static Var Generator (SVG)

Product

Static Var Generator

Primary function

Dynamic reactive-power compensation

Compensation modes

Inductive and capacitive

Voltage options

Available voltage classes by model

Capacity options

25–800 kVAr portfolio range, subject to model availability

Power factor control

Configurable target, subject to controller capability

Response time

As per the manufacturer-specified value for the selected model

Load balancing

Where supported by the selected model

Harmonic mitigation

Not the primary function; assess an AHF or a suitable hybrid model if required

Installation

Panel-mounted or cabinet-integrated configurations, as available

SVG versus conventional APFC

SVG versus conventional APFC

Parameter

Conventional APFC

SVG

Compensation method

Switched capacitor stages

Power-electronic current control

Adjustment

Discrete steps

Smooth adjustment within rated limits

Changing loads

Depends on step size and switching response

Designed for dynamic reactive loads

Leading / lagging control

Depends on bank and control arrangement

Bidirectional reactive compensation

Main consideration

Step sizing, switching and detuning

Converter rating, CT arrangement and operating limits

An SVG does not automatically eliminate harmonic distortion. Where harmonic currents are the primary concern, assess an AHF or suitable combined compensation solution.

SVG selection guide

Configurations available

  • Establish existing power factor and reactive-power demand under different operating conditions.
  • Identify the required target power factor and any utility requirements.
  • Determine required compensation capacity in kVAr, including load variation and engineering margin.
  • Check network voltage, phase configuration, CT location and existing APFC equipment.
  • Evaluate harmonic levels, ambient temperature, ventilation, enclosure requirements and the need for load balancing.
  • 6 Confirm the selected SVG rating and control settings through engineering calculations and commissioning measurements.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of an SVG?
Its main purpose is to dynamically compensate reactive power and improve power factor under changing load conditions.

It can replace some conventional reactive-power compensation arrangements if it has sufficient capacity and meets application requirements. A hybrid arrangement may suit other installations.

Potentially. Control settings, capacitor switching logic, CT arrangement and system interaction must be assessed to prevent over-compensation or unstable operation.
No. An SVG primarily addresses reactive power and power factor, while an AHF primarily addresses harmonic currents. Some models provide overlapping functions, but ratings and capabilities differ.
Measure active power and power factor, calculate the reactive power needed to reach the target, and account for changing loads and engineering margin.

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