Circutor Computer SMART III FAST 12, Instruction Manual

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4�1�- DEFINITIONS
This section provides a number of definitions that may be useful for understanding the operation of
the unit.
4�1�1 Four-quadrant regulator�
This means that the regulator is capable of performing the measurement and regulation functions
when the active power is transferred from the mains to the loads (common case in a consumer instal-
lation) or when the load is transferred to the mains (in the case of installations with generators that
not only allow the consumption of energy, but can also export and sell energy).
4�1�2 Stages and steps
A distinction must be established between stages and steps. In this manual, a
Stage
is described as
each group of capacitor banks into which the power factor compensation unit is divided, which may
have different power ratings, usually in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:2:4, etc.
A step is each one of the total power fractions (power of the first step) that can be regulated by using
stages with different weights.
4�1�3 FCP system (FAST Computerized Program)�
This system controls the connection sequence of the various stages, tending to minimise the number
of operations and to match the usage times of the various stages in order to achieve a pre-determined
required final power. The operations are carried out such that, in the case of stages with identical pow-
er, the stage that has been disconnected the longest is connected when there is demand and the stage
that has been connected the longest is disconnected when there is a surplus.
4�1�4 Regulation program�
The power ratings of the various groups or stages usually follow certain patterns called "programs”.
The program indicates the power ratios between the various stages. The most frequent programs are:
Program 1�1�1�1 . All stages have the same power. For example : a 100 kvar unit with 5 steps would be
made up of 5 identical 20 kvar stages, and would be described as a (5 x 20) kvar unit.
Program 1�2�2�2 . Every stage after the first stage has twice as much power as the first stage. For ex-
ample
: a 180 kvar unit with 5 stages would be made up of a first 20 kvar stage and 4 identical 40 kvar
stages, and would be described as a (20 + 4 x 40) kvar unit.
Program 1�2�4�4
. The second stage has twice as much power as the first stage and the remaining stag-
es after the second stage have four times as much power as the first stage. For example : a 300 kvar
unit with 5 stages would be made up of a first 20 kvar stage, a second 40 kvar stage and 3 identical 80
kvar stages. It would be described as a (20 + 40 + 3 x 80) kvar unit.
Other Programs
. Other programs can be used, such as 1.2.2.4, 1.2.4.8, 1.1.2.2, etc. The meaning of the
numbers, as can be deduced from the preceding cases, gives the power ratio between the first stage,
which receives a value of 1, and the subsequent stages (2 means twice as much power, 4 means four
times as much power, etc.).
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Instruction Manual
Computer SMART III FAST