Capacitor Switching Phenomena in Networks Containing Long Transmission Lines

Abstract

This paper is a contribution to the knowledge of the problems arising in connection with the switching of large capacitor banks. It is possible to reduce effectively the surges of voltage and current by so-called 2-step switching, whereby suitable auxiliary resistors are inserted in the circuit during the switching operations. The analysis is centered on a study of 2-step switching in power systems where relatively long supply lines are used. With very high transmission voltages and extremely long lines in prospect for the near future, it has been considered of interest to augment the present theory on the subject with an anallysis of the switching transients when the continuous distribution of line parameters is taken into account. Existing theory usually is based on the assumption of lumped line parameters. It is shown in this paper that this assumption may be suitable for short lines, but definitely renders erroneous results in the case of long supply lines. A relatively simple yet representative circuit configuration is chosen for the analysis. This is done in order to avoid the necessity of using a high-speed digital computer for the numerical computations.