What is an air core reactor used for in electrical systems?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Basic Functions of Air core Reactors
3. Applications in Electrical Systems
4. Technical Specifications
5. HOLEEP Company Solutions
6. References

Introduction

Air core reactors are key components in electrical systems, known for their distinct absence of a ferrous core. They are predominantly employed where linear reactance and minimal core saturation are required, optimizing electrical system performance without the introduction of nonlinear effects.

Basic Functions of Air Core Reactors

Air core reactors primarily serve three functions: limiting short circuit current, voltage and harmonic filtering, and reactive power compensation. Their lack of a magnetic core eliminates issues such as core saturation and hysteresis losses, which are inherent in iron core reactors.

Applications in Electrical Systems

Air core reactors find applications across different sectors of electrical engineering, including:

• Short-circuit current limitation in transmission lines, providing protective measures in grid infrastructure.
• Reactive power compensation in substations, aiding in voltage stabilization and improving power factor.
• Harmonic filtering, which reduces distortive effects on power quality due to nonlinear loads.

Technical Specifications

Some common parameters for air core reactors include:

• Inductance: Typically range from several microhenries (µH) to millihenries (mH), depending on application.
• Rated Current: Often rated from a few hundred amperes for distribution systems to several kiloamperes for transmission systems.
• Thermal Stability: Designed to withstand operating temperatures exceeding 150°C, ensuring reliable performance under high load conditions.
• Losses: Generally feature lower copper losses (I²R loss) due to efficient coil design.

HOLEEP Company Solutions

HOLEEP is a leading provider of air core reactor solutions with a range of offerings tailored to meet diverse industrial and utility needs. Their advanced designs emphasize efficiency and reliability:

• Customizable Inductance and Current Ratings: HOLEEP provides tailored solutions from 10 µH to 50 mH and current ratings up to 10 kA.
• Enhanced Cooling Solutions: Employs forced air or natural air cooling methods to extend operational life and efficiency.
• Innovative Structural Designs: Compact designs for minimal footprint while maintaining mechanical strength suitable for outdoor installations.

References

1. IEEE Std 1545: IEEE Standard for the Testing of Air Core Reactors.
2. Rudiyanto, A., & Sutopo, W. (2017). Industrial Applications of Air-Core Reactors in High Voltage Engineering. Journal of Electrical Systems.
3. HOLEEP Company Brochure, 2023: Air Core Reactors—A New Standard in Electrical Systems Solutions.