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A containerised 35 kV, 2000 kvar capacitor bank solved power-quality and land-use constraints at a hillside solar farm in the UK.
Compact 35 kV Containerised Capacitor Bank Solution for a Solar Farm in the UK
This project addressed power-quality challenges at the remote end of a weak grid, while overcoming limited land availability and strict excavation restrictions at a mountainous solar farm in the UK. Sieyuan supplied a highly integrated containerised capacitor bank solution, with all main-circuit equipment — including capacitors, reactors and isolating switches — arranged in a compact three-dimensional layout within a standard container enclosure. All internal busbar connections and secondary control wiring were completed and withstand tests conducted before delivery, eliminating the need for extensive onsite secondary wiring. Only primary cable connections were required during installation, reducing construction activities, minimising exposure to high UK labour costs and site-interface risks, and enabling faster grid connection while meeting power-quality requirements.
Project Overview
A containerised 35 kV, 2000 kvar capacitor bank solved power-quality and land-use constraints at a hillside solar farm in the UK.
Project Background
A weak 132 kV connection point needing reactive compensation and harmonic control.
Key Challenges
Limited mountainous land and strict restrictions on excavation.
Sieyuan Solution
A three-dimensional layout fully integrated into a factory-assembled container.
Technical Highlights
A smaller footprint, simplified site installation and faster commissioning.
Project Overview
Project Background
The solar farm is located at the end of a relatively weak section of the grid, where voltage fluctuations at the 132 kV point of connection can affect power quality. A high-capacity capacitor bank was required to provide reactive power compensation and harmonic mitigation, ensuring compliance with UK National Grid connection requirements.
Key Challenges
- Strict land-use and environmental constraints — Located in a hilly and mountainous area, the site offered limited space for new electrical infrastructure. In addition, the project imposed strict restrictions on excavation activities. A conventional open-air, rack-mounted capacitor bank would have required a larger installation area and increased civil works, creating challenges in meeting planning requirements.
- High on-site construction complexity and cost — Conventional capacitor bank installations require extensive site activities, including steel structure assembly, welding, equipment installation and secondary wiring. Combined with high labour costs in the UK and potential interface risks between multiple site activities, this approach was not suitable for the project requirements.
Sieyuan Solution
- Compact integrated design — The main-circuit equipment — including capacitors, reactors and isolating switches — was arranged using a three-dimensional layout and fully integrated within a standard container enclosure, significantly reducing the required installation footprint.
- Factory-assembled solution for rapid deployment — All internal busbar connections and secondary control wiring were completed and withstand tests conducted before delivery. At site, installation was simplified to primary cable connections followed by commissioning, reducing construction workload and shortening the overall project schedule.
Technical Highlights
- Reduced installation footprint — Compared with conventional rack-mounted capacitor bank solutions, the containerised design substantially reduced land requirements, providing an effective solution for installation in space-constrained mountainous environments.
- Simplified site installation and shorter construction period — The factory-assembled containerised solution reduced civil works and on-site assembly activities, helping minimise construction complexity and project execution costs in the UK environment.
