Capacitor bank

Store energy and improve the system's performance.

Capacitor banks play a fundamental role both in conventional electrical facilities and in renewable energy projects. They allow the storage of surplus when production exceeds demand, optimizing its use and managing reactive energy, a type of energy that circulates without doing useful work and which can cause inefficiencies. These banks ensure a more sufficient supply in factories, commercial buildings, and homes.

Knowing about the types of electricity provides a deeper understanding of how electrical energy is produced and how different sources affect the management and distribution of electricity.

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What is a capacitor bank?

A capacitor bank is a device designed to improve the efficiency of the electrical system. It stores the excess energy generated when production exceeds demand and releases it when necessary. This optimizes distribution in facilities such as industrial plants, renewable energy systems (such as solar and wind energy), and homes with high energy requirements.

Types of capacitor banks

There are different types of capacitor banks, adapted to industrial and residential needs.

1. Three-phase capacitor bank

In industrial environments, the three-phase capacitor bank stabilizes electricity supply by dividing the charge among three phases. This allows a balanced use of the energy and reduces pressure on the gird. Moreover, these banks are widely used in wind and solar farms to optimize energy storage and ensure a constant and efficient supply.

2. Capacitor bank for home

In the residential field, the capacitor bank for home optimizes the energy consumption of high-performance household appliances, protecting the equipment from possible overloads. They are especially useful in homes with solar installations, but they also benefit any home that seeks to improve its energy efficiency.

How does a capacitor bank work?

A capacitor bank uses a system that stores and releases electrical energy according to demand. The banks capture the excess energy when production is greater and release it when necessary. Moreover, they correct the lag between current (the flow of electrons through a conductor) and voltage (the force driving that flow), a common phenomenon in electrical systems where the two don't coincide in time. This lag generates what is called reactive energy, which does no useful work. By correcting it, the capacitor improves efficiency and stabilizes the electrical system, preventing overloads and waste of energy.

Advantages of capacitor banks in all types of facilities

Savings in electrical bill
They store energy when production is high and release it when necessary, reducing operational costs.
Greater energy efficiency
They optimize the use of the energy generated, both in renewable systems and conventional facilities.
Protection of electrical equipment
They help to stabilize the current and prevent overloads in factories, commercial buildings, and homes.
Adaptability
They are essential both in large industrial facilities and in homes with solar or high-consumption systems.

Repsol and capacitor banks: more efficient solar energy

At Repsol, we use capacitor banks in our solar energy projects to optimize the system's performance. These capacitors correct the lag between current and voltage, which allows us to better use the energy generated and prevent inefficiencies. By storing excess energy and releasing it when necessary, a stable and efficient electrical supply is ensured.

Moreover, we offer users the possibility of joining our solar communities, allowing access to solar energy without needing to install panels on their own homes. We use shared roofs to generate and distribute electricity efficiently, maximizing energy storage and reducing long-term energy costs.