A U T O M AT I O N & I N F O R M AT I O N S YS T E M S

NoVAR
Automatic Power Factor Control

NOVAR 300 COMPENSATES FOR INDUCTIVE LOADS BY SWITCHING IN CAPACITORS > Optimises the system power factor > Realise benefits and cost savings > Up to 6 or 12 stages of control

Many power utilities worldwide apply financial penalties to industrial consumers of electrical energy when highly inductive loads are connected. Power Factor Correction (PFC) switches in different capacitors to achieve the optimum quantity of capacitive compensation in order to maintain the desired power factor. NoVAR 300 uses true rms measuring techniques together with a proven software algorithm to achieve this rather than with mean sensing and zero crossing techniques which are inaccurate on distorted waveforms. NoVAR 300 has been designed for safe, simple and reliable operation and is available in two models :
> NoVAR 305 (12 stage capacitor controller) > NoVAR 315 (6 stage capacitor controller)

Customer Benefits Intelligent rotational and linear capacitor switching Safety mode if left in "manual" setting Automatically tracks system frequency

T&D

NoVAR: CAPACITOR SWITCHING

STEP SEQUENCE
NoVAR switches in differing levels of capacitance in order to compensate for the inductive load changes. The amount of capacitance is controlled with a stepping technique. The table below shows the maximum number of steps available on the NoVAR 305 and NoVAR 315. Sequence Number 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 Sequence 1:1:1:1:1 etc 1:1:2:2:2 etc 1:2:2:2:2 etc 1:2:3:3:3 etc 1:2:3:4:4 etc 1:2:4:4:4 etc 1:2:3:6:6 etc 1:2:4:8:8 etc NoVAR 315 6 10 11 15 18 19 24 31 NoVAR 305 12 22 23 33 30 31 30 31

ROTATIONAL
Rotational switching shares the switching duty equally amongst the capacitors and contactors. If a sequence is selected the equal size stages are switched rotationally. Contactors are switched on a first in, first out basis. Selection of rotational switching can result in faster response to system load changes and an even rate of wear on the capacitor contactors.

LINEAR
Linear switching operates contactors on a first in, last out basis .

INTELLIGENT: CAPACITOR
Sudden heavy inductive loads, switched onto or off a system, ideally require capacitance to be added or subtracted more rapidly to maintain the optimum power factor. NoVAR achieves this by "double stepping". For example on sequence 00 (1:1:1) a second step is quickly added after a 2 second delay from the first step being switched. On sequence 03 (1:2:3:3) in order to add or subtract double steps, the switching pattern would be (2:1+3:3+3) etc. safety lockout time is always observed in the above.

Examples of sequence number selection are: 00; used where all capacitor values are the same, where inductive loading is limited to a few drives of equal size. 07; where the first 4 stages progressively double in size, used where many capacitor switching steps can give very accurate power factor correction..

TIME INTERVAL The time interval between switching stages, sometimes called safety lockout time, is governed by 8 TIME selections. Time selection is dependent upon the capacitor discharge time and the system voltage.

INTELLIGENT: CONTACTOR
To ensure even contactor wear, all common sequence steps sizes are rotated independently. For example if (1:1:2:2:2) sequence is selected the single stages are rotated along with the double stages to even out the contact wear for both sets of capacitor contactors.

LIMIT OPTIONS 12 LIMIT options are available (LIMIT is the highest number of capacitor stages to be switched), depending on the sequence selected it removes the possibility of the controller trying to switch in a contactor for which there is no capacitor.

CAPACITOR SWITCHING
With NoVAR it is possible to select which type of switching best meets the site application.

4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

4 4 3 2 1

ROTATIONAL

LINEAR

2>3

NoVAR : selectable rotational, linear or intelligent switching

NoVAR: SAFETY FEATURES

SWITCH ON SELF TEST
Upon power up, the controller undergoes a series of self checks operations to confirm that established set points within the electronic circuitry are maintained and within tolerance. For a few seconds whilst checking these operations are in progress, the LCD shows the model type number. To ensure full integrity of control, this self test feature is repeated every 10 minutes and runs in parallel with the normal operation mode. If the NoVAR fails the CAP and IND LED's will flash alternatively.

CONNECTION DIAGNOSTICS
The NoVAR controller has the ability to inform of incorrect connection of either the current or voltage circuits. This is achieved by the CAP and IND segments of the display flashing and an error code appearing in the main portion of the LCD display. See below :

%Vn %n Cos

PASSWORD PROTECTION
The NoVAR 315 settings cannot be changed without entering the three digit password code. When initally supplied the password corresponds to the last three digits of the serial number. The password prevents unauthorised personnel from changing the existing settings. Two depressions of the Fn key in swift succession will display the sequence setting. A subsequent depression of the key will cause the password function to be displayed. Using the and keys enables the operator to enter the password ; upon confirmation the Fn key is pressed to confirm the setting. The error code, being the phase angle by which the current leads the voltage, can enable early fault recognition and rectification resulting in reduced commissioning times.

NO VOLT RELEASE
A momentary loss of supply voltage could result in the capacitors that have not been safely discharged being reconnected. To protect against this eventuality NoVAR will disable all the output contacts within 15ms if the voltage supply dips below 85% of nominal. After restoration normal operation is resumed and the outputs are energised in sequence after the safety lockout time has elapsed.

RETURN TO AUTO MODE ON TIMEOUT

The NoVAR is usually put in to the manual mode during commissioning. During this period the safety lockout time is always observed. It is possible that the NoVAR can be left in the manual mode with the result that no power factor correction takes place. NoVAR protects against this eventuality by waiting for a period of 5 minutes plus the safety lockout time delay before it automatically returns to the AUTO mode. This feature is cancelled if the operator uses the NoVAR in any way. This is a optional feature and the NoVAR can be supplied without it.

SAFETY LOCKOUT TIME

The time interval between switching stages, sometimes called safety lockout time, is governed by 8 TIME selections. Time selection is dependent upon the capacitor discharge time and the system voltage. The time interval between steps must be larger than the discharge time of the capacitor being switched. As a guide 415V capacitors should discharge to a safe level within 1 minute whilst 11kV capacitors will require 5 minutes. Times can be selected from 10, 20, 30, 60, 180, 300, 480 and 600 seconds.

NoVAR : designed with safety in mind

NoVAR: SETTINGS
STEPPED MENU SYSTEM
NoVAR normally displays a continuously updated indication of system power factor, cos and AUTO to indicate that automatic switching is in progress. By pressing the and keys the display will scroll through the %In and %Vn measurements before returning to power factor. In addition the NoVAR uses the display and function keys to provide a stepped menu to facilitate manual operation, display controller settings or to change settings during operation.

DISPLAY OF SETTINGS
Two depressions of the Fn key on the NoVAR 315 in quick succesion allows access to the settings. These can be stepped through by subsequent depressions of the Fn key :

Setting Sequence Safety lockout time Stage limit C/k Target COS Harmonic alarm detection level (1 to 5%, or off) is an optional feature Rotational or linear switching selection Double stepping (on/off)

Display

C/K CONTROLLER RATING

C/k or controller rating is used to set the switching dead band in terms of the smallest capacitor size in use. Details on how to calculate this setting can be found in the NoVAR commissioning instructions.

TARGET COS
NoVAR can be set to achieve a target COS of between between 0.8 lagging and 0.95 leading

Single or three phase operation (P1 or P3) Return to COS display

Holding the Fn key down will run the controller rapidly through to the normal power factor display. If the NoVAR is left unattended it will return to normal operation after 5 minutes from the last key operation.

% IN AND % Vn MEASUREMENT
NoVAR can display the percentage of nominal inout voltage and current.

SINGLE PHASE OPERATION

%Vn %n Cos

NoVAR is normally supplied for use on a three phase balanced load system. The NoVAR 315 unit may be programmed by the user for use on a single phase operation where required. It should be noted that changing the mode of operation does not alter the voltage input rating. For example, if changing the mode of operation of a 415V, 3 phase NoVAR to a 240V, single phase operation, a 240 / 415V interposing transformer must be used.

BUILT IN COS DISPLAY

NoVAR can display both inductive and capacitive loading with the default display set to show inductive loading. Capactive loading is indicated by the inclusion of C in the display after the power factor reading.

%Vn %n Cos

4>5

NoVAR : flexibility to match most system requirements

NoVAR: ORDER OPTION FEATURES

VOLT FREE OR COMMONED RELAY OUTPUT CONTACTS
NoVAR output relays are offered in two configurations;

commoned contacts are typically used where the

system contactors are driven from the same voltage supply. >Volt free contacts allow connection of contactors with differing coil ratings of up to 500V. If specified, this option also provides the COS alarm by default as the same relay is used for both types of alarm.

COS ALARM
An internal alarm relay is used to provide remote indication of failure to reach targeted power factor. Indication is also shown on the NoVAR display.

CHOICE OF TERMINALS
NoVAR rear case terminals can be supplied in 2 different styles:

Stages in 2 3 4 5

Barrier Block offers a terminal size of M3.5 and

allows the NoVAR to be directly hardwired.

6 Alarm
%Vn %I n Cos

NoVAR 315 HARMONIC ALARM

Plug in connector suitable for all wire connections

up to 2.5mm2 (14AWG). Note that plug in terminals are only available with commoned output contacts and are restricted to operation at 415V and below.

Excessive system harmonics can result from capacitor resonance during switching or from drive controllers. The presence of harmonics will degrade and shorten the life of the stage capacitors. NoVAR will detect excess harmonics in two ways:

where the total harmonic distortion exceeds a preset value of 5%

If the difference in harmonic level during switching

between stages exceeds a preset value selectable between 1% and 5%.

RETURN TO AUTO MODE

The alarm will operate if either preset level is passed. As a further aid to fault diagnosis the display will indicate "H" in the left-hand digit. The user can disable the alarm if not required. NoVAR can be ordered with or without this feature.
OUTPUTS Commoned output contacts COMMON Stage 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4 12 13 5 6 14 15 16 5 6 Volt free contacts 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Stage 1 2 3

NoVAR : maximise your assets by minimising your costs

NoVAR: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

VOLTAGE INPUT Rating (Vn)
110, 120, 415 and 440V (Others available in the range 63.5 to 440V) (Note 415V maximum with plug in terminals) 85% to 110% Vn 45 to 65Hz

IMPULSE TEST
NoVAR will withstand 5kV 1.2/50us, 0.5j to BS923 and IEC60255-22-1 between: All terminals to case

Range Frequency CURRENT INPUT Rating (In)

Current terminals to all others Voltage terminals to all others Open output contacts Any pair of independent circuits

1A or 5A (Others available in the range 0.5 to 5A) 0 to 120% In 45 to 65Hz Class 1.5VA

SURGE WITHSTAND
IEC 60255-22-1 and ANSI C37-90A IEEE std 472 SWC where applicable

Range Frequency Line CT specification

ENVIRONMENTAL
Temperature range

CONNECTION MODE Three phase Ia, Vbc or Ib, Vca or Ic, Vab IL, VLN

Storage Operation

-40 +80C -10 +55C

Relative Hunmidity 93% non condensating

Single phase

OUTPUT AND ALARM CONTACTS (AC) SETTINGS

Customer selectable C/K

Make (resistive) Carry

0.03 to 1.0 0.8 1.00.95 leading 10 to 600s 1 to 6 8 choices off, 1 to 1.5%

1250VA, 500Vac 5A ac

COS Safety Lockout time Stage limit Step sequence Harmonic Alarm

(for commoned outputs, the 5A is divided by the number of stages used)

Break NO VOLT RELEASE

5A, 500V ac

OVERLOAD Voltage Vn Current In

1.5 x Vn for 10 seconds 2 x In continuously 20 x In for 3 seconds

All output contacts are disabled within 15ms. After the supply voltage is restored, normal operation is resumed and the outputs are energised in sequence after the appropriate safety lockout time has elapsed.

BURDENS Current circuit Voltage circuit

0.4VA at In 7VA (6 stages ) 15VA (12 stages)

ISOLATION
NoVAR will withstand 2kV rms 50/60Hz for 1 minute between: All terminals to case

Current terminals to all others Voltage terminals to all others

6>7

NET WEIGHT NoVAR 305 NoVAR 315 TERMINALS Barrier type Plug in type
M3.5 1 2.5mm (18 14 AWG) 1.5kg 0.8kg

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY DIRECTIVE 89/336/EEC Emissions : EN50081-2 1994

Industrial environment

Immunity : EN50082-2 : 1995

Industrial environment

Susceptibility to Electrostatic discharge :

8kV air discharge/ 4kV contact

LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE 72/23/EEC

Designed to EN61010-1: 1993

WARNING : This specification applies for direct contact with the terminals and via air discharge. When the device happens to be opened appropriate ESD precautions must be taken.

NoVAR: ORDER GUIDE

Common Features
1 N 2 3 3 ?
0 1

N305 Features
5 ?
1 3 6 9 T

4 5
5 5

6 ?

7 ?

8 ?

9 ?

10 ?

11 ?

12 ?

13 ?

14 ?

15 A

N305 Model N315 model 1 Relays (N315) 3 Relays (N315) 6 Relays (N315) 9 Relays (N305) 12 Relays (N305) Nominal Voltage

Nominal current Contact type

110V 120V 230V 240V 380V 415V 1A 5A Volt free Common

1 1 2 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 8 1

0 0 0 0 0 5 1 5 V C N Y 0 I R L O I B P A G H I J K A

Connection

Switching

Terminal type Features

Three phase connection without alarm Three phase connection with alarm Single phase connection without alarm Single phase connection with alarm Rotation switching with normally open contacts Linear switching with normally open contacts Rotation switching with normally closed contacts Linear switching with normally closed contacts Barrier Plug in leads Auto return Auto return and lockable cover Without Auto return Without Auto return and with lockable cover Auto return and without double stepping Without Auto return and without double stepping

Design issue Letter

N315 Features
Connection Three phase connection without alarm Three phase connection with alarm Single phase connection without alarm Single phase connection with alarm Three phase with harmonic alarm Single phase with harmonic alarm Barrier Plug in leads Fixed Character Auto return Auto return and lockable cover Without Auto return Without Auto return and with lockable cover 11 ? N Y I O H S 12 ? 13 A 14 ? 15 A

Terminal type Unassigned Features

B P A A B C D A

Design issue Letter

T&D Worldwide Contact Centre Available 24h a day: +44 (0) 1785 25 00 70 http://www.areva-td.com/contactcentre/

Our policy is one of continuous development. Accordingly the design of our products may change at any time. Whilst every effort is made to produce up to date literature, this brochure should only be regarded as a guide and is intended for information purposes only. Its contents do not constitute an offer for sale or advise on the application of any product referred to in it. We cannot be held responsible for any reliance on any decisions taken on its contents without specific advice.

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AUTOMATION-L3-NOVAR-BR-07.04-0482-GB - 2004 AREVA . AREVA, the AREVA logo and any alternative version thereof are trademarks and service marks of AREVA. MiCOM is a registered trademark of AREVA. The other names mentioned, registered or not, are the property of their respective companies. - 389191982 RCS PARIS - SONOVISION-ITEP.