ABB GMKP2800-32IBY | Medium Voltage Power Capacitor Module for Reactive Power Compensation

GMKP2800-32IBY: Product Overview​

This module operates within the power distribution layer of industrial electrical systems, serving as a core component of medium voltage (MV) reactive power compensation assemblies. Positioned between the MV transformer and load centers (e.g., rolling mill drives, crusher motors), its role is to supply capacitive reactive power to counteract inductive loads, thereby improving power factor (targeting ≥0.95) and reducing transmission losses. In a typical architecture, it integrates with ABB’s RVC (Reactive Power Controller) or third-party capacitor banks to dynamically adjust compensation based on real-time load demands.

Core functionality includes storing electrical energy in an oil-immersed dielectric medium, delivering 2800kvar of capacitive output at 32kV, and suppressing harmonic resonance via built-in damping resistors. It processes voltage and current signals to synchronize with the grid, while embedded protection circuits (overpressure, overtemperature, short-circuit) isolate faults to prevent cascading failures. The module belongs to the ABB GMKP Series, a platform optimized for MV power quality applications. Benefits of this series include modular scalability (stackable units for higher kvar ratings), compliance with IEC 60871-1 standards for dielectric performance, and a service life exceeding 15 years in controlled environments.

GMKP2800-32IBY: Technical Specifications​

Core Features & Customer Value​

The oil-immersed dielectric design ensures stable capacitance under varying temperatures and voltages, critical for outdoor installations like steel mill substations where ambient temperatures fluctuate. For utilities and industrial plants, this minimizes capacitance drift (≤1%/year), maintaining consistent power factor correction and avoiding penalties from grid operators. The integrated overpressure disconnector automatically isolates the module during internal faults (e.g., dielectric breakdown), preventing oil leaks and fire risks—enhancing safety in chemical plants or oil refineries.

Modular construction allows parallel connection of multiple units to scale compensation (e.g., 5600kvar for a 100MW load), offering flexibility for brownfield expansions. For engineers, this avoids overprovisioning and reduces initial capital expenditure. Low losses (≤0.2W/kvar) translate to energy savings of ~1,200kWh/year per module at full load, lowering operational costs in 24/7 facilities like cement kilns. Compatibility with ABB’s RVC controller enables dynamic adjustment of reactive power, optimizing compensation during partial load conditions (e.g., night shifts in paper mills).

Typical Applications​

In a steel rolling mill, the module is installed in the 33kV substation to compensate for inductive loads from main drives (e.g., 10,000HP roughing mill motors). By improving power factor from 0.82 to 0.96, it reduces transformer losses by 15% and avoids utility penalty charges. The oil-immersed design withstands dust and humidity in the mill’s non-climate-controlled switchgear room.

At a cement plant, it forms part of a harmonic filter bank (tuned to 5th/7th harmonics) for 6kV fan motors. The damping resistors suppress resonance, preventing voltage distortion (>5% THD) that could damage VFDs. The -25°C cold-start capability ensures operation during winter shutdowns.

In a municipal water treatment plant, the module compensates for 11kV pump motors, stabilizing voltage during peak demand (morning irrigation cycles). The compact footprint (compared to dry-type capacitors) fits into existing concrete capacitor pits, minimizing civil work.