In many industrial plants, the power factor correction system is exposed to demanding operating conditions: high ambient temperatures, continuous duty and the presence of current harmonics.
In these contexts, using standard capacitors can lead to rapid component deterioration, shortening the equipment’s service life and requiring frequent maintenance or replacement.
To address these needs, Ortea offers a range of PFC systems equipped with high‑gradient plus metallized polypropylene capacitors, engineered to deliver greater robustness, durability and long‑term stability.
HIGH‑GRADIENT PLUS CAPACITORS: TOUGHER, LONGER‑LASTING
High‑gradient plus metallized polypropylene capacitors are made with thicker film and “wavy‑cut” construction technology, which ensures better cooling and higher resistance to electrical and thermal stress.
They can operate at ambient temperatures up to +70 °C, withstand overloads up to 5 times the rated current for short periods, and guarantee a service life of up to 150,000 hours, significantly longer than standard capacitors.
These features make them ideal for plants operating 24/7 or installed in hot environments or with limited ventilation, such as substation panels or industrial process plants.
WHEN TO CHOOSE REINFORCED CAPACITORS
Systems with high gradient plus capacitors are recommended when:
- the plant is subject to long service hours or continuous‑duty cycles;
- operation takes place in environments with temperatures above 45 °C;
- the previous PFC system showed premature capacitor failures;
- higher long‑term reliability is required to reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
THE VP RANGE: RELIABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
Ortea Next’s VP series integrates these reinforced capacitors into fixed or automatic PFC systems, with solutions available for ratings up to several hundred kvar.
An application example is the Minimatic VP10 400 V 135 kvar 50 Hz model with IP55 protection degree, supplied to a customer replacing a previous system based on standard capacitors whose lifetime proved insufficient.
Main features of the VP range include:
- High‑gradient plus metallized polypropylene capacitors, rated voltage 400-460 V
- Max overload: 1.3×In continuous; 2×In 500 s every 60 min; 3×In 180 s every 60 min; 4×In 90 s every 60 min; 5×In 50 s every 60 min
- Nominal service life: up to 150,000 hours
- Temperature class: -25/+70 °C
- Sheet‑metal enclosures IP3X-IP55, also suitable for tough environments
- Forced ventilation and high‑quality components to ensure consistent performance over time.
ORTEA: 50 YEARS OF POWER QUALITY EXPERTISE
Since 1969, Ortea Next has stood for expertise and innovation in Power Quality. The company designs and manufactures in Italy complete solutions for reactive power compensation, harmonic filtering, voltage stabilization and energy efficiency, combining advanced technology, build quality and tailor‑made customization.
With the VP series, Ortea reaffirms its commitment to delivering robust, reliable and durable solutions that ensure operational continuity and maximum efficiency even under the most demanding conditions.
