A method to calculate capacitor switching transients using short-circuit programs

Capacitor switching transients is an important power quality concern. The power quality impact of a capacitor switching event is traditionally evaluated with the Electromagnetic transients (EMT) simulation program. This requires the creation of EMT cases for studying the event, which can be a very time consuming process. All utility companies conduct load flow and short-circuit studies for their systems and cases are always available for such studies. This paper presents an idea to conduct capacitor switching study using short-circuit program. The proposed method can be integrated into the program, resulting in significant saving of engineering time for capacitor switching studies. The proposed method conducts transients studies in frequency (harmonic) domain. It models a capacitor switching event as a harmonic voltage source. Short-circuit calculation method is used to establish the frequency-responses of the study system.