Installation and Power Factor Controllers

Operating Instructions RVS - RVK

Contents
page
Read this first ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
1. About this Instructions Manual ................................................................................................................................ 2
2. Safety .................................................................................................................................................................. .2
3. Electromagnetic compatibility .................................................................................................................................. 2

Figures & tables ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Figures
Fig 1. Front panel .................................................................................................................................... 3
Fig 2. Rear panel and connection arrangement ..................................................................................... 4
Fig 3. Rear panel switches ...................................................................................................................... 4
Fig 4. Wiring diagram .............................................................................................................................. 5
Fig 5. Leads connection .......................................................................................................................... 5
Table
List of parameters and subparameters with their corresponding display messages................................................. 6

Operation of the user interface ................................................................................................................. 7

Part 1. Easy Start ................................................................................................................................................... 8

Part 2. Advanced Features ........................................................................................................................ 11

1. The DISPLAY Menu .................................................................................................................................................. 11
2. The MODE Menu........................................................................................................................................................ 14
2.1. AUTO mode ................................................................................................................................................. 14
2.2. MAN mode ................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 PRINT mode ................................................................................................................................................. 14
2.4. SET mode ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.5. PLOT mode .................................................................................................................................................. 16
2.6. LOG mode .................................................................................................................................................... 16
3. The Indicators ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
4. Remote control & serial port ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Part 3. Testing & Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 20

Part 4. Technical Specifications............................................................................................................ 22

Appendix A C/k - Sensitivity of the PF Controller ......................................................... 23

Appendix B Sequences and modes of switching .......................................................... 24
Appendix C Optional accessories................................................................................................ 27

1
Read this first
1. About this Instructions Manual
This Instructions Manual is designed to help you quickly install and operate the RVS - RVK PF Controllers. It is organized as
follows :

• Figures & tables.

• Operation of the user interface : for a description of the principle of use of the user interface .

• Part 1. Easy Start: for a quick and easy installation and operation of the basic PF Controller functions using default values.

• Part 2. Advanced Features: for operation of advanced features of the PF Controller.

• Part 3. Testing and Troubleshooting.

• Part 4. Technical Specifications.

2. Safety
Read these instructions before you install and operate this PF Controller.
Installation, maintenance, etc. of the PF Controller must be performed by qualified electricians.
Do not work under voltage.
Do not open the PF Controller’s housing. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Disconnect the voltage before replacing the fuse.
The PF Controller is connected to a current transformer. Do not unplug the current transformer connections before making sure
it is short-circuited or connected to another parallel load of sufficiently low impedance. Failure to do so can create dangerous
over voltages.
Do not use this product for any purpose other than its original aim.

3. Electromagnetic compatibility
This PF Controller has been verified for compliance with EU (European Union) directives for EMC (electromagnetic
compatibility) for operation at 50Hz and bears the CE marking to this effect.
When an apparatus is used in a system, EU directives may require that the system be verified for EMC compliance.
The following guidelines are helpful in improving the EMC performance of a system:
1. Metallic enclosures generally improves EMC performance.
2. Run cables away from apertures in the enclosure.
3. Run cables close to grounded metallic structures.
4. Use multiple ground straps for doors or other panel parts as required.
5. Avoid common ground impedances.

2
Fig. 1. Front Panel

1 active outputs LED’s 9 VRMS LED 17 DELAY LED 25 RS 232 LED*

2 7-segment display 10 ARMS LED 18 SEQUENCE LED 26 LOCK LED
3 mode AUTO LED 11 kVA LED 19 TEMP LED* 27 MODE Button
4 mode MAN LED 12 kVAR LED 20 SET UP LED 28 - Button
5 mode PRINT LED 13 THD V LED* 21 one step more LED 29 DISPLAY Button
6 mode SET LED 14 THD A LED* 22 one step less LED 30 + Button
7 mode PLOT LED* 15 COS ϕ LED 23 fan output LED* 31 NEXT Button
8 mode LOG LED* 16 OUTPUT LED 24 alarm LED

* RVS only

DISPLAY Menu MODE Menu INDICATORS

3
Fig. 2. Rear panel and connection arrangement

M1 M2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 A A

(✱)

RJ12 PLUG IN (✱) RVK: NOT ACTIVE

RVS: ACTIVE
FUNCTION TERMINAL
RS-232 Rxd = X.5
Txd = X.6
SG = X.3
X
PLOT OUT = X.2
SG = X.3

N-REF MAKE
X.1-X.4
NETWORK SUPPLY LOAD
TEMP IN- = Y.1
IN+ = Y.2
V+ = Y.3
SG = Y.4
Y
L3
RESERVED Y.5 - Y.6 L2
LOCK L1
SET
RJ12(✱) RJ12(✱) AUX(✱)

1 2 1 . . 6 1 . . 6

RUN X Y
UNLOCK 1 2 CT1 CT2 PE NC L2 L3
NOMINAL VOLTAGE
100 - 120 Vrms
O
N 1 2

FUSE 125 mA

CT1,CT2 : leads of the current transformer X3 : signal ground

PE : protective earth X4 : must be connected to X1 for night COS ϕ switching
NC : not connected X5 : Rxd - receive terminal of RS232 serial port
L2, L3 : 2 of the 3 phases (not monitored by the CT) X6 : Txd - transmit terminal of RS232 serial port
M1, M2 : leads of the normally closed contact of the alarm relay Y1 : first input for temperature sensor
A1, A2 : output relay common source Y2 : reserved for future use
1 - 12 : outputs (1 - 6 for RVS-6 or RVK-6) Y3 : reserved input for temperature sensor
Aux1- Aux2 : normally open contacts (to drive a fan) Y4 : signal ground
X1 : must be connected to X4 for night COS ϕ switching Y5 : reserved for future use
X2 : plot outputs Y6 : reserved for future use

Fig. 3. Rear panel switches

LOCK
SET

1 2

RUN
UNLOCK

O
N 1 2

4
Fig. 4. Wiring diagram

(*) To comply with safety standard, one of the CT’s connections shall be grounded.

Fig. 5. Leads connection

5
 List of parameters and subparameters with their
corresponding display messages

RVK
NEXT
PARAMETERS SUB-PARAMETERS
VRMS U.r.M.S. SCAL. Min. U.Nom.
ARMS A.r.M.S. SCAL. ASin. SEnS.
KVA _UA_
KVAR _UAr StEP M.UAr M.St.p n._St.
DISPLAY COS ϕ _P.F._ rEF. Min.
OUTPUT Out_ 1. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10.12.
DELAY dEL._ S.oFF rES.t AL.rM. rS.Al. Pr.nt
SEQUENCE SEQ_ Ln.Cr. n_PH d.PHi
SETUP SEtP SCAL. SCAL. rEF. _CT_ SEnS.

RVS
NEXT
PARAMETERS SUB-PARAMETERS
VRMS U.r.M.S. SCAL. MAx. Min. U.Nom.
ARMS A.r.M.S. SCAL. MAx. ASin. SEnS.
KVA _UA_ MAx.
KVAR _UAr MAx. StEP M.UAr M.St.p n._St.
DISPLAY THD V t.H.d.U MAx.
THD A t.H.d.A MAx.
COS ϕ _P.F._ rEF. n.rEF. Min.
OUTPUT Out_ 1. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10.12.
DELAY dEL._ S.oFF rES.t AL.rM. rS.Al. Pr.nt
SEQUENCE SEQ_. Ln.Cr. Pr.dr. nM.ln. n_PH d.PHi
TEMP tEmP. Unit SCAL. OF.S.t t.rEF. MAx.
SETUP SEtP SCAL. SCAL. rEF. _CT_ SEnS.

6
Operation of the user interface
See Fig. 1 : Front Panel description for easy location of DISPLAY Menu, MODES Menu, INDICATORS and BUTTONS.

1. Using Front Panel BUTTONS

• Buttons MODE, DISPLAY and NEXT allows the user to navigate through the PF Controller’s menus without
affecting their settings.

• Buttons + and - allow the user to modify menu settings or start a process by pressing them simultaneously.

• Press and Hold the DISPLAY or NEXT buttons to display prompts for measured values and adjustable settings.
Release the DISPLAY or NEXT buttons to display the parameter’s value.

2. Viewing INDICATORS and the DISPLAY

• LEDs indicate the corresponding parameter/function that is selected.

• A flashing LED indicates that the corresponding parameter is programmable or the corresponding function is
activated.

• Basic parameters are labelled on the front plate_(DISPLAY menu). Subparameters are not labelled but the left
most digit of the display shows a specific sign ( for max., _ for min., ...)

• When a decimal point of the right most digit lights, the displayed value must be multiplied by 1000 (eg. 99.9.).

3. All menus and submenus are circular (closed loop).

7
Part 1. Easy Start
See Front panel (Fig.1) and Rear panel (Fig.2) descriptions for easy location of switches, buttons and LED’s.

If you have received your capacitor bank already fitted with a connected RVS/RVK Power Factor Controller go directly
to point 6 of this Easy Start

1. Check the PF Controller supply voltage (see the orange sticker on the back side of the PF Controller).
NOMINAL VOLTAGE NOMINAL VOLTAGE NOMINAL VOLTAGE
100 -120 Vrms 220 - 240 Vrms 380 - 440 Vrms
The working voltage range indicated on the sticker is a nominal voltage. A tolerance of +/- 10% is allowed.

Nominal voltage Allowed extreme tolerance band

Type 3 380 - 440 V 342 - 484 V (rms)
Type 2 220 - 240 V 198 - 264 V (rms)
Type 1 100 - 120 V 90 - 132 V (rms)

2. Connect the PF Controller as described on Fig. 4 (wiring diagram), Fig. 2

(rear panel & connection arrangement) and Fig. 5 (leads connection).
Note that the current transformer (CT) must be installed on the supply side of the automatic capacitor bank in order to measure
the total current in the load and capacitors.
Warning : never open the secondary circuit of an energized current transformer !
The PF Controller recognizes the sense of the phase-rotation and adjusts itself accordingly. There is then no requirements for
the orientation of the current transformer (k, I) or of the feeding leads (L2, L3).

3. Energize the PF Controller.

Note : If you have a short-circuit on the CT’s secondary winding don’t forget to open it after having connected the current input
of the PF controller.

4. Enter :
• The number of active outputs
• The type of switching sequence
by following this programming procedure :
4.1. Put the switch n°2 located on the back side (lower left end) of the controller on SET position (up). Make sure that switch
n°1 is in the UNLOCK position (down). See Fig.2 and Fig.3.
The LOCK position prevents any unauthorized operation of the PF controller. The LOCK status is displayed by the LOCK
LED located on the front panel.
4.2. Select the SET mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the SET mode LED lights up.
4.3. Select the OUTPUT parameter by repeatedly pressing the DISPLAY button until the OUTPUT LED flashes.
4.4. Repeatedly press the – or + buttons to program the required number of active outputs (from 1 to 12 outputs for RVS-12
and RVK-12, from 1 to 6 outputs for RVS-6 and RVK-6).
4.5. Select the SEQUENCE parameter by repeatedly pressing the DISPLAY button until the SEQUENCE LED flashes.
(see appendix B for details about sequence)
4.6. Repeatedly press the – or + buttons until the required sequence is displayed.

8
5. Default settings for switching delay time between steps, type of
switching and network configuration are :
• Switching delay time between steps :default setting = 40 s.
• Type of switching :default setting = linear.
• Network configuration :default setting = three-phase.

If you want to change these default settings go to Part 2. AdvancedFeatures.

6. Enter :
• The scaling of Vrms (voltage), network to control voltage ratio
• The scaling of Arms (current), current transformer ratio
• The target Power factor

& Activate :
• The auto-adaptation to phase rotation
• The automatic computation of C/k (sensitivity)

by following this programming procedure :

Before starting this programming procedure make sure that switch n°2 located on the back side (lower left end) of the PF
controller is on SET position (up) and switch n°1 is in the UNLOCK position (down). See Fig.2 and Fig.3.
6.1. Select the SET mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the SET mode LED lights up.
6.2. Repeatedly press the DISPLAY button until the display shows the message Set.P. The SETUP LED flashes.

Scaling of Vrms (voltage)

6.3. Press and hold the NEXT button to display the voltage SCAL prompt. The VRMS LED starts flashing.
Release the NEXT button to display the voltage SCAL’s default value (1.00).
6.4. Repeatedly press the – or + button to adjust the voltage SCAL’s value to the PT ratio.

Scaling of Arms (current)

6.5. Press and hold the NEXT button to display the current SCAL prompt. The ARMS LED starts flashing.
Release the NEXT button to display the current SCAL’s default value (1.00).
6.6. Repeatedly press the – or + buttons to adjust the current SCAL’s value to the CT ratio.

Target Power factor

6.7. Press and hold the NEXT button to display the target power factor’s prompt, rEF. The COS ϕ LED starts flashing.
Release the NEXT button to display the default value (1.00).

6.8. Repeatedly press the – or + buttons to modify the default value of the day COS ϕ target until the required value is
displayed.

Auto-adaptation to phase rotation

6.9. Press and hold the NEXT button to display the message _Ct_. The SETUP LED flashes.
Release the NEXT button and the display gives the message GOOd or rEU_ (means that the CT’s connections of the PF
controller are internally reversed).

Caution: Before going to the next step, load has to be passive (not generative).

6.10. Simultaneously press the – and + buttons to activate the auto-adaptation to phase rotation. The message _Ct_ is
displayed for one second. Depending on the actual CT connection either the message GOOd or the message rEU_
(reverse) appears. If the CT is reversed there is no need to make an adjustment.
The PF Controller will make an internal adjustment automatically.
If the current is too small, the PF Controller will display the message I_tS.

9
Automatic computation of C/k (sensitivity)
6.11. Press the NEXT button once. The SETUP LED flashes.
Press and hold the NEXT button to display the sensitivity prompt : SEnS. Release the NEXT button to display the
message _AU_ (automatic computation of sensitivity).

Note: The C/k computation has better chance to suceed if the power network is stable.
If the process failed several times consecutively, we recommend to wait for a quiet network time or to use
another way to set the C/k (see appendix A).

6.12. Warning : this operation will switch on and off the first capacitor step.
Simultaneously press the – and + buttons to activate the automatic computation of C/k. The message _AU_ flashes until
the end of the computation.
The computation time is equal to 4 times the switching delay time between steps (eg. 2 min 40sec for a delay time of 40
seconds.)
At the end of the computation process, the computed C/k value is displayed. See Appendix A if you want to check the
C/k value yourself.

Note :You can check the above programmed values by repeating steps 6.3. to 6.12.

7. Save the entered values

Press the MODE button once to save the entered values. The message SAVE is displayed for one second.

8. Start Power Factor control

Press the MODE button once to switch to the AUTO mode and start Power Factor control.

9. Prevent unauthorized change of the settings

Put the switch n°2 in the RUN position (down) to prevent unauthorized change of the settings.

10
Part 2. Advanced Features
1. The DISPLAY Menu
The DISPLAY Menu allows the user to display all the parameters and subparameters (50 for the RVS and 33 for the RVK).
The DISPLAY button allows the direct display (one at a time) of the basic measurements or basic parameters (8 for RVS and 5
for RVK).
The programming procedure of the parameters is described in point 2.4. SET mode.
The basic measurements directly accessible are :
PROMPT

− voltage of the feeding circuit. U.r.m.s.

− current flowing in the main circuit. A.r.m.s.

− apparent power. _UA_

− reactive power consumed from the network. _UAr

− total harmonic voltage distortion (not available on RVK). t.Hd.U

− total harmonic current distortion (not available on RVK). t.H.d.A

− power factor of the installation. _P.F._

− temperature at the lead location (not available on RVK). tEmp.

The basic parameters directly accessible are:

PROMPT

− numbers of activated outputs Out_

− switching on delay time dEl._

− sequence types. SEQ._

− setup utility (see part 1. ‘Easy Start’) SEtP

See table 1 for the list of all parameters and subparameters with their corresponding display indications.

Description of measurements & parameters

When a basic parameter is selected its subparameters or submeasurements are accessible through the NEXT button. Those
subvalues are displayed one by one, in a circular list ordered as hereafter. Note that subparameters line description are
preceded by a minus sign (-) and submeasurements by a plus sign (+).
PROMPT

VRMS: voltage of the feeding circuit. U.r.m.s.

− Voltage transformer ratio (programmable from 0.01 to 650, multiplies voltage input by the selected ratio) SCAL.

− Maximum voltage threshold (not available on RVK) above which : MAx.

• LOG mode is triggered
• all capacitor steps are switched off.

− Minimum voltage threshold below which all capacitor steps are switched off Min.

− Nominal capacitor voltage (see Appendix A) U.noM.

ARMS: current flowing in the main circuit. A.r.m.s.

11
 − Current transformer ratio (programmable from 0.1 to 65500) SCAL.

− Maximum current threshold above which LOG mode is triggered (not available on RVK). MAx.

+ Reactive current through the input current of the PF controller A.Sin.

+ C/k (PF Controller reaction sensitivity - programmable from 0.050 to 1.00 for a 5 A input device) SEnS.

KVA: apparent power. _UA_

− Maximum kVA threshold above which LOG mode is triggered (not available on RVK). MAx.

KVAR: reactive power consumed from the network. _UAr

− Maximum kvar threshold above which LOG mode is triggered (not available on RVK) MAx.

− Size of the smallest capacitor step (lowest kvar variation - from 0 to 99.9 Mvar). See Appendix A. StEP

+ Instantaneous missing reactive power to reach the preset minimum COS ϕ M.Uar

+ Instantaneous missing capacitor steps to reach the preset minimum COS ϕ M.St.p

+ Actual number of steps switched on. n._St.

THD V: total harmonic voltage distortion (not available on RVK). t.h.d.U

− Maximum threshold of voltage total harmonic distortion above which the LOG mode is triggered. MAx.

THD A: total harmonic current distortion (not available on RVK). t.h.d.A

− Maximum threshold of current total harmonic distortion above which the LOG mode is triggered. MAx.

COS ϕ : power factor of the installation. _P.F._

− Desired (target) power factor (programmable from 0.7 capacitive to 0.7 inductive).

− Reference value for Day COS ϕ control rEF.

− Reference value for Night COS ϕ control (not available on RVK) n.rEF.

N.B. Switching to night COS ϕ is performed through an external make contact connected to the X RJ12 plug
in (see table on the back side of the RVS PF Controller).
The night COS ϕ switching can be disabled by increasing the nrEF value to _dIS (after c O.70).

− Minimum COS ϕ threshold below which : Min.

• the alarm LED lights up and alarm relay (available on RVS only) closes after an alarm delay
• LOG mode is triggered to monitor missing reactive power and missing steps if all capacitor steps are on
and there is still a demand to switch on more capacitor steps.

OUTPUT: Selection of the number of active outputs. Out_

(from 1 to 6 for the RVS-6 and RVK-6 and from 1 to 12 for the RVS-12 and RVK-12).

12
− Activation/deactivation of selected outputs:
• A, outputs 1 to 3 1.3.

• B, outputs 4 to 6 4.6.

• C, outputs 7 to 9 7.9.

• D, outputs 10 to 12 10.12.

Note: The individual state of output is displayed by pressing the NEXT button.
The sign indicates an activated output. The absence of this sign indicates a deactivated output.
Outputs are (de)activated by pressing the - button. The output is selected by pressing the + button.
The sign underscore _ indicates the selected output (eg. _ ).

DELAY: switching on delay time between steps (programmable from 1 to 120 seconds or 1 to 120 minutes dEL_
Eg. : S. xxx = xxx seconds, M. xxx = xxx minutes)

− Switching OFF delay time S.oFF

− Power-on reset delay time rES.t

− Delay time after which the LED alarm lights up and alarm relay switches on when the following AL.rM
conditions are present :
• all capacitor steps are switched on and there is a demand for additional capacitor steps.
• the actual COS ϕ is lower than the programmed minimum COS ϕ threshold (not the target COS ϕ).
The alarm delay time is programmable from 1 to 120 seconds or 1 to 120 minutes.
The alarm function resets after the alarm reset delay when one of the two above conditions disappears. rS.AL.
The alarm reset delay time is programmable from 1 to 120 seconds or 1 to 120 minutes.
– Printing time period of parameters Pr.nt

SEQUENCE: Selection of the type of sequence(1:1:2:2:...2, 1:1:2:4:...4, etc.) SEq_.

− Selection of type of switching (see Appendix B for a quick description of the types of switching):

• linear or circular (on outputs of highest value) (Cir., Lin.) Ln.Cr.

• progressive or direct (ProG, dir.) Pr.dr.

• normal or integral (norM, IntG) nM.In.

− Programming of the PF Controller as a three or single-phase device n_PH

− Phase shift programmable from -179° to +179°, useful in case of particular configuration of voltage and
current measurement devices (i.e. when CT is set in one of the voltage lines PT). d.PHi

TEMP
− Temperature unit: C° or F° Unit

− Volt/t° conversion ratio SCAL.

− Offset value related to the type of temperature sensor OF.S.t

− Temperature threshold at which the fan relay is switched. t.rEF.

− Maximum temperature threshold (not available on RVK ) above which : MAx.

• LOG mode is triggered

• all capacitor steps are switched off.

13
 SETUP: setup utility (see part 1. ‘Easy Start’) SEtP

2. The MODE Menu

2.1. AUTO mode (Automatic mode)

In this mode the PF Controller automatically switches on or off capacitor steps according to the following pre-set parameters :

• Target COS ϕ (0.7 cap. - 0.7 ind.)

• C/k sensitivity (0.05 - 1 A)

• Switching delay (from 1 s to 120 min)

• Type of sequence (see SET mode and Appendix B)

• Number of active outputs (1 to 6 for RVS-6 and RVK-6, 1 to 12 for RVS-12 and RVK-12)

2.2. MAN mode (Manual mode)

In this mode the capacitor steps can be switched on or off manually by pressing buttons - and +.
Useful Hint : select the KVAR parameter in order to check that the displayed kvar measurement actually varies according to the
switched on/off capacitor steps.

2.3. PRINT mode (Printing mode)

This mode allows the printing of reports and measurements through an infrared printer.
Basic parameters and reports that can be printed are :

• VRMS: voltage of the feeding circuit.

• ARMS: current flowing in the main circuit.

• KVA: apparent power.

• KVAR: reactive power consumed from the network.

• THD V: total harmonic voltage distortion (not available on RVK).

• THD A: total harmonic current distortion (not available on RVK).

• COS ϕ: power factor of the installation.

• OUTPUT: number of activated outputs when capacitor step has just switched.

• SEQUENCE: logged information (report) printed once per hour if a log condition occurs. It is not related to the preset
printing delay (not available on RVK).

• TEMP: temperature at the lead location (not available on RVK).

• SETUP: full settings report printed only once and not related to the pre-set printing delay.

Printing parameters and reports

1. Select the SET mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the SET mode LED lights up.
2. Select the DELAY parameter by repeatedly pressing the DISPLAY button until the DELAY LED flashes.
3. Select the print delay by pressing the button NEXT until the message Pr.nt is displayed.
4. Press the – or + buttons until the display indicates the required delay time between printings.
5. Select the PRINT mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the PRINT mode LED lights up.
6. Select the parameter you want to print by pressing the DISPLAY button.
7. Enable printing of the parameter by pressing the + button (pressing the - button disables the parameter to print).
The LED corresponding to the enabled parameter flashes.
8. To enable other parameters repeat steps 6 and 7.

14
9. Install the IR printer in the IR emitting area (up to 2 m when printer faces the front panel of the PF Controller, less than 10
cm when printer is in the same plane as the PF Controller’s front panel).

Note: If the IR printer is magnetically fixed to the metallic cabinet door where the PF Controller is installed it must be
mounted within 10 cm of the controller.
10. Energize the printer (see IR printer Instructions Manual).
11. Press the NEXT button to start the printing session. The PRINT LED flashes.
12. Press the NEXT button again to stop the printing session. The PRINT LED stops flashing.
(The printer may continue to print until its buffer is empty.)

Example - Printing VRMS, ARMS and COSϕ

1. Select PRINT mode.

2. Select VRMS via the DISPLAY button.
3. Press the + button to enable printing of VRMS. The VRMS LED is flashing.
4. Select ARMS via the DISPLAY button.
5. Press the + button to enable printing of ARMS. The ARMS LED is flashing.

6. Select COS ϕ via the DISPLAY button.

7. Press the + button to enable printing of COS ϕ. The COS ϕ LED is flashing.
8. Press the NEXT button to start printing of the enabled parameters (pressing the NEXT button again stops the printing).

2.4. SET mode (Programming mode)

This mode allows the programming of the subparameters.
Programmable subparameters are described in part 2. ‘DISPLAY menu’. All parameters and subparameters are programmable
but measurements and submeasurements are not.

Programming parameters in the SET mode

1. Put the switch n°2 located on the back side (lower left end) of the controller on SET position (up). Make sure that switch
n°1 is on UNLOCK (down) position (See Fig. 2 ).
2. Select the SET mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the SET mode LED lights up.
3. Select the required parameter by repeatedly pressing the DISPLAY button until the corresponding LED flashes.
4. Select the required subparameter by pressing the NEXT button.

Note: The corresponding LED flashes when a programmable parameter is selected.

5. Press the – or + buttons until the display indicates the required value you want to give to the subparameter
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for each parameter to program.
7. Once all required parameters are programmed quit the SET mode to save the programmed values in the non-volatile
memory. If value(s) were modified while in the SET mode, a SAVE message is displayed as confirmation.

Example - Programming a CT ratio of 1000/5

1. Select the SET mode.

2. Select ARMS via the DISPLAY button.
3. Select subparameter SCAL via NEXT button.
4. Increase the displayed default value (1.0) to 200 via the + button.
5. Exit the SET mode to save the programmed value.

2.5. PLOT mode (Plotting mode) - not available on RVK

This mode allows the user to plot the basic measurements through the analog voltage output.

15
The following measurements can be plotted:

• VRMS: voltage of the feeding circuit. (0 to 500 V - 1 bit = 5 V)

• ARMS: current flowing in the main circuit. (0 to 5 A or 1 A - 1 bit = 50 mA or 10 mA)

• KVA: apparent power. (0 to 5 kVA - 1 bit = 50 VA)

• KVAR: reactive power consumed from the network. (-5 kvar to +5 kvar - 1 bit = 100 Var)

• THD V: total harmonic voltage distortion. (0 to 100 % - 1 bit = 1 %)

• THD A: total harmonic current distortion. (0 to 100 % - 1 bit = 1 %)

• COS ϕ: power factor of the installation. (0.00i to 0.00c - 1 bit = 0.02)

• TEMP: temperature at the sensor location. (-40 to 100°C - 1 bit = 2 °C)

In this mode the D.C. voltage between terminals X.2 and X.3 (RJ12 plug in) is in a proportional relation with the selected
parameter. This voltage goes in the range 0 - 5 VDC with an offset of 2.5 VDC. Response time of this output is under 100
milliseconds and can be monitored by a sufficiently fast device (eg. scopemeter) in order to follow quick variations of the
network.

Plotting out measurements

1. Select the PLOT mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the PLOT mode LED lights up.
2. Select the parameter you want to plot.
3. Enable plotting of the parameter by pressing the + button (pressing the - button disables the parameter to plot). The LED
corresponding to the enabled parameter flashes.

Note: Only one parameter at a time can be selected in this mode.

4. Install the plotting device (scopemeter, plotter, voltmeter, etc.).
5. Connect the plotting device to the RJ12 X plug in.
6. Press the NEXT button to start the plotting session. The PLOT LED flashes.
7. Press again the NEXT button to stop the plotting session. The PLOT LED stops flashing.

Example - Monitoring of quick variation of kvar

1. Select PLOT mode.

2. Select KVAR via the DISPLAY button.
3. Press the + button to enable plotting of KVAR. The KVAR LED is flashing.
4. Press the NEXT button to start plotting of KVAR (pressing again the NEXT button stops the plotting).

2.6. LOG mode (Logging mode) - not available on RVK

The LOG mode allows you to store maximum values and time durations related to pre-set thresholds.
The LOG mode is a visual mode only. Thresholds cannot be set in this mode.
The use of the LOG mode implies that a threshold (min or max) is pre-set in the SET mode.
As soon as the threshold pre-set is achieved the PF Controller is able to detect any over or underload condition.
Each time the logged parameter pass over the threshold, the LOG LED starts flashing, the time during which the threshold has
been passed over is accumulated and the highest maximum value is stored.
A max. value is stored in the volatile memory (RAM) when an alarm condition remains for at least one second.
A new max. value is stored in the non-volatile memory every minute.
An accumulated time is stored in the non-volatile memory every hour ( maximum accumulated time counter is 1080 hours ).

The RVS PF Controller allows the logging of the following parameters:

Displayed message
VRMS
− Maximum voltage value above the programmed voltage threshold. U.LoG.

− Accumulated time during which voltage has been above the programmed maximum voltage threshold. U.tiM.

16
 ARMS
− Maximum current value above the programmed current threshold A.LoG.

− Accumulated time during which current has been above the programmed maximum current threshold A.tiM.

KVA
− Maximum kVA value above the programmed kVA threshold UA_L.

− Accumulated time during which the kVA value has been higher than the programmed maximum kVA
threshold UA_t.

KVAR
− Maximum kvar value above the programmed kvar threshold UAr.L.

− Accumulated time during which the kVAR has been higher than the programmed maximum kVAR
threshold UAr.t.

THD V
− Maximum value of voltage total harmonic distortion above the programmed threshold of voltage total
harmonic distortion h.d.U.L.

− Accumulated time during which the voltage total harmonic distortion has been higher than the maximum
(programmed) threshold of voltage total harmonic distortion h.d.U.t.

THD A
− Maximum value of current total harmonic distortion above the programmed threshold of current total
harmonic distortion h.d.A.L.

− Accumulated time during which the current total harmonic distortion has been higher than the maximum
(programmed) threshold of current total harmonic distortion h.d.A.t.

COS ϕ
− Missing reactive power to be delivered by the capacitor bank to reach the pre-set minimum COS ϕ. M.Ur.L.

− Missing steps of capacitor to be switched on to reach the preset minimum COS ϕ. M.St.L.

− Accumulated time during which missing reactive power to reach the preset minimum COS ϕ has been
measured. M.Ur.t.

TEMP
− Maximum temperature value above the programmed maximum temperature threshold t.LoG.

− Accumulated time during which the temperature value has been higher than the maximum temperature
threshold t.tiM.

Logging measurements

1. Select the SET mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the SET mode LED lights up.
2. Select the basic parameter you want to log by repeatedly pressing the DISPLAY button until the corresponding LED
flashes.
3. Select the threshold by pressing the NEXT button.
4. Press the – or + buttons until the display indicates the required threshold value.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 for each parameter to log.
6. Once all required thresholds are set quit the SET mode.
17
 Note:Access to the LOG mode is only possible when logged data is already recorded.
7. Select the LOG mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the LOG mode LED lights up. Once in the LOG
mode, flashing LED’s indicate logged measurements.
8. Select the logged measurement by repeatedly pressing the DISPLAY button until the corresponding LED flashes.
Note: At least one alarm condition must be valid to enter the LOG mode
9. Display Max. values and durations (display format : hh.mm) via the NEXT button.
Note:Minimum duration time is 1 min.
10. Deleting logged data is achieved by simultaneously pressing + and - buttons. Once + and - buttons are released,
the,message n__y (no - yes) is displayed. Enable deleting by pressing the + button (message y disappears).
11. Quit the LOG mode to delete.
Caution : to clear all logged information check that there is no valid LOG condition before deleting.

Example - Logging of overvoltage (U > 250 V)

1. Select the SET mode by repeatedly pressing the MODE button until the SET mode LED lights up.
2. Select the VRMS parameter by repeatedly pressing the DISPLAY button until the corresponding LED flashes.
3. Select the subparameter MAx. by pressing the NEXT button.
5. Press the – or + buttons until the display indicates 250.
6. Quit the SET mode to store the threshold value entered.
7. If overvoltage conditions have occurred the LOG LED starts flashing.
8. Select the VRMS parameter by repeatedly pressing the DISPLAY button until the corresponding LED flashes. U. Log is
displayed.
9. Press Next button to display U.tim.

3. The INDICATORS
The following INDICATORS are displayed:

• LED indicating a switched on capacitor step

• The demand for adding or removing capacitor steps

• The fan control relay

• The alarm conditions relay

• The RS 232 communication status

• The LOCK status (front panel deactivation when the switch n°1 is in LOCK position)
See Fig. 1 : Front panel for easy location of the above indicators

18
4. Remote Control & Serial Port
The RVS can be connected to a Personal Computer . The RVS-Link software is required for this operation.

4.1. Minimum hardware configuration

The RVS-Link needs any IBM® compatible PC equipped with Microsoft® Windows 3.1x , Windows 95 or Windows NT in order
to run properly.
Any hardware can be used for RVS-Link. However, a 486 DX2 processor with 8 MB of RAM is recommended for comfortable
use. A hard disk with 3MB free space and at least one free serial COM port are required .
In addition, you need a DB9-RJ12 connection.

4.2. RVS-Link overview

The RVS-Link software is intended to communicate with the RVS Power Factor Controller through the RS-232 serial port.
The RVS-Link software allows:

− Remote control of the RVS :

A virtual RVS is displayed in real time on the computer screen. This allows direct remote control of the installed RVS.

− Download any settings from the PC to the RVS :

The user can instantly set up the RVS by downloading customized settings. This allows an easy, quick and reliable
programming of the RVS . Customized settings can be displayed and printed.

− Upload any settings from the RVS to the PC :

This is an easy way to access in one shot all parameters of a particular RVS

− Upload measurements from RVS :

The RVS-Link allows the acquisition of data measured by the RVS .

− Process measurements :
The RVS-Link processes the acquired signals (harmonic analysis, FFT, back up files, etc.) and displays them graphically.

− Download any batch files of macro commands from the PC to the RVS :
The RVS-Link software allows the user to create customized batches of commands and download them to the RVS.

An on-line detailed Help document is provided with the RVS-Link software .

19
Part 3. Testing & Troubleshooting

1. Testing
After installation of the automatic capacitor bank and programming of the switching parameters, the following tests can be
performed depending on load situation.

A. No load or COS ϕ = 1 or capacitive load (set desired COS ϕ = 0.95 ind.)

1. Select MAN mode

2. Add two or more steps by pressing the + button.
3. Select AUTO mode
All capacitor steps must be switched off with the programmed delay time between each switching operation. If all steps are not
switched off, check the following:
– Has an inductive load been connected?
– Have the correct C/k ratio and/or step size been programmed ? (it is recommended that the C/k value be set to a value
slightly higher than the calculated value).

B. Inductive load.

1. Set desired COS ϕ = 1

2. Select AUTO mode

Capacitor steps will now be automatically switched on to compensate the inductive load (the controller will not react if the
inductive current is lower than the preset C/k value. In such a case, test according to A. above).
If all steps are switched on and there is still a demand for additional steps, then check the setting of C/k. If it is correct, then the
bank is too small to compensate to COS ϕ = 1. Select a lower value for COS ϕ.
When one stage repeatedly switches on and off, it means the C/k is set too low (unless the load actually fluctuates periodically
with a time period equal to the switching delay time).

2. Troubleshooting

Fault
The controller does not switch on or off steps although there is a considerable variable inductive load.
Solution
– Check that the controller is in automatic mode.
– Check that the CT connection (i.e. “R” phase) and the voltage connections (i.e. “S-T” phases) are connected in different
phases.
– Check setting of C/k.

Fault
The controller does not seem to activate any steps.
Solution
Wait for the delay time between switching or a power outage delay time.

20
Fault
The preset power factor is not achieved.
Solution
• At low or no load, a low power factor can correspond to a very small inductive current. The corresponding capacitor
steps are too large for compensation.
• If the average COS ϕ over a period of time is too low, the preset COS ϕ may be increased.

Fault

One of the indicators flashes

Solution
Normal situation when the actual inductive current varies around the set sensitivity (C/k).

Fault
The controller indicates capacitor steps switched on, but the contactors are not activated.
Solution
Check the wiring diagram of the power contactors and the controller outputs.

Fault
The alarm function is activated although everything seems normal.
Solution
A very high demand of reactive power during a few minutes may make the bank insufficient to compensate the required
amount of reactive power. It shall therefore indicate an alarm.

Fault
All capacitors are switched on although the required reactive power is relatively low.
Solution
The CT has been placed on the load side of the capacitors.

Fault
The controller is connected but does not work (no LED on).
Solution
Check the voltage setting and the fuse (0.1A/250 V) located on the back side of the controller.

21
Part 4. Technical Specifications
Measuring system: micro-processor system for balanced three-phase networks or single-phase networks.
Operating voltage: 100 to 120 V, 220 V to 240 V, 380 V to 440 V depending on type of controller.
Voltage tolerance: +/- 10% on indicated operating voltages.
Note: a controller may work with a voltage supply out of the above mentioned specified
range. Should it be the case, ABB does not give any guarantee that technical specifications
will be respected.
Frequency range: 50 or 60 Hz +/- 5% (automatic adjustment to network frequency).
Current input: 5A (RMS). 1A on request.
Current input impedance: < 0.1 Ohm.
Fuse rating: 125 mA / 250 Vmin. (T-type).
Primary transformer fuse: a primary transformer fuse is included (for UL approval). This fuse is a safety device under
250 VAC. An external fuse (rated 500 V) must be added for a higher voltage.
Consumption: 15 VA max.
Switching sequences: 1:1:1:1:......1 linear
1:1:1:1:......1 circular
1:1:2:2:......2 linear (1:1 steps circular)
1:1:2:2:......2 circular on outputs of value “2” (1:1 steps circular)
1:2:2:2:......2 linear
1:2:2:2:......2 circular on outputs of value “2”
1:2:4:4:......4 linear
1:2:4:4:......4 circular on outputs of value “4”
1:1:2:4:......4 linear (1:1 steps circular)
1:1:2:4:......4 circular on outputs of value “4” (1:1 steps circular)
1:2:4:8:......8 linear
1:2:4:8:......8 circular on outputs of value “8”
1:1:2:4:8:...8 linear (1:1 steps circular)
1:1:2:4:8:...8 circular on outputs of value “8” (1:1 steps circular)
Output contact rating: Max. continuous current: 1.5A.
Max. peak current: 5A.
Max. voltage: 440 V.
Terminal A-A are rated for a continuous current of 18A (9A/terminal).
Power factor setting: 0.7 inductive to 0.7 capacitive.
Starting current setting (C/k): - 0.05 to 1A (0.01 to 0.2 for a “1A input” controller).
- automatic measurement of C/k.
Variable number of active outputs: - RVS/K - 6: 1 to 6.
- RVS/K -12: 1 to 12.
Switching time between steps: programmable from 1 s to 120 s or 1 min to 120 min (independent of reactive load).
Switching off and on delay times are separately programmable (unsymetrical switching
times).
Saving-function of all programmed parameters in case of power outage longer than 40 ms.
Power outage release: automatic disconnection of all capacitors in case of power outage.
Power outage reset delay time: programmable from 1 s to 120 s or 1 min to 120 min.
Autoadaptation to the phase-rotation of the network and the CT-terminals.
Insensibility to harmonics.
Operating temperature : - 10° C to 70° C.
Storage temperature: - 30° C to 80° C.
Mounting position: vertical panel mounting
Dimensions: 144 x 144 x 85 mm (H x W x D)
Weight: 1500 gr. (unpacked).
Connector: WAGO (PHOENIX compatible).
Protection: IP 20.

22
Appendix A. C/k - Sensitivity of the PF Controller

There are 3 different ways to set the C/k value :

1. C/k can be automatically computed by the PF Controller.

See Part 1. Easy Start - 6. Activate the automatic computation of C/k (sensitivity).

2. Easy setting of the C/k can also be performed by entering the :

• Nominal voltage of the capacitor (VRMS subparameter : U.nom.)

• Scaling of the current (ARMS subparameter : SCAL.)

• Network configuration : three or single phase (SEQUENCE subparameter : n_PH.)

• Size of the first capacitor step (kVAR subparameter : StEP.)

The PF Controller will automatically adjust the C/k value when changing one of these parameters. This C/k value is displayed in
order to give the user a confirmation when quitting the SET mode.
Remark : Any modification of the C/k setting modifies accordingly the “size of the first capacitor step” parameter (StEP.)
(assuming that the other parameters are correctly programmed).

3. The C/k can be set manually.

The recommended setting of C/k can be calculated by the following formula or read directly in the table here after.
Three-phase network: Single-phase network:
Q x 1000 Q x 1000
C/k = 0.62 x -------------------- C/k = 0.62 x -------------------
√3 x U x k Uxk
Q : reactive 3-phase power of one step (kvar) Q : reactive power of one step (kvar)
U : system voltage (V) U : system voltage (V)
k : current transformer ratio. k : current transformer ratio.

C/k values for 400 V supply (three-phase network)

CT Ratio k Capacitor step rating (kvar)

5 10 15 20 30 40 50 60 70 90 100 120
10/1 50/5 10 .45 .90
20/1 100/5 20 .23 .45 .68 .90
30/1 150/5 30 .15 .30 .45 .60 .90
40/1 200/5 40 .11 .23 .34 .45 .68 .90
60/1 300/5 60 .07 .15 .23 .30 .45 .60 .75 .90
80/1 400/5 80 .056 .11 .17 .23 .34 .45 .56 .68 .79 .90
100/1 500/5 100 .045 .09 .14 .18 .27 .36 .45 .54 .63 .81 .90
120/1 600/5 120 .037 .07 .11 .15 .23 .30 .38 .45 .53 .68 .75 .90
160/1 800/5 160 .028 .056 .08 .11 .17 .23 .28 .34 .40 .50 .56 .68
200/1 1000/5 200 .022 .045 .067 .09 .13 .18 .23 .27 .31 .40 .45 .54
300/1 1500/5 300 .015 .030 .045 .060 .09 .12 .15 .18 .21 .27 .30 .36
400/1 2000/5 400 .022 .034 .045 .067 .09 .11 .14 .16 .20 .23 .27
600/1 3000/5 600 .015 0.22 .030 .045 .06 .07 .09 .11 .14 .15 .18

N.B. The " 5 A input" Controller can be set with a C/k in the range (0.05 - 1).
The "1 A input" Controller can be set with a C/k in the range (0.01 - 0.200).

23
Appendix B. Sequences and modes of switching

Basic types of switching sequences

Switching sequences allowed by the RVS - RVK PF Controllers are:
• 1:1:1:1:......1 linear
• 1:1:1:1:......1 circular
• 1:1:2:2:......2 linear (1:1 steps circular)
• 1:1:2:2:......2 circular on outputs of value “2” (1:1 steps circular)
• 1:2:2:2:......2 linear
• 1:2:2:2:......2 circular on outputs of value “2”
• 1:2:4:4:......4 linear
• 1:2:4:4:......4 circular on outputs of value “4”
• 1:1:2:4:......4 linear (1:1 steps circular)
• 1:1:2:4:......4 circular on outputs of value “4” (1:1 steps circular)
• 1:2:4:8:......8 linear
• 1:2:4:8:......8 circular on outputs of value “8”
• 1:1:2:4:8:...8 linear (1:1 steps circular)
• 1:1:2:4:8:...8 circular on outputs of value “8” (1:1 steps circular)

Examples
demand for adding a step.
Demand
demand for removing a step.

Result : output closed

: output open

1:1:1:1:1:.... linear

1 1 1 1 ... 1 1 Steps
... 1
... 2
... 3
... 2
... 1

1:1:1:1:1:.... circular

1 1 1 1 ... 1 1 Steps
... 2
... 3
... 4
... 3
... 2

1:2:2:2:2:.... linear

1 2 2 2 ... 2 2 Steps
... 1
... 2
... 3
... 4
... 3
... 2

24
1:2:4:4:4:....

1 2 4 4 ... 4 4 Steps
... 4
... 5
... 6
... 7
... 8
... 7
... 6

1:2:4:8:8:....

1 2 4 8 ... 8 8 Steps
... 13
... 14
... 15
... 14
... 13
... 12
... 11

Advantage of an integral mode of switching

A RVS configured in NORMAL mode switches on or off a step if the demand is continuously present for all of the programmed
switching delay time. This switching delay time has to be set in accordance with the discharge devices of the capacitors.
For long delay times, and where the load is varying so that the demand is continuously cancelled before the end of this delay, it
appears that the controller cannot react and no steps are switched on. The INTEGRAL mode is useful in this case. With the
INTEGRAL mode, steps switching is based on an average value of the requested reactive power.

Advantage of direct switching

When a PF Controller is set with PROGRESSIVE sequence, useless switching is performed to reach the COS ϕ target because
switching is made step by step.
Between two non-contiguous switching levels, many intermediary steps can be cancelled by the DIRECT sequence. The PF
Controller will switch bigger outputs first.
The combination of DIRECT sequence and INTEGRAL mode measures the mean value of the reactive power of the network
during all the programmed switching delay time, calculates the desired number of steps and switches the outputs to directly
reach the preset COS ϕ. The controller switches on or off all the required outputs :
− if steps must be switched off, the controller does it in one operation because capacitor switch-off is transient-free.
− if steps must be switched on, the controller will switch them on with a fixed12 second delay time between each step in order
to avoid transient problems .

Example :
− type of sequence : 1:2:4:8:8:8:8
− number of steps to be switched on after the programmed delay time : 17 steps
− procedure :
• programmed delay time (ex : 60 seconds )
• switching on of a step 8
• fixed delay of 12 seconds
• switching on of a step 8
• fixed delay of 12 seconds
• switching on of a step 1
Note : With the INTEGRAL mode, the switching off delay time is equal to the switching on delay time, which is the period of
integration. The alarm will work as in NORMAL mode.

25
Advantage of “double first step” switching sequences
“Double first step” switching sequences are :
• 1:1:2:2:2:2...
• 1:1:2:4:4:4...
• 1:1:2:4:8:8...
This type of switching sequence increases the life time of the most solicitated smaller step by alternately switching the two first
outputs.
This type of switching sequence is implemented both in circular and linear modes. In circular mode the circularity is also applied
on the steps of higher value.

26
Appendix C. Optional accessories
The following optional accessories are available :

RVS-Link software

The RVS-Link software is intended to communicate with the RVS Power Factor Controller through the RS-232 serial port.
The RVS-Link software allows:

• Remote control of the RVS

• Download settings from a PC to the RVS or upload any settings from a RVS to a PC
• Upload measurements from RVS
• Process Measurements
• Download any batch files of macro commands from a PC to the RVS
A cable for PC connection is supplied with the RVS-Link.
See Part 2. Advanced features, 5. Remote control & serial link for more details.

Infrared printer

Type HP 82240B
Supplied with magnetic fixation
Max. print speed : 24 character line/second.
Thermal printing.

Cable for PC connection

Length : 3 m.
Fitted with two RJ12 modular plug-in.
Fitted with DB9 - RJ12 adapter.

Temperature probe

-25°C / +100°C.
Wire length : 1.5 m.
Fitted with RJ-12 modular plug-in.

Communication module

All in one module including :

• plot out connection,
• digital input for day/night COS ϕ switching,
• RS232 connection.

WARNING: Do only use original connections cables together with accessories !

27
While all care has been taken to ensure that the information contained
in this publication is correct, no responsibility can be accepted for any
inaccuracy. We reserve the right to alter or modify the information
contained herein at any time in the light of technical or other
developments. Technical specifications are valid under normal
operating conditions only. We do not accept any responsibility for any
misuse of the product and cannot be held liable for indirect or
consequential damages.

SIM.050.7019G01 ed. 6 97-06