I. Aluminum Capacitor Case and Reactive Power Compensation​
(I) Importance of Reactive Power Compensation​
In the power system, there are various types of loads. In addition to pure resistive loads such as incandescent lamps, there are also a large number of inductive loads such as motors and transformers. Inductive loads consume reactive power when working, which will lead to a decrease in the power factor of the power grid. Low power factor not only causes energy waste, but also increases the current of the transmission line, increases line loss and voltage drop, and seriously affects the power supply quality. Reactive power compensation is to provide reactive power to the system through equipment such as capacitors to balance the reactive power consumed by inductive loads, thereby improving the power factor, making power transmission more efficient, reducing losses, and ensuring stable operation of the power grid. ​
(II) Adaptability of aluminum shell​
The choice of shell material for reactive power compensation capacitors is crucial, and aluminum shells are ideal due to their unique properties. Aluminum has good conductivity, which can reduce the loss of current during the conduction process of the Capacitor Case, making the reactive power compensation process more efficient. Structurally, the aluminum shell can be made into a shape that meets the requirements of reactive compensation capacitors through stamping, stretching and other processes, tightly wrapping the internal capacitor components, providing reliable physical protection, preventing external forces from damaging the components, and ensuring the normal operation of the capacitor. In addition, the weight of the aluminum shell is relatively light. When reactive compensation capacitors are installed on a large scale in substations, the overall weight of the equipment is reduced, which facilitates installation and transportation, and reduces the difficulty and cost of construction. ​
2. Aluminum capacitor shell and filtering link​
(I) The necessity of filtering​
With the widespread application of power electronic equipment, a large number of harmonics are generated in the power grid. Harmonics can cause many hazards to electrical equipment, such as increasing the heat generation of transformers, motors and other equipment, reducing efficiency and shortening life, and may also interfere with the normal operation of communication systems. The filtering link is to use a filtering device composed of components such as capacitors to filter out the harmonic current in the power grid, making the power grid current and voltage closer to the sine wave, improving the quality of power, and ensuring the safe and stable operation of electrical equipment. ​
(II) The auxiliary role of the aluminum shell​
The aluminum capacitor shell provides strong support for the filtering link. Its good shielding performance can effectively block the influence of external electromagnetic interference on the internal components of the filter capacitor, ensuring the stability of the filtering effect. The aluminum shell has a certain mechanical strength. During the operation of the filter device, it can resist possible vibration and impact and protect the internal capacitor components from damage. Moreover, the aluminum shell can be further improved through surface treatment, such as anodizing, painting, etc., to prevent the external environmental factors from corroding the capacitor, extend the service life of the filter capacitor, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the filtering link. ​
3. Aluminum shell copes with the challenges of harsh environment​
(I) Corrosion resistance ensures long-term stable operation​
Most substations are built outdoors and must withstand various complex environmental tests. In a humid environment, ordinary material shells are prone to rust and corrosion due to water vapor erosion, affecting the performance and service life of the capacitor. Aluminum shells are different. Aluminum will quickly form a dense aluminum oxide film in the air. This film is like a solid armor, isolating aluminum from external humid air and corrosive media. Even in coastal areas, where the air contains a lot of salt and is highly corrosive to metals, the aluminum casing can maintain good performance for a long time with the protection of the aluminum oxide film, without problems such as corrosion perforation and oil leakage, ensuring that the capacitor can continue to operate stably in harsh environments and reduce maintenance costs and frequency. ​
(II) Heat dissipation performance maintains normal operating temperature​
When the substation is running at high load, the capacitor will generate a lot of heat. If the heat cannot be dissipated in time, it will cause the internal temperature of the capacitor to rise, affecting the performance of the capacitor and even causing failures. The excellent thermal conductivity of the aluminum casing plays a key role at this time. It can quickly transfer the heat generated inside the capacitor to the surface of the casing, and then dissipate it to the surrounding environment through air convection and other methods. Compared with other material casings, aluminum casing can reduce the temperature of the capacitor faster and keep it within the normal operating temperature range, ensuring the stability of the capacitor performance and extending the service life, providing reliable protection for the high load and long-term operation of the substation. ​
IV. The synergistic role of aluminum casing in the power grid​
(I) Cooperation with other equipment​
In the power grid system, aluminum casing capacitors do not work independently, but work in coordination with many equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and disconnectors. Aluminum shell capacitors improve the quality of power grid power through reactive compensation and filtering, creating a good operating environment for other equipment. At the same time, the electrical and mechanical properties of the aluminum shell enable it to work closely with other equipment in electrical connection and physical installation to ensure the stable operation of the entire power grid system. ​
(II) Improvement of power grid reliability​
The wide application of aluminum shell capacitors in substations and power grids has greatly improved the reliability of the power grid. Its outstanding performance in reactive compensation and filtering reduces power loss and improves power quality; its excellent corrosion resistance and heat dissipation performance ensure the stable operation of capacitors in various environments. These factors combined reduce the probability of power grid failure, reduce the time and scope of power outages, ensure the continuous and stable supply of electricity, and provide reliable power support for social production and residents' lives. Whether it is the continuous operation of industrial production or the normal electricity consumption of residents' daily life, aluminum shell capacitors are silently playing an important role behind the scenes. ​
From reactive compensation to filtering, from coping with harsh environments to working in coordination with other equipment, aluminum capacitor shells show indispensable value in substations and power grids. With its unique performance, it ensures the stable operation of the power system and improves the power quality and grid reliability. In the future, as the power system continues to develop, the aluminum capacitor housing will continue to be optimized and upgraded, contributing more to the development of the power industry, and continue to play a key role in substations and power grids, protecting the stable transmission and efficient use of electricity.