Selecting a capacitor bank starts with measured kvar demand, not a guess from transformer size. Record real power, voltage, current, and power factor during peak and light-load periods. A useful calculation is:
Required kvar = kW × (tan φ1 − tan φ2)
For example, a 500 kW load operating at 0.78 power factor needs about 276 kvar to reach 0.97. A 300 kvar bank may suit this case, but operating conditions can change. Keep measurements honest.
Targeting 0.95 is often practical for stable industrial loads. A 0.99 target saves more reactive energy, yet it leaves less margin before leading power factor appears. That condition can raise voltage and create control problems at night. Small switching steps, such as 25 or 50 kvar, help the controller follow changing demand. Fixed capacitors should not remain connected when the load falls sharply.
I have seen oversized banks installed after one busy production shift. The equipment looked correct on paper, but the night readings told a different story. Check harmonic current before selecting capacitor units. Variable-speed drives and rectifiers may require detuned reactors. Otherwise, resonance can damage capacitors and distort voltage.
Confirm the bank’s short-circuit rating, enclosure protection, discharge time, and switching duty with qualified engineers. The final size should reflect measured demand, future expansion, and local installation requirements. A little spare capacity is useful; too much becomes an expensive mistake.