Abstract: A reactive power compensation system includes a reactive power compensation device and a transformer electrically connected to the reactive power compensation device and having a cooling unit. The reactive power compensation device has an enclosure housing power electronics and at least one fan which provides an airflow for cooling the power electronics. The enclosure further includes an air outlet through which the airflow exits the enclosure after cooling the power electronics. The air outlet and the airflow are directed toward the cooling unit of the transformer to provide supplementary cooling to the transformer. The transformer cooling unit comprises external cooling fins in a liquid-filled transformer embodiment and comprises an air inlet of the transformer housing in a dry-type transformer embodiment. An optional duct may be provided between the enclosure and the transformer cooling unit.

Abstract: A method of making a laminated superconductor wire includes providing an assembly, where the assembly includes a substrate; a superconductor layer overlaying a surface of the substrate, the superconductor layer having a defined pattern; and a cap layer; and slitting the assembly in accordance with the defined pattern of the superconductor layer to form a sealed wire. Slitting the assembly in accordance with the defined pattern may form multiple sealed wires, and the substrate may be substantially wider than the sealed wires.

Abstract: The invention features a system and approach for minimizing the step voltage change as seen by the utility customer as well minimizing transients imposed on the fundamental waveform of a normal voltage carried on a utility power network when a reactive power source (e.g., capacitor bank) is instantaneously connected to the utility power. The reactive power source is adapted to transfer reactive power of a first polarity (e.g., capacitive reactive power) to the utility power network. The system includes a reactive power compensation device configured to transfer a variable quantity of reactive power of a second, opposite polarity to the utility power network, and a controller which, in response to the need to connect the shunt reactive power source to the utility power network, activates the reactive power compensation device and, substantially simultaneously, causes the shunt reactive power source to be connected to the utility power.

Abstract: The invention features a system for connection to a utility power network. The system includes a reactive power compensation device coupled to the network and configured to transfer reactive power between the utility power network and the reactive power compensation device; a capacitor system configured to transfer capacitive reactive power between the utility power network and the capacitor system; an electro-mechanical switch for connecting and disconnecting the capacitor system to the utility power network; an interface associated with the electro-mechanical switch; a controller configured to provide control signals for controlling the electro-mechanical switch; and a communication channel for coupling the controller to the interface associated with the electro-mechanical switch.