Final answer:
The three basic configurations for shunt capacitor banks are fixed-type, automatically-switched, and thyristor-controlled, each with varying flexibility, cost, and response times. To store a large amount of energy, capacitors should be connected in parallel to achieve a higher equivalent capacitance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Basic Configurations of Shunt Capacitor Banks for Power Factor Correction
Shunt capacitor banks are typically configured in three basic ways for power factor correction: fixed-type, automatically-switched, and thyristor-controlled. Their advantages and disadvantages primarily relate to their flexibility, cost, and speed of response.
The fixed-type configuration involves capacitors that are permanently connected to the circuit. They are simple and cost-effective, but they do not adapt to changing loads, which can lead to over or under-correction.
The automatically-switched capacitor banks are equipped with sensors and relays that connect and disconnect capacitors based on the load. This offers a more adaptable solution that reacts to varying power factors, though it might have a slightly slower response time and increased complexity.
Thyristor-controlled capacitor banks offer the fastest response and adaptability to rapidly changing loads. However, they are more expensive and complex than the other two configurations.
Connection for Large Amount of Energy Storage
To store a large amount of energy in a capacitor bank, one would use a parallel connection. This is because capacitors in parallel sum their individual capacitances, leading to a larger overall capacitance and thus more stored energy. Conversely, series connections result in a smaller equivalent capacitance.