GPS24

Global Positioning System (GPS) Time and Voltage Capacitor Control

The GPS24 Series multi-function programmable capacitor control is used to automatically control distribution and substation capacitors in an electric utility distribution system. The control uses a standard GPS receiver to obtain accurate time and date information for a long unattended service life. Using GPS time eliminates the need for any battery backed up systems to keep time during AC power interruptions. The GPS 24 Series has true RMS voltage sensing and control to override time control if high or low voltage conditions occur.

In a typical configuration the control is setup to operate on a Time of Day schedule, closing the capacitor early in the morning when the load is predicted to increase and opening the capacitor at in the evening when the load usually decreases. This is repeated for every weekday and the weekends are typically setup to keep the capacitor off line. Holidays are programmed to keep capacitors off-line.

The GPS 24 acquires time/date each time the control is powered up. It only needs to have contact with one of the 24 orbiting satellites to get correct time data. Once the time has been obtained the internal time keeper uses the 60 HZ line cycles to keep the clock from drifting.