2026 Event Schedule

As the U.S. electrical grid faces increasing stress from aging infrastructure and evolving load profiles, the demand for high power quality has never been more critical. The rapid growth of datacenters, electrification, and distributed energy resources introduces complex harmonic profiles and reactive power demands that challenge traditional distribution system designs.

Shunt capacitor banks remain a vital tool for voltage support, power factor correction, and loss reduction in medium-voltage networks. However, improper deployment—especially without accounting for harmonic-rich environments—can lead to parallel resonance conditions, resulting in overvoltages, excessive capacitor currents, equipment damage, and system instability.

This session explores the intersection of modern load dynamics and capacitor bank deployment strategies. Attendees will gain insights into how datacenter loads and other nonlinear sources affect system impedance and resonance behavior. The presentation will cover practical methods for evaluating resonance frequencies, assessing harmonic risks, and implementing mitigation strategies such as detuned filters, optimized capacitor sizing and placement, and impedance-frequency modeling.

The course will also cover the operational challenges and available technologies related to capacitor switching in distribution networks. Switching capacitor banks can cause voltage transients, inrush currents, and oscillations—especially in systems with high harmonic content or sensitive electronic loads. These disturbances can compromise power quality and equipment performance, particularly in aging infrastructure and networks serving critical facilities like datacenters. Attendees will be introduced to practical solutions such controlled switching devices and coordinated switching schemes that help minimize transient effects and ensure stable integration of capacitor banks into the grid.

Real-world case studies will highlight the consequences of neglecting power quality in today’s grid and showcase successful approaches to maintaining reliability and compliance. Utility engineers, planners, and design professionals will leave equipped with actionable knowledge to enhance grid performance in the face of emerging challenges.

Take-aways:

1. Power Quality Is No Longer Optional—It’s Foundational

Participants will understand how modern high-density loads like datacenters are reshaping the grid, demanding stricter control over power factor and harmonic distortion. The course emphasizes why maintaining high power quality is essential for grid reliability, equipment longevity, and regulatory compliance.

2. Smart Capacitor Bank Deployment Prevents Costly Failures

Attendees will learn how to strategically deploy capacitor banks to avoid parallel resonance risks and ensure effective voltage support and loss reduction. The session also introduces practical technologies to manage capacitor switching transients—such controlled switching devices—minimizing disturbances and improving system stability.

3. Field-Proven Mitigation Strategies for Aging Infrastructure

Through case studies, the course demonstrates how utilities are facing the need of adapting to the challenges of an aging grid. Participants will gain actionable insights into using detuned filters, impedance-frequency analysis, and harmonic risk assessments to future-proof their networks.

Grid University Course Sponsored by Hitachi