What is the primary characteristic of a fixed capacitor bank?

A fixed capacitor bank is characterized by its non-adjustable capacitance, meaning that the capacitance value remains constant during its operation. This is a crucial aspect as fixed capacitor banks are designed to provide a set level of reactive power compensation within electrical systems, improving power factor and system efficiency without the need for adjustments.

The non-adjustable nature of a fixed capacitor bank makes it reliable for providing consistent performance in applications where specific capacitance is required to counteract inductive loads, such as motors and transformers. This predictability is essential for utility companies and industries that need stable reactive power support to maintain operational efficiency and comply with power quality standards.

In contrast, adjustable capacitance options allow for changes to the reactive power output and are typically found in variable or switched capacitor banks, which would not fit the definition of a fixed capacitor bank. Therefore, the key distinction lies in the fixed capacitor bank's consistent, non-changeable capacitance, setting it apart as a fundamental component in power factor correction and reactive power management systems.