Lovato DCRL8 8-Step Automatic Power Factor Controller

Description

Automatic power factor control for capacitor banks

The DCRL8 is an automatic power factor controller from Lovato Electric for contactor-switched capacitor banks. It measures voltage and current on the incoming supply, works out the reactive power the plant draws, and switches capacitor steps in or out so that the power factor stays at the target set by the user. Eight relay outputs are built in, and up to 14 steps are possible with expansion modules.

The unit is a 144 x 144 mm flush-mount controller with a backlit icon LCD, five navigation keys and manual and automatic keys on the front. A galvanically isolated optical port on the front takes a USB or Wi-Fi dongle, so settings can be loaded from a PC or a tablet without opening the panel. The voltage input is separate from the supply input, so the controller can be connected through voltage transformers in medium voltage applications.

Technical specifications

Parameter Specification
Type Automatic power factor controller, DCRL series, 8 steps (order code DCRL8)
Steps 8 relay outputs; up to 14 with expansion modules EXP1006 and EXP1007
Auxiliary supply 100 to 440 V AC rated, operating range 90 to 484 V AC, 45 to 66 Hz
Power consumption 2 W / 4 VA at 100 V; 3 W / 8.5 VA at 440 V
Voltage inputs Maximum rated voltage 600 V AC; measuring range 50 to 720 V; true RMS; accuracy 1 % plus 0.5 digit
Current input One input, 1 A or 5 A via external current transformer; 0.025 to 6 A (5 A scale) or 0.025 to 1.2 A (1 A scale)
Current accuracy 1 % (0.1 to 1.2 In) plus 0.5 digit; overload peak 50 A for 1 s
Power factor setting range 0.5 inductive to 0.5 capacitive
Relay outputs OUT1 to OUT7 7 normally open contacts with common; 5 A at 250 V AC (AC1), 1.5 A at 440 V AC (AC15); UL rating B300
Relay output OUT8 1 changeover contact, same ratings
Relay life 10 million mechanical and 100,000 electrical operations
Functions 4-quadrant operation, automatic recognition of current flow direction, harmonic analysis up to the 15th order, built-in temperature sensor
Communication RS232, opto-isolated RS485, Ethernet and Profibus-DP through EXP modules; front optical port
Display and languages Backlit LCD with icons; alarm messages in English, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and German
Insulation Ui 600 V, Uimp 9.5 kV, 5.2 kV power frequency withstand
Operating / storage temperature -20 to +60 degC / -30 to +80 degC
Housing Flush mount, polycarbonate, 144 x 144 mm, IP65 on the front with gasket, IP20 terminals
Weight 640 g
Certifications and standards cULus, EAC, RCM; IEC/EN 61010-1, IEC/EN 61010-2-030, IEC/EN 61000-6-2, IEC/EN 61000-6-3, UL 508, CSA C22.2 No. 14

Choosing the step count and accessories

Lovato also lists the 3-step DCRL3 and 5-step DCRL5 controllers, and DCRG series controllers that expand to 24 steps. Eight steps suit most low voltage capacitor panels; if the bank has more stages, the EXP1006 (2 relays) and EXP1007 (3 relays) modules add outputs up to 14 steps. Two expansion slots are available at the rear, so a communication module can be combined with an output module.

Communication options include EXP1012 for RS485, EXP1013 for Ethernet and the CX01 USB optical cable for local programming and firmware upgrades. A surge protection device for the RS485 line is listed as an accessory.

What to confirm before ordering

Please give the capacitor step ratings, the current transformer ratio and whether the controller will read phase-to-neutral or phase-to-phase voltage, because these decide the connection mode and setup. The instruction manual (document I418) covers commissioning and the parameter table. For other power factor and protection items, browse the controllers and data acquisition category.

Documents and quotation

The DCRL8 instruction manual (Lovato document I418, February 2021 edition) is attached and holds the technical characteristics, wiring diagrams and parameter table. Send the order code, quantity and delivery location through the quotation form for availability from Seven Star LLC.

Datasheets & Documents
  • PDF Instruction manual Lovato DCRL8 instruction manual (EN, 02/2021) Download
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About brand

Lovato Electric is an Italian manufacturer of low voltage electrical devices for industrial applications, founded in 1922 in Bergamo and still family owned. Seven Star LLC, an independent supplier in Muscat, quotes Lovato Electric contactors, motor protection circuit breakers, generator controllers and power factor controllers for control panels, motor starters and stand-by power systems.

Motor control, protection and energy management

The Lovato Electric catalogue covers contactors and motor protection circuit breakers, thermal overload relays, soft starters, pushbuttons and signalling, switch disconnectors, time and monitoring relays, energy meters, power factor controllers and engine and generator controllers. Each catalogue page links its instruction sheet, leaflet and declarations of conformity.

Ordering Lovato Electric products

Send the full order code, coil or supply voltage, quantity and any approval needed for the project. With the order code, the matching version can be checked against its documentation before a quotation is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many capacitor steps does the DCRL8 control?
It has 8 relay outputs and can reach 14 steps with EXP expansion modules.
What supply voltage does it use?
100 to 440 V AC rated, with an operating range of 90 to 484 V AC at 45 to 66 Hz.
Can it be used with voltage transformers?
Yes. The voltage input is separate from the supply and is suitable for VT connection in medium voltage applications.
Does it measure harmonics?
Yes. It reports voltage and current THD with harmonic analysis up to the 15th order.
Which communication options exist?
RS232, RS485, Ethernet and Profibus-DP through EXP modules, plus an optical port on the front.