The most compact
active SVG/AHF on the market
GRIDVAR-C is Forte's high-density active compensation module — designed specifically for retrofit projects, motor control centres (MCC) and any installation where cabinet space is at a premium.
At only 88 mm height (35 & 50 kVAr models), GRIDVAR-C slides into existing switchboard frames as a drawer-type cassette — achieving up to 40% cabinet space saving compared to standard active modules. Up to 20 modules can operate in parallel in a single or multi-cabinet configuration.
Despite its compact footprint, GRIDVAR-C delivers full 2nd–50th harmonic filtering and 3-phase load balancing with software-configurable priority allocation — no performance compromise.
(35 & 50 kVAr models)
per cabinet max.
to load changes
harmonic order
GRIDVAR-C — Full Specification
All parameters from the official Forte engineering datasheet. Contact our team for project-specific configurations and custom capacity requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product series | GRIDVAR-C — Compact Active SVG / AHF |
| Power electronics technology | High-Density IGBT, 3-Level Topology |
| Function | SVG + Harmonic Filtering (SVG Pro module = reactive compensation; AHF Pro = separate module for harmonic filtering) |
| Operating voltage | 400V (−15% ~ +15%) |
| Frequency | 50 / 60 Hz |
| Connection type | 3-Phase 3-Wire (3P3W) and 3-Phase 4-Wire (3P4W) |
| Module capacity options (400V) | 35 kVAr · 50 kVAr · 75 kVAr · 100 kVAr |
| Maximum cabinet capacity | Up to 20 modules per cabinet (exact max. kVAr — pending engineering confirmation) |
| Response time | ≤ 5 ms (total) |
| Switching frequency | 20 kHz |
| System efficiency | ≥ 97.5% |
| Compensation accuracy | > 99% |
| Power factor target | Adjustable −1 to 1 (cosφ = 1.00 achievable) |
| Harmonic filtering range | 2nd – 50th harmonic (independent selection per order) |
| 3-Phase load balancing | Yes — active phase balancing (3P3W and 3P4W) |
| 35 kVAr dimensions (W × D × H) | 440 × 425 × 88 mm — 88 mm height applies to 35 & 50 kVAr only |
| 50 kVAr dimensions (W × D × H) | 440 × 425 × 88 mm |
| 75 kVAr dimensions (W × D × H) | 500 × 550 × 100 mm |
| 100 kVAr dimensions (W × D × H) | 500 × 550 × 100 mm |
| Module weight | 14 – 31 kg (model dependent) |
| Mounting options | Drawer (rack), wall-mounted, vertical cabinet |
| Max. parallel modules | Up to 20 modules — Master/Slave or Master/Master |
| Overload capacity | 110% continuous / 120% for 1 minute |
| Humidity | 5% ~ 95% RH (non-condensing) |
| Altitude | Derating above 1500 m |
| Operating temperature | −25°C ~ +55°C (derating above 45°C) |
| Noise level | < 69 dB (load/model dependent) |
| Cooling | Forced fan cooling (smart speed control) |
| Communication interface | RS485 / CAN — optional HMI |
| IP protection | IP20 |
| Standards | EN 62477-1 / EN 61439-1 / IEC 61000-3-4 |
| Certifications | CE, CQC |
Why GRIDVAR-C Outperforms
Performance and compactness, simultaneously — without compromise on either.
88 mm Height — 40% Space Saving
The 35 and 50 kVAr models are only 88 mm tall — dramatically thinner than standard active modules. Integrates as a drawer cassette into existing MCC frames and switchboards without structural modifications.
Up to 20 Modules in One Cabinet
Rack-type parallel connection allows up to 20 GRIDVAR-C modules in a single cabinet. Multiple cabinets can be paralleled for larger projects. Total cabinet capacity depends on selected module sizes.
2nd – 50th Harmonic Filtering
GRIDVAR-C covers the harmonic spectrum from the 2nd to the 50th order. Each harmonic order can be independently enabled or disabled via software — allowing precise tuning to your load profile.
≤ 5 ms Response Time
GRIDVAR-C tracks reactive power and harmonic demand continuously — responding in ≤5 ms to every load change. Suitable for crane drives, welding machines, and other rapidly changing loads.
Software-Configurable Priority
Reactive compensation, harmonic filtering and 3-phase load balancing functions can each be assigned a priority weighting — allocating module capacity precisely where it is needed most.
Master / Master Parallel Architecture
Unlike systems requiring a dedicated master controller, GRIDVAR-C supports true Master/Master parallel connection — modules communicate peer-to-peer, improving redundancy and eliminating single points of failure.
Three Mounting Options
GRIDVAR-C adapts to your installation environment — not the other way around.
Drawer (Rack)
Slides into standard switchboard frames. The most common installation for new panels and MCC retrofits.
- 88 mm module height (35 & 50 kVAr only) (35 & 50 kVAr)
- Fits standard 600 mm deep cabinets
- Side-by-side stacking for high capacity
- Hot-swap live module exchange
- Up to 2000 kVAr in one enclosure
Wall-Mounted
Direct wall installation for decentralised compensation close to the load point.
- No separate cabinet required
- Ideal for transformer room installations
- Compact footprint — minimal floor space
- Easy access for service
- Suitable for individual feeder compensation
Vertical Cabinet
Floor-standing vertical configuration for standalone active compensation panels.
- Forte-fabricated complete panel
- Integrated main breaker and fusing
- Custom capacity to project requirements
- Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) included
- Ready for site installation
Four Capacity Options
All GRIDVAR-C modules share the same technology platform. Select the module capacity that fits your per-step requirement — then configure your panel accordingly.
All modules: 400V · 3P3W / 3P4W · IP20 · EN 62477-1 / EN 61439-1 / IEC 61000-3-4
SVGC — Upgrade Your Existing Passive System
Add a GRIDVAR-C module to any GRIDFIX passive compensation system to create an SVGC hybrid — achieving perfect power factor at the lowest capital investment.
GRIDFIX LC Stage
Your existing thyristor-switched capacitor/reactor banks handle the base and stable load components economically. No replacement — capital investment retained.
SVGC Hybrid Result
Perfect power factor at the lowest capital cost. GRIDVAR-C steplessly compensates the dynamic residual demand and instantly suppresses harmonics — filling every blind spot left by the LC stages.
GRIDVAR-C Module
Steplessly compensates rapidly changing dynamic loads and blind spots between LC steps. Instantly suppresses harmonics and imbalances that passive stages cannot address.
Where GRIDVAR-C Delivers Maximum Value
Especially suited wherever cabinet space is limited, an existing system needs upgrading, or dynamic loads require active compensation.
MCC Retrofit
Replaces outdated capacitor bank stages in Motor Control Centres. Drawer-type cassette fits existing frame without structural modifications.
Plastics & Textiles
Dynamic injection moulding, extruder and weaving machine loads. Stepless reactive tracking eliminates utility penalties.
Food & Beverage
Conveyor drives, refrigeration compressors and packaging lines with variable power demand throughout the production shift.
Crane & Hoist
Rapid reactive swings from crane acceleration and deceleration. GRIDVAR-C tracks the load change in ≤5 ms — faster than any passive system.
Commercial Buildings
Tight electrical rooms with no space for a new switchboard. Wall or drawer mounting allows installation where a standalone cabinet cannot fit.
Iron & Steel
Rolling mills and auxiliary drives where fast stepless compensation is required but a full GRIDVAR-X investment is not yet justified.
Data Centres
UPS input stages, server room PDUs. Strict harmonic requirements — 2nd–50th filtering with per-order control meets any grid code specification.
Renewables
Solar inverter parks and wind installations requiring reactive power support and harmonic mitigation at the PCC.