Spanish industrial group Circuitor has launched Computer PV-12, a controller designed for reactive energy compensation in installations where multiple energy sources coexist on the same phase.

The device enables measurement of a single phase with up to three sources via independent current inputs, with signals internally summed by software. To achieve this, it incorporates three independent single-phase current inputs (ES1, ES2 and ES3), all referenced to the same phase, allowing measurements to be taken from different points in the installation.

According to the company, the Computer PV-12 eliminates the need for external current transformers and summing units, simplifying installation and improving the accuracy of cos φ calculations. The regulator operates with AC supply voltages from 100 to 520 V and frequencies from 50 to 60 Hz. Voltage measurement is performed at 230 V (phase-neutral) and 400 V (phase-phase), with measurement ranges of 20–300 V (phase-neutral) and 35–520 V (phase-phase). The frequency measurement range is 45 to 65 Hz.

Current measurement supports 1 A or 5 A transformers, with an operating range of 1% to 120% of nominal current. The leakage current circuit uses a 3 mA secondary and allows measurements between 10 mA and 1.5 A, with a minimum starting threshold of 10 mA.

The company said the unit has accuracy levels of around 0.5% for voltage and current, 0.5% digits for active energy, and 1% digits for reactive energy. Communication is via Modbus RTU over RS-485. Switching is performed via contactor, and the device offers 12 regulation steps.

Operating conditions range from –10 C to 55 C, with relative humidity of 5% to 95% (non-condensing), and operation at altitudes of up to 2,000 m. The protection rating is IP30, with IP50 for the front panel.

The enclosure is made of V0 self-extinguishing plastic and is designed for panel mounting. The device measures 144 mm × 144 mm × 78 mm and weighs 610 g.

The manufacturer stated that, thanks to the regulator, capacitor banks can operate effectively in photovoltaic self-consumption installations, “reducing regulation errors, preventing overcompensation and minimizing the risk of penalties for reactive energy.”