Understanding Power Factors and the benefits of Power Factor Correction

Power factor

Understanding Power Factor

What is meant by Power Factor ? Power factor is a characteristic of alternating current ( AC : Alternating Current ) which can be defined as the ratio of labor power to total power. Some things related to alternating current (AC) are as follows: Real Power is power that produces work ( kW ). Available Power is the total power used ( kVA ). Reactive Power is the power needed to produce the magnetic field needed to operate inductive electrical equipment ( kVAR ). The relationship between power factor , real factor, available power and reactive power is as follows: Power factor = Real Factor / Available Factor = kW / kVA Power factors are usually written as a percentage ( % ) and can also be in decimal ( x, xx ). A full / perfect power factor, can be considered a power factor of 100% or 1.0.

What does Power Factor Correction mean ?

A load with a written power factor of 1.0 is the most efficient load of the total available power while the load for the written power factor of 0.6 is a burden that has a high loss. This affects the value of the electricity bill from the power supplier. Because of this, modifications to the power distribution system are needed so that it can obtain a smaller loss value and that is what the power factor correction means. How to apply Power Factor Correction

Power factor correction is also called static correction , this can be done by adding capacitors installed in parallel with the power distribution circuit . In principle, this method is the inductive current cancellation that flows from the power supply / supplier. In the Capacitor Bank article, a detailed account of this is explained. The capacitor can be applied to the main starter or distribution switchboard panel . However, this correction does not apply to equipment that uses variable speed drivers, especially on motors . By using a bank capacitor circuit , it can be monitored by an automatic controller to maintain the power factor according to the set settings. Control in the capacitor panel of the bank will detect the value of the power in all distributions then conclude in the decision ON / OFF capacitor bank connection with the main power distribution circuit. What do inductive loads mean ?

Inductive load is electrical equipment that provides inductive loads such as lights, electric heaters, welding machines, transformers and electric motors (without variable speed drivers ). What are the other benefits of power factor correction? In addition to saving electricity power that affects the bills of electricity suppliers, power factor correction also backups voltage conditions, meaning that when the power supply voltage decreases it can help stabilize the voltage that is needed again, and vice versa the power correction can dampens the surge of voltage which suddenly rises. Except that power factor correction is an economic value consideration in the design of power distribution, reduction of the size of the transformer , switch-gear and cable diameter.