Power Factor
Consider an alternating current circuit, consisting of an electrical power source and a load:
the voltage and current waveforms are of a sinusoidal type.
For its operation, the load consumes active energy (kWh), necessary to produce work and
reactive energy (kvarh) that does not contribute to the performance of the work, but
causes an increase in unwanted consumption.
kWh Counters
kvarh
PA Total power
request from
PR Reduction load (KVA)
P.F.C.
capacitors
Most of the loads, in today's electrical distribution systems, are inductive, requiring two
types of power:
- Active Power (PA) that performs the work of the machine (eg mechanical, hydraulic, ...)
and is measured in kW (kilowatt);
- Reactive Power (PR) which constantly flows towards the load and then returns to the
source and is measured in kvar (kilovolt-ampere reactive).
Active Power and Reactive Power constitute the Apparent Power that is measured in kVA
(kilovolt ampere). Power Factor (cosφ) is simply the ratio between Active Power and
Apparent Power:
φ=
A high Reactive Power leads to an increase in the problems of managing electrical
systems; the main ones include the need to oversize transformers, cables and other
elements in the power supply circuit as a result of increased heating and voltage drop. This
causes an increase in installation costs.
Power Factor Correction
The solution to these problems is given by the Power Factor Correction: a measure to
improve the power factor of a load, in order to reduce the value of the current flowing on
the network to the same active power (kW). Re-phasing, therefore, means decreasing the
reactive power absorbed by the load that passes through a certain section of the network,
until it is canceled at cosφ = 1.00.
Energy distributor impose a minimum limit to cosφ in order to reduce the circulation of
reactive energy along the power lines.
Thermoelectric
Power Plant
Reactive Energy
Final User
Active Energy
The maximum possible power factor is 1.00, which means that 100% of the power
delivered to the load is the active power converted into useful energy. Any value less than
1.00 indicates that the load supply system must be oversized.
Traditionally, concern for the power factor has been almost exclusively linked to the use of
induction motors. Today, however, this is extended to other non-linear loads, such as
power electronic devices (e.g. variable speed drives, uninterruptible power supplies),
induction furnaces, arc welding machines, ...
Why is P.F.C. important?
Electric capacitors are one of the most cheap and simple sources of energy saving
currently known, which allow both the distributor and the company to save money.
Power factor correction determines a rational use of electric power, reducing the
undesired effects of load currents such as motors, transformers, etc., and losses due to
the joule effect in the cables and devices (switches, transformers) present on the energy
transport system.
The additional costs that would be incurred, without P.F.C., are so high that they determine
a return on investment of 12/15 months. Indeed, increasing the power factor of electrical
systems offers the following advantages:
Reduction of the costs of electric users
The difference between active and apparent power forces the electricity
supply company to supercharge the distribution system: the penalties
therefore want to incentivize the customer to improve the low power
factor.
Increased available power
By reducing the kvar demand on the load side and installing the capacitors,
the maximum power that can be supplied by the generators and
transformers is available.
Improvement of the voltage
The demand for high load kvar increases the voltage drops between the
transformers, cables and other system components, with a consequent
reduction and flickering of voltage at the equipment.
Reduction of losses due to cable heating
The circuit current is reduced in direct proportion to the increase of the
power factor, the I²R loss or the resistive loss in the circuit is inversely
proportional to the square of the current.
P.F.C. Strategies
Distributed power factor correction
The power factor correction equipment is installed close to the
individual loads and sized for the required reactive power.
Considering that the effect of the capacitors is affected
upstream of the installation point, it is the ideal solution to
compensate for high inductive currents.
P.F.C. of groups of loads
Automatic systems, guarantee the P.F.C. of several users,
following the request for reactive energy. For high power users,
the choice of correcting locally large loads and centrally the
remaining power, is usually the most advantageous technical-
economic solution.
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Centralized power factor correction
Installation of a single automatic panel, typically at the transformer or energy delivery
point, is the most used and the easiest solution to implement.
It is ideal for small and medium-sized companies and the savings for the user are directed
essentially to the elimination of the penalties on the bills.
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