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Power Factor Correction & Voltage Management Systems
"What is power factor correction and how does it work UK"
Power Factor Correction is a capacitor based device normally installed on the electrical distribution system, its purpose is to improve efficiency known as power factor when operating machines or motors.
Power Factor Correction works by automatically switching capacitors in or out of circuit on a varying electrical load to counteract the negative inefficient effects of motors and machines.
Power Factor is the difference between Real Power, useful power neededto perform a task and Reactive Power, Power drawn in addition to useful power but does notcontribute to the task, effectively you may be paying for power that’s being wasted which could be likened to a large head on a pint of beer.
The ultimate desired power factor is 1.00pf (100% efficient) although most motors operate at a much lower efficiency or power factor which when the effects are accumulated on an electrical supply, the results can be as low at 0.50 power factor and commonly around 0.80 power factor on a typical uncorrected industrial electrical supply.
A typical uncorrected electrical load will operate in the region of 0.80 power factor (80% efficient) and would consume 20% more power, it will also result in an increased demand by 20% resulting in higher energy bills.
Other electrical supplies operating on much lower uncorrected power factors could be consuming in excess of 50% more power and risk potential overload and loss of electrical supply through brownout.
Savings & Benefits of Power Factor Correction
The financial savings & benefits of power factor correction can by substantial and generally are achievable from the following areas:
- Reduction in power consumption kw/h losses
- Removal of penalties on electricity bill in the form of reactive power charges
- Reduction in capacity charges / authorised supply capacity
- Removal or reduction of excess charges
- Reduction in carbon emissions
- Reduction in maximum demand and demand based charges
- Reduction in circuit currents
- Improvement in power quality
The payback period of power factor correction is typically between 1 – 3 years dependant mainly on three things:
- The degree of inefficiency to be corrected
- The structure and type of the electricity bill
- Type of power factor correction required
Types of Power Factor Correction
There are many different types of power factor correction and although the principals remain the same, it is vital that expert advice is sought to ensure the correct solution is implemented.
How is Power Factor Correction Installed
Installation of power factor correction is carried out in parallel with the main electrical supply like most common electrical devices and via a suitably rated form of protective device like MCCB or fused switch although individual “local” power factor correction capacitors can also be installed on individual motor loads.
In addition to the automatic power factor correction capacitor bank supply, a CT (Current Transformer) should be installed onto the main incoming cables to the power supply to be corrected (normally main incoming supply to the site) in order to “see” and monitor the total load including the capacitor load (power factor correction) and report this to the power factor controller.
When installing power factor correction on individual motor loads it is important to ensure over compensation cannot occur and that any associated controls will allow for the capacitor to discharge between energization periods.
For more information or help to specify the correct power factor correction for your site, contact our offices on 01695 559785 or email post@energyace.co.uk
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