What is Power Factor Correction?
Pay-back period for investments in well-designed power factor correction systems are usually between 3 and 18 months. Power factor correction equipment of good quality, has a life expectancy of at least 10 years
Power Factor Correction (PFC) is the process of improving a low power factor present on a power system by means of installing Power Factor Correction (PFC) capacitors and in so doing, increase the ratio of active power to apparent power.
When the apparent power is greater than active power, then the utility provider must supply the excess reactive power and the working power.
Power capacitors act as reactive power generators and when connected to an electrical system, to reduce or eliminate the amount of reactive power the electrical system draws from the grid.
What are the benefits of Power Factor Correction (PFC)?
- Reduction in apparent power (also known as maximum demand)
- Lower electricity bills
- Increased system capacity (free up capacity on your supply transformer)
- Reduced voltage drop on the supply transformer and supply cables
- Reduced transmission losses
- Reduced carbon footprint
Which industries are likely to benefit the most from Power Factor Correction?
Industries where motors are operated at less than full load (cyclical processes):
- Saw Mills
- Plastic: extrusion and recycling
- Industries using machine tools, stamping machines, welders, compressors
- Foundries
- FMCG industries
- Bottling plants
- Refrigeration plants
- Grocery stores