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𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟
The apparent power also referred to as the total power supplied by the utility has two
components:
a- Productive component: powers the equipment and performs useful work and is
given in kW or W
b- Reactive power: generates magnetic field to produce flux necessary for the
operation of induction devices (AC motors, transformers, induction furnaces..etc.) and is
measured in kVar of Var. It produces no productive power
Industrial plants introduces inefficiencies into the electrical supply network by drawing
additional currents, called “inductive reactive currents”. Although these currents produce no
useful power, they increase the load on the supplier’s switch gear and distribution network
and on the consumer’s switchgear and cabling.
Once the power factor 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑1 of the installation and the power factor to be obtained 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑2
are known, it is possible to calculate the reactive power of the capacitor bank necessary to
improve the power factor as:
𝑄𝑐 = 𝑃𝐿 × tan 𝜑1 − tan 𝜑2
Multiplying factor
found in table
Finally,
𝑄𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 = 𝑄𝑐 × 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟
Using curves:
Is it that simple?
Of course not!!!
Power factor correction in Distribution transformer:
Transformers are often in constant service. It is advisable that power factor
correction is carried out by keeping into account the transformer reactive power
so that an average power factor equal to 0.9 on the MV side is guaranteed.
Generally, the compensation power 𝑄𝑐 [kVar] in a transformer having a rated 𝑆𝑟
[kVA], shall not exceed the reactive power absorbed under minimum reference
load condition.
More than
double! European standard
Power factor correction in Distribution transformer:
3 phase transformer with transformation ratio of 6.6kV/ 433V or 11 kV/433 V
𝐼𝑜 % 2 𝑢𝑘 % 2
2
𝑄𝑐 = × 𝑆𝑟 − 𝑃𝑓𝑒 + 𝐾𝑙2 × × 𝑆𝑟 2
− 𝑃𝑐𝑢
100 100
𝐼𝑜 % 𝑢𝑘 %
≈ × 𝑆𝑟 + 𝐾𝑙2 × × 𝑆𝑟
100 100
Where 𝑘𝐿 is the load factor, defined as the ratio between the minimum reference load and
the rated power of the transformer
Power factor correction in distribution transformer:
distribution transformers
Egyptian code
Power factor correction in Three phase induction motor:
Power factor versus speed performance. Better PF of 3-phase IM versus rated power output
power factor is achieved at higher speed in kW (or HP). Power factor improves with
higher motor power rating
Power factor correction in Three phase induction motor:
Low voltage also interferes with lighting, the proper application of motor controls and
electrical and electronic instruments.
An estimation of the voltage rise from the improved power factor with the installation of
power capacitors can be made using the following:
2
𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝐹
% 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 = 1 − × 100
𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝐹
Types of power factor compensation:
1. Individual correction
2. Group compensation
3. Centralized compensation
4. Combined compensation
5. Automatic compensation
Individual correction
Applied directly at the terminals of the load which demand reactive power.
Simple, capacitor and load can use the same protective devices against over current and
Advisable in the case of large equipment with constant load and continuous operation
In case of direct connection (diagram 1 and 2), after the motor disconnection from the
supply, the motor will continue to rotate (residual KE) and self excite with the reactive
energy drawn from the capacitor and may turn into an asynchronous generator and
might damage with over voltage
With this type of correction the network on the supply side of the load works with a high
power factor, on the other hand, this solution is costly
Delta connected capacitors for 3rd harmonic cancellation
Group correction
Improving locally the power factor of groups of loads having similar functioning
characteristics by installing a dedicated capacitor bank.
Power factor is improved only by upstream the point where the capacitor bank is
located.
The capacitor requires its own switching device.
Centralized correction
System with permanently changing loads, several compensation units are usually
installed centrally in the main distribution switchboard.
Switched ON and OFF by a controller depending on the respective reactive power
demand.
Rated for the highest load, thus the total compensation power installed is lower than for
the other types of compensation. However, the load on the distribution system is not
reduced, and there must be enough room for all capacitor units in the main distribution
panel.
Combined PF Compensation
Derives from a compromise between the two solutions of individual and
centralized power factor correction and it exploits the advantages they offer.
In this case, distributed compensation is used for high power electrical
equipment and the centralized modality for the remaining part.
Combined solution is used in installations where large equipment only are
frequently used, in such circumstances their power factor is corrected
individually, whereas the PF of small equipment is corrected by the
centralized modality.
Automatic PF Compensation
Automatic correction is used in installations with variable absorption of reactive power.
This system monitors the installation and automatically switches different capacitor
banks.
This system required sensors, intelligent system comparing measured and desired
operation to connect/disconnect capacitors, and electric power boards with switches and
protective devices.
Power factor correction: Common Problems
1- Harmonic and Resonance:
• Capacitors connected to induction motors increase the chance of resonance
between the power factor capacitors and the motor’s inductive reactance.
• This issue makes the selection and filters design even more difficult.
• For these reason, NEMA standards (NEMA MG 1-1993 section 14.43.4)
have recommended not to use individual correction technique in presence of
large number of induction motors.
1
𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑠 =
2𝜋 𝐿𝐶
Increasing C means that the square root increases so that the resonant frequency
reduces and could approach the 50 Hz. Non linear loads introduce currents of
harmonic ferq. 150-300 Hz so it even becomes nearer to the boundaries of
resonance
Power factor correction: Common Problems
2- Self Excitation:
• Capacitors are connected in parallel to motors
where both are fed/disconnected from the same
source together.
• Motors store energy in their rotating mass while
capacitors stores energy in their electric field.
• When motors are disconnected (with capacitors) Capacitor and motor magnetization
from the power source, the motor will continue to curve for self excitation
rotate due to the energy stored in its inertia. At
this point energy is being exchanged between the
capacitor and the motor.
• Current will pass in the circuit between the motor
and capacitors and this current depends on the
voltage difference between both.
Power factor correction: Common Problems
assume motor terminal voltage is 460 v and that the
capacitors used are 6 kVAr represented by the
straight line shown. The intersection point between
the capacitor load line and the magnetizing curve
shows that when the motor is disconnected both the
motor and capacitor will have the same voltage.
Assume another capacitor is used of 14.4 kVAr. At
460 volts, motor draws reactive current of 8 A while
capacitor draws 18 A.
When both are disconnected from source, the motor
terminal voltage will rise suddenly to 680 V. Leading
to that the capacitor tries to discharge this
“unbalanced” energy between capacitor and motor
leading to rise in motor terminal voltage.