(FAQ's) Power factor correction (PFC) capacitors

What causes low power factor?

Power factor is driven by the number of inductive loads on a system. Many industrial and commercial  electrical system loads are inductive, meaning they require reactive power (kVAR) to sustain a magnetic field needed in order for the equipment to operate, in addition to the kW which they use to perform work.  The larger the portion of a facility’s load that is inductive, the higher its kVAR draw from the utility and the lower its power factor will be. The loading of this type of equipment also plays an important role in a facility’s power factor.

What is power factor?

Power factor (PF) is the ratio of working power (kW) to apparent power (kVA). Power factor is expressed as a dimensionless number between 0 and 1.0; it is a representation of how efficiently power is being drawn from the grid. A high ratio indicates a very efficient electrical system, while a low power factor denotes a poor utilization of electrical power, meaning a higher proportion of current is being drawn from the utility than is necessary.

What is unity power factor?

When power factor is at unity, the voltage and current waves are aligned or in phase with one another. This is expressed as a PF of 1.0.

Does APS offer a free site evaluation? Yes.

How does low power factor impact motors?

Inductive loads always require the same amount of kVAR regardless of kW output, which results in motors operating at less than full load having extremely poor power factor. This often occurs in cycle processes where motors are sized for the heaviest loads, such as those using circular saws, ball mills, conveyors, compressors, grinders and punch presses. Low power factor at high loads can also be an issue. A facility operating at a high load has a higher current draw, which causes voltage to dip. Motors operate best at higher voltage levels, as low voltage can cause them to be sluggish or overheat.

 

How does low power factor affect consumers?

When the power factor is below 1.0 or unity, the utility must generate more than the minimum kVA is required to provide kW, which increases utility costs. Most often, a utility company then passes these added costs on to the customer. However, by boosting the power factor to meet the utility’s minimum PF requirements, consumers can eliminate these costly charges.

Can APS review my utility bill?

Absolutely! Consumers may send utility bills to their local sales representative or use this form for a free evaluation and to help calculate potential savings.

 

How do utilities charge for power factor?

Utility companies assess power factor charges in a variety of ways. Sometimes tariffs are clearly identified on a utility bill, while in other instances they may be rolled into other costs. Three of the most common ways a utility will charge for power factor are through kW demand adjustments, kVA demand billing, and kVAR demand charges.

If the charge is not easily identifiable when reviewing your bill, you may obtain tariff details from the utility to better understand these extra charges. 

***** Don't wait to review your utility bill. You could save your business money by taking easy steps to reduce penalty charges.*****

 

How can power factor correction units help lower utility charges?

Consumers can slash costly penalties by adding power factor correction capacitors to their facility distribution systems, as these units effectively lower kVAR demand. By adding capacitors as a local reactive current source to the system, they reduce the current drawn from the utility and improve voltage, resulting in more efficient motor performance and longer motor life.

What’s the difference between the two types of power factor correction capacitors—fixed and automatic?

Fixed capacitors supply a constant amount of correction (kVAR) to an electrical system, while automatic capacitors ── also called switched capacitors ── vary the amount supplied. Fixed capacitors are generally installed at individual motor loads, while automatic capacitors are installed at the main utility power entrance.

Did you know?

Low voltage from excessive current draw causes motors to be sluggish and overheated. As power factor decreases, total line current increases, causing further voltage drop. By adding APS capacitors to the system and improving voltage, you get more efficient motor performance and longer motor life.