Power Factor Correction by Reactive Power

Compensation
Objective: To achieve a Power Factor (PF) close to unity, up to 0.99 by means of reactive
power compensation.

Introduction: Power factor (PF) is measure of how effectively incoming power is used in your
electrical system and is defined as the ratio of Active (Real) Power to Apparent (Total) Power.
It lies between 0 to 1. Power has two components, Active(P) and Reactive(Q) power; Active
power is the power that actually does the real work and is measured in kW whereas Reactive
power is the power required some equipment like transformers, motors etc to produce
magnetic field to enable real work to be done. It is necessary to operate certain equipment,
but we do not see any results for it. It is measured in kVAR. Apparent power(S) is the vector
sum of active and reactive power and is measured in kVA. It is the total power supplied through
the power mains that is required to produce a relevant amount of active power for the load.

𝑘𝑊 = 𝑘𝑉𝐴 × 𝑃𝐹
𝑘𝑊
𝑃𝐹 =
𝑘𝑉𝐴
So, more the reactive power (kVAR) we have, the less active power we have for real work and
thus lower PF. Our aim is to reduce kVAR, so the PF reaches closer to unity to increase the
efficiency of the system and reduce losses (both energy and monetary).

Power Factor correction benefits: PF correction devices reduce the kVAh supplied by the
utility/ kW load consumption by reducing electrical current drawn from the utility. Situations
that are improved by employing PF corrections benefits are,

 Facilities with lots of inductive loads like motors, relays etc. Inductive loads need lots of
reactive power which can be compensated for hence, reducing reactive demand from
supply.
 Facilities with bad wiring, PF correction reduces current drawn hence reducing I2R
losses.

Important Note: Utility companies charge residential buildings per kWh, that is just for active
power consumed. So, residential and household consumers would not gain any monetary
benefits from PF correction methods. So, our goal is to target HT consumers, > 11kV supply.

PF Correction for HT (High Tension) connections: This includes commercial buildings,

factories, office complexes, medium-large scare industries, large residential societies etc.
There are three cases in which the consumer would benefit significantly from PF correction:
1. If the Utility billing is in kVAh, i.e. the billing unit is defined in kVAh.
2. If the contracted load is in kVA (demand-based billing). We can reduce the maximum
demand by PF correction devices hence, saving on costs and fines/penalties.
3. If the Utility company levies penalties on lower PF values then by showing an improved
PF, these penalties can be avoided and even some rebates can be accessed.

Key concepts and formulas:

 In a pure resistive circuit, all power is dissipated by the load and the Voltage (V) and
Current (I) are in phase. The PF equals to 1 and Active Power, P = Apparent Power, S.
 In a purely inductive circuit, no circuit power is dissipated rather power is alternatively
absorbed from and returned to the AC source. V and I are 90 ̊ out of phase and Reactive
power, Q = Apparent power, S.
 Most real-world loads are resistive + reactive (R+X) meaning there will be more power
dissipated by the load than returned.

𝑽𝟐
Here, 𝑷 = 𝑰𝟐 𝑹 =
𝑹

𝑽𝟐
𝑸 = 𝑰𝟐 𝑿 =
𝑿

𝑽𝟐
𝑺 = 𝑰𝟐 𝒁 = = 𝑽𝑰
𝒁

And, ⃗𝑺 = ⃗𝑷 ⃗⃗
⃗ + 𝑸

𝑷
𝑷𝑭 = , It lies between 0 to 1.
𝑺
  Poor PF translates to wasted energy capacity; i.e. less economical your system
operates. Low PF causes wires to carry more current than would have been necessary,
if there was no added reactance(capacitance) to deliver the same amount of active
power. So, PF measures how efficiently current is being converted into “real work”.

PF Correction Methods: PF can be corrected by adding another load in shunt to the circuit
drawing an equal and opposite amount of reactive power.

1. Fixed capacitor banks

 connected to incoming transformer or a switch gear bus.

 Regulates up to 0.9 PF during max inductive load.
 Cheapest solution.
Drawbacks:
 Huge size.
 Not flexible with change in loadings.
 During odd load hours, extra kVAR is introduced which is counterproductive.
 Utility can Put restrictions
 High maintenance cost.

2. Individual Capacitor Banks

 Installed near discrete no of Inductive Machines in parallel with each machine.

 Machines and capacitors energised at the same time.
 Amount od capacitive load is regulated wrt inductive load.

Drawbacks:
 Not feasible physically or economically.
 Each Cap bank must be individually maintained and controlled thus increasing
costs.

3. Variable Capacitor bank:

 Connected just like fixed bank

 The bank monitors the system PF and auto regulates the no of capacitors connected
to the system to offset the reactance.
 No conflict with Utility since its regulated.
 Comes with an internal protection hence, saving on space.
 Centrally located so, easy to maintain.
 Drawbacks:
 Increased harmonics (disturbances in waveform) due to variation in capacitance.
 Higher initial cost.
 Extra maintenance cost of internal parts used for capacitor switching.

Note:
 For a medium sized industry, a combination of variable cap-bank and individual cap-
banks for a few major inductive loads is suggested for optimum results and cost
effectiveness.
 Typical payback time ranges from a few weeks to a year depending upon the size of the
load and cost of the solution provided.

Key Takeaway:

PROTECTION OF SYSTEM, INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND COST SAVINGS.