Types of loads;
1. Resistive
2. Capacitive
3. Inductive
4. Combined
Load Nature;
1. Linear loads
2. Non Linear loads
Types of power factors
1. The displacement power factor
2. The total power factor
What is displacement PF ?
This happens when there is no harmonics
Pure sinusoidal
Current is lagging voltage by Φ
PF can be measured with PF meter
What is the total power?
This is during load harmonics present
Can only be observed by spectrum analysers
Harmonics will affect PF and is called Total Power Factor
power factor expression
1. Power factor for equipment
PF is specified by the manufacturer. Mercury vapour lamp has 0.4-0.6 PF. Then we can fix a
capacitor in parallel as a Fixed PFC.
2. Power factor for consumer’s network : If the PF is permanently poor and no single item is
responsible, PFC will be connected across main power. Capacitor banks are connected to
each phase.
3. When many machines are switched on / off various time, PF is not the same. Then we have
to control PFC automatically
Why Low Power factor ?
1. Equipment design
EX: Traditional electromagnetic ballast have low power factor
2. Operation condition
What are the bad impact of Low power factor ?
1. Loss in efficiency of the equipment
2. Loss in distribution capacity
3. Larger Investment for future Expansion
4. Increase the running costs of the installation.
What are the benefits?
1. Increase efficiency & decrease total power
Designing Capacitor Bank
Step 1 – collect monthly billing data
a. Energy Charge
b. Demand Change
c. Power factor penalty
1. the kilo-var -hours (kvarh) meter as well as the kilo-watt-hours (kWh)
meter,
kVAh = Ö( kWh2 + kvarh2 )
The average power factor is then:
PF = kWh / kVAh
2. A clamp on power factor meter.
Step 2 – measurement of V and I and Harmonics
