What is Power Factor Correction?
Power Factor Correction, or PFC as it is often referred to is designed to reduce reactive power (kVAr) and improve the ratio between true power (kW) and apparent power (kVA). In most cases, poor power factor is caused by inductive loads, such as motors. This can be compensated by introducing electrical devices called capacitors into the circuit.
Power Factor Correction is normally installed on the incoming electrical supply and reacts to load fluctuations, bringing capacitors into circuit as the load requires. You simply set a target power factor and the automatic controls do the rest, ensuring the best possible power factor is achieved regardless of how the load fluctuates.
Power Factor Correction is connected in parallel to the main incoming supply meaning there is no need for a shutdown of your supply for installation and no disruption to your day-to-day business.
Why should I install Power Factor Correction?
Poor Power Factor has negative implications on businesses because it:
- Draws more current from the network – costing more to achieve the same task
- Can incur a ‘power factor penalty’ from your supplier, sometimes called a ‘reactive power charge’
- Can lead to a business exceeding their arranged supply capacity and attracting penalties called ‘excess capacity charge’
- Causes losses at transformers and other devices leading to unwanted heat gains, causing increased kWh consumption and carbon emissions
- Reduces the effective capacity of the electrical infrastructure
- Can cause excessive volt drops in the supply network
- Can reduce the life expectancy of electrical equipment
What will I save?
Savings vary depending on how much power a business consumes and the existing power factor. A typical uncorrected power factor for a commercial or industrial client would be between 0.70 – 0.80 and offers an excellent opportunity to achieve significant savings through the installation of Power Factor Correction.
The average payback for a Power Factor Correction project is around 2-years and savings can be many thousands of pounds per year. There are also significant system benefits to your electrical infrastructure in reducing current draw on your electrical supply and freeing up capacity to add more electrical equipment.
What next?
If you’re looking to reduce your electricity costs or free up capacity for new equipment, Power Efficient Solutions offer a free of charge, no obligation survey into the potential benefits from installing Power Factor Correction. Leaving you free to run your business.
To hear more about how we can help your business improve power factor and energy efficiency, contact our offices today, for a free of charge desktop survey.
Real measurable results
In 2021 companies made an average saving of £6,500.
On average you will have your money back in 2 years.
Reduce kVA and Amps by up to 20% year on year.
CO2
Reduce your carbon footprint.
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