Power Factor Correction

What is Power Factor Correction? 

Power Factor Correction is a process that saves energy and reduces the demand of motor loads by improving electrical efficiency known as power factor. Industrial and commercial processes vary wildly across different businesses, however most of them consume large amounts of energy in carrying out their processes through the use of motors and machines. This energy consumption can be reduced by installing Power Factor Correction. 

What Effect Does Power Factor Correction Have On Motor Rating and Efficiency? 

All motors have a rating for efficiency in the form of power factor, with the ultimate power factor described as 1.00pf. Most motors operate well below the ultimate efficiency level and consume more energy. 

The combined effect of a number of motors will normally result in a poor power factor and low efficiency. It is not uncommon for a manufacturer to operate with a power factor as poor as 0.70pf, or 70% efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills. 

Power Factor Correction addresses this inefficiency and delivers real measurable energy savings by reducing power consumption, therefore removing reactive power charges on electricity bills and reducing demand and carbon emissions. 

What Are The Benefits of Power Factor Correction?

Removal of Reactive Power Charges

Targeting unity power factor and ensuring 0.95pf or better will, in most cases, remove the reactive power penalties on electricity bills completely. 

Reduction in Authorised Supply Capacity 

Authorised Supply Capacity charges (Availability Charges) are normally charged in kVA at a typical rate of £1/kVA/month. The charge relates to the Maximum Demand or maximum power drawn from the network on a user's site and is generally in place to pay for the supply network infrastructure required to deliver the declared (or drawn) degree of energy at any time, night or day. 

Power factor is directly related to kVA and associated circuit currents. An improvement in power factor would normally allow the user to target the correct  (and usually lower) capacity level therefore avoiding exaggerated charges on monthly energy bills. 

Removal or Reduction of Excess Authorised Supply Capacity 

Power Factor Correction will remove or reduce charges drawn over and above the declared or agreed Supply Capacity.

Reduced kWh consumption 

Power Factor Correction will reduce kWh losses in power cables, switchgear and supply transformers with benefits delivered to the whole electrical system.

Reduced Emissions 

Higher, inefficient energy consumption inevitably results in an increase in CO2 emissions and associated penalties. Power Factor Correction will reduce these emissions.

Reduced Investment in Infrastructure and Costly Network Upgrades 

A site operating on a power factor close to unity would require less investment in associated power plant (transformers, switchgear and cables) as the reduction in kVA will allow for the investment in associated plant to be minimised. Investments into costly network upgrades due to an overloaded electrical supply can be avoided by improving power factor and at a fraction of the cost of an upgrade.

Improvement in Power Quality 

The reliability and consistency of electricity supply is critical to many energy users; a European survey discovered that poor Power Quality is seriously affecting business results in the industrial and service sectors which amount to an annual total loss of €150 billion across Europe.