Equipment's connected in network like transformers, motors, capacitors etc causes phase angle difference between current and voltage. When the current is phase-shifted from voltage , it takes more current to deliver the same amount of active power (KW). This more current drawn causes increase in apparent power (KVA).

Impact of Low Power factor

Economic Impact

Low PF causes utility to increase its generation and transmission capacity in order to handle extra demands caused by increased KVA. This will lead to unnecessary high amount of payment in electricity bill due to high reactive power in system. You pay for apparent power but use active power (higher electricity bill). Some Power Distribution boards deploy penalty on lower Power factor than the specified level defined.

System Impact

Reduces transformer capacity due to high reactive power in system. Rise or drop in voltage level due to excess lead or lag reactive power in system can reduce system load eciency such as disturbances in motor torque due to voltage irregular variation.

Sufferers

All Industrial , commercial & Infra Power consumers, network operators , power industry

Solution

Power factor of a facility can be improved by installing capacitor banks , Invertor based PF correction Equipment's & Hybrid PF correction Systems.

Benefits of increased Power Factor

Reduction in cost of energy and reduced consumption due to increased efficiency of system. Better voltage profile, reduced power loss and release of system capacity.