Power Factor Correction Study / Solution

Power factor correction study is an expression of system energy efficiency. Power factor of an AC system is the ratio of Active power (KW) to the Apparent power (KVA). For a system with unity power factor, the active power and apparent power will be the same but in real, due to the presence of electric motors, reactors, arc furnaces, etc. the power factor of the system will be always less than unity. Load with a low power factor draws more current than a motor with high power factor for the same rating.

Maintaining power factor close to unity is mandatory for industries to avoid the additional tariff for reactive power consumption. Low power factor loads draws more current and increases the losses in the transmission. Power factor correction study as part of power quality study carried out to monitor system power factor over a period of time and analyze the requirement for reactive power compensation to improve system power factor. If the system power factor is low, appropriate corrective measures are recommended as part of the study.