Power Factor Correction Benefits
Power Factor Correction Benefits
Power Factor Correction Benefits
It does this by
producing the reactive power (KVAr) locally, thereby reducing the current drawn from the mains.
Ultimately, this means that less power is used so you save money and lower your carbon
footprint. PFC units can also improve safety and help you manage maintenance costs too
This is because the reactive power is no longer drawn from the mains, it is instead drawn
locally. An electrical system draws active power (KVA) and reactive power (KVAr). Lowering the
reactive power will increase the active power, thereby creating a more efficient system and
helping you to use less energy.
The British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA) estimates that you
could reduce your carbon footprint by as much as 105kg per year for each power factor
correction unit fitted. In a large facility, this adds up to an impressive improvement in carbon
emissions with relatively little investment. For companies that are committed to being more eco-
friendly, power factor correction is one of the most cost-effective changes that can be made.
2. The useful kW load can be increased without overload
By installing power factor correction units and reducing the reactive power, you can reduce the
overall current carried by each circuit. This means that the useful kW load of each circuit can be
increased further without the risk of overload that you would normally have. In many cases, this
allows you to increase the capacity of the system without making expensive upgrades. Often,
when introducing new equipment and machinery that puts a higher demand on the electrical
system, you must make upgrades to increase the capacity. Installing power factor correction
units is a more cost-effective and less disruptive alternative that could save you a significant
amount of money.
Power factor correction will reduce the voltage drop at the conductor, thereby increasing the
voltage at the equipment. As a result, equipment runs more efficiently, it’s safer, and you
experience fewer maintenance problems.
By fitting power factor correction units, the top amount of power that the system uses is
reduced, so the top threshold also comes down. When the availability requirements are
reduced, there is a smaller chance of interruptions caused by electrical faults or utility outages,
so companies can avoid expensive downtime.
Power factor correction has numerous benefits and any business or organisation that wants to
improve efficiency and save money should make it a priority. By reducing the power drawn by
the system and avoiding penalties, you can cut your electricity bills and make your carbon
footprint smaller at the same time. Stabilising the voltage and reducing the chances of
overloading the transformer will also help you cut maintenance costs and improve safety.