Power factor correction capacitor (also known as PFC or power factor improvement) is define as a technique use to improve the AC circuit power factor by reducing the reactive power in a circuit. The power factor correction technique aims to increase the efficiency of the circuit and reduce the power consume by the load. Capacitors and synchronous motors are generally use in circuits to reduce the inductive elements (and hence the reactive power). This technique is not use to increase the amount of real power, but only to reduce the apparent power.
In other words, it reduces the phase change between voltage and current. It therefore tries to keep the power factor close to the unit. The most economical value of the power factor is 0.9 to 0.95. Now the question is, why is the economic value of the power factor 0.95 instead of the power factor unit? Is there any downside to the connection Power factor correction capacitor? No. The bond strength factor is not the only drawback. But installing Unity PFC equipment is difficult and expensive.
For this reason, consumers and electricity companies are trying to make the electricity tariff between 0.9 and 0.95 to create an economic system. And this line is good enough for electricity. If the AC circuit has a large installation load, the voltage may be less than 0.8. And it draws more power from the source. Physical calibration equipment that reduces trigger elements and power from the source. This provides a better system and prevents power loss.
Why power factor correction is Needed
The power dissipation of the resistive load is linear. In AC circuits, voltage and current are sinusoidal. Therefore, the scope and direction are constantly changing. The power lost at this point is the voltage and current multiplier. When the AC circuit with inductive loads such as; winding, winding, solenoid, transformer; current phase out of voltage. In this state, the effective force dissipate is less than the product of voltage and current.
Due to the non-linear elements of AC circuits, it contains both resistance and reactivity. Therefore, the difference between the phases of current and voltage in this state is important in the calculation of the power. In this state, power factor correction is more necessary to reduce the effect of the inductive element and improve the power factor to increase the efficiency of the system.
Power factor correction formula
Note that the inductive load is connect to the system and operates with a power factor of cosf1. To improve the power factor correction it is necessary to connect the power factor correction devices in parallel with the load. The following is a schematic diagram of this scheme.
Power factor correction capacitor example
The Power factor correction capacitor provides a conductive reactive component and reduces the power of the sedimentation reactive component. Before connecting the capacitor, the load current is equal to IL. The capacitor receives an IC current, which results in a voltage of 90˚. And the last flow of the system – Go. The voltage angle between V and IR decreases relative to the angle between V and IL. Therefore, the power factor cosf2 improves.
Applications of Power Factor correction:
The power plant plays an important role in the quality and management of the system in the electricity network. Determine the efficiency of the power supply. Unless the Amber capacitor, the load will consume more energy from the source. Increase electricity losses and costs. PFC devices try to amplify the shape of the power and voltage signal. A large amount of energy is require in the transmission network. Due to the high power, the losses in the transmission line are reduced and the voltage control is improve.
Induction motors are widely use in industry. To prevent overheating and increase engine efficiency, capacitors are use to reduce the impact of active power. Power factor correction capacitor equipment reduces cables, panels, spare parts, transformers and more. Heat dissipation. This reduces carbon emissions. When using PFC equipment with the system, the voltage drops sharply.
