What is Power Factor Correction?
Power factor correction (PFC) aims to improve power factor, and therefore power quality. It reduces the load on the electrical distribution system, increases energy efficiency and reduces electricity costs. It also decreases the likelihood of instability and failure of equipment.
Power factor correction is obtained via the connection of capacitors which produce reactive energy in opposition to the energy absorbed by loads such as motors, locally close to the load. This improves the power factor from the point where the reactive power source is connected, preventing the unnecessary circulation of current in the network.
Places that could benefit from PFC:
1. Hospitals
Installing PFC devices in places where large power loads are present, such as in hospitals where they’re used by registered diagnostic cardiac sonographers, could help improve power efficiency which then reduces the costs of hospital expansion by allowing more wards and theatres to be run from the same supply.
2. Office Buildings and High Street Banks
In areas where large computer networks are being worked on, such as in office buildings and high street banks, PFC can improve the efficiency of the systems which will in turn help the computers to run better and speed up work performance in the short term.
3. Shops
Shops will see an increase in the sustainability of their chillers if PFC devices are installed. This is because there will be less wear and tear on components which will also reduce costly outgoings.
4. The Manufacturing Industry
In industries where large motors are used to qork machinery, such as in manufacturing, they could benefit from power factor correction. If PFC devices are installed in the manufacturing industry, there will be an increase in available power for future expansion as well as a reduction in the availability required.
5. The Car Industry
In industries where welding type equipment is used, such as in the development or manufacturing of motor vehicles, power factor correction can help reduce the loss of power, making more use of available power, and so cutting down the cost of electricity. Additionally, installing PFC devices would help to reduce flicker, which are unwanted dips voltage that cause lights to flicker and other power quality issues.
Talk to the Experts
If you would like to know more about how power factor correction devices could be installed in your facility, then contact Volt Logic, and we’d be happy to help.