POWER FACTOR CORRECTION

Power Factor Correction is the term given to a technology to restore Power Factor to as close to unity as economically viable. This can be achieved by adding Power Factor Correction capacitors to the distribution system which provide or compensate for the Reactive Power demand of the inductive load, and thus reduce the burden on the supply.

A distribution system’s operating power consists of 2 parts: Active (working) power and reactive (nonworking) magnetising power. The ACTIVE power performs the useful work while the REACTIVE power does not, as its only function is to develop magnetic fields by inductive devices. Capacitors work as reactive current generators providing needed reactive power (KVAr) into the power supply. By supplying their own source of reactive power, the industrial user frees the utility from having to supply it, and therefore, the total amount of apparent power supplied by the utility will be less. Power Factor Correction Capacitors reduce the total current drawn from the distribution system and subsequently increase the system’s capacity by raising the Power Factor level.

The higher the power factor, the more effectively electrical power is being used and vice versa.

Low Power Factor is expensive and inefficient, with many utility companies charging extra, (reactive power charge), for sites with a poor power factor. Low Power Factor can also reduce the capacity of your electrical distribution system by increasing current flow and causing voltage drops.

Power Factor is the ratio of true power to apparent power

Power Factor = KW/KVA

Benefits of Utilising Power Factor Correction :

  • A reduction in electricity charges

  • Elimination of utility power factor penalties, which can increase electrical bills by up to 20%

  • Reduction in I²R losses of transformers and distribution equipment

  • Prolonging the life of equipment from reduced heat in cables, switchgear, transformers and alternators

  • Reduced voltage drop in cables, allowing the same cable to supply a larger motor and improving the starting of motors at the end of the long cable runs

  • A return on investment is typically between 12 to 24 months

PRODUCTS

The self-healing, non-toxic capacitors contained within SDC Industries Power Factor Correction products are for use on a 415V, 3-Phase, 50Hz system.

  • IEC60831-1&2

  • EN60831-1&2

  • VDE0560-46&47

VARCAP II

A range of power capacitors designed to meet the needs of smaller electrical loads.

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VARPAC

Power capacitors in metal enclosures, complete with a suitably rated circuit breaker, designed to meet the need of smaller electrical installations.

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VARMATIC CLASSIC

Power capacitors, contained in automatically-controlled banks designed to meet the need of electrical systems with fluctuating loads. Switching stages from 10-65KVAr, and overall bank rating a maximum of 200KVAr at 415V, 3 phase 50 Hz

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VARMATIC SENATOR

Power capacitors, contained in a prestige enclosure, featuring automatically controlled switching stages, designed to meet the need of the larger electrical system with a fluctuating load. Switching stages from 10-50KVAr, and overall bank rating a maximum of 900KVAr at 415V, 3 phase, 50Hz. Any additional circuit breakers included are manufactured to IEC157, BS4752. All assemblies are fitted with stage energised indication, and a multistage electronic microprocessor controller is usually fitted to ‘sense’ the system requirement for power factor correction capacitance.

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