Power factor correction (PFC) is the process of raising the electrical systems power factor (PF) to a target level, typically 95%.
Figure 1 - Power Factor Correction Equipment
PFC can be achieved through different methods but the most economical method is to use PFC banks. This type of traditional PFC makes use of power capacitors to add capacitive or leading kVAR to the system to offset the inductive or lagging kVAR typically produced by induction motors. For example, a system with 300 inductive kVAR can be corrected to unity PF by adding 300 capacitive kVAR.
Before capacitors were as inexpensive and abundant as they are now, synchronous motors were used to correct system PF, as the synchronous motor was powered only by reactive power. Synchronous motors still have a place in manufacturing where constant speed can be used as part of the process.
With the advancement of transistor-controlled power, newer methods of PFC can achieve tighter control of system PF. These range from thyristor switching of capacitor steps, to static VAR generators (SVG), static VAR compensators (SVC), and static synchronous compensators (STATCOM). All these methods have faster and more accurate response to changing system PF, and are typically quite expensive compared to the capacitor method.
Methods of Correction
Static or fixed power factor correction
Figure 2 - Typical Static Capacitor Bank
Compensation on the load side of the AC motor starter (motor switched or “at the load”). A good application for essential or constant loads over 40HP.
Central power factor correction
Figure 3 - Typical Fast-Switching Capacitor Bank
Compensation for electrical systems with fluctuating loads. Usually installed at the main power distribution (service entrance). The capacitors are controlled by a microprocessor-based relay which continuously monitors the reactive power requirements. The relay then connects or disconnects capacitors to supply capacitance as needed.
