Power Factor Improvement ( PFI ) Plants
Power factor improvement, or PFI, involves enhancing the power factor of an electrical system, which is the ratio of the real power to the apparent power consumed. A low power factor can lead to increased energy consumption, reduced efficiency, and added costs. Techniques for power factor improvement include the use of capacitors, harmonic filters, and active power factor correction devices to minimize reactive power and enhance overall system performance.
What is Power Factor Improvement?
Power factor improvement focuses on minimizing the phase difference between voltage and current. Since most loads are inductive, they need some reactive power to operate correctly. Power factor correction is employed to bring the power factor to unity. Correcting the power factor is crucial to avoid negative effects on energy costs, equipment lifespan, and accessory sizing, such as electrical cables.
Application
We know that most of the industries and power system loads are inductive that take lagging current which decrease the system power factor, For Power factor improvement purpose, Static capacitors are connected in parallel with those devices which work on low power factor.
These static capacitors provide leading current which neutralize (totally or approximately) the lagging inductive component of load thus power factor of the load circuit is improved.
These capacitors are installed in Vicinity of large inductive load like Induction motors and transformers etc, and improve the load circuit power factor to improve the system or devises efficiency
APFC or Automatic Power Factor Control Panels are mainly used for the improvement of Power Factor. Power Factor can be explained as ratio of active power to apparent power and it is a key factor in measuring electrical consumption. Everyone knows that how costly electricity has become in present time. Therefore it becomes utmost important to cut down on electrical consumption for reducing expenditure.
APFC Panels come real handy in the achievement of this purpose Use of these control panels becomes indispensable in those industries where electrical installations are meant to supply to large electrical load. A dip in Power Factor can attract operational losses and a penalty from electricity board, responsible for electricity supply.
APFC Panels can effectively and automatically manage quickly changing and scattered loads along with the retention of high Power Factor. We are renowned manufacturers of APFC Panels symbolized with quality and reliability. These are available in different current ratings to cater to distinct applications. The main features of our control panels are:
Maintains high Power Factor constantly
High efficiency
In-built independent fuses
Protection from excess power in the system.
Prevents leading Power Factor in low load conditions
Clearly marked buttons and indicators
Minimizes harmonic current
Easy to use
Corrosion-resistant
Long lasting
Electrical insulation
Protects electrical equipments
Construction
Microprocessor based Power Factor Correction relay controlled the switching of Parallel connected Power capacitor which rated 2.5kVAr, 5kVAr,7.5kVAr,10kVAr,12.5KVAr, 15kVAr,20kVAr, 25kVAr, 50kVAr…and more, corresponding magnetic Contactor for suitable stepping of the capacitor Bank, some time also used detuned reactor with series in capacitor for harmonic filtrations
There are many types of Capacitor, Dry type, Gas filed type, Oil immerged type etc, HRC fuse used in series for protection, some time we also use Circuit breaker between Capacitor and Magnetic Contactor for protection and easy operation
BENEFITS OF INSTALLATION APFC PANELS
There are numerous benefits to be gained through power factor correction. These benefits range from reduced demand charges on your power system to increased load carrying capabilities in your existing circuits and overall reduced power system loses. And the benefits of power factor correction aren’t just limited to the balance sheet; there are also huge environmental benefits associated with power factor correction, which means your company is reducing its carbon footprint and helping the environment.
1. REDUCED DEMAND CHARGES
Most electric utility companies charge for maximum metered demand based on either the highest registered demand in kilowatts (KW meter), or a percentage of the highest registered demand in KVA (KVA meter), whichever is greater. If the power factor is low, the percentage of the measured KVA will be significantly greater than the KW demand. Improving the power factor through power factor correction will therefore lower the demand charge, helping to reduce your electricity bill.
2. INCREASED LOAD CARRYING CAPABILITIES IN EXISTING CIRCUITS
Loads drawing reactive power also demand reactive current. Installing power factor correction capacitors at the end of existing circuits near the inductive loads reduces the current carried by each circuit. The reduction in current flow resulting from improved power factor may allow the circuit to carry new loads, saving the cost of upgrading the distribution network when extra capacity is required for additional machinery or equipment, saving your company thousands of dollars in unnecessary upgrade costs. In addition, the reduced current flow reduces resistive losses in the circuit.
3. IMPROVED VOLTAGE
A lower power factor causes a higher current flow for a given load. As the line current increases, the voltage drop in the conductor increases, which may result in a lower voltage at the equipment. With an improved power factor, the voltage drop in the conductor is reduced, improving the voltage at the equipment.
4. REDUCED POWER SYSTEM LOSSES
Although the financial return from conductor loss reduction alone is seldom sufficient to justify the installation of capacitors, it is sometimes an attractive additional benefit; especially in older plants with long feeders or in field pumping operations. System conductor losses are proportional to the current squared and, since the current is reduced in direct proportion to the power factor improvement, the losses are inversely proportional to the square of the power factor.
5. REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT
By reducing your power system’s demand charge through power factor correction, your company is putting less strain on the electricity grid, therefore reducing its carbon footprint. Over time, this lowered demand on the electricity grid can account for hundreds of tons of reduced carbon production, all thanks to the improvement of your power system’s electrical efficiency via power factor correction
Features of Automatic Power Factor Panel
Automatic Power Factor Panels (APFP) are essential for enhancing efficiency and reducing energy costs in electrical systems. Here are key features:
Automatic Power Factor Correction: Uses capacitors and controllers to maintain optimal power factor, improving energy efficiency.
Real-Time Monitoring and Control: Constant assessment and adjustment of power factor ensure consistent system performance.
Energy Efficiency: Reduces reactive power and energy losses, leading to lower electricity bills.
Equipment Lifespan: Minimizes strain on equipment, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Compact and Scalable Design: Easy to install and expand to meet growing power needs.
User-Friendly Interface: Touch screens and displays simplify monitoring and maintenance.
Safety Features: Includes protections like overload and short-circuit safeguards.
Remote Monitoring: Allows for remote control and monitoring, enhancing energy management flexibility.
APFPs are a smart investment for achieving energy efficiency and system reliability in industrial and commercial setups.
Power Factor Improvement price in bd
The lowest price of a 30 kvar power factor improvement panel in Bangladesh is Tk 70,000. Investing in a power factor improvement panel can lead to significant savings on electricity bills, making it a smart choice for both your wallet and the environment.