What is Power Factor?
Power Factor is the ratio between the KW and the KVA drawn by an electrical load where the KW is the actual load power and the KVA is the apparent load power. Power factor is a measure of how effectively the current is being converted into useful work output. It is a good indicator of the effect of the load current on the efficiency of the supply system.

Power Factor It is a measure of the effect of the phase lag and harmonics of the input current on the main efficiency.

Power factor, cosq = P/S = Active power / Total apparent power

For the above power factor is inclusive of the harmonics

P.F. can be expressed as:

P.F. = Cosq₁  . Cosj₁

Where
q₁-  Phase lag between current & voltage caused by inductive nature of the load
j₁-  Phase lag between current & voltage caused by harmonics in the supply which is produced by non-linear loads such as UPS, etc.

Theoretical Meaning of Power Factor

Can Power Factor Be Corrected?

Power factor can be improved by using the following equipment:

1. Static capacitors
2. Synchronous condensers
3. Phase advancers

Static capacitors and synchronous condensers draw leading current and partly or completely reduce the lagging current in the load circuit, thus improving the power factor.

Phase advancer is an AC exciter which matches the stator winding current with the supply voltage. They are used in motor control applications.

Standard applications without static capacitors

Typical Electrical load connected to the supply without connecting capacitors

Power factor improvement using static capacitors

Advantages of Power Factor Correction

Advantages

1. Reduces line losses
2. Reduces line current
3. Improves line voltage
4. Curtails voltage drop

Indirect Benefits

1. Due to reduction in current, heating power dissipation loss will be minimal for the same conductor
2. Power loss will be minimal
3. Frees up system capacity

Power factor improvement for Variable loads

Intelligent and Automatic power factor correction Panels with Automatic sensing and Correction systems are provided to enable Accurate correction on larger intermittent inductive loads.

Product Architecture