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What is the Power Factor?
The power that is consumed by electrical equipment is known as real power. A site may also extract power that is not directly used, which is known as reactive power. And, an amalgamation of both is known as apparent power. The relationship between real and apparent power is called power factor. Let us say a site that has a poor power factor means you might be paying for energy that cannot be used.
What is Power Factor Correction?
Power Factor Correction (PFC) is a technology that, when installed, allows you to reduce your electricity bill by maintaining the level of reactive power consumption. If the power factor falls below a predetermined figure at a plant or site, then the electricity company will add reactive power charges to your bill. Typically, there is not a lot of strain on electrical infrastructure if the power factor used is suitable.
Why is having a power factor so essential?
With power factor, you can measure how efficiently you are consuming electricity. Different kinds of power are used at a site or plant that provides you with electrical energy. To make it easier for you, let us tell you how each one of them functions.
First, working power is the power that is used in all electrical appliances that perform the job of lighting, heating, motion, amongst others. It can be denoted as kW or Kilowatts. Some common types of resistive loads are lighting and electric heating.
Then comes an inductive load like a compressor or ballast, they also need reactive power to generate and sustain a magnetic field which is necessary for it to operate. It is also known as non-working power kVAR, or kilovolt-amperes-reactive, technically.
Whether it is a site or your home, both consist of resistive and inductive loads. However, the ratio between the two is crucial as these kinds of loads hold utmost value, when you add more inductive equipment.
How can Power Factor Corrections help you?
You need to understand that a poor energy management system will fetch more load and will lead to unnecessary strain on the electricity distribution network. In order to eradicate that, you need a better power factor that will help you reduce your electricity bills through lower monthly demand and capacity charges.
Furthermore, life expectancy of a power factor correction is high and can turn out to be a fruitful investment. In case you chose to not go ahead with it, then the poor quality can do some serious damage such as power losses, failure of equipment and motors, overheating, and voltage drops.
Conclusion
Systematic and sustained power supply is the backbone of any function and power factor correction plays a pivotal role in ensuring reduced downtime or defaults in any machinery at industries. Power Factor Correction plays the role of making sure that there is a smooth power supply, and in turn elevates the power quality—absolutely negating the possibility of a breakdown in the system or any interruptions.
