Benefits of Automatic Power Factor Correction
Introduction:
Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) systems improve electrical efficiency by continuously monitoring and adjusting the power factor of a facility. These systems help reduce the amount of reactive power drawn from the utility by supplying it locally, which lowers the total current required by the system. This results in reduced energy losses, improved voltage stability, and increased system capacity.
What is Power Factor?
The power factor of an AC power system is defined as the ratio of the real power absorbed by the load to the apparent power flowing in the circuit. A power factor magnitude of less than one indicates the voltage and current are not in phase, reducing the average product of the two.
Why Should you Improve your Power Factor?
- Improves plant efficiency
- Reduced kVA charges
- Additional loads can be added to the system
- Improved network voltage
- Reduced overloading of cables, transformers, switchgears, etc
- Improved starting torque of motors
- Reduced fuel requirements to generate power due to line losses
- Compensates reactive power requirements in cogeneration installations
By optimizing power factor automatically, these systems help avoid utility penalties and reduce electricity costs. In both industrial and commercial settings, APFC systems contribute to more reliable and efficient operation of electrical equipment, extending the lifespan of components and enhancing overall performance.
Energy Saving:
In today’s energy-conscious market, commercial buildings are under increasing pressure to operator efficiently, not just to reduce environmental impact, but to cut operating costs. One of the most overlooked ways to achieve both is through APFC.
Many commercial facilities, such as office complexes, shopping centers, and industrial warehouses are filled with equipment like air conditioners, lighting systems, elevators, and motors. These systems tend to draw reactive power, leading to a lower power factor. When this happens, utilities must work harder to deliver the same usable power, and they often pass that cost back to the customer in the form of power factor penalties or increased demand charges. An APFC system automatically monitors and corrects the power factor in real time, without the need for manual adjustments. It ensures that your electrical system only draws the energy it needs, which means less strain on your infrastructure, fewer utility surcharges, and more room to grow your operation without upgrading your electrical capacity.
Beyond cost and energy savings, APFC also improves voltage stability, reduces heat buildup in cables and equipment, and contributes to longer equipment lifespan. It is a behind-the-scenes upgrade that delivers front-line results: lower bills, more reliable power, and better overall efficiency.
What to learn more about your Power Factor?
At Select Electrical Enterprises Ltd, we offer the SE700 Power Factor Correction System suitable for any facility. Feel free to reach out either by giving us a call (780-968-8859) or by filling out our online contact form.