Power Factor Improvement

Abstract

Power factor control is a necessary ingredient in any successful Energy Management Program. Many companies are operating with power factors of 70% or less and are being penalized through the electrical utility bill. This paper starts by describing the problem. Reactive power with its subsequent effects is defined and demonstrated through two simple experiments used in programs taught by the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Management Program. Wiring diagrams for the experiment, are provided with pictures of the equipment, and will be shown at the conference. Typical billing methods involving power factors are described. Then, the alternative methods of improving power factor are discussed with advantages and disadvantages of each. Here, the advantages and disadvantages of various locations in the electrical network are described including the cost of installation and network capacity improvement. Sizing of capacitors is also covered. Finally, some case studies involving power factor improvement are presented. Economic analysis is included.