First Semester Project

Power Factor Correction for Power Systems

V2
P=
R

2
P
=
I
R
P =True Power
Where P is measured in Watts

Types of Power

Pamela Ackerman, Electrical Engineering Undergraduate

True Power - Symbolized by P, measured in Watts and a function of dissipative elements (R)
Reactive Power - Symbolized by Q, measured in VAR and a function of reactive elements (X)
Apparent Power - Symbolized by S, measured in VA and a function of total impedance (Z)

Advisement By:
Jerry E. Hager P.E., Vice President, Electrical Systems Consultants, Inc.
Dr. George Collins, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Q = I2X

V2
Q=
X

Q = Reactive Power
Where Q is measured in VoltVolt-AmpsAmps-Reactive (VAR)

V2
S=
Z

2
S = VI
S
=
I
Z
S = Apparent Power
Where S is measured in VoltVolt-Amps (VA)

Definition of Power Factor

Power System Loads

Power system have resistive,
resistive inductive and capacitive loads

P = True power = I2R = 240 Watts

P = True power = I2R = 0 Watts

Q = Reactive power = I2X = 0 KVAR

Q = Reactive power = I2X = 238.73 KVAR

S = Apparent power = I2Z = 240 VA

S = Apparent power = I2Z = 238.73 VA

Purely Resistive Load:

All power dissipated by resistor
Voltage and Current in phase
Apparent Power = True Power

Purely Reactive Load:

All power alternately absorbed and returned by reactive load
Voltage and Current out of phase (=90)
Apparent Power = Reactive Power

Resistive/Reactive Load:
More power dissipated
than returned to load
Voltage and Current out
of phase (0< <90)
Apparent power is a
linear combination of
True and Reactive power

P = True power = I2R = 119.365 Watts

Q = Reactive power = I2X = 119.998 KVAR

Fixed capacitor bank connected to transformer or switchgear

Sized to regulate maximum operational inductive loading

Drawbacks include utility regulations and addition of inductive loads change max

Fixed capacitor bank and individual capacitors same as above

with addition of caps in parallel with some of the large motors

Provides power factor correction while motors are energized

Sometimes not physically or economically feasible (maintenance is costly)

Variable capacitor bank connected to transformer or switchgear

TruePower
KW

PF =
=
ApparentPo wer KVA

Power factor is a unitunit-less

measurement
Power factor measures how
efficiently the current is being
converted into real power

S = Apparent power = I2Z = 169.256 VA

Methods of Power Factor Correction

Power factor is defined as the ratio of

true power and apparent power:

Centrally located capacitor bank regulates power factor as loads connected to system change
Draw backs include initial and maintenance costs

A power factor of 1 is the most

efficient loading of supply

The three types of power are related by the Power Triangle

Purely resistive circuits have PF=1, power triangle is a horizontal line
Purely inductive circuits have PF=0, power triangle is a vertical line pointing up
Purely capacitive circuits have PF=0, power triangle is a vertical line pointing down

Benefits of PFC

Protection
Efficiency
Savings
References
Lessons In Electric Circuits Volume II, Sixth Edition, Tony R. Kuphaldt, 2007
Power Factor Correction, Ralph A. Frye III, P.E., http://www.wagesterlease.com/aboutus/articles/powerfactor.html
Power Factor, L M Photonics Ltd, http://www.lmphotonics.com/pwrfact.htm?gclid=CJbHjdTMjosCFSUeGAodtRe8VQ
Power Factor Correction, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor_correction