Electrical Power Distribution & Utilization Lab Session 01

NED University of Engineering and Technology Department of Electrical Engineering

LAB SESSION 01

Power Factor Improvement

OBJECTIVE
Development of SLD and Power Factor Correction (PFC) of a three-phase distribution system.

APPARATUS
 Simulator SEL-1/EV
 Multimeter
 Energy Analyzer
 Resistive Load Bank
 Inductive Load Bank
 Capacitive Bank

THEORY
The ratio of the actual power consumed by equipment (P) to the power supplied to equipment (S)
is called the power factor.
Re alPower P
PowerFactor  Cos  
ApparentPower S
where;
S  P2  Q2

The power factor correction of electrical loads is a problem common to all industrial companies.
Every user which utilizes electrical power to obtain work in various forms continuously asks the
mains to supply a certain quantity of active power, together with reactive power. This reactive
power is not transformed or used by the user, but the electricity supply company is forced to
produce it, using generators, wires to carry and distribute it, through transformers and switching
gears.

Power factor correction reduces the Joule losses of the transformers and the cables upstream of the
installation point; reduction in losses, transmitted power being equal, is greater the lower the power
factor value before applying the power factor correction.

The capacitor provides the necessary leading current (-ve Q) which results in reduce line current
flowing in the system. The amount of reactive power needed is given by the following formula.
QC  P(tan  1  tan  2 )
Q
C
V 2
P(tan 1  tan  2 )
C
V 2
where,
Electrical Power Distribution & Utilization Lab Session 01
NED University of Engineering and Technology Department of Electrical Engineering

tan  1 = tan component of initial power factor

tan  2 = tan component of improved power factor

PROCEDURE:

to 3Ø-load

Figure 1.1 Connections of the simulator SEL-1/EV

Follow the connections shown in figure above and fill up the observation table.
Electrical Power Distribution & Utilization Lab Session 01
NED University of Engineering and Technology Department of Electrical Engineering

OBSERVATIONS:

P.F Correction P.F Correction

Initial Using 3 x ---- µF Using 3 x ---- µF
Load Combination
Power New New Line New New Line
(R(Ω)+jwL(H))
Factor Power Current(A) Power Current(A)
Factor Factor

RESULT
The method of power factor correction has been fully understood.

TASKS

1. Draw the per-phase diagram of the system and cross-check the readings manually.
2. What is the significance of shunt and series compensation?
3. Simulate the experimental setup on Simulink.