NEPSI Tech Talk Session 03: Power Factor and Power Factor Correction (Part 1 of 2)

Understanding power factor, power factor correction, and the application of capacitor banks and harmonic filter banks for the purpose of reactive compensation is essential when designing electric power systems for commercial, industrial, and electric power systems. Power factor, in its simplest terms, is a measure of a system’s efficiency. When power factor is not corrected, it can lead to higher energy cost, higher infrastructure cost, higher I2R losses, and poorer power quality. Starting with basic concepts, the next two NEPSI Tech Talk Sessions will introduce power factor, power factor terminology, and its importance in system design. The power triangle is used to illustrate power factor and power factor correction. Calculation methods are provided using trigonometry and KW multiplier tables. This two-part session will end with a discussion of common concerns when applying capacitor banks, which include: switching transients, motor over-excitation, over-compensation, voltage rise, outrush current, and harmonic resonance.