Understanding the energy consumption pattern is essential for every business to plan its monthly utility expenditure. At the same time, understanding the consumption patterns helps identify possible energy waste and other critical issues. In a scenario where energy per unit cost is soaring every year, businesses must shield themselves with robust energy efficiency planning.
When it comes to business energy efficiency, some popular measures are smart meter installation, smart energy management systems implementation, solar installation, and more. Among these measures, a crucial though often overlooked thing is the power factor correction. The following section of this article will discuss the power factor correction in detail, educating the readers about its importance and benefits.
What Is Power Factor Correction?
Before entering into the detailed insight into the power factor correction, it is crucial to understand how electricity and power factor are used in a system. Typically, the electrical energy in a system comprises two things: reactive power and real power. Among these, the real power is the actual power which has been consumed by devices or appliances such as fans, lights, HVAC, etc.
On the other hand, reactive power, typically measured in kilovolts-amperes (kVAR), maintains a sustaining voltage level within an electrical system. The reactive power plays a crucial role in managing the performance of inductive loads such as transformers and motors.
Every small or large machine comes with an efficiency metric, known as the power factor, which reflects how efficiently the electricity is used. In a more formal term, power factor refers to the ratio of real power to apparent power. The typical value of this ratio ranges between 0 and 1. While zero indicates low energy efficiency, one depicts 100% efficiency.
So, power factor correction is the procedure to make a machine’s power factor correct for improved energy efficiency. The method aims to bring the power factor for a device close to 1. From enhancing the system’s efficiency to promoting longevity, power factor correction brings many benefits. In the following section, find a guide to the importance and benefits of power factor correction.
Types of Power Factor Correction
Power factor correction has been performed using multiple methods. Let’s explore the types of power factor correction below.
1. Passive Power Factor Correction
As the name implies, the passive power factor correction involves passive components such as capacitors, LC filters, and inductors. Among these components, capacitors are mostly used with being connected in parallel with inductive loads. Harmonic filters, also known as LC circuits, remove harmonics while correcting the power factor. Suitable for industrial setups, this power factor correction is highly cost-effective.
2. Active Power Factor Correction
This power factor correction method uses power electronics such as MOSFETs and IGBTs to correct the power factor dramatically. This method is suitable when the load frequently changes its characteristics. Power factor correction for the high-performance and sensitive electronics appliances has been done using this method.
3. Hybrid Power Factor Correction
The hybrid power factor correction combines both active and passive components for an efficient and comprehensive correction. While the passive components handle steady-state reactive power, the active components deal with dynamic loads and harmonic filters. Experts often apply this method to manage complex systems such as data centres, mixed industrial loads, EV chargers, etc.
The Benefits of Power Factor Correction
Power factor correction can save a significant amount of energy wastage, leading to a lower expenditure on power usage for businesses. Find a detailed guide on the benefits of power factor correction in the following section.
1. Lower Energy Consumption
When the machines or appliances operate efficiently, businesses can observe lower energy consumption. Power factor correction can result in a significant energy consumption reduction. Therefore, organisations can find a lower electricity bill. Moreover, an efficient performance also enhances the lifespan of the appliances or devices, reducing maintenance and repair costs significantly.
2. Reduced Downtime
Energy-efficient systems run smoothly for a long time without requiring any significant repair or maintenance tasks. Since the systems face fewer glitches, the businesses do not experience the hardship of downtime. Nevertheless, periodic maintenance for efficient systems can be scheduled in longer intervals to reduce maintenance costs and downtime frequency due to maintenance.
3. Removal of the Additional Charges
Many energy-providing companies charge extra for the systems that do not consume energy efficiently. Businesses can avoid paying such additional charges by adopting the right power factor correction method.
4. Lesser Hassles in Distribution Network Upkeep
The distribution network undergoes less wear and tear when the systems perform efficiently. Therefore, businesses can save their expenses by reducing the maintenance hassles for their distribution networks.
5. Hidden Charges Removal
Many energy tariffs may include some hidden charges when they notice an incorrect power factor is detected at an organisation. Rectifying the power factor can help businesses avoid paying such hidden fees.
Conclusion
Besides discussing the fundamental aspects of power factor correction, this article has highlighted the major benefits of this procedure. Power factor correction is an excellent energy efficiency measure that businesses can embrace to reduce their energy expenses. Moreover, businesses can also save significantly on systems’ maintenance by maintaining an optimal power factor correction.
Seeking more advice on business energy efficiency? Searching for the best utility tariff plan for your business? Contact Connect Your Energy. With our impeccable knowledge and vast expertise, we ensure the best energy efficiency guidance, ensuring an effective reduction in energy expenses.