Economic Improvement of Power Factor Correction: A Case Study

Kassem Wahab,Mohamad Rahal,Roger Achkar

doi:10.4236/jpee.2021.96001

Kassem Wahab, Mohamad Rahal + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jpee.2021.96001

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Abstract

Power factor (PF) is simply an expression of energy efficiency, which is always expressed in terms of percentage. Technically, PF is a ratio of real power in Kilowatts to the apparent power, which is always expressed in kilovolts amperes. In AC power analysis, power is always expressed in three ways, the real power (P), reactive power (Q), and the apparent power (S). The real power is the work useful power, while the reactive power is the wasted power in the 3-phase AC system, and the apparent power is the vectorial sum of the two powers. The increase of reactive power will reduce the presence of real power, thus making the power to be more expensive. In this paper, we will analyze the importance of improving the power factor by applying a bank of capacitors to a case study in Lebanon. Analysis of the economic improvement in the application of power factor correction is carried out. The result shows a reduction of 12 percent in the total cost.

Highlights

In the production of power, there are a lot of inductors used in AC machines like transformers and motors
Power factor (PF) is a ratio of real power in Kilowatts to the apparent power, which is always expressed in kilovolts amperes
In AC power analysis, power is always expressed in three ways, the real power (P), reactive power (Q), and the apparent power (S)

Summary

Introduction

In the production of power, there are a lot of inductors used in AC machines like transformers and motors. Inductances are caused by the magnetic fields, which are produced by the currents flowing in the electrical circuit. In the process of transmission of power, the power factor shows the effectiveness of the electricity used. The improvement of the power factor is very significant economically as it helps to reduce the electricity bill. The product of current I and the voltage V at any given point is known as instantaneous power, and it is given by the equation below P = VI (Watt) (1). Let’s consider the average power P in the circuit, which has resistance and inductance, the following equation gives the power factor. =p Vm Im sin wt sin ( wt − Φ) =p Vm

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