About Automatic Power Factor Correction Panel (APFC):

What is Power Factor?

Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of Power Utilized (KW) and Power Drawn (KVA).

Generally, when the power is applied to electrical motors, the entire power is not converted as useful Work Done (KW). Depending on the inductance of the motor, a reactive power (KVAR) is generated which results in drawing of excess KVA.

PF = KWH / KVAH

To reduce the KVA drawn, the inductive KVAR is to be nullified by introducing an equal and opposite Capacitive KVAR according to the load pattern, thus OPTIMUM PF is maintained.

Why Power Factor must be maintained?

By maintaining an optimum PF, the Power drawn (KVA) can be reduced, thus reducing the current passing through the electrical circuits to the maximum extent possible (even up to 50%) thereby reducing the machine downtime. Reduction in heat losses in turn increases the life of the electrical circuits.

The State Electricity Boards (SEBs) have installed Digital Electronic Energy (Tri-Vector) Meters for consumers, which have the provision of showing the PF and insisting to maintain the average Power Factor above a specified limit (0.85 – 0.90 PF). Otherwise, for every reduction of 0.01 from the specified PF, PENALTY is levied on the Energy Consumption Charges (KWh) on the Electricity Bill. SEBs are also offering PF incentives if the PF is maintained above the specified PF.

In a few states, where the metering unit is KVAh and if the PF is maintained at its optimum of 0.99, the electricity bill amount itself is reduced considerably.

Salient Features of APFC Panel:

• Adjustment to any step of capacitor value
• Microcontroller-based technology. Digital computation of various parameters
• Continuous monitoring of parameters like Line Voltage, Current, Active, reactive and Apparent Powers and energies
• Scrolling Display on a Dot Matrix LCD
• Protection of Capacitors against damage due to High Voltage, Low Voltage
• Tends to maintain 0.99 lag
• Plug-in terminal connection
• No-Volt release features to disconnect all capacitors in the event of power failure
• Dynamic control of Reactive Power and Power Factor
• RS 232 / RS 485 Standard output port (optional)
• Fine & Coarse correction Controller

Benefits of APFC Panel:

• Power Factor penalty is avoided
• Avail incentives by maintaining optimum Power Factor
• Optimize the capacity by reducing the maximum demand KVA
• Avoids excess demand charges
• Improvement in line voltage
• Reduced line current losses and cable overheat
• Enhanced life of electrical circuits
• Avail Depreciation
• Reduced consumption (KWH) charges
• Avoids overloading of Distribution Transformers
• Additional Service connections in existing generation of power by reducing Energy Losses
• Reduced line losses Benefits SEBs and Nation

APFC Panels are available from 25KVAR – 2500KVAR models onwards.