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LPF Causes

Causes of Low Power Factor

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11 views1 page

LPF Causes

Causes of Low Power Factor

Uploaded by

goyal.167009
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Causes of Low Power Factor

1. Inductive Loads: The most common cause of a low power factor is the
presence of inductive loads such as motors, transformers, and induction
furnaces. Inductive loads cause the current to lag behind the voltage, leading
to a low power factor.
2. Lightly Loaded Electric Motors: When electric motors operate at less than
their rated capacity, they tend to have a lower power factor, as they consume
reactive power disproportionately to their real power usage.
3. Unbalanced Loads: If the load on different phases of a three-phase system is
unbalanced, it can cause a low power factor.
4. Harmonic Currents: Non-linear loads such as variable frequency drives,
computers, and fluorescent lighting can introduce harmonic currents, which
distort the waveform and reduce the power factor.
5. Transformer Magnetizing Current: Transformers require a magnetizing
current to operate, which is a reactive component that reduces the power factor.
6. Underloaded Generators: If a generator operates under low load conditions,
its power factor drops significantly, since the reactive power remains high
compared to the active power delivered.

Disadvantages of Low Power Factor

1. Higher Energy Costs: A lower power factor increases the apparent power
(kVA) required by the system, resulting in higher energy bills. Many utility
companies impose penalties for low power factor.
2. Increased Demand on Equipment: Electrical equipment like transformers,
cables, and generators must handle higher currents for the same amount of
real power (kW), leading to overheating and inefficiency.
3. Voltage Drops: Low power factor leads to larger voltage drops in distribution
systems, which can affect the performance of sensitive electrical equipment
and reduce voltage stability.
4. Increased Power Losses: With low power factor, the current in the system
increases. This raises I²R losses (heat losses in the conductor), reducing
system efficiency and causing wear on equipment.
5. Larger Capacity Requirements: To compensate for the higher apparent
power, electrical infrastructure (generators, transformers, cables) must be
oversized, increasing capital investment.
6. Reduced Load Carrying Capability: Low power factor limits the ability of
existing electrical equipment to carry additional loads without upgrading the
system.
Improving the power factor can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and extend the life
of electrical equipment.

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