Problem Formulation and Proposed Work
Problem Formulation and Proposed Work
Power factor (PF) is a measure of how efficiently electrical power is being used in an AC circuit. A low
power factor indicates that a significant portion of the current is used to magnetize the circuit
components, rather than doing useful work. This leads to increased power losses, lower system efficiency,
and higher electricity bills.
To reduce losses in the distribution system, and to reduce the electricity bill, power factor correction,
usually in the form of capacitors, is added to neutralize as much of the magnetizing current as possible.
Capacitors contained in most power factor correction equipment draw current that leads the voltage, thus
producing a leading power factor. If capacitors are connected to a circuit that operates at a nominally
lagging power factor, the extent that the circuit lags is reduced proportionately. Typically the corrected
power factor will be 0.92 to 0.95.
Some power distributors offer incentives for operating with a power factor of better than 0.9, for example,
and some penalize consumers with a poor power factor. There are many ways that this is metered but the
net result is that in order to reduce wasted energy in the distribution system, the consumer is encouraged
to apply power factor correction. Most Network Operating companies now penalize for power factors
below 0.95 or 0.9.
3.3 Why improve power factor ?
The benefits that can be achieved by applying the correct power factor correction are:
To address the problem of low power factor, this research proposes a comprehensive approach involving
capacitor-based power factor correction. The proposed work will focus on the following key areas:
Power Factor Analysis:
1. Conduct a thorough power system analysis to identify load characteristics and power factor
issues.
2. Utilize power quality monitoring devices to measure voltage, current, and power factor
3. Analyze harmonic distortion levels to determine the appropriate type of capacitor bank
4. Capacitor Bank Design:
Power factor correction is achieved by the addition of capacitors in parallel with the connected
motor or lighting circuits and can be applied at the equipment,distribution board or at the origin
of the installation.
i. Calculate the required capacitance to achieve the desired power factor improvement.
ii. Select suitable capacitors based on voltage rating, current capacity, and harmonic
filtering .
iii. Design the capacitor bank configuration, considering factors such as voltage rating,
current sharing, and protection devices.
iv. Install the capacitor bank in a suitable location, considering factors such as
accessibility, ventilation, and electrical safety