2/1/2018 Automatic Power Factor Correction | Electrical Notes & Articles

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Automatic Power Factor Correction

MARCH 20, 2011 80 COMMENTS (HTTPS://[Link]/2011/03/20/AUTOMATIC-POWER-

FACTOR-CORRECTION/#COMMENTS)

What is Power Factor?

Power Factor Definition: Power factor is the ratio between the KW and the KVA drawn by an electrical load where the KW is the
actual load power and the KVA is the apparent load power. It is a measure of how effectively the current is being converted into
useful work output and more particularly is a good indicator of the effect of the load current on the efficiency of the supply
system.
All current flow causes losses both in the supply and distribution system. A load with a power factor of 1.0 results in the most
efficient loading of the supply. A load with a power factor of, say, 0.8, results in much higher losses in the supply system and a
higher bill for the consumer. A comparatively small improvement in power factor can bring about a significant reduction in
losses since losses are proportional to the square of the current.
When the power factor is less than one the ‘missing’ power is known as reactive power which unfortunately is necessary to
provide a magnetizing field required by motors and other inductive loads to perform their desired functions. Reactive power can
also be interpreted as wa les, magnetizing or wasted power and it represents an extra burden on the electricity supply system
and on the consumer’s bill.
A poor power factor is usually the result of a significant phase difference between the voltage and current at the load terminals,
or it can be due to a high harmonic content or a distorted current waveform.
A poor power factor is generally the result of an inductive load such as an induction motor, a power transformer, and ballast in a
luminary, a welding set or an induction furnace. A distorted current waveform can be the result of a rectifier, an inverter, a
variable speed drive, a switched mode power supply, discharge lighting or other electronic loads.
A poor power factor due to inductive loads can be improved by the addition of power factor correction equipment, but a poor
power factor due to a distorted current waveform requires a change in equipment Design or the addition of harmonic filters.
Some inverters are quoted as having a power factor of be er than 0.95 when, in reality, the true power factor is between 0.5 and
0.75. The figure of 0.95 is based on the cosine of the angle between the voltage and current but does not take into account that the
current waveform is discontinuous and therefore contributes to increased losses.
An inductive load requires a magnetic field to operate and in creating such a magnetic field causes the current to be out of phase
with the voltage (the current lags the voltage). Power factor correction is the process of compensating for the lagging current by
creating a leading current by connecting capacitors to the supply.
P.F (Cos Ǿ)= K.W / KVA Or
P.F (Cos Ǿ)= True Power / Apparent Power.
KW is Working Power (also called Actual Power or Active Power or Real Power).
It is the power that actually powers the equipment and performs useful work.
KVAR is Reactive Power.
It is the power that magnetic equipment (transformer, motor and relay)needs to produce the magnetizing flux.
KVA is Apparent Power.
It is the “vectorial summation” of KVAR and KW.

Displacement Power Factor Correction.

An induction motor draws current from the supply that is made up of resistive components and inductive components. The resistive
components are:
1) Load current.
2) Loss current.
And the inductive components are:
3) Leakage reactance.
4) Magnetizing current.

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The current due to the leakage reactance is dependent on the total current drawn by the motor, but the magnetizing current is
independent of the load on the motor. The magnetizing current will typically be between 20% and 60% of the rated full load
current of the motor. The magnetizing current is the current that establishes the flux in the iron and is very necessary if the motor
is going to operate.
The magnetizing current does not actually contribute to the actual work output of the motor. It is the catalyst that allows the
motor to work properly. The magnetizing current and the leakage reactance can be considered passenger components of current
that will not affect the power drawn by the motor, but will contribute to the power dissipated in the supply and distribution
system.
Take for example a motor with a current draw of 100 Amps and a power factor of 0.75 The resistive component of the current is
75 Amps and this is what the KWh meter measures. The higher current will result in an increase in the distribution losses of (100
x 100) /(75 x 75) = 1.777 or a 78% increase in the supply losses.
In the interest of reducing the losses in the distribution system, power factor correction is added to neutralize a portion of the
magnetizing current of the motor. Typically, the corrected power factor will be 0.92 – 0.95
Power factor correction is achieved by the addition of capacitors in parallel with the connected motor circuits and can be applied
at the starter, or applied at the switchboard or distribution panel. The resulting capacitive current is leading current and is used
to cancel the lagging inductive current flowing from the supply.

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Displacement Static Correction (Static Compensation).

As a large proportion of the inductive or lagging current on the supply is due to the magnetizing current of induction motors, it
is easy to correct each individual motor by connecting the correction capacitors to the motor starters.
With static correction, it is important that the capacitive current is less than the inductive magnetizing current of the induction
motor. In many installations employing static power factor correction, the correction capacitors are connected directly in parallel
with the motor windings.
When the motor is Off Line, the capacitors are also Off Line. When the motor is connected to the supply, the capacitors are also
connected providing correction at all times that the motor is connected to the supply. This removes the requirement for any
expensive power factor monitoring and control equipment.
In this situation, the capacitors remain connected to the motor terminals as the motor slows down. An induction motor, while
connected to the supply, is driven by a rotating magnetic field in the stator which induces current into the rotor. When the motor
is disconnected from the supply, there is for a period of time, a magnetic field associated with the rotor. As the motor decelerates,
it generates voltage out its terminals at a frequency which is related to its speed.
The capacitors connected across the motor terminals, form a resonant circuit with the motor inductance. If the motor is critically
corrected, (corrected to a power factor of 1.0) the inductive reactance equals the capacitive reactance at the line frequency and
therefore the resonant frequency is equal to the line frequency. If the motor is over corrected, the resonant frequency will be
below the line frequency. If the frequency of the voltage generated by the decelerating motor passes through the resonant
frequency of the corrected motor, there will be high currents and voltages around the motor/capacitor circuit. This can result in
severe damage to the capacitors and motor. It is imperative that motors are never over corrected or critically corrected when
static correction is employed.
Static power factor correction should provide capacitive current equal to 80% of the magnetizing current, which is essentially
the open shaft current of the motor.
The magnetizing current for induction motors can vary considerably. Typically, magnetizing currents for large two pole
machines can be as low as 20% of the rated current of the motor while smaller low speed motors can have a magnetizing
current as high as 60% of the rated full load current of the motor
Where the open shaft current cannot be measured, and the magnetizing current is not quoted, an approximate level for the
maximum correction that can be applied can be calculated from the half load characteristics of the motor. It is dangerous to base
correction on the full load characteristics of the motor as in some cases, motors can exhibit a high leakage reactance and
correction to 0.95 at full load will result in over correction under no load, or disconnected conditions.
Static correction is commonly applied by using on e contactor to control both the motor and the capacitors. It is be er practice to
use two contactors, one for the motor and one for the capacitors. Where one contactor is employed, it should be up sized for the
capacitive load. The use of a second contactor eliminates the problems of resonance between the motor and the capacitors.
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How Capacitors Work

Induction motors, transformers and many other electrical loads require magnetizing current (kvar) as well as actual power (kW).
By representing these components of apparent power (kVA) as the sides of a right triangle, we can determine the apparent power
from the right triangle rule: kVA2 = kW2 + kVAR2.
To reduce the kva required for any given load, you must shorten the line that represents the kvar. This is precisely what
capacitors do. By supplying kvar right at the load, the capacitors relieve the utility of the burden of carrying the extra kvar. This
makes the utility transmission/distribution system more efficient, reducing cost for the utility and their customers. The ratio of
actual power to apparent power is usually expressed in percentage and is called power factor.

What Causes Low Power Factor?

Since power factor is defined as the ratio of KW to KVA, we see that low power factor results when KW is small in relation to
KVA. Inductive loads. Inductive loads (which are sources of Reactive Power) include:

1. Transformers
2. Induction motor
3. Induction generators (wind mill generators)
4. High intensity discharge (HID) lighting

These inductive loads constitute a major portion of the power consumed in industrial complexes.
Reactive power (KVAR) required by inductive loads increases the amount of apparent power (KVA) in your distribution system
.This increase in reactive and apparent power results in a larger angle (measured between KW and KVA). Recall that, as
increases, cosine (or power factor) decreases.

Why Should I Improve My Power Factor?

You want to improve your power factor for several different reasons. Some of the benefits of improving your power factor
include:

1) Lower utility fees by:

(a). Reducing peak KW billing demand:

Inductive loads, which require reactive power, caused your low power factor. This increase in required reactive power (KVAR)
causes an increase in required apparent power (KVA), which is what the utility is supplying. So, a facility’s low power factor
causes the utility to have to increase its generation and transmission capacity in order to handle this extra demand.
By lowering your power factor, you use less KVAR. This results in less KW, which equates to a dollar savings from the utility.

(b). Eliminating the power factor penalty:

Utilities usually charge customers an additional fee when their power factor is less than 0.95. (In fact, some utilities are not
obligated to deliver electricity to their customer at any time the customer’s power factor falls below 0.85.) Thus, you can avoid
this additional fee by increasing your power factor.

2) Increased system capacity and reduced system losses in your electrical system

By adding capacitors (KVAR generators) to the system, the power factor is improved and the KW capacity of the system is
increased.
For example, a 1,000 KVA transformer with an 80% power factor provides 800 KW (600 KVAR) of power to the main bus.
By increasing the power factor to 90%, more KW can be supplied for the same amount of KVA.
1000 KVA = (900 KW)2 + ( ? KVAR)2
KVAR = 436
The KW capacity of the system increases to 900 KW and the utility supplies only 436 KVAR.
Uncorrected power factor causes power system losses in your distribution system. By improving your power factor, these losses
can be reduced. With the current rise in the cost of energy, increased facility efficiency is very desirable. And with lower system
losses, you are also able to add additional load to your system.

3) Increased voltage level in your electrical system and cooler, more efficient motors

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As mentioned above, uncorrected power factor causes power system losses in your distribution system. As power losses
increase, you may experience voltage drops. Excessive voltage drops can cause overheating and premature failure of motors and
other inductive equipment. So, by raising your power factor, you will minimize these voltage drops along feeder cables and
avoid related problems. Your motors will run cooler and be more efficient, with a slight increase in capacity and starting torque.

Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) Panel

Power Factor Improving:

1. Please check if required kVAr of capacitors are installed.

2. Check the type of capacitor installed is suitable for application or the capacitors are de rated.
3. Check if the capacitors are permanently ‘ON’. The Capacitor are not switched off
4. when the load is not working, under such condition the average power factor is found to be lower side.
5. Check whether all the capacitors are operated in APFC depending upon the load operation.
6. Check whether the APFC installed in the installation is working or not. Check the CT connection is taken from the main incomer
side of transformer, after the fix compensation of transformer.
7. Check if the load demand in the system is increased.
8. Check if power transformer compensation is provided.

Thumb Rule if HP is known.

The compensation for motor should be calculated taking the details from the rating plate of motor Or
the capacitor should be rated for 1/3 of HP

Kvar Required For Transformer Compensation:

Transformer Required Kva

<= 315 kVA T.C = 5% of KVA

315kVA To 1000 kVA = 6% of KVA
>= 1000 kVA = 8% of KVA

Where to connect capacitor:

Fix compensation should be provided to take care of power transformer. Power and distribution transformers, which work on
the principle of electro-magnetic induction, consume reactive power for their own needs even when its secondary is not
connected to any load. The power factor will be very low under such situation. To improve the power factor it is required to
connect a fixed capacitor or capacitor bank at the LT side of the Transformer. For approximate kVAr of capacitors required
If the installation is having various small loads with the mixture of large loads then the APFC should be recommended. Note that
APFC should have minimum step rating of 10% as smaller step.
If loads are small then the capacitor should be connected parallel to load. The connection should be such that whenever the loads
are switched on the capacitor also switches on along with the load.
Note that APFC panel can maintain the power factor on L.T side of transformer and it is necessary to provide fix compensation
for Power transformer.
In case there is no transformer in the installation, then the C.T for sensing power factor should be provided at the incoming of
main switch of the plant.

Calculation of required capacitor:

Suppose Actual P.F is 0.8, Required P.F is 0.98 and Total Load is 516KVA.
Power factor = kwh / kvah
kW = kVA x Power Factor
= 516 x 0.8 = 412.8
Required capacitor = kW x Multiplying Factor
= (0.8 x 516) x Multiplying Factor
= 412.8 x 0.547 (See Table to find Value according to P.F 0.8 to P.F of 0.98)
= 225.80 kVar

Multiplying factor for calculating kVAr

Target PF

0.6 0.9 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1

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0.6 0.849 0.878 0.907 0.938 0.970 1.005 1.042 1.083 1.130 1.191 1.333
0.61 0.815 0.843 0.873 0.904 0.936 0.970 1.007 1.048 1.096 1.157 1.299
0.62 0.781 0.810 0.839 0.870 0.903 0.937 0.974 1.015 1.062 1.123 1.265
0.63 0.748 0.777 0.807 0.837 0.870 0.904 0.941 0.982 1.030 1.090 1.233
0.64 0.716 0.745 0.775 0.805 0.838 0.872 0.909 0.950 0.998 1.058 1.201
0.65 0.685 0.714 0.743 0.774 0.806 0.840 0.877 0.919 0.966 1.027 1.169
0.66 0.654 0.683 0.712 0.743 0.775 0.810 0.847 0.888 0.935 0.996 1.138
0.67 0.624 0.652 0.682 0.713 0.745 0.779 0.816 0.857 0.905 0.966 1.108
0.68 0.594 0.623 0.652 0.683 0.715 0.750 0.787 0.828 0.875 0.936 1.078
0.69 0.565 0.593 0.623 0.654 0.686 0.720 0.757 0.798 0.846 0.907 1.049
0.7 0.536 0.565 0.594 0.625 0.657 0.692 0.729 0.770 0.817 0.878 1.020
0.71 0.508 0.536 0.566 0.597 0.629 0.663 0.700 0.741 0.789 0.849 0.992
0.72 0.480 0.508 0.538 0.569 0.601 0.635 0.672 0.713 0.761 0.821 0.964
0.73 0.452 0.481 0.510 0.541 0.573 0.608 0.645 0.686 0.733 0.794 0.936
0.74 0.425 0.453 0.483 0.514 0.546 0.580 0.617 0.658 0.706 0.766 0.909
0.75 0.398 0.426 0.456 0.487 0.519 0.553 0.590 0.631 0.679 0.739 0.882
0.76 0.371 0.400 0.429 0.460 0.492 0.526 0.563 0.605 0.652 0.713 0.855
0.77 0.344 0.373 0.403 0.433 0.466 0.500 0.537 0.578 0.626 0.686 0.829
0.78 0.318 0.347 0.376 0.407 0.439 0.474 0.511 0.552 0.599 0.660 0.802
0.79 0.292 0.320 0.350 0.381 0.413 0.447 0.484 0.525 0.573 0.634 0.776
0.8 0.266 0.294 0.324 0.355 0.387 0.421 0.458 0.499 0.547 0.608 0.750
0.81 0.240 0.268 0.298 0.329 0.361 0.395 0.432 0.473 0.521 0.581 0.724
0.82 0.214 0.242 0.272 0.303 0.335 0.369 0.406 0.447 0.495 0.556 0.698
0.83 0.188 0.216 0.246 0.277 0.309 0.343 0.380 0.421 0.469 0.530 0.672
0.84 0.162 0.190 0.220 0.251 0.283 0.317 0.354 0.395 0.443 0.503 0.646
0.85 0.135 0.164 0.194 0.225 0.257 0.291 0.328 0.369 0.417 0.477 0.620
0.86 0.109 0.138 0.167 0.198 0.230 0.265 0.302 0.343 0.390 0.451 0.593
0.87 0.082 0.111 0.141 0.172 0.204 0.238 0.275 0.316 0.364 0.424 0.567
0.88 0.055 0.084 0.114 0.145 0.177 0.211 0.248 0.289 0.337 0.397 0.540
0.89 0.028 0.057 0.086 0.117 0.149 0.184 0.221 0.262 0.309 0.370 0.512
0.9 0.029 0.058 0.089 0.121 0.156 0.193 0.234 0.281 0.342 0.484
0.91 0.030 0.060 0.093 0.127 0.164 0.205 0.253 0.313 0.456
0.92 0.031 0.063 0.097 0.134 0.175 0.223 0.284 0.426
0.93 0.032 0.067 0.104 0.145 0.192 0.253 0.395
0.94 0.034 0.071 0.112 0.160 0.220 0.363
0.95 0.037 0.078 0.126 0.186 0.329

Testing of Capacitor at Site:

Measurement of Voltage:

Check the voltage using multi meter at capacitor terminals.

Please note that the current output of 440 volt capacitor connected to a system of 415 volt will be lesser than rated value.
Table no -1 & 2give you the resultant kVAr output of the capacitor due to variation in supply voltage.
The kVAr of capacitor will not be same if voltage applied to the capacitor and frequency changes. The example given below
shows how to calculate capacitor current from the measured value at site.

Example :
1. Name plate details – 15kVAr, 3 phases, 440v, and 50Hz capacitor.
Measured voltage – 425v , Measured frequency – 48.5Hz
Kvar = (fM / fR) x (VM / VR)2 x kvar
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Kvar = (48.5/50) x (425 / 440)2 x 15
= 13.57kVAr.

2. Name plate details – 15kVAr, 3 phases, 415v, and 50Hz capacitor.

Measured voltage – 425v, Measured frequency – 48.5Hz
Kvar = (fM / fR) x (VM / VR)2 x kVAr
Kvar = (48.5/50) x (425 / 415)2 x 15
= 15.26kVAr

Three Phase 440V Capacitor

kVAr 440V Measured capacitance

Line current kVAr at Line Current at across two terminals with
440V 415V 415V third terminal open.
(Micro farad) 440V
5 6.56 4.45 6.188 41.10
7.5 9.84 6.67 9.28 61.66
10 13.12 8.90 12.38 82.21
12.5 16.4 11.12 15.47 102.76
15 19.68 13,34 18.56 123.31
20 26.24 17.79 24.75 164.42
25 32.80 22.24 30.94 205,52
Three Phase 415V Capacitor

kVAr 415V Measured capacitance

Line current kVAr at Line Current at across two terminals with
415V 440V 415V third terminal open.
(Micro farad) 415V
5 6.55 5.62 7.38 46.21
7.5 10.43 8.43 11.06 69.31
10 13.91 11.24 14.75 92.41
12.5 17.39 14.05 18.44 116.51
15 20.87 16.86 22.13 138.62
20 27.82 22.48 29.50 184.82
25 34.78 38.10 36.88 231.03

Measurement of Current:

The capacitor current can be measured using Multi meter.

Make a record of measurement data of individual phase and other parameter.
Check whether the current measured is within the limit value with respect to supply voltage & data given in the name plate of
capacitor Refer formulafor calculation
Formula for calculating rated current of capacitor with rated supply voltage and frequency.

l = kvar x 103 / ( 3 X V ) L L
Example:
15kVAr, 3 phase, 440v, 50Hz capacitor.
l = kVAr x 103 / ( 3 X V ) L L
l = (15 x 1000) / (1.732 x 440) L
l = 19.68AMPs L
15kVAr, 3 phases, 415v, 50Hz capacitor
l = kVAr x 103/ ( 3 X V ) L L
l = (15 x 1000) / (1.732 x 415) L
l = 20.87 Amps

Discharge of Capacitor:

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L.T power capacitors are provided with discharge resistor to discharge the capacitor which is limited to one min. The resistor are
provided as per clause No-7.1 of IS 13340-1993.
Switch off the supply to the capacitor and wait for 1 minute and then short the terminals of capacitor to ensure that the capacitor
is completely discharged.
This shorting of terminals ensures the safety while handling the capacitor
Discharge of capacitor also becomes necessary for the safety of meter used for capacitance measurement.

Termination and Mounting:

Use suitable size lugs for connecting the cable to the terminals of capacitor.
Ensure that there is no loose connection: As loose connection may lead to failure of capacitor / insulation break down of cable.
Use proper tools for connection / tightening.
Ensure that the capacitor is mounted vertically.
The earthing of capacitor should be done before charging.
The applied voltage should not exceed more than 10%. Refer technical specification of capacitor.
The capacitor should be provided with the short circuit protection device as indicated in following Table

KVAr HRC Fuse Cable Amps

5 12 Amps 12 Amps
7.5 25 Amps 25 Amps
10 32 Amps 32 Amps
12.5 32 Amps 32 Amps
15 50 Amps 50 Amps
20 50 Amps 50 Amps
25 63 Amps 63 Amps
50 125 Amps 125 Amps
75 200 Amps 200 Amps
100 200 Amps 250 Amps

Use of capacitor in APFC panel

The capacitor should be provided with suitable designed inrush current limiting inductor coils or special capacitor duty
contactors. Annexure d point no d-7.1 of IS 13340-1993
Once the capacitor is switched off it should not be switched on again within 60 seconds so that the capacitor is completely
discharged. The switching time in the relay provided in the APFC panel should be set for 60 seconds for individual steps to
discharge. Clause No-7.1 of IS 13340-1993
If the capacitor is switched manually or if you are switching capacitors connected in parallel with each other then “ON” delay
timer (60sec) should be provided and in case of parallel operation once again point No 1 should be taken care. Clause No-7.1 of IS
13340-1993
The capacitor mounted in the panel should have min gap of 25-30 mm between the capacitor and 50 mm around the capacitor to
the panel enclosure.
In case of banking a min gap of 25mm between the phase to phase and 19mm between the phases to earth should be maintained.
Ensure that the banking bus bar is rated for 1.8 times rated current of bank.
The panel should have provision for cross ventilation, the louver / fan can be provided in the care Annexure d point No d-3.1 IS
13340-1993
For use of reactor and filter in the panel fan should be provided for cooling.
Short circuit protection device (HRC fuse / MCCB) should not exceed 1.8 x rated current of capacitor.
In case of detuned filter banks MCCB is recommended for short circuit protection.

Points should be verified before considering replacement

Supply voltage to capacitor should be checked for any over voltage. This can be verified of voltage stabilizers are connected in
the installation, light fi ing are regularly replaced, this indicates the over voltage.

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It is generally found that i.c. base APFC relays are big in size as compared to microprocessor relays. These ic based relays are
found to be malfunctioning. The capacitors are switched “OFF” & “ON” very fast without discharge of capacitor, leading to high
current drawn by capacitors. Such operation leads to failure of capacitor.
Check the time set in APFC relays connected for the operation, as various make of relays are preset for 15-20 sec. This se ing of
time should be verified in presence of customer at panel with operation of relay. The switching of capacitor from one step to
another should have min time gap of 60 second. This should be physically watched. No replacement shall be considered in such
cases where in the time is set below 60sec.
The cha ering of contactor can also lead to failure of capacitor. This cha ering may happen due to low voltage or loose
connection to contactor coils etc. If the capacitors are operated in manual mode using push bu on, check whether the on delay
timer is provided in the individual steps. Verify whether the time set of 60sec or not. No replacement should be considered in
such cases where in the timer is set below 60sec. or it is not provided.
Check whether capacitor duty contactor is provided or if the inrush limiting inductor coils are used. This becomes important in
case the capacitors are switched ‘ON’ with the other capacitor connected in the same bus. Parallel switching of capacitor is
generally found in capacitor panels having APFC and push bu ons for switching “on” & “off”.
Check whether the harmonic is present. For this take a fresh capacitor, charge the capacitor and then calculate whether the
current drawn by capacitor is within the limit. If the current is more, then it may be due to over voltage. If not then it is clear that
the capacitor is drawing high current due to presence of harmonics.
The harmonics in the plant can be easily found If the plant has loads using power electronic components such as ups, drives and
furnace. Loads such as are welding, cfl tubes and electronic controlled machines also generate harmonics. Note that neighboring
plant connected to the grid may also affect the capacitors by importing the harmonic. (Harmonic voltage easily travels through
the grid from one installation to another, the effect of such voltage leads to failure of capacitor).
Check other points given in installation guide line of capacitor.
In case the installation is having MD-XL capacitors with connected loads generating harmonics then the capacitor may be
drawing additional 30% current. In such conditions the fuses may blow out cable will heat up and Temperature of capacitor will
be also increased. Ensure that the fuse rating should not be increased. The switchgear and cable size should be suitably increased.
The capacitor will continue to work but the life of capacitor may not be longer. This clearly indicates that the capacitor is over
loaded and if required the reactor Should be provided for controlling the over current.
Check the short circuit protection device. Please note that you may come across the customer using fuses almost double the
current rating of capacitors. This is generally found in the plants having harmonic problems and the installations having hired
local electricians for maintenance.
Check the date of installation of capacitor and type of additional load being connected after installation of capacitors. As it is
observed in certain cases that the type of capacitor was selected without considering future expansion of machineries in the plant.
Some time these machines are found to be generating harmonic affecting the life of capacitor.
No replacement should be considered if capacitor is failed due to harmonics and customer has used normal capacitors without
consulting Engineers.

Points should be verified before charging capacitor banks:

Capacitor voltage rating is equal to the max voltage recorded in the installation.
Capacitor is mounted vertically.
Earthing at two different points is done.
Proper lugs are used for termination.
Proper size of cable is used.
Ph- ph gap is 25mm and ph-earth is 19mm.
The bus bar used for banking is 1.8 x rated current of the bank.
Cross ventilation provision is provided in the installation area / in the panel.
The plant has the facility to trip the capacitor under over voltage conditions.(10%)
Capacitor is provided with suitable size of HRC fuse / MCCB rating for protection.
Suitable inrush current device is connected in series with contactor to limit the inrush current or capacitor duty contactor is used.
Capacitor is provided with suitable on delay timer to ensure that the capacitor is not switched on within 60sec. After it is
switched off.
Capacitor is provided with insulating cover to ensure the safety.
Capacitor is installed in the area free from entry of dust, chemical fume and rain water.
APFC relay provided in the panel is set for 60 second. ‘On delay’ provided are also set for 60 second.
The filter banks are provided with MCCB for protection apart from above points.
The MCCB should be set for 1.3 x rated current of filter bank

Verify the following in the installation before commissioning harmonic

filter banks.

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Capacitor banks without reactor should not be permi ed on the secondary size of transformer circuit which is having filter banks
connected. Please remove capacitors without reactors from the same network (as IEC- 61642).
Filter rated voltage is equal to the max voltage recorded in the installation.
Capacitor used with reactors is always of special voltage recorded in the installation.
Earthing should be done at capacitors and reactors separately.
Proper lugs are used for termination.
Proper size of cable is used.
Ph- ph gap is 25mm and ph-earth is 19mm.
The bus bar used for banking is 1.8 x rated bank current.
Forced cross ventilation should be provided in the installation area.
The plant has the facility to trip the filter banks under over voltage conditions. Set for 10% over voltage.
Filter banks are provided with suitable size of MCCB rating for protection.
The MCCB is set for 1.3 x rated current of filter bank. MCCB are recommended.
Filter is provided with suitable ‘on delay’ timer to ensure that the capacitor is not switched on within 60sec. After it is switched
off.
Filter is installed in the area free from entry of dust, chemical fumes and rain water.
APFC relay provided in the panel for switching filters is set for 60 second.

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About [Link]
Jignesh Parmar has completed [Link] (Power System Control), B.E(Electrical) from Gujarat University. He has more than 14 years
experience in Power Transmission-Power Distribution-Electrical energy theft detection-Electrical Maintenance-Electrical
Projects(Planning-Designing-coordination-Execution). He is Presently associate with one of the leading business group as a Deputy
Manager at Ahmedabad,India. He is Freelancer Programmer of Advance Excel and design useful Excel Sheets of Electrical
Engineering as per IS,NEC,IEC,IEEE codes. He is technical Author for "Electrical Mirror" and "Electrical India" Magazines. He is
Technical Blogger and Familiar with English, Hindi, Gujarati, French languages. He wants to Share his experience & knowledge and
help technical enthusiasts to find suitable solutions and updating themselves on various Engineering Topics.

80 Responses to Automatic Power Factor Correction

rajesh says:
May 24, 2011 at 1:22 pm
how to improve the power factor from 0.98 to 099

Reply
[Link] says:
May 24, 2011 at 4:07 pm
I have make excel sheet for Calculation capacitor Bank Size for P.F Correction Download From

[Link] 9/17
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h p://[Link]/electrical-program-on-excel-base/electrical-excel-tools/

Reply
Rajesh says:
December 15, 2015 at 4:31 pm
Hi Parmar

Please assist, Why we do not use capacitor in HT circuits.

Regards, Rajesh Pawar

Pandurang Ghadage says:

March 9, 2016 at 10:30 pm
Actual PF 0.98 but BR6000 Controller sowing 0.54 how i fix this problem

kc says:
August 28, 2011 at 7:32 pm
which is healthy value of power factor ? 0.85 or 1?

Reply
PRADEEP says:
February 17, 2012 at 7:00 am
hw much current fr 3.5kvar capacitor should absorb

Reply
ken kibera says:
February 18, 2012 at 3:36 pm
please help me, why does my regulator show low power factor even when the capacitors are connectedand the stage brakers are
on? the utily meter shows correction with good power factor but the regulator still shows low pf.

regards,
Ken

Reply
Mandeep Purohit says:
March 9, 2012 at 11:03 am
We are having APFC panel and maintaining a commulative PF of 0.985 average. There are some motors in the plant of (50 H.P.
two nos, 30 H.P. 5 Nos. 15 H.P 2 nos.) which do not have any localized Capacitor installed with these motors. is there any benefit
of adding local capacitors of motor? can we achieve any power saving?

Reply
vikky says:
September 9, 2014 at 5:55 am
we are add the capacitor bank in parallel connected load line bas bar.

Reply
saddam ali says:
March 9, 2012 at 11:18 am
respected sir
i want to know about PMCC,MCC,SLDB PANEL&PLC
PLEASE GIVE ME ANSWER

Reply
vilas k says:
April 18, 2012 at 11:02 am
Dear Sir , if u can offer comments on method of connection of capacitor banks i.e which star or delta connection of capacitor
banks which to prefer & when to prefer

Reply
B S Raju says:
June 20, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Dear [Link] parmar,
Really useful. Kindly give your contact details.
B S Raju

Reply
sabu.k.k says:
August 6, 2012 at 1:40 pm
thanks sir
it is a good effort to others

Reply

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subash says:
October 21, 2012 at 7:08 pm
its good.

Reply
Ashish Pendharkar says:
December 11, 2012 at 10:47 am
Why it is advisable to disconnect APFC bank on DG?

Reply
[Link] says:
December 11, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Please Refer Question & Answer Page of this Blog

Reply
[Link] says:
December 17, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Hi, I just came by to learn about this place. It seems to be
really full of great content and I had a good time viewing
it, thank you very much for the good article!

Reply
Mr Nkhil Mody says:
February 3, 2013 at 3:58 am
Hi,
Nice to read you such an excellent tips about KWH & kV arh,
i hv small question, by intalling any value kvarh capacitor on available load, does it take any Amp load as per value indicated on
specification.

Reply
Rami Loya says:
May 20, 2013 at 7:54 pm
I am looking for an experienced designer to design a 3-5KVAR automatic power factor correction system for residential
applications as well as a similar system for commercial applications 10-30 KVAR. Systems will have optional harmonic filters
typical to each environment

Reply
narender kumar says:
August 14, 2014 at 6:26 am
Hi i m electrical service engg makes n repair power factors .my contct num is [Link] a chance to show my work i give
u best work.

Reply
Ahammed says:
October 7, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Expecting an article on harmonic filters, applications, connections etc and also difference between harmonic filter and APFC

Reply
Ashish says:
November 9, 2013 at 8:31 pm
Sir,
We are maintaining power factor of 0.98 on HT bus(by using synchronous motor) but the LT side PF is around 0.85, whether
improving PF on LT side (by APFC) will give some economical advantage in billing.(except lower loading of transformer)

Reply
edward says:
January 22, 2014 at 9:13 am
that really saves my time!

Reply
gopal says:
April 11, 2014 at 9:02 am
Dear [Link] Bhai,

I have placed 500 kVAR APFCR panel in my Main LT panel. Main LT panel load is 1460 kW so main feeder is 2500 amps ACB. so
whenever i placed 500 kVAR APFCR panel in my Main LT panel the is that any affection in main breaker?
Kindly suggest the same.

Reply
arshad ali says:
September 18, 2014 at 8:20 am
I want SLDs. SLDs images of apfcr
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Reply
Pandit Toradmal says:
September 23, 2014 at 11:05 am
How to relate Filter Factor of Reactors to the Harmonic Frequencies?, Also the system Voltage v/s
Voltage Drop across the Reactor coil, when it comes 7% OR 14%?.

Please reply.

Pandit R Toradmal

Reply
Prabakaran Balaraman says:
October 13, 2014 at 10:21 pm
Sir,
When the apfc panel will compensate the inductive load and capacitive load. and what is meant by under – compensate and over
– compensate.

Reply
ashraf ali says:
November 22, 2014 at 7:41 am
sir, i want to SLD for APFC panel

Reply
Girish says:
December 13, 2014 at 4:40 am
i have a 30HP contracted load and 18HP connected load. what value capacitor should i be using to get an ideal power factor..?
my load keeps varying + or – 3 HP due to use of lift and other rarely using machines.
i currently have a 20kvar capacitor which is giving me a power factor of 0.78 and causing me to pay for nearly 700 units extra per
month.
Please help

Reply
prasanth says:
January 22, 2015 at 2:05 am
How much meter cable distance allow from main panel to power factor correction panel

Reply
Ashok Dixit says:
March 26, 2015 at 10:38 am
One of my customer is using 11KV electrical connection with 160KVA transfomer. APFCR Relay is showing 0.99 – 1.00 PF but
Utility company meters is showing only 0.78 and they are charging penalty. For compensation on no load losses 8KVAR
capacitor already installed to Transformer. Please guide on this ?

Reply
Narendra Singh says:
April 12, 2015 at 10:50 am
we wants to install a APFC panel to control inductive load(welding load) upto 20 KW connection, what you suggest which apfc
panel to be installed

Reply
saurabh says:
May 14, 2015 at 6:34 pm
I have a query if there is unbalanced condition e.g Ir=0A, Iy=10A and Ib=0 and pf=0.60 how we compensate the power factor and
what happen if Ir and Iy changes the quadrant and goes to generating side to the system.

Reply
mohan says:
August 13, 2015 at 5:25 pm
there are 2 capacitor bank installed in plant substation. DG is also beside the substation.i am finding different reading of pf on
these capacitor bank panel say for one its 0.78 while for other its 0.87. why is it so? what is significance of two bank and their
difference in pf?

Reply
Upendra Kumar Yadav says:
August 20, 2015 at 11:39 am
Hi Sir;

My query regarding that we have 2X Wind farm Sub-Station (100MVA & 200MVA ) respectively. i am working in Vestas wind
farm & having DFIG and Squirrel Cage induction generator. in all individual wind farm we have installed capacitor banks for
reactive power compensation & it is maintaining well with in limit as per PPA with GETCO. (import reactive power <2% of all
individual WTGs)

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but in Sub-Station side when active power generation is high (PLF 55% for a month or 90% for a day) that time import reactive
power is almost 7% of Active power. since we have not installed any capacitor banks( 70MVA + 30MVA Transformer ). but WTG
side is less than 3% and SS side 7% )

can you please clarify how it happened ?

i need your help urgent..

Reply
Ankit says:
August 22, 2015 at 7:22 pm
Hi, Can we apply APFC to UPS feeded [Link] YES,then on which configuration it should be and if NO the why not.

Reply
srinivas says:
September 6, 2015 at 4:20 am
hiee
this site very useful for all…thank you

Recently i found one problem at site…we have 200KVAr [Link] after that energizing it will show missing KVAr… our panel
2500A but present load 1000A…is there any minimum load requirement for Operate the [Link]

some other sites when i’m operate the [Link] that APFC control showing low current

What is the minimum current requirement…. ?

Reply
siddabasappa r says:
September 7, 2015 at 12:29 pm
dear sir this type of notes ITI level students are we can not understand so please any different method for understand about
electrical equipment’s like DIESEL GENERATOR, UPS, TRANSFORMER, CAPACITOR BANK, AND EARTHING SYSTEMS Can
you share short notes about these all above equipment’s.

thanking you sir

Reply
Raghu says:
September 10, 2015 at 5:30 am
I required 4 kva capacitor bank

Reply
Mitesh Patel says:
November 2, 2015 at 8:48 am
Amazing…! i made so many APFC Panel but i have not clear fundamental.

thanks sir.

Reply
Mansoor says:
December 2, 2015 at 9:31 am
how to do cable sizing for capacitor bank?

Reply
Servo Stabilizer India says:
December 16, 2015 at 11:26 am
I was searching something related to electrical equipment (Servo Stabilizer) on the google, i found your blog there, i read it and
find so many things important, i appreciate to writer for such information, thanks a lot

Reply
Mohammed Shafi Kampli says:
December 28, 2015 at 8:56 am
We have 3560KVAr PFC system for 13.8KV system and mostly the connected loads are Induction Motors. Whenever the PFC
system comes in service, BUS voltages boosting. If you have any suggestion or solution kindly share.

Reply
Abhishek says:
January 19, 2016 at 6:19 am
sir kindly guide regarding earthing calculation, that how to exact [Link] we take 50X6 for transformer. but my question is that
unto what kva we have to follow this [Link] many more things regrading earthing.

Reply
john says:
January 31, 2016 at 4:00 pm
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Sir we have installed 250 kva apfc with 6.30 a mccb and 2 R of 400 Sq mm Al cable but the ceig is asking calculation for adequacy
how to calculate sir pl tell

Reply
Sayan says:
February 26, 2016 at 8:07 am
Why it is advisable to disconnect APFC bank on DG?

Pls let me know,Its urgent.

Reply
Vijay Wankhede says:
March 22, 2016 at 7:59 am
Dear Sir, We would like to know that can we use LT capacitors to compensate the HT side power factor? I will reduce the cost as
HT capacitors are more costlier than LT. Please suggest…

Reply
hardik savani says:
March 22, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Owasome

Reply
khaledpowersys says:
April 8, 2016 at 2:10 pm
this site very useful for all…thank you

Reply
amal says:
April 29, 2016 at 4:45 pm
sir,
i have done my mini project on apfc using microcontroller.
i would like to do my major project on the same field …..
can u help me with a new idea….

Reply
gurvinderpalsingh says:
April 30, 2016 at 2:17 pm
If we install apfcu to a motor ,will it stop the motor if capacitors unit stops working.

Reply
Abhishek k Singh says:
May 10, 2016 at 7:10 am
do we need apfcr in DG set??? If yes , Please justify the reason in brief.

Reply
gaurav says:
June 6, 2016 at 8:37 pm
Excellent explanation.. …just got the whole concept.. .thank you

Reply
prabhu says:
July 12, 2016 at 3:30 am
Hi
I have a query about the manual operated capacitor [Link] one place this manually operated PFC device is installed but still it
is recording low PF by the utility meter. This is a booster pumping station which operates 8 hr a day on an average.
Pl reply

Reply
Vignesh says:
July 23, 2016 at 6:16 pm
hello sir,
weather power factor has to be maintained at same value for all the buses(like 400v,11kv,110kv,400kv) or can it be different?

Reply
Deepak Sharma says:
July 25, 2016 at 7:59 am
Al this conversation is very useful and practical. Hope all will improve their knowledge.
Deepak sharma. (RPC)

Reply
Abysen says:
September 3, 2016 at 5:08 pm

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If our electricity bills are charged in terms of KVA and not in KW, would the cost be lowered??.
A 1,000 KVA transformer with an 0.8 power factor provides 800 KW (600 KVAR) of power. If I connect a household energy meter
to its terminals and turn it on for 1 hour How much the energy meter will read ?? Is it 800 KWh ??

Reply
Chandu says:
September 20, 2016 at 10:22 am
Useful notes pl have look…

Reply
RAJESH says:
November 4, 2016 at 10:14 am
Dear Mr Jignesh,
It seems ,there need a correction in the sentence “■By lowering your power factor, you use less KVAR. This results in less KW,
which equates to a dollar savings from the utility”.
Please check.
Appreciating your good effort to help the needy
Thanks & Regards,

Rajesh

Reply
Nict kathiriya says:
November 24, 2016 at 8:39 am
How to make cheap apfc panel?

I am doing B.E. with electrical branch &want to make apfc panel as cheap as possible,so please send me construction and
materials required via my email..

Email I’d: nict7950@[Link]

Please help me…

Reply
manikandan says:
November 24, 2016 at 11:02 am
Very usefull msges

Reply
Bijy Thomas says:
January 3, 2017 at 11:17 am
We have a situation where we have installed a solar grid tie system in a factory which has an existing APFC. The average pf
before was .91; now it has become .75 as the solar pv system supplies almost 90 percent of load with unity pf. 1. Is the only
solution to add capacitor bank? 2. What happens when solar generation comes down if capacitor bank is increased?

Reply
Mamade Ibrahim Joomun says:
January 22, 2017 at 3:15 am
How to compute electricity billing in case of PFC breakdown? Let say the breakdown period is 10 days. Evidently the meter will
registered poor power factor during that period.

Reply
[Link] says:
February 8, 2017 at 9:08 am
Hello Jignesh,

Appreciate your efforts in explaining the power factor correction in such comprehensive fashion. Thanks for this article.

Reply
Brown says:
February 8, 2017 at 1:15 pm
Sir, what is the size of cable to be connected in 600 kvar apfc panel which is having reactor? is there any calculation for that?

Reply
Rakesh Sharma says:
May 12, 2017 at 9:07 am
Dear Sir,

we have to quote for a special Ertg crane which is used in ports for cargo container handling & it operates on 1000 Volts.
All the allied Panels used to control the crane movement are designed for 1000 Volts rated only like Panel,Switchgear,Busbars etc.
Their is a unique requirement of 550 KVAR Thyristorised or Contactir based APFC Panel with 7% Series Reactors.

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Kindly suggest us if possible with calculations the rated voltage of Capacitors to be used ?w.r.t.1000 Volts. What should be exact
KVAR Banks to be used with what Voltage ratings of Capacitors for a system Voltage of 1000 Volts

Reply
CP PACHPANDE says:
May 15, 2017 at 2:26 am
when Energy meter showing negative sign for power factor ,, mean i need to add capacitor or reduce ?

Reply
chandra sekhar says:
May 15, 2017 at 7:59 am
Very useful information. Thank you sir.

Reply
Prasath Ekambaram says:
June 12, 2017 at 3:13 pm
Hi Sir,
What happens when a manual operated capacitor bank is connected at NO load condition??

Reply
Mustakim Khan says:
June 20, 2017 at 5:37 am
Dear Sir, Thanks for to give usefull knowledge. Sir I want to know that how to decide quantities and rating of capacitors in apfc
panel designing.
Suppose I want to design a 90 kvar apfc panel than how many and which rating capacitors should I used. Kindly suggest.
Thanks

Reply
chris says:
June 22, 2017 at 6:12 am
Hallo,

Our head office has a problem with voltage imbalances. This is caused when some of the lighting points are switched off in the
evening. We are metered on three phase 415v. Please assist.

Reply
AJAS says:
July 17, 2017 at 6:48 am
Dear sir,
Me, Mr Ajas, working as electrical engineer in saudi arabia. Can you guide me how to calculate capacitor bank easily.
I have done my voltage drop calculation and cable selection.
Following Data with me:
Connected load and demand load
demand factors up to substation
ampacity of cable and voltage drop. please help.

Also i would like to know about short circuit calculation and Earthing design later

Reply
OMAR ALJUNDI says:
August 23, 2017 at 1:31 pm
PLEASE
I CAN BUT THE CT FOR PR PF IN BLUE BUSBAR ??

Reply
atul says:
September 19, 2017 at 7:18 am
It’s actually a great and helpful piece of information. Many important points are covered here.

Reply
HVDC says:
November 16, 2017 at 6:09 pm
As present the power factor (of auxiliary supply) at our site ranges from 0.72-0.76 & total average load varies from 600KW-
2000KW (depending on various factors such as weather, HVDC Bi-pole power flow etc).
This indicates there is a scope for power factor improvement by reactive power compensation.
As present the power factor (of auxiliary supply) at our site ranges from 0.72-0.76 & total average load varies from 600KW-
2000KW (depending on various factors such as weather, Bi-pole power flow etc).
This indicates there is a scope for power factor improvement by reactive power compensation.
Conditions with power factor 0.74

Can you suggest what type and rating capacitor bank is mostly suitable for us?? our energy meter are install in 33KV side and we
are going to install capacitor bank in LT side then its work to reduce energy consumption bills ??
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Reply
Bhaskar says:
November 29, 2017 at 11:18 pm
Good use ful

Reply
Mahroze Kiani says:
December 2, 2017 at 3:53 am
This wa really helpful…
Sir i have this as my FYP(final year project)…
can you help me with the proposal?

Reply
[Link] says:
December 8, 2017 at 11:27 am
Is Separate ct required for Apfc [Link] we
Connect in series with AMMETER.

Reply
Midhun says:
December 18, 2017 at 6:13 am
[Link] is also very informative

Reply
Arpit Modi says:
December 18, 2017 at 7:48 am
Does APFC panel work if current is in the reverse direction if we are feeding solar power in the grid via transformer?

Reply

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