1. What is Power Factor Correction?

Definition: Power factor correction is the process of improving the power factor of an electrical system by adding capacitors to offset reactive power.

Purpose: It improves energy efficiency, reduces electricity costs, and increases system capacity by minimizing reactive power flow.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q_c \) — Required reactive power (VAR)
• \( P \) — Real power (watts)
• \( PF1 \) — Current power factor
• \( PF2 \) — Desired power factor

Explanation: The formula calculates the difference in reactive power between the current and desired power factors.

3. Importance of Power Factor Correction

Details: Proper power factor correction can reduce energy losses, avoid utility penalties, and improve voltage regulation in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the real power in watts, current power factor (default 0.75), and desired power factor (default 0.95). Power factors must be between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power factor to aim for?
A: Most utilities require power factors above 0.9, with 0.95 being an excellent target for most applications.

Q2: How do I implement power factor correction?
A: The calculated reactive power (VAR) indicates how much capacitor compensation is needed.

Q3: What causes low power factor?
A: Inductive loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting create reactive power that lowers power factor.

Q4: Can power factor be greater than 1?
A: No, power factor ranges from 0 to 1. Values above 1 indicate measurement errors.

Q5: How often should power factor be checked?
A: Regular monitoring is recommended, especially when adding new equipment to your electrical system.