What is PFC needed? How is it achieved?

Power factor correction (PFC) mean to improve power factor, and therefore power quality. It reduces the load on the electrical distribution system, increases energy efficiency and reduces electricity costs. It also decreases the likelihood of instability and failure of equipment.

Power quality is essential for efficient equipment operation, and power factor contributes to this Power Supplies.

Power factor is the measure of how efficiently incoming power is used in an electrical installation. It is the ratio of active to apparent power, when:

The power triangle:

Poor power factor (for example, less than 95%) results in more current being required for the same amount of work.

The benefits of power factor correction

Savings on the electricity bill

Power factor correction eliminates penalties on reactive energy, decreases demand on kVA, and reduces power losses generated in the transformers and conductors of the installation.

Increased available power

Fitting PFC equipment on the low voltage side increases the power available at the secondary of a MV/LV Transformer. A high power factor optimises an electrical installation by allowing better use of the components.

Reduced installation size

Installing PFC equipment allows conductor cross-section to be reduced, as less current is absorbed by the compensated installation for the same active Power Supply.

Reduced voltage drops

Installing capacitors allows voltage drops to be reduced upstream of the point where the PFC device is connected, therefore preventing overloading of the network and reducing harmonics.