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A Simple, Managed Process
Free Site Assessment
Power Quality Analysis
Energy Savings Proposal
Commissioning of Products
Free Verification Testing
Years of Energy Savings
Power Quality Analysis
Energy Savings Proposal
Commissioning of Products
Free Verification Testing
Years of Energy Savings
| About Power Factor |
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Power Factor is essentially a measure of how effective electrical power is being used by a system. It is represented by a numerical value between zero and one, equal to the ratio of reactive power to active power. The higher the value, the more efficient the system. The power factor triangle below is a common visual representation. The reactive power is typically referred to as waste, because it does no useful work. A system with poor power factor requires energy retailers to supply more power in order for end-use equipment and appliances to operate. In regions where customers are charged on the basis of kilovolt amps (kVA), a financial penalty is effectively charged for poor power factor. Causes of Poor Power Factor Poor power factor is caused by inductive loads (i.e. transformers, electric motors, high-intensity discharge lighting etc.). This is the most common type of load found in modern industrial, retail and office premises. Unlike resistive loads that create heat by consuming kilowatts, inductive loads require the current to create a magnetic field. It is the magnetic field that produces the desired work and allows the motor or transformer to function. The total or apparent power required by an inductive device is a composite of the following:
It is the increase in reactive and apparent power that causes the power factor to decrease. Effects of Poor Power Factor
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