What is power factor correction?

Power factor correction (PFC) is the process of adding capacitors to an electrical system to reduce reactive power demand and bring the power factor closer to unity (1.0). This reduces current draw, lowers losses, and avoids utility penalties.

How do I calculate the capacitor size needed?

Qc = P × (tan φ1 − tan φ2), where P is active power in kW, φ1 = arccos(PF_current), φ2 = arccos(PF_target). The result Qc is in kVAR. For capacitance in μF: C = Qc × 10⁹ / (2π × f × V²).

What target power factor should I aim for?

Most utilities require PF ≥ 0.90 to avoid penalties. A target of 0.95–0.98 is recommended. Avoid overcorrecting above 1.0 (leading PF) as this can cause voltage rise and resonance issues.

What are the benefits of power factor correction?

Benefits include: reduced electricity bills (avoiding reactive power charges), lower current in cables (freeing capacity), reduced I²R losses, improved voltage regulation, and compliance with utility requirements.

Should I use fixed or automatic capacitor banks?

Fixed banks are suitable for constant loads (e.g., a single large motor). Automatic banks with contactors and a PF controller are better for varying loads — they switch capacitor steps on/off to maintain target PF.

मुक्त अभियांत्रिकी साधन

Power Factor Correction Calculator

पॉवर फॅक्टर सुधारण्यासाठी आवश्यक कॅपॅसिटर बँक kVAR आणि μF मोजा. Qc = P × (tan φ₁ − tan φ₂).

kVAR आकारनिर्धारण कॅपॅसिटर μF पॉवर त्रिकोण

सक्रिय शक्ती P (kW)

सध्याचा पॉवर फॅक्टर (cos φ₁)

लक्ष्य पॉवर फॅक्टर (cos φ₂)

प्रणाली व्होल्टेज (V, line-to-line)

वारंवारता (Hz)

कॅपॅसिटर जोडणी

Quick presets

Results

आवश्यक कॅपॅसिटर बँक

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प्रति फेज धारिता

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पूर्वीचा प्रवाह (S₁ / I₁)

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नंतरचा प्रवाह (S₂ / I₂)

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प्रवाहातील घट

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प्रतिक्रियाशील शक्ती भरपाई

μF मधील धारिता

उदाहरण — 100 kW भार, PF 0.75 → 0.95

tan φ₁ = tan(acos 0.75) = 0.8819, tan φ₂ = tan(acos 0.95) = 0.3287

Qc = 100 × (0.8819 − 0.3287) = 55.3 kVAR

⚠️ Note: unity PF (leading) पेक्षा जास्त ओव्हरकरेक्शन करू नका. यामुळे व्होल्टेज वाढ, ट्रान्सफॉर्मरसह रेजोनन्स आणि उपकरणांचे नुकसान होऊ शकते.