If you have an electrical distribution system responsible for ensuring your industry or institution operates and continues to do so without disruption, chances are you have installed power factor capacitors. Also known as power factor correction capacitors they act as monitors – ever ready to protect motors or engines against the damage created by electrical current spikes. As capacitors, they store electrical energy confining it to an electrical field.
Two Types
There are two types of power factor capacitors. These are:
- Automatic: Also referred to as switched capacitors, this type is installed where the major incoming power source is located in the facility. Based on the specific load at any specified time, it acts to vary the amount of correction that is supplied to an electrical system. This type of capacitor works better in situations where the load conditions as well as the power factor within a plant change often
- Fixed: Unlike automatic capacitors, fixed capacitors supply continuous correction. They are installed throughout the facility wherever there are individual motor loads. This allows simple switching on and off, allowing for activation when the motor is energized and you require power factor correction
Installation
If you want to reduce industrial energy costs, one of the best means to accomplish this is to install power factor capacitors where they are best effective. Not only do they help fight against the unnecessary squandering of power, but they are also environmentally friendly. Industries can, therefore, decrease energy costs by avoiding penalty charges while reducing their environmental footprint.
