Automatic Power Factor Correction Systems
Automatic Power Factor Correction (PFC) systems help businesses in Kenya save energy and increase profits through reduction of KWH and elimination of Surcharge by KPLC. An Automatic digital controller monitors and controls the level of reactive power consumption to levels set by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company.
What is Power Factor?
Every electrical equipment or accessory draws True Power (useful power) and Reactive Power (power that is not directly used). The combination of the two is known as Apparent Power.
Power Factor is the relationship between True Power and Apparent Power.
It is simply a measure of how efficiently electrical power is consumed. An electrical system operating at 100% efficiency has a unity Power Factor. Anything less than unity means that extra power is required to achieve the actual task at hand.
Poor Power Factor means that you could be paying for energy that is not used.
Beer Analogy
When beer is poured into a glass, inside there is both beer and foam. If we are to pay by the glass, we would pay for both the beer and glass. The more the foam, the less the beer and we don’t get good value for our money.
In electrical terms, the beer represents True Power (kW) while the foam represents our Reactive Power (kVAr).
The Sum of kW and KVAr gives us the Apparent Power (kVA).
True Power (kW) + Reactive Power (kVAr) = Apparent Power (kVA)
Power factor is therefore the ratio of true power (useful power) in kW divided by Apparent Power (what we’re charged for) in kVA. It tells us how much value for money we’re getting for the power we consume.
PF = kW / kVA
What is Power Factor Correction?
Power Factor Correction (PFC) is a technology that is used to restore Power Factor to as close to unity as possible and reduce electricity costs by eliminating Reactive Power Charges.
If a site’s Power Factor falls below a predetermined figure, then the electricity company adds reactive power charges to your bill.
In general, the strain on the electrical infrastructure is reduced if Power Factor is good.
A perfect power factor would be unity (1), however in reality this is almost impossible to achieve. So, power factor levels typically start at around 0.95 and below.
A large commercial building would have the following PF levels.
- Good PF: Generally, between 1.0 and 0.95
- Poor PF: Anything from 0.95 and 0.85
- Bad PF: Anything below 0.85.
Why Correct Poor Power Factor?
- Poor power factor means more power is drawn. This requires larger electrical cables.
- Reactive power adds unnecessary costs to your electricity bills.
- Losses, high heat gains, and reduced equipment life.
- Voltage drops in the electrical system.
Who needs Power Factor Correction in Kenya?
- Commercial Residences
- Commercial office buildings
- Industrial Buildings
- Home Equipment
PID Systems Engineering Power Factor Correction in Kenya
PID Systems Engineering Ltd is one of the leading Power Factor Correction boards manufacturers and suppliers in Kenya. If you are looking for quality Power Factor Correction Panels in Kenya, search no further.
We assess your exact Power Factor Correction requirements and make sustainable recommendations.
We use various methods such as your recent electricity bill or energy audit to determine how much more you are paying.
After the assessment, our team will design and install a PFC system that meets your needs.
Contact Us Today or send us an email to info@pidsystems.co.ke for free technical advice on your power consumption.