Power Factor Correction Using APFC Panel on Different Loads

A major chunk of losses in electrical power systems is constituted by losses incurred due to poor power factor. A plethora of ways have been implemented to deal with this problem for quite a long time now. The intention behind this paper was to address to this woe which may be used for correction of power factor in various power systems. Employment of Automatic Power Factor Correction panels or more commonly known as APFC panels in electrical distribution networks is gaining prominence owing to the superiority of APFC panels over fixed capacitor banks in maintaining the desired power factor with different loads therefore, improving overall efficiency of the power system. A power factor correction unit enables the system to attain power factor values close to unity for efficient operation. The merits of higher power factor values include increased efficiency, load carrying capacity, better voltage regulation etcetera. The APFC panel was implemented on various loads operating together three phase Induction motor connected in parallel to series combination of a variable resistive and variable inductive load. In accordance to the instantaneous recorded value of power factor, the apposite capacitors are injected into the circuit to improve the power factor values. Improvised instantaneous values of the power factor were observed.