Real-Time Comparison of Electromechanical and Thyristor-Switched Capacitor Banks for Improving Power Factor in Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing Industry

This paper discusses the comparison of two types of capacitor banks in the market, such as Electromechanical-Switched Capacitor Banks (EMCB) and Thyristor-Switched Capacitor Banks (TSCB). Comparison is discussed through three points of view, namely the point of view in changing the voltage profile, increasing or improving the power factor, and the savings shown in the value of Rp per compensated kVAR. TSCB excels in maintaining the PF value with the lowest value at 0.93 and the highest value at 0.99. Whereas EMCB is slightly better in compensating the value of the system's reactive power of 303.22 kVAR annually, or it can be calculated to be able to do economical savings of Rp. 18,443,220.56 annually. As conclusion, TSCB is better to compensate reactive power rather than EMCB.