Power Factor

Power Factor Power factor of an electrical load is the ratio of the real power in watts to the apparent power. Under ideal conditions, current and voltage are “in phase” and the power factor is 100%. If inductive loads (motors) are present, a power factor of less than 100% will occur (typically 80% - 90%). Low power factor, electrically speaking, results in higher current to flow in power distribution lines in order to deliver a given amount of power to an electrical load.

If current lags the voltage, the power factor is considered lagging and the circuit is defined as inductive. When the current leads voltage, a leading power factor exists and the circuit is capacitative. When the current and voltage sinusoids are in phase, power factor is 100% and the circuit is resistive.

The result of low power factor is higher electrical current flow in amps to produce a given amount of work. The excess power (imaginary power) takes up valuable capacity in Connexus’ distribution lines. Unless the power factor is “corrected”, Connexus must invest more in its distribution facilities to provide excess capacity to distribute power that does not produce work.

Correcting Power FactorBenefits of installing power factor correction equipment:

Lower energy costs through the elimination of the power factor penalty.
Reduction or elimination of electrical voltage problems within the facility (voltage drops may occur as power losses increase).
Freed transformer capacity (if needed).

To ensure new problems are not created as a result of power factor correction:

Have a qualified professional size the equipment.
Install automatic switching capacitors whenever possible. Switching capacitors turn On and Off line depending on the power factor — offering the best solution for single-shift or two-shift facilities.
Do not oversize capacitors. This will over correct your power factor and may result in increased voltages.

Connexus encourages customers to install power factor corrective equipment to increase the power factor above 90%. Should the customer choose not to do so, the demand charge on the bill will be adjusted as follows to compensate for the excess capacity used in the lines:

KW Demand X 90%

Billing Demand = -------------------

Monthly Avg. Power Factor %

	KW Demand X 90%
Billing Demand =	-------------------
	Monthly Avg. Power Factor %