Power Factor Correction

[klangwcng]

I find this forum useful and informative Great work!!!

 

Regarding PFC for residential area, I will expect no saving in kwh since we are only billed for Kwh from our local utility company.

 

However, if my house electricity is supplied by diesel gen set and I correct my PF as close as unity, will I expect any savings on fuel?? I think I will.....In other words, PFC in this case is useful right?

 

Pls comment. Many thanks.....

[marke]

Hello klangwcng

 

The fuel consumed by the diesel gen set is related to the KW loading on the genset. The alternator provides KVA and the engine provides KW.

If the power factor is poor, then more current will flow in the alternator. This will result in an increase in the copper loss in the alternator and in the feed between the load and the alternator. If the copper loss is significant, then yes you will see a fuel saving. If however, the copper loss is very low, then you will not see any saving. The other point is just what is the power factor of your house load? I would expect that there is not very much inductive load that you can correct which is the main reason that the power authorities do not pay much attention to the load power factor.

 

Best regards,

[tc50]

However, there are some local authority in some country insisted power factor correction for high rise building residential... and they will be penalty or higher tarif charges should the power factor is lagging or leading too much...

 

 

 

 

Hello klangwcng

 

The fuel consumed by the diesel gen set is related to the KW loading on the genset. The alternator provides KVA and the engine provides KW.

If the power factor is poor, then more current will flow in the alternator. This will result in an increase in the copper loss in the alternator and in the feed between the load and the alternator. If the copper loss is significant, then yes you will see a fuel saving. If however, the copper loss is very low, then you will not see any saving. The other point is just what is the power factor of your house load? I would expect that there is not very much inductive load that you can correct which is the main reason that the power authorities do not pay much attention to the load power factor.

 

Best regards,