bulk PFC

[speed]

hi, it seems most of the discussion is about PF relating to motors, but i am wondering about fluorecsent lights. we have a number of buildings on a campus with combined single and 3 phase 208vac. the pf is down at .74 and there is a steep penalty for this. can we install bulk PF correction? does it need to be switched to avoid over correction? thanks for any help you can offer.

[marke]

Hello speed

Welcome to the forum

 

You can bulk correct the displacement component of the power factor only. Fluorecsent lights have a displcement component due to the ballast and a distortion component due to the tube.

If electronic ballasts are used, there is only distortion power factor and this can not easily be corrected.

 

I would strongly recommend that detuning reators are used with the bulk correction due to the presence of harmonics from the tubes.

 

Best regards,

[speed]

thanks for your reply and the information you have provided. i am wondering if you can tell me what range the distortion harmonics caused by the tubes are in.

[marke]

Hi speed

 

I am sorry, I do not have that information here, maybe someone can help you on this forum.

 

Best regards,