Building Owners & Operators - Reduce Your Running Costs And Emissions Through Power Factor Correction

What is Power Factor and Power Factor Correction?

• Most commercial and industrial premises have inductive loads such as electric motors, fluorescent lighting, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning etc. They distort the power supply making it inefficient. 
• Power factor is the measure of this inefficiency and is the difference between actual power (kW) and apparent power (kVA), which the equipment actually uses. 
• Power factor correction works by improving the power factor bringing it closer to 1 (unity) therefore reducing apparent power (kVA). 

 What it does

• A power factor correction unit is connected between your incoming power supply and your main distribution panel comprising of capacitors. 
• It offsets the inductive currents by introducing equal and opposite capacitive currents, thereby neutralising the inductive currents. 
• The capacitors reduce the total current and apparent power (kVA) drawn from the utility company.

What are the benefits?  

• Reduces electricity consumption and therefore electricity bills by reducing drawn current and energy used. 
• Reduces or eliminates penalties from utility companies for low power factor. 
• Reduces your buildings carbon emissions by reducing your installed energy demand. 
• Reduces wear and tear on motors and therefore reduces the maintenance and extends lifetime. 
• Provides a degree of protection against voltage spikes and surges.

The results: 

• It will reduce your electricity bill. They have been widely installed over a range of sites and, on average, the expected savings can be in the region of 5% - 25% dependant on the type of loads within the building. 
• In cases where the installation is sized to the maximum demand this will usually give a payback of under two years.     

What We Can Do: 

• In conjunction with a contractor we can undertake power load monitoring and assessment. 
• Monitor energy usage. 
• Recommend suitable power factor correction equipment and oversee the installation.

For advice on Power Factor Correction, please contact:

Ian Humphreys :  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    

Tel : 01883 331630