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ALPHA POWER SOLUTIONS

ALPHA POWER SOLUTIONS. An Introduction to Power Factor Correction. Presented by Eric Solot. What is Electrical Maximum Demand?. Demand = Voltage (Volt) X Current (Amp) Maximum Demand = highest average demand in a 30 minute window, usually during a 30 day period

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ALPHA POWER SOLUTIONS

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  1. ALPHA POWER SOLUTIONS An Introduction to Power Factor Correction Presented by Eric Solot

  2. What is Electrical Maximum Demand? • Demand = Voltage (Volt) X Current (Amp) • Maximum Demand = highest average demand in a 30 minute window, usually during a 30 day period • Consumption (kWh) vs demand (kVA) • Why utility companies charge for maximum demand?

  3. What is Power Factor? • Most loads in modern electrical distribution systems are inductive (require or generate a magnetic field): • Motors • Transformers • Lighting ballasts • Induction furnaces, etc

  4. What is Power Factor? • Inductive loads require 2 kinds of current: • For the working power (kW): to perform the actual work of creating heat, light, motion, machine output, etc • For reactive power (kvar) to sustain the magnetic field • Does not perform useful “work” but circulates between the generator and the load • Results in higher loading on power sources as well as the distribution system (electrical cabling and transformers)

  5. Benefits of power factor correction • Reduction in apparent power • Lower electricity bills • Increased system capacity • Reduced volt drop • Reduction in (heat) losses • Automatic capacitor banks allow for optimal compensation during changing load cycles

  6. Capacitor banks and cabinets • Modular design • Indoor or outdoor application (IP rating) • Natural or forced ventilation • Corrosion and dust protection option

  7. Capacitors • Consist of a thin plastic film on which a layer of Zinc and Aluminium has been sprayed • Protection against capacitor pressure build-up: • Expansion zone in the aluminium housing • Internal wire • Gets severed when the housing expands • Acting as a back-up fuse • Aluminium housing allows for optimal heat dissipation • This film is then tightly rolled up and placed inside an Aluminium housing

  8. Factors influencing PFC investment payback period • Uncorrected power factor • Target power factor • Current and voltage harmonics present in the system • Load changes • Unbalanced loads • Installation constraints

  9. Pay-back period for PFC equipment • Only applicable to industrial and commercial installations, usually not residential • Accurate measurements of the electrical installation of a customer are required to determine the most cost effective solution • Pay-back periods of well designed systems are usually shorter than 18 months and the equipment has a life expectancy of at least 10 years

  10. Pay-back period for PFC equipment • Power Factor Correction has up to recently not been a financially viable proposition for most companies – long pay-back periods due to low cost of energy • Power factor correction still does not form part of IDM’s strategy: • not considered relevant contributor to energy efficiency • ignore the potential reduction in heat losses (which can contribute up to 3% of total kWh consumed)

  11. Questions?

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