When the monthly average Power Factor falls below 0.9, consumers may incur a power factor surcharge. Electricity providers often charge this fee to encourage users to keep a power factor that meets the required standards.

A high power factor indicates that people use electrical energy efficiently. The system mainly draws active power, measured in kilowatts (kW), from the grid. On the other hand, too much reactive power use (measured in kilovolt-amperes reactive, Kvar) can lower equipment efficiency. It can also limit the grid’s ability to provide reliable power and stable voltage.

Consequences of Low Power Factor on Electrical Systems:

• Higher energy costs
• Increased voltage fluctuations, leading to power grid losses
• Reduced capacity in power lines, affecting equipment performance

Why Pay a Power Factor Surcharge?

A power factor surcharge helps cover the extra strain and costs that low power factors put on the electrical system. To ensure efficient operation and stable energy transmission, systems must meet specific power factor requirements.

If a user’s power factor falls below the limit, extra charges may apply. These charges help cover the inefficiency caused by the low power factor. These surcharges aim to encourage users to improve their power factor. This helps reduce the load on the grid and boosts the system’s efficiency and stability.

How to correct the power factor?

To correct the power factor and optimize energy efficiency, several methods can be implemented:

1. Capacitor Banks Installation: Adding capacitors to the electrical system can improve the power factor. They supply reactive power locally. This reduces the system's need to draw reactive power from the grid.
2. Automatic Power Factor Correction Device (APFC): An APFC system automatically connects capacitors based on real-time power factor measurements. This keeps the power factor within the desired range. It also optimizes energy use without needing manual help.
3. Static Var Generator (SVG): An advanced device that uses electronic switches to regulate reactive power. SVGs provide precise control over reactive power compensation, improving power factor and stabilizing the power system.
4. System Design Optimization: Changing the design of the electrical system can reduce reactive power. This improvement helps enhance the overall power factor.
5. Routine Maintenance and Monitoring: Regularly inspecting equipment and monitoring power factor values ensures that the system is functioning efficiently. Prompt adjustments and corrections help maintain system stability.

Benefits of Power Factor Correction:

• Lower energy costs by reducing electricity bills
• Enhanced equipment efficiency and better operation
• Improved power system stability and increased overall energy efficiency
• Reduced grid losses and fewer transformer maintenance needs, saving on upgrades

Intone Power is the biggest OEM manufacturer of low-voltage AHF and SVG with more than 15 years' experience. All products hold certifications for ISO9001, CE, and CQC standards, and type test reports support them.

Contact us for expert guidance:

More information on how our Active Harmonic Filter and Static Var Generator can help correct power factor and improve power quality: sales@intonepower.com

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