Power Factor Correction is a Pro feature
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SYSTEM PARAMETERS
kW
Poorcos φ = 0.70 (45.6°)
Excellentcos φ = 0.95 (18.2°)
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
$/kVAR
Typical: $10-20/kVAR
$/kWh
Typical: $0.08-0.15/kWh
APPLICATION PRESETS
CALCULATION SHEET
Required Capacitor Bank
69.15 kVAR
1524 μF
Power Factor Improvement
70%
Before
95%
After
Economic Benefits
kVA Reduction:37.6 kVA
Demand Charge Savings:$563.91/month
Energy Loss Savings:$145.47/month
Total Monthly Savings:$709.38
Yearly Savings:$8512.55
Return on Investment
Capacitor Cost:$1037.28
Installation Cost:$311.18
Total Investment:$1348.46
Payback Period:1.9 months✓ Excellent ROI
Derivation
- 01Real Power: 100 kW = 100000 W
- 02Current power factor: 0.7 (70.0%)
- 03Current reactive power (Q1): 100000 × tan(cos⁻¹(0.7)) = 102020.41 VAR
- 04Target power factor: 0.95 (95.0%)
- 05Target reactive power (Q2): 100000 × tan(cos⁻¹(0.95)) = 32868.41 VAR
- 06Required capacitor: Qc = Q1 - Q2
- 07Qc = 102.02 - 32.87 = 69.15 kVAR
- 08Capacitance: C = Qc / (2π × f × V²)
- 09C = 69151.99560415442 / (2π × 50 × 380²) = 1.524e-3 F
- 10C = 1524.36 µF
- 11kVA Reduction: 142.86 - 105.26 = 37.59 kVA
- 12Improved power factor reduces utility demand charges!
REFERENCE — BENEFITS OF PF CORRECTION
✓Reduce electricity demand charges (10-30% savings)
✓Lower I² R losses in cables (reduced heat)
✓Increase system capacity (can add more load)
✓Improve voltage regulation (less voltage drop)
✓Reduce transformer loading (extend equipment life)
✓Avoid utility penalties (many utilities charge for low PF)
Important Notes
• Do not over-correct (PF > 1.0 creates leading power factor issues)
• Use automatic PF controllers for variable loads
• Install harmonic filters if non-linear loads present
• Consider detuned capacitors for systems with VFDs
• Annual maintenance required (check capacitor condition)