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CALC 09 · POWERPREVIEW

Power Factor Correction

Power Factor Correction · Advanced Preview
Available free during the correctness audit. Results remain screening-only unless the result itself states a stronger assurance level.
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Component Selection Still Requires Engineering Checks

This calculates ideal fundamental-frequency kVAR and per-phase capacitance. Verify harmonics, resonance, switching, discharge, tolerance, temperature, voltage rating, protection, and manufacturer data before specifying a bank.

SYSTEM PARAMETERS

Three-phase line-to-line voltage.

Required — per-phase capacitance differs by 3× between Wye and Delta.

Any positive finite frequency is accepted; 50/60 Hz are convenience buttons, not a formula restriction.

CALCULATION SHEET
Required Capacitor Bank
69.15 kVAR
1375.74 µF per phase · WYE
Current PF
0.700
Target PF
0.950
Frequency
50.00 Hz
Connection
WYE
No Savings Claim

Billing impact is not calculated. Use the actual utility tariff, metering interval, demand rules, penalties, operating profile, and measured losses for any economic analysis.

Transparent Calculation
  1. 01Real Power: 100 kW = 100000 W
  2. 02Assumption: balanced three-phase load with a lagging (inductive) power factor; capacitors are ideal at fundamental frequency and the bank is balanced across all three phases
  3. 03Current power factor: 0.7 (70.0%)
  4. 04Current reactive power (Q1): 100000 × tan(cos⁻¹(0.7)) = 102020.41 VAR
  5. 05Target power factor: 0.95 (95.0%)
  6. 06Target reactive power (Q2): 100000 × tan(cos⁻¹(0.95)) = 32868.41 VAR
  7. 07Required capacitor: Qc = Q1 - Q2
  8. 08Qc = 102.02 - 32.87 = 69.15 kVAR
  9. 09Capacitor connection: WYE (each capacitor connected L-N)
  10. 10Each capacitor sees VLN = VLL / √3 = 230.94 V; Cphase = (Qc / 3) / (2π × f × VLN²) = Qc / (2π × f × VLL²)
  11. 11Cphase = 69152.00 / (2π × 50 × 400²) = 1.376e-3 F per phase
  12. 12Cphase = 1375.74 µF per phase (WYE)
  13. 13kVA Reduction: 142.86 - 105.26 = 37.59 kVA
  14. 14Any billing impact depends on the actual utility tariff and demand-metering method; no savings are assumed here.