Who is not familiar with the problems of grid distortion effects caused by non-linear loads?
Analysis and dimensioning of a power factor correction system
Daily power factor check – economic checking of power factor correction
Upon determining high reactive energy costs it is advisable to check whether the costs arising could be saved through the use of a power factor correction system.
In order to design such a system, the billing information of the energy supplier is first applied. If the power factor correction system exceeds 100 kvar, the network conditions installed on site should be determined in order to check for potential harmonic loads. The requisite data is determined here with the aid of a three-phase measurement over 24 hours with load operation. In this way it is possible to check the efficiency of the power factor correction system, as well as the dimensioning in regards to of the harmonic load and further aspects.
Scope of performance
- Installation of the measuring equipment
- Documentation of the data from the billing documents of the energy supplier
- Acquisition of the local installation conditions
- Evaluation of the acquired results in the form of a short report
- Follow-up meeting
- Proposal for of an economical PFC system
Benefits
Short amortisation times, lengthy service life and economical investments are guaranteed through a PFC system optimally tailored to the conditions and requirements. If, however, incorrect configuration arises – for example due to systems being too large or too small by design – this leads to increased investment costs and inaccurate power dimensioning. Incorrectly dimensioned PFC systems in terms of harmonic loads lead in some circumstances to resonance and to a short service life of the PFC system.
Customer-side prerequisites for execution
- Availability of a 230-V power supply at the measurement point
- Presence of the system supervisor or a representative in their absence