Power-factor correction is a mechanism to reduce operating costs associated with electricity consumption. Some of the key advantages here are reduced kVA charges, improved plant efficiency and network voltage, and reduced overloading of cables, switchgear and transformers.
“The power factor is simply the ratio of actual power (known as active power) used in a circuit, expressed in kW, to the mains power drawn, expressed in kVA,” explains ElectroMechanica (EM) product manager, Artur Socha.
Large industrial, commercial or retail operations can have maximum demand charges applied to their electricity bill. Improved power factor relates to immediate savings on the demand charges. Even sites that have switched to renewable energy sources, such as solar, still need to take power factor into account.
To determine the estimated savings that can be realised by installing a power-factor correction system, Socha reveals that EM recently launched a power-factor correction calculator to allow customers to determine savings if they are being penalised on their electricity bills with a maximum demand charge.
EM is capable of assembling complete power-factor systems, with the option of thyristor (fast switching) or traditional contactor switching, or a hybrid of both. Combined with active harmonic filters, also available from EM, it provides complete solutions for all aspects related to its customers’ power factor and power quality requirements. In addition, EM has a number of accredited partners to ensure customer service and technical back-up support is always on hand.
Two main products from EM play a key role in power-factor correction, namely the Lovato DCRG power-factor correction controllers and Electronicon three-phase cylindrical capacitors. Other features include expansion slots for additional steps or communication modules, the capability to operate with several units interconnected in master-slave mode, a quick current transformer (CT) programming function, and automatic identification of the direction of the CT current flow. The DCRG8 continuously reacts to load conditions.
Half brick second generation converter Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half brick second generation converter from Vepac is composed of isolated, board-mountable, fixed switching frequency DC-DC converters that use synchronous rectification to achieve extremely high power conversion efficiency.
Read more...Multimeters: the perfect entry-level choice Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Experience the precision, durability and safety of professional-grade test tools with the entry level Fluke 15B+ and 17B+ digital multimeters.
Read more...Unlocking the smart factory ElectroMechanica
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
At ElectroMechanica, we recognise that transitioning to smart automation isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about solving real challenges. Labour shortages, rising costs and downtime due to outdated machinery make digital transformation essential for long-term competitiveness.
Read more...South Africa can become an important EV manufacturer
Electrical Power & Protection
A year ago, South Africa was mired in loadshedding, with the importance and relevance of electric vehicles (EVs) far from the public imagination. Fast forward a year and much has changed
Read more...Self-contained standalone lightning warning system Senseca
Electrical Power & Protection
Biral, now part of the Senseca Group, and a specialist in environmental and meteorological measurement instrumentation, has launched its BTD-200 lightning warning system, which is a complete detection and warning system.
Read more...Taking the pain out of panel building Omron Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
Panel building stands as a cornerstone of industrial automation, shaping the efficiency and reliability of automated systems across different and diverse industries, from manufacturing to infrastructure. Omron leverages over 80 years of experience to furnish OEMs and builders with cutting-edge control panel solutions.
Read more...Powerless is not an option
Electrical Power & Protection
When the power goes out it is important for commercial and tertiary facilities to be able to keep essential electrical equipment running. UPS systems are critical for transitioning and emergency backup power.
Read more...Securing the power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
Grid management systems are the linchpin of modern transmission and distribution networks. To understand the intricacies of grid management, it is necessary to unpack its core components: scada systems, energy management systems, outage management systems and wide area management systems.
printer friendly version