DEMYSTIFYING POWER FACTOR
What is power factor?
Understanding power factor doesn't have to be complicated. Imagine you're watching two kids play with a wagon one is pulling, and the other is sitting inside. This simple scene is a great way to picture how power factor works in electricity.
What is power factor?
Electricity is measured in three main ways: real power, reactive power, and apparent power. In our wagon analogy, the child pulling the wagon represents the electrical utility, while the child riding inside is the member. The real power is like the actual energy used to move the wagon. Apparent power is how hard the child must pull to get it moving, and reactive power is the extra effort required that doesn’t directly help move the wagon forward. Power Factor is simply the ratio of real power to apparent power a measure of how efficiently the power is used.
What is reactive power?
So, if reactive power doesn't help get things done, why do we need it? Reactive power is produced by inductive loads, such as large motors found in HVAC systems and industrial equipment, especially when they're not fully loaded. This kind of power can't be avoided because motors need it to create magnetic fields by energizing their windings. In short, reactive power is a necessary byproduct of how these machines operate.
Why do I care?
Most utilities charge you for the energy you use (kWh) and your demand (kW), but not for reactive power (kVAR). Since power plants generate apparent power (kVA), they’re producing more than they bill you for. Due to this, many power companies add a penalty if your power factor drops below 90% or 95%. Additionally, a poor power factor can lead to increased energy losses in your system, resulting in voltage drops, overheating, and even the failure of expensive equipment.
Can I improve my power factor?
Luckily, improving your power factor is easier than you might think First, try to avoid running motors that are idling or barely loaded, and consider upgrading to newer, more efficient models. Since most equipment that lowers power factor is inductive, installing capacitors (which provide capacitive load) can balance things out. These can be placed near large motors or the main electrical panel to make your system run more smoothly and efficiently.
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References:
Oberoi, S. (2023, March 27). Little Red Wagon Day 2023: date, history, significance and how to celebrate it. Newsd. https://newsd.in/little-red-wagon-day/
Copy to clipboardKansas Corporation Commission, Kansas State University Engineering Extension, & Carter, D. (2017). Power Factor. In Kansas State University Engineering Extension [Report]. https://www.kcc.ks.gov/images/PDFs/education/PEP_FactSheet_2019 _PowerFactor.pdf
U.S. Department of Energy. (1996). The energy savings network Plug into it! In Program of the U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/04/f15/mc60405.pdf
4100 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104 • CassCountyElectric.com • 701-356-4400 or 800-248-3292 CCEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.