Users advised to specify high power factor in speed drives

Journal Article · Mon Aug 19 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · Energy User News; (United States)

OSTI ID:5194064

Springer, N

Variable speed drive manufacturers suggest that users specify high power factor ratings when requesting bids for AC motor drives to avoid dropping an entire facility's power factor and facing possible utility penalties. They also recommend using variable speed drives that maintain a constant high power factor over units with power factors that fluctuate according to changes in motor speeds. Almost all utilities penalize low power factor, which means that the utility is supplying more current than is needed to perform effective work. Users of variable speed drives can save from 20 to 40% on electricity as well as avoiding the penalties. Only about 10% of users are currently specifying variable speed drives even though the price is now competitive. A directory lists 24 major suppliers.

• OSTI ID: 5194064
• Journal Information: Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 10:32; ISSN EUSND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320104* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Commercial & Industrial Buildings-- (-1987)
CHARGES
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MOTORS
POWER FACTOR
SPECIFICATIONS
SPEED REGULATORS