Compensating for low motor power factor

Journal Article · Thu Jun 17 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Plant Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:6314717

Ader, E; Finley, W ^[1]

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1. Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc., Norwood, OH (United States)

Improving power factor (PF) pays handsome dividends in the form of electric bill reductions, improved inplant voltage stability, more efficient utilization of the plant power distribution system, and deferral of capital investment in additional power distribution capacity. There are, however, some negative side effects if care is not exercised in compensating for low power factor caused by induction motors. The paper explains the power factor; why utilities penalize for low power factor; how capacitors improve power factor; the effect of motor loading on power factor; the effect of capacitors on motor power factor; the relationship between motor power factor and efficiency; where to position capacitors; caveats regarding capacitor location and sizing; and special considerations for adjustable-speed motor drive circuits.

• OSTI ID: 6314717
• Journal Information: Plant Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Plant Engineering; (United States) Vol. 47:11; ISSN PLENAV; ISSN 0032-082X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
CAPACITORS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC POWER
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
MOTORS
OPTIMIZATION
POWER
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
POWER FACTOR
SIZING