Effects of Low Power Factor
- For same kW demand of load, at low power factor current flowing through armature winding of alternator or windings of transformer increases, hence kVA rating required increases.
- As current supplied is increases for obtaining proper voltage regulation, conductor size of transmission lines.
- The cost of generation and transmission increases for the same power output etc. increases.
- As due to low p.f. current flowing through transmission lines increases the line loss will increase or line efficiency reduces and voltage drop in lines will increase.
- kW capacity of transformer will be reduced and voltage drop in it will increase.
- Conductors required for bus-bar will need more cross-sectional area and also contact surface of the switch gears must be increase as current flowing through them increases.
- kW capacity of generator reduces.
- Power required from exciters increases.
- As current flowing through armature winding increases, it will increase copper losses and cause more temperature rise, reducing efficiency of generator and transformer.
- Prime mover efficiency will be reduced.