Intelligent Power Factor Controller (IPFC)

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Intelligent Power Factor Controller (IPFC)

Intelligent Power Factor Controller (IPFC)

Effects of Low Power Factor 

  1. 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. 
  2. As current supplied is increases for obtaining proper voltage regulation, conductor size of transmission lines etc. increases.
  3. The cost of generation and transmission increases for the same power output.
  4. 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.
  5. KW capacity of transformer will be reduced and voltage drop in it will increase.    
  6. 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.
  7. kW capacity of generator reduces.
  8. Power required from exciters increases.
  9. As current flowing through armature winding increases, it will increase copper losses and cause more temperature rise, reducing efficiency of generator and transformer.
  10. Prime mover efficiency will be reduced.

Power Factor Improvement

Power factor improvement is the fastest way of achieving energy conservation and improving the bottom in Some of the techniques included for the purpose are as follows :

  1. Study of various types of loads.
  2. Determination of the percentage of inductive loads.
  3. Determination of transformer capacity.
  4. Determination of power factor under at load conditions of transformer by calculating impedance.
  • From the data collected the kVAR required to improve the power factor to the desired value can determined or calculated.
  • After this, it would be to determine the capacitor – banking pattern in the electrical system , depending up whether the loads are major or minor.
  • Then capacitors, are installed at all major loads and finally to install capacitors for the fine turning of power. 
  • Effects of current voltage, harmonics and temperature are to be considered as they produce degradation in capacitors and contactors , but they remain unnoticed because the equipment operate silently in a come until a severe breakdown occurs . 
  • Power factor compensation gives the best return on investment 
  • Due to power factor correction (PFC), the power distribution system operates at its momum efficiency 
  • All power suppliers use either active PFC or passive PFC 

Methods of Improving Power Factor 

  1. Using capacitors. 
  2. Using synchronous condensers (synchronous motor)
  3. Using phase advancers.

Role of Intelligent Power Factor Controller (IPFC)

  1. For any industry with varying loads, automatic power factor compensation gives best return on investment.
  2. The KVAR investment required is smaller than with forced capacitors needed to meet the entire load. 
  3. Automatic power factor correction helps to avoid leading pf situations by switching off extra capacitors.

Advantages of Installing IPFC

On equipment :

  1. It protects the equipment.
  2. Field failures are reduced. 
  3. Wear and tear of contactors is minimized.
  4. It switches off the system for excessive harmonics voltage and current.
  5.  It switches off banks of Capacitors on main faults and also on micro – interruptions.
  6.  It safeguards and increases the life of the equipment.
  7. Intelligent alarm functions are included in PFC.

At site : 

  1. Simple inspection procedure is available. 
  2. Gives signals on likely pl penalties (irregular compensation) i.e. when pt is not compensated to desired level.
  3. Manual control can be minimized.
  4. It prevents improper manual switching.
  5. It clears alarm until discharge time has elapsed to prevent false alarms.
  6. Past events are stored in memory.
  7. Gives alarm on malfunctions.
  8. Before proper discharged. connection is not possible.
  9. Gives signals on system failures.
  10. Manual modes are also available for the equipment check-up.
Advantages of Intelligent Power Factor Controller for the Improvement in Energy Efficiency 

  1. Increase in system voltage can be avoided with it.
  2. Capacitor’s life increases.
  3. Plant efficiency increases.
  4. Utilization of demand is optimized.
  5. Line losses are reduced,.
  6. Extra load can be connected without sanction of additional demand.
  7. Demand penalty can be avoided.
  8. Zero cost maintenance is possible

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