How can capacitors improve power factor

The cyclic kW load on a pumping-unit motor can cause the power factor to vary from 1. Use this section to list papers in OnePetro that a reader who wants to learn more should definitely read. Use this section to provide links to relevant material on websites other than PetroWiki and OnePetro.

Electrical distribution systems. Hazardous area classification for electrical systems. Alternating current motors. NEMA motor characteristics. Alternating current motor drives. Help with editing Content of PetroWiki is intended for personal use only and to supplement, not replace, engineering judgment. Bradley, ed. Petroleum Engineering Handbook. Richardson, Texas: SPE. Navigation menu Personal tools Log in. Namespaces Read Discussion. Views Read View source View history. The ratio between these two types of loads becomes important as you add more inductive equipment.

Working power and reactive power make up Apparent Power, which is called kVA, kilovolt-amperes. A high PF benefits both the customer and utility, while a low PF indicates poor utilization of electrical power.

Here is an example. Because Edisto Electric must supply both the kW and kVA needs of all customers, the higher the PF is, the more efficient our distribution system becomes. Improving the PF can maximize current-carrying capacity, improve voltage to equipment, reduce power losses, and lower electric bills.

It also requires an additional equipment to start the motor as it has no self-starting torque. The last method that helps improve power factor is by using an AC exciter also known as a phase advancer. The only way to get rid of this problem would be to use an external source that would provide exciting ampere-turns. The phase advancer helps in solving the problem when it is connected to the rotor circuit of the motor.

The exciting ampere-turns provided by the advancer are at the slip frequency. A leading power factor can also be obtained by providing more ampere-turns.

The main advantage of using a phase advancer includes reduced amount of reactive power drawn by the motor. It can also be used in places where a synchronous condenser is unacceptable. However, the phase advancer cannot be used for motors below H.

These are the most important and useful methods to improve the power factor but there are many other methods available in the market. If you have any other method that you would like to share, then do let us know in the comments section!