Power factor correction unit
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A power factor correction unit is equipment used to improve power factor, in industrial networks. By increasing the power factor to near 1, current is reduced in the power system and usually utility charges for electrical power are reduced. A power factor correction unit usually consists of a number of capacitors that are switched by means of contactors. These contactors are controlled by a regulator that measures power factor in an electrical network. To be able to measure 'power factor', the regulator uses a CT (current transformer) to measure the current in one phase.
Depending on the load and power factor of the network, the regulator will switch the necessary blocks of capacitors in steps to make sure the power factor stays above 0.9 or other selected value (which is usually demanded by the energy supplier).
Legend:
- 1. Regulator
- 2. Network connection points
- 3. Fuses
- 4. Contactors
- 5. Capacitors (single-phase units, delta-connection)
- 6. Transformer 400/230 Volts for control power (contactors, ventilation,...)
