Types of Electrical Loads and The Power Type They Consume The reactive component (KVAR) of any electrical distribution system can easily be reduced in order to improve power factor by using capacitors. Capacitors are basically reactive loads. They tend to generate reactive power hence they find good use in power factor correction application.
The payoff is about 23 months. Charges for kVAR vary from about 15 cents to a dollar, and free kVAR ranges from 25% (97% power factor) to 75% (80% power factor) of kW demand. Power factor correction capacitors increase system current-carrying capacity. Raising the power factor on a kW load reduces kVA.
When capacitors are used to improve power factor , the following benefits will accrue: 1. Reduced electrical power bills 2. Reduces I2R losses in electrical conductors 3. Reduces loading on transformers by releasing system capacity 4. Improves voltage on the electrical distribution system thereby allowing motors to run more efficiently and cooler.
Power factor correction capacitors increase system current-carrying capacity. Raising the power factor on a kW load reduces kVA. Therefore, by adding capacitors, you can add additional kW load to your system without altering the kVA. A plant has a 500 kVA transformer operating near capacity. It draws 480 kVA or 578A at 480V.
Capacitors are basically reactive loads. They tend to generate reactive power hence they find good use in power factor correction application. So instead of having the utility company supply the reactive power that you will end up paying for, get a capacitor bank and have them supply the reactive energy component as shown below:
The unit for rating power factor capacitors is a kVAR, equal to 1000 volt-amperes of reactive power. The kVAR rating signifies how much reactive power the capacitor will provide. To size capacitors for individual motor loads, use Table 3 on the following page. Simply look up the type of motor frame, RPM, and horsepower.