Power Quality
What Is an APFC Panel and How Does It Work?
An automatic power factor correction panel switches reactive-power compensation steps to improve the power factor of an installation with varying inductive loads.
How the control loop works
A controller receives voltage and current measurements, calculates the compensation requirement and switches capacitor steps through suitable contactors or thyristors. As demand falls, steps disconnect to avoid excessive compensation.
Main components
Typical assemblies include capacitors, a controller, current-transformer input, switching devices, protection and discharge provisions. Detuned reactors may be required after a harmonic assessment.
Benefits and limits
Correctly designed compensation can reduce reactive demand and upstream current for the same real load. It does not remove the real energy consumed by machines. Tariff savings depend on the local billing arrangement and measured demand.
Discuss your project with GEESYS
Share your load details, site conditions and single-line diagram for a project-specific recommendation.
Explore related products | Contact GEESYSFurther reading: Schneider Electric low-voltage power factor correction documentation.
Related technical guides
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- How to Calculate the Required Servo Stabilizer Capacity
- How to Select the Right APFC Panel for an Industry
- Online UPS vs Servo Stabilizer: What Is the Difference?