Power factor correction manages electrical loads to create a safe power transmission. There are two approaches: end-user management and energy supplier management. Passive and active means can be used. Benefits include reduced electricity bills and less system failures for energy suppliers.
Power factor correction is a process that has to do with managing the essential traits of electrical loads that are used to create a power factor of less than one. The main purpose of power factor correction is to ensure that the level of power transmission taking place is within the safe limits established for the application concerned. Energy suppliers use power factor correction to ensure that domestic and public building systems are not overloaded and that manufacturing plants have adequate energy flow to drive heavy machinery.
There are two basic ways to engage in power factor correction. One approach concerns the management of energy used at the end user level. With this application, a homeowner can use various devices to minimize or eliminate unnecessary energy consumption in the home. This may include installing devices such as energy-saving appliances or sensors that automatically turn off lights when no one is in the room.
A second approach to power factor correction involves the energy supplier working to ensure that the transmission grid operates at maximum efficiency. This will mean ensuring that the level of power generated and distributed is within the safe limits of the grid and is not likely to overload one or more sections of the electricity grid. This approach often includes safety mechanisms that help compensate when problems arise in one section of the grid, containing the problem and preventing it from spreading to other sections.
There are active and passive means of handling power factor correction. The use of capacitor banks is done with passive PFC and helps correct non-linear electrical loads and stabilize current flow. Active PFC usually employs a system that controls the amount of power used by a load, keeping the balance as close to unity as possible.
The benefits of power factor correction concern both the end user and the supplier. For suppliers, adjusting the nature of the power flow to keep it within acceptable limits means less time, expense and lost revenue from system failures. End users who choose to engage in power factor correction enjoy the benefit of reduced electricity bills, as well as preventing additional wear and tear on electrical devices in the home or office.
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