What Causes Low Power Factor and How Can Capacitors Help?

A low power factor in an electrical system is typically caused by inductive loads that draw apparent power, i.e., the combination of real power and reactive power. This reduces the power factor of the whole system, which can lead to increased energy costs, reduced power system efficiency, and other operational issues.

Fortunately, power factor correction capacitors can provide an effective solution to this problem. By installing a capacitor bank at critical points where large inductive loads are present, for example, motors and transformers, the reactive power drawn by these loads can be offset, thereby improving the system’s power factor.

Adding power factor correction capacitors can improve power by acting as reactive current generators, effectively canceling the reactive power drawn by inductive loads. This, in turn, can lead to a more efficient use of electrical power, reduced energy losses, and lower electric bills.

The good news is that capacitors are fairly easy to install. They also require low maintenance and can be applied at various points in the electrical system, making them a practical and cost-effective solution for power factor correction.

After reading the above, readers should better understand why power factor correction capacitors offer such a practical and cost-effective solution to improve the power factor of an electrical system – particularly when the load consists of induction and apparent power is a concern.