Power Factor Correction Capacitors
Our power factor correction equipment and subject expertise have provided stability, current reduction and volumetric support to some of the most complex and simplistic applications in power.
Our engineers can provide you with the following:
- Design, build, installation & decommissioning services
- Power factor correction capacitors manufactured in house to 11kV
- Dynamic compensation systems
- PFC equipment
- Technical support
- Installation
- Maintenance & repair (regardless of who manufactured your PFC)
If you would like to discuss the power factor services above, please call us on +44 (0) 800 86 000 86 or email info@johnsonphillips.co.uk.
Unlike other companies, we take our time to analyse meter data, your site conditions, the costs and benefits of solutions for both high and low voltage systems. We don’t rely on a five-minute snapshot of your energy usages. This means we are able to install the correct power factor correction equipment and ensure the voltages at the mains are as efficient as they can be. This results in no harmonic generation issues and superior performance.
What is Power Factor Correction?
Power Factor Correction (PFC) is the relationship between the ‘active’ and ‘reactive’ power of an electricity distribution network. It is a measure of whether the system voltage and current are in phase and efficient. It also provides a volume of stability connected in parallel to your power supply or load.
It is measured in a figure starting from 0 to 1 with the higher value being the more efficient of the two. Electrical power systems with a power factor of 0.95 and above is deemed as very efficient.
If a network is 100% efficient and there is no reactive power present, then its Power Factor is 1, which is also known as unity. This is the optimum for power transmission but is practically impossible to attain. For further information regarding the algorithmic calculations of power factor of an electrical system, you can read this guide.
Power factor correction is a key issue for the UK industry that impacts on energy efficiency and electricity bills. On top of this, the reliability and availability of the equipment and network infrastructure is just as important.
Variation in the power factor readings or a poor rating is caused by different types of electrical devices. This include AC motors, arc welders, fluorescent lighting and air conditioning connected to the grid that consume or generate reactive power. Unless the variations are corrected, higher currents are drawn leading to grid instability, higher costs and reduced capacity.
Power Factor Correction Equipment
Taking steps to address a low power factor with the latest equipment such as PFC capacitors can see a huge increase is power factor efficiency. Installing capacitors across the main power supply is the simplest solution but often some machines are far more complex. This may require specialists such as ourselves to design specific equipment for the machine.
It’s important to note that power factor correction equipment does have a lifespan and may not operate as it used to when first installed (i.e. over 20 years ago). On top of this, the layout may have changed and you should resurvey the site to check for poor power factor and decide whether the equipment needs an overhaul.
Benefits of using the latest PFC equipment include:
- Optimise the life of your electrical assets.
- Free up capacity in the supply network, avoiding or delaying the need for expensive supply capacity upgrades, whilst allowing you to expand your electrical assets.
- Reduce the threat of damage to assets.
- Reduce operational downtime.
- Ensure than you get the most from your energy at lowest cost.
- Fast and Cost effective to install.
- Immediate start on Payback on investment – typical period is 4-12 months.
- Reduced kilowatt hour consumption; Reduced energy bills. Reduced carbon emissions.
- Elimination of reactive power charges.
- Lower transformer and distribution losses.
- Stable power supply.
Using Johnson & Phillips For PFC
Once a power factor correction unit is installed and supplied by our team, it will continue to work for many years to come. The savings from the reactive power charges will reduce and the capacitors will pay for themselves. All of the capacitors that we use are manufactured in house and we are able to provide maintenance, repair, technical support and 24 hour disaster recovery solutions.
Please feel free to contact one of our experts to talk about the bespoke solutions we can provide for the specific needs of your business. We are UK manufacturers of power factor correction capacitors with a large client base that not only spans nationwide but also across seas.