How to make the power factor of induction motors be a leading power factor?

In summary, the power distributor is now requiring a leading power factor between 0.95 and 1.0 in order to receive a power factor incentive. This may be achieved by overcompensating with capacitor compensation, but caution should be taken to avoid over-voltage issues. It is suggested to compensate individual motors rather than managing the plant as a whole. It is also recommended to double check with the power distributor to confirm their requirements.
  • #1
Mathew Joseph
1
0
Hi guys,
This month onwards our power distributor says that we only get powerfactor incentive when only we make the powerfactor leading and in between 0.95 and 1. Our industry fully consists of induction motor and compensative capacitors are provided but this month onwards we have to keep the powerfactor in leading.

Plz help me, how to make the lagging powerfactor of induction motor to leading powerfactor...
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Mathew Joseph said:
Plz help me, how to make the lagging powerfactor of induction motor to leading powerfactor...
With capacitor compensation in parallel. When the capacitor KVARs are more than the motor KVARs the PF flips from lagging to leading. In other words, overcompensation.
 
  • Like
Likes Asymptotic and cnh1995
  • #3
Leading compensation is a liability. When a circuit breaker or contactor opens, an induction motor can self-excite with the resonant compensation capacitance, producing a high voltage that can damage the insulation. If over-compensated you will need over-voltage protection.

You may do better carefully compensating individual motors than by managing the plant as a whole.
Do the induction motors run continuously with fixed loads or are motors selectively turned on and off?
How many motors are there? how many KVA?
 
  • Like
Likes anorlunda and Asymptotic
  • #4
Mathew Joseph said:
This month onwards our power distributor says that we only get power factor incentive when only we make the powerfactor leading and in between 0.95 and 1.
What is your power factor now?

Double check with your power distributor they indeed require a leading power factor. It seems an odd request for the reasons offered in posts #2 and #3. Perhaps they instead want the power factor between 0.95 and 1.0, lagging or leading.
 

1. How does the power factor of an induction motor affect its efficiency?

The power factor of an induction motor is a measure of how effectively it converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. A leading power factor (PF) means that the motor is drawing less current from the power source, resulting in lower energy losses and higher efficiency.

2. What is the difference between a leading and lagging power factor?

A leading power factor occurs when the current leads the voltage in the electrical circuit, while a lagging power factor occurs when the current lags behind the voltage. In induction motors, a leading power factor is desirable as it indicates a more efficient use of electrical energy.

3. How can the power factor of an induction motor be improved?

The power factor of an induction motor can be improved by adding a power factor correction capacitor to the circuit. This capacitor helps to offset the inductive reactance of the motor, resulting in a leading power factor. Proper sizing and placement of the capacitor is crucial for optimal power factor improvement.

4. What are the benefits of having a leading power factor in induction motors?

A leading power factor in induction motors can result in lower energy costs, reduced voltage drop, and improved voltage regulation. It also helps to reduce the strain on the power grid and can extend the lifespan of the motor by reducing heat and stress.

5. Are there any disadvantages to having a leading power factor in induction motors?

One potential disadvantage of a leading power factor is that it can cause overvoltage in the system, which may damage other equipment. This can be mitigated by proper sizing and placement of the power factor correction capacitor. Additionally, if the power factor is too high, it can result in a reactive power penalty from the utility company.

Similar threads

Alternator run at zero power factor lagging
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
605
What factors determine the resistance and inductance in a coil?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
398
Sizing an Isolation Transformer for a DC Power Supply
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
1K
How to correct for a Leading Power Factor (kVArh)
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
9
Views
7K
Having difficulty increasing my load power factor above 0.95
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
12
Views
2K
Why is a capacitor a generator of lagging reactive power?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
1K
Power Factor Correction: Capacitor Bank
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
32
Views
5K
Finding the Torque vs RPM curve for a 3-phase AC induction motor
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
Induction motors and power factor
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
22
Views
3K
Convert 1 phase to 3 phase by using an old washing machine
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
19
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top