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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to achieve a leading power factor for induction motors, particularly in the context of new requirements from a power distributor. Participants explore methods for compensating the power factor using capacitors and discuss the implications of leading compensation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using capacitor compensation in parallel with the induction motors, noting that if the capacitor KVARs exceed the motor KVARs, the power factor can shift from lagging to leading.
  • Others warn that leading compensation can pose risks, such as self-excitation of induction motors when circuit breakers open, potentially leading to high voltages that could damage insulation.
  • One participant questions the necessity of a leading power factor, suggesting that the power distributor may actually require a power factor between 0.95 and 1.0, which could include lagging power factors.
  • There are inquiries about the operational characteristics of the motors, such as whether they run continuously or are selectively turned on and off, and the number of motors and their KVA ratings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and safety of achieving a leading power factor. There is no consensus on the necessity of the requirement from the power distributor, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential risks associated with over-compensation and the need for careful management of individual motors versus the entire plant. There are also uncertainties regarding the exact requirements from the power distributor.

Mathew Joseph
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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...
 
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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.
 
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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?
 
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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.
 

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