The discussion focuses on the reasons utilities impose penalties for low power factor in electrical systems, exploring the implications of reactive power and its effects on the distribution network. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to power factor in electrical engineering.
Participants generally agree on the negative impacts of low power factor on the electrical distribution system, but there are varying perspectives on the specifics of how utilities handle penalties and the implications of reactive power.
Some assumptions about the definitions of power factor and reactive power may not be explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of how utilities calculate penalties or the economic implications for customers.
Readers interested in electrical engineering, power systems, and utility management may find this discussion relevant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factorIn an electric power system, a load with low power factor draws more current than a load with a high power factor for the same amount of useful power transferred. The higher currents increase the energy lost in the distribution system, and require larger wires and other equipment. Because of the costs of larger equipment and wasted energy, electrical utilities will usually charge a higher cost to industrial or commercial customers where there is a low power factor.
You are correct. A low power factor puts more current in the lines. The utility charges you only for real power, not the reactive part. The extra current in their lines just loads them down with extra I2R losses, which you do not pay for. On the other hand, they may pay YOU for some capacitive power factor. You could put a synchronous capacitor on line (a salient pole synchronous motor w/o load).XPTPCREWX said:Why is it that the utility will penalize a customer for a low power factor. I can't imagine why they would penalize you if a purely reactive load puts all its power back into the mains.