What is the significance of power factor in switching power supplies?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of power factor, particularly in the context of power factor correction (PFC) and its significance in switching power supplies. Participants explore definitions, calculations, and implications of power factor in electrical systems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the meaning of power factor correction and its relationship to the ratio of power loss to input power.
  • Another participant asserts that power factor (PF) is defined as the ratio of apparent power to true power.
  • A third participant challenges the previous claim, suggesting that the definition provided is incorrect and references an external source for clarification.
  • A later reply explains that power factor correction involves adjustments to improve the power factor, potentially using components like synchronous generators.
  • Another participant notes that power factor correction is relevant in the design of switching power supplies to achieve a more resistive load characteristic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of power factor, with some asserting it as the ratio of apparent to true power, while others contest this interpretation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise definitions and implications of power factor.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various definitions and calculations of power factor, indicating potential limitations in understanding or agreement on the terminology used.

neduet
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
Hello friends

what is this term meaning (power factor correction)

and from my book some lines are

The simplest form for power factor is the ratio of the equivalent series resistance to the impedance of the device

what its meaning?

and

PF= power loss/input power resulting ratio is the "power factor" WHAT is this?
can we say above line is same as this PF = TRUE POWER/APPARENT POWER
explain please

thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
neduet said:
Hello friends

what is this term meaning (power factor correction)

and from my book some lines are



what its meaning?

and

PF= power loss/input power resulting ratio is the "power factor" WHAT is this?
can we say above line is same as this PF = TRUE POWER/APPARENT POWER
explain please

thanks

Power factor correction is when adjustments are made to the electrical system to improve the power factor (i.e. bring it closer to unity). This can be accomplished through various components such as synchronous generators, etc.

PF = P/S = true power / apparent power = cos(theta)

CS
 
PFC also has context in switching power supplies. Look at the Switchmode Power Supply section of this wiki entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor

You can design your SMPS to better approximate a simple resistive load, instead of the diode-capacitor bridge imput characteristic (which has a louse PF).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
9K