Subscribe
to our newsletter
The escalating demand for reactive power in primary grid systems is a modern-day challenge. Utilization of power transformers, transmission lines, generators, and electric motors, in response to energy requirements, contributes notably to the rise in reactive power. Hence, effective control of reactive power assumes paramount importance today. Power Factor Controllers (PFC), serving as reactive power control relays, play a pivotal role in power correction systems.
Diverse equipment such as electrical motors, lighting ballasts, and transformers necessitate reactive power for generating and employing magnetizing current. Consequently, utilities must transmit not only active power but also reactive power to cater to these specific loads.
For efficient reactive power management, the deployment of reactive power control relays alongside capacitor banks becomes essential. These relays function as control mechanisms, aiding in the adjustment of the power factor (cosɸ) by intelligently switching the capacitor banks within the circuit on or off. They continually monitor the electrical circuit’s power factor, striving to align it with the set value necessary for optimal system performance.
Reactive power control relays operate by continuously assessing both the reactive power value (kVAr) and power factor value (cosɸ). When the reactive power value (kVAr) deviates from the set threshold, the relays activate or deactivate capacitor banks accordingly. Should the circuit require an improved power factor value, the relay will incrementally add capacitor banks in parallel with the load until the desired power factor value is attained. These relays often display essential electrical parameters like power energy (kWh), current (A), voltage (V), in addition to facilitating power factor corrections.
The selection process for these relays necessitates careful attention to factors such as the number of capacitors. Compatibility with the number of capacitor banks is crucial for effective operation. Furthermore, ease of installation, user-friendly display options, and an intuitive menu interface are vital. Additionally, features like communication protocols, voltage supply range, automatic mode functionality, and parameter storage capability should all be taken into account during the selection phase.