Power Factor vs Power Factor

Power Factor vs Power Factor

When considering “Power Factor Correction”, it is critical to clearly define the correct requirement early in a project. Industry confusion around the different types of Power Factor can result in incorrect specifications and costly, unsuitable solutions. It can also impact project timelines, technical compliance and overall system performance.

 

What is the difference between Displacement and True Power Factor?

  • Cos φ or Displacement Power Factor (DPF)

The displacement between the voltage and current waveforms at the fundamental supply frequency (e.g. 50 Hz). In many parts of the world, Cos φ or DPF refers specifically to this fundamental-frequency phase relationship and does not account for harmonic distortion. E.g. Motor Nameplate Cos φ = 0.88


  • True Power Factor (TPF)

The ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA) in the electrical system. Unlike Cos φ, True Power Factor accounts for both the phase displacement between voltage and current and the effects of harmonic distortion caused by non-linear loads like variable speed drives. TPF is most referred to simply as “Power Factor”, but may also be described as True, Apparent or RMS Power Factor.



What to Specify?

Not all Power Factor problems require the same solution. The total requirement may be reactive power correction, harmonic mitigation, or a combination of both.

Getting this wrong can mean unnecessary cost, poor performance and compliance issues.



With their unique modular design and 3-level topology performance, Sinexcel Active Harmonic Filters and Static VAR Generators from Fuseco offer a highly flexible, reliable, and customisable solution.


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Why Fuseco?

At Fuseco we specialise in Power Quality. We can be active participants in those crucial early concept phase discussions regarding the various harmonic and power factor solutions available. There are many techniques that can be utilised and there is room for all of those when applied correctly.

Please contact the team at FUSECO for further information and completive pricing for all your Power Quality requirements.


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0-110% compensation of each harmonic from the 2nd to the 50th harmonic!

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27 Viking Court

Cheltenham VIC 3192


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27/70 Holbeche Road 

Arndell Park NSW 2148 


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8/4 Focal Way

Bayswater WA 6053


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In simple terms, harmonics are extra frequencies that when present in an electrical circuit, distort the AC sine wave. A harmonic of a wave is a component frequency of the signal that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency. For example, if the fundamental frequency is f, the harmonics have frequencies 2f, 3f, 4f... etc. 


Harmonic frequencies are equally spaced by the width of the fundamental frequency and can be found by repeatedly adding that frequency. In the case of the Australian electricity supply, the fundamental frequency is 50Hz. The frequencies of the harmonics are 100Hz, 150Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 300Hz, 350Hz and so on.


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For electrical systems to function in their intended manner without significant loss of performance or life, they require a supply of electricity that is of good quality. Good quality electrical power has the following characteristics: 

  • It must have a continuity of service (not be interrupted). 
  • It must have a very low Harmonic content. 
  • It must have a very low variation in the voltage magnitude. 
  • It must have very low transient voltages and currents. 

The term 'clean power' is used to describe electricity that is considered to be of good quality (see above) with particular reference to a very low harmonic content. Therefore, the term 'dirty power' is used to describe electricity that is considered to be of low quality (opposite to the above) with particular reference to a very high harmonic content. 


In Australia, our electricity is supplied in alternating current at a frequency of 50Hz. In alternating current (AC) the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current (DC), the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. 50Hz means that the AC has a frequency of 50 cycles per second. This is also known as the 'fundamental' frequency. AC is the form in which electricity is delivered to businesses and residences. Most electrical devices (such as motors) need clean electricity to function properly. This means that the electrical supply needs to be a clear sinusoidal wave.


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If you occasionally experience some unexplained occurrences such as flickering lights, alarms going off, or MCB's, MCCB's, RCD's and Earth Leakage devices tripping for no apparent reason, you are most likely experiencing harmonics in your electrical environment. Other signs are cables running hot, hot switchboards or overheating motors. If you are replacing your motor's bearings & insulation often, that's a strong indication of the presence of harmonics.

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Harmonics are very harmful within an electrical system and can have serious consequences. For example, the presence of harmonics reduces the life of equipment. It is possible that the investment that you made in your motors & drives will not be realised if they are damaged and need replacing before their expected life span. This can be very expensive. Harmonics cause things to run hot, which cause stress on the cables and equipment.


In the long term, this degrades an electrical system. The presence of harmonics will also mean that although you will get billed for the power that you are supplied, a large percentage of that power may be unusable. Harmonic mitigation is taking action to minimise the presence of harmonics in your electrical system and can achieve great cost savings.


Variable Speed Drives (also known as Variable Frequency Drives) are prolific creators of harmonics in electrical systems and as a result, most of the harmonic mitigation effort focuses on the input side and output side of a VFD.


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Depending on the specific situation, there are a variety of products that are used to mitigate harmonics. Fuseco's Power Quality Consultants can assist by conducting a site analysis or simply providing advice based on the details of the particular electrical system. Here is a brief summary of the product groups:


Line (input) side of the VSD

Device Features:

  • Line Reactors Simple & cost-effective method to reduce harmonics. Available in 3% & 5% versions.
  • Passive Harmonic Filters Significantly reduces harmonics from the VSD back out to the system and also improves true power factor.
  • Meets the IEEE519 Standard.
  • Active Harmonic Filters Active filters inject a 180 degree inverse current to nullify the harmonic content going back out to the system. They mitigate harmonics, compensate for voltage dips & can handle multiple VSD's relative to the reactive power required. Meets the IEEE519 Standard.

Load (output) side of the VSD

Device Features:

  • Load Reactors Simple & cost-effective method to reduce harmonics. Available in 3% & 5% versions.
  • dV/dT Filters dV/dT filters have been designed to limit peak voltage and increase voltage rise time. In addition to mitigating harmonics, the dV/dT filter also clips voltage spikes.
  • Sinewave Filters The ultimate load side harmonic mitigation product. Filters all harmonics, including reflective currents, eddy currents, common mode currents. Can be used for long cable runs (many kms). Stops the heating of cables. Great for the longevity of motors.

PQ Testimonial - Stowe

Fuseco have become our trusted partner for site compliance to AS/NZS 61000.3.6. We now have many sites around Australia where Sinexcel Active Harmonic Filters are in reliable operation. It’s a pleasure to deal with the Fuseco team.

Robert Magee

SITE MANAGER AT STOWE AUSTRALIA

PQ Testimonial - Downer

The technology provided by Fuseco is very reliable, efficient and the wall mounting active filter modules are a great fit for most of our applications. David Gale and his team are very knowledgeable and sensitive to challenges and nuances of our site environments. Highly recommended products and company.

Tim Randall

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AT DOWNER GROUP

PQ Testimonial - BHP

We have harmonic issues across multiple sites and the Fuseco team in conjunction with our site contractors are very good at what they do. Their ability to conduct site analysis, pull through the data, propose solutions and then deliver solutions from stock has helped us on many occasions. Competent, service oriented, no-fuss solutions.

Peter Cowling

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AT BHP

PQ Testimonial - Fortescue

Power quality issues have always been a pain point on our site however once our contractor partners introduced us to Fuseco, these complex issues became a thing of the past and after sales support is phenomenal. Thank you Fuseco.

Cameron Wilson

FACILITY MANAGER AT FORTESCUE

From the moment the AHF and SVG units were turned on our power factor issues were a thing of the past. At both sites our PF is now 0.99 on all phases all the time, the units react instantaneously to our fluctuating load and power factor and the result has been an excellent return on investment.

Brad Kilner

OPERATIONS MANAGER AT KILNER'S ENGINEERING