Power factor is driven by the number of inductive loads on a system. Many industrial and commercial electrical system loads are inductive, meaning they require reactive power (kVAR) to sustain a magnetic field needed uuin order for the equipment to operate, in addition to the kW which they use to perform work. The larger the portion of a facility’s load that is inductivey, the higher its kVAR draw from the utility and the lower its power factory will be. The loading of this type of equipment also plays an important role in a facility’s power factor.
FAQs
How does this work?
We at NRG Savers specialize in energy conservation and savings with our power factor correction units.
We’ll send a NRG Savers Team Expert to you to find the optimal custom built PFC unit for your home or business.
Our experienced technicians will install a custom built unit.
You save 25% or more off your power bill, maximize your equipment longevity, and may protect your building or home from lightning strike damage.
How do I get started?
Call us! Local office: 1-205-446-3944 or reach out here
Your NRG Savers Team of Experts is available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time. NRG Savers Customer Care Experts are available 24/7.
What is Power Factor?
Power Factor is a ratio of actual electrical power and a measure of the effectiveness of the electrical performance of your equipment. Power factor (PF) is the ratio of working power (kW) to apparent power (kVA). Power factor is expressed as a dimensionless number between 0 and 1.0; it is a representation of how efficiently power is being drawn from the grid. A high ratio indicates a very efficient electrical system, while a low power factor denotes a poor utilization of electrical power, meaning a higher proportion of current is being drawn from the utility than is necessary.
What is a good Power Factor?
A Power Factor of more than 90%.
What does low Power Factor do?
Dramatically increases the cost of your electricity.
What causes low power factor?
What are the advantages of having a good power factor?
- Reduce the cost of electricity.
- Increase available capacity, therefore, making room for additional load/equipment.
- Improve efficiency.
- Improve the quality of the electrical supply.
- Reduce greenhouse emissions.
- Comply with Supply Authorities/ Utility companies.
How does low power factor impact motors?
Inductive loads always require the same amount of kVAR regardless of kW output, which results in motors operating at less than full load having extremely poor power factor. This often occurs in cycle processes where motors are sized for the heaviest loads, such as those using circular saws, ball mills, conveyors, compressors, grinders and punch presses. Low power factor at high loads can also be an issue. A facility operating at a high load has a higher current draw, which causes voltage to dip. Motors operate best at higher voltage levels, as low voltage can cause them to be sluggish or overheat.
What might the average Return On Investment look like?
Energy bill savings anywhere from 15%-30% and possibly more!
Therefore a quick return on investment and long-term savings that are realized from installing PFC unit systems to improve power factor.
Improving the power factor will reduce operating cost by eliminating or deferring the need for new equipment, help existing equipment last longer.
The advantage of Power Factor Correction Equipment:
Improving the power factor will reduce operating cost by eliminating or deferring the need for new equipment, help existing equipment last longer, and make future expansions less costly. Also, lower rating sized equipment can be used, saving unnecessary capital expense.
All this is in addition to a quick return on investment and long-term savings that are realized from installing PFC unit systems to improve power factor.
From the utility company’s point of view, raising the average operating power factor of the entire grid network could reduce cost from inefficiencies in the network, increase generation and distribution potential and reduce demand on the grid.
The utility can save hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fuel (and produce fewer emissions), have more transformers available and reduce the likelihood of building new power plants and their support systems.
For this reason, many utility companies charge a power factor penalty so they can recover the additional costs incurred from supporting an inefficient system.
What is Energy Management?
Energy management is the assessment, planning, and execution of a strategy to maintain or improve the quality and efficiency of energy being consumed by business. It is critical to saving energy and reducing costs for an organization.
What is power quality?
Power quality refers to the ability of electrical equipment to consume the energy being supplied to it. A number of power quality issues including electrical harmonics, poor power factor, and voltage instability impact on the efficiency of electrical equipment.
This has a number of consequences including:
- Higher energy usage and costs
- Higher maintenance costs
- Equipment instability and failure
It is therefore critical that power quality is assessed as part of an energy management strategy, and that energy management is an important consideration for any business.
How does low power factor affect consumers?
When the power factor is below 1.0 or unity, the utility must generate more than the minimum kVA is required to provide kW, which increases utility costs. Most often, a utility company then passes these added costs on to the customer. However, by boosting the power factor to meet the utility’s minimum PF requirements, consumers can eliminate these costly charges.
How do utilities charge for power factor?
Utility companies assess power factor charges in a variety of ways. Sometimes tariffs are clearly identified on a utility bill, while in other instances they may be rolled into other costs. Three of the most common ways a utility will charge for power factor are through kW demand adjustments, kVA demand billing, and kVAR demand charges.
If the charge is not easily identifiable when reviewing your bill, you may obtain tariff details from the utility to better understand these extra charges.
How can power factor correction units help lower utility charges?
Consumers can slash costly penalties by adding power factor correction capacitors to their facility distribution systems, as these units effectively lower kVAR demand. By adding capacitors as a local reactive current source to the system, they reduce the current drawn from the utility and improve voltage, resulting in more efficient motor performance and longer motor life.
Do you offer financing?
We do! We offer financing for $0 down and $29 for the first 3 months. Contact us to learn more about our payment options.
Do you have to turn my power off for installation?
Only on extremely rare occasions. We normally don't have to turn your power off so installation will not cause down time for your business.
When should I start seeing savings?
The power companies bill a month behind. You'll start seeing savings on your first power cycle with installation. Normally, 60-90 days you'll see your first drop.
How much can I save?
You'll save at least 20% each month with our technology. Most of our clients actually do save more than this on average!
This table can help you determine how much you'll be saving based on your power bill.
Power Bill amount | 1 Year Savings | 3 Years Savings | 5 Years Savings
