Sanjay Mehta
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
This manuscript investigates the implementation of power factor correction (PFC) techniques in industrial loads using technologies available up to 2018. The study aims to quantify improvements in power factor, reduction in reactive power consumption, and consequent energy cost savings. A representative sample of industrial facilities—comprising induction motor loads, lighting systems, and welding equipment—was analyzed before and after installing passive capacitor banks and synchronous condensers. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and descriptive statistics, were conducted to evaluate the significance of observed improvements. Results demonstrate a mean power factor increase from 0.72 to 0.95 (p < 0.01), corresponding to an average reactive power reduction of 38%. Methodology details field measurements, instrumentation calibration, and data processing protocols. Key research gaps include adaptive PFC under variable loading and harmonics mitigation in non-linear loads. Findings will assist plant engineers in selecting appropriate PFC solutions to enhance energy efficiency and meet utility tariff requirements.
Key Words
power factor correction, industrial loads, capacitor banks, synchronous condensers, energy efficiency, reactive power reduction
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