Task 4.

3
In a purely resistive AC circuit, the voltage and current waveforms are in phase,
changing polarity at the same cycle. Where reactive loads are present, such as with
capacitors or inductors, the energy stored in the loads results in a time difference
between the current and voltage, as the stored energy is not available to do work at
the load it is termed apparent power. This is known as a lagging power factor (which
is less than 1.0) . Power factor varies from 0 to 1. Low power factor means the
reactive power is higher than the active power, as power factor is the ratio of active
power to reactive power. So with a low power factor we got to deal with high amount
of reactive power. Thus low power factor disadvantage is actually the disadvantage
of excessive reactive power.
In power system we need reactive power only to maintain the generate and maintain
voltage. Reactive power is needed in the machine and equipment’s which use
magnetic flux like transformer, induction motor. Also it has use transmission line to
maintain the voltage. power factor effect has some adverse impact on both the
transmission line and also in the consumer electrical system. To cope up the adverse
effect better understanding of low power factor is needed. We need active power as
a little amount of reactive power. This associates some significant losses both in the
transmission line and in the consumer side.
Impact of power factor for electric provider: with low power factor we need higher
rating transmission line. Plus, as current transmission associated with joule loss. The
more current means more joule loss. Due to the high current for low power factor, the
copper losses increases in the transmission conductors and switch gear machinery.
As also the reactive current travel from source to load and load end to source end
too. Unbalanced voltage. To maintain the voltage, we need minimum amount of
reactive power. But too much reactive power will make over voltage situation. The
large current at low lagging power factor causes greater voltage drops in alternators,
transformers and transmission lines. This increase the cost of power supply system.
High rating switchgear-With low power factor we will have to deal with high apparent
power. Thus the switchgear like transformer, wiring, circuit breaker and other
components will be of higher ratings. High energy bill- The energy bill calculated on
the basis of apparent power. With low power factor the apparent power is high with
same active power.the low power factor reduces the handling capacity of the system.
I.e. the reactive competent in the current prevents the full use of machinery in power
system. A Low P.F. draws a higher internal current and the excessive heat generated
will damage and/or shorten equipment life Increased reactive loads can reduce
output voltage and damage equipment sensitive to reduced voltage. Low P.F.
requires equipment to be constructed heavier to absorb internal energy
requirements. Low P.F. will result in a more expensive system with equipment able to
absorb internal loads and larger load requirements. A system designer looks to
increase P.F. to lower system costs, increase reliability and increase the system’s life
cycle. Utilities will charge a higher cost to industrial and commercial Consumer
having a low P.F.