Power factor regulation and peak load regulation

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 75, No. 837, 1982

JEAN-LUG BEAUDOIN, P. Eng., President, h.o.p. Consulab Inc., Beauport, Quebec

In addition to the actual energy consumed, billing is dependent on the peak load and the power factor. The lower the power factor goes, the higher will be the penalty the consumer pays. The principles of a power factor regulator, the two ways of improving the power factor and methods for calculating the capacitor values required will be described.The rate structure of the utility company is founded on three cornerstones: the energy consumed during a given period of time and two penalties imposed when the power factor is low or the power demand is high. Even though the normal consumption of a customer might be 10 kW, with apeak demand of 20 kW only once a month, the wiring and associated equipment at the input to the customer's plant will have to accommodate this peak demand. The power company has no means of forecasting these demands and cannot therefore provide the Equipment, Power factor regulation, Peak load regulation, Electricity, Control systems, Capacitor values.

Keywords: Equipment, Power factor regulation, Peak load regulation, Electricity, Control systems, Capacitor values.