APFC Panels - A Discussion

Today, the electronic market is filled with numerous kinds of hi-tech integrated panels that operate on both reactive as well as active power for their operation. Each different type of panel has its own feature that supplies and converts current as per the available power. One of the panels that cater to the current lags of the voltage is known as an APFC Panel.

APFC Panel - An Introduction

An Automatic Power Factor Correction or Controller panel or APFC is employed to conserve energy by consistently maintaining higher power factor. Low power factors can lead to poor power efficiency, thereby, increasing the power drawn for a power network. This fluctuation results in an overload of the Transformer, Bus Bars, Switch Gears, Cables and other distribution devices.

Features Of An APFC Panel (Automatic Power Factor Correction)

The usefulness of an APFC panel can be determined from the fact that:

• It helps in avoiding penalization for lower power factor,
• It helps in optimizing and stabilizing the connected load for a plant,
• This type of panel also helps in avoiding manual disruptions,
• It aids in reducing high power consumption losses,
• This kind of panel is also used for regulating the voltage for smooth power supply
• The panel also helps in decreasing maximum power demand thus helping in avoiding penalty and other charges.

How Does It Work?

Power supplied by the Electricity Board is known as Real Power (KW), which produces Energy and Reactive Power usually generated by Inductive Loads that help in decreasing the loading capacity and efficiency of the Power Supply System. If a consumer fails to generate a power factor below the required minimum average value he may be penalized. An APFC Panel is therefore employed to improve the power factor of the system.

Types of APFC Panel

Capacitor Based

De-Tuned Filter Based

Tuned Filter Based

Capacitor Based: Capacitor based APFC Panels have an additional auxiliary contact with current resistors, also known as charging resistors. Firstly, the inrush current is usually limited by the auxiliary contacts, and then the main contacts take over to provide a steady state current of the capacitors.

De-Tuned Filter Based: These panels are usually cost effective. They are employed when the variation in reactive power with respect to time is slow and capacitor switching interval is higher than 60 seconds.

Tuned Filter Based: Tuned Filter Based Panels are extremely effective in eliminating inrush current of the capacitors. They are controlled switching devices that can be made to switch on when the voltage across the channel is zero.

Each of the APFC Panel has different features and quality which makes them in demand for various applications. Thus to choose an APFC panel best suited for your requirement, it is always advisable to choose from a reputed manufacturer in the niche. With years of experience in manufacturing, exporting and supplying of finest Electrical Components, BALARK ELECTRICALS has carved a niche amongst the best in the manufacturing of Electrical Components and Electrical Panels. For more information, please feel free to visit: http://www.balarkelectricals.net/

Author is representing this article on behalf of Balark Electricals. Balark Electricals is a manufacturer & supplier of APFC Panel, Changeover Panel.