Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Power Factor Correction

In the electrical power distribution industry, the term medium voltage is thoroughly used. In accordance with ANSI/IEEE 1585-2002 it refers to the voltages from 1kV to 35 kV. Therefore, an accurate definition of medium voltage is voltage that falls within the range of 1 kV to 35 kV.

Quality Energy's PFC systems are manufactured in our Melbourne-based manufacturing facility. 

Yes. Quality Energy has a service and commissioning capability that can be deployed to our clients' sites.

Yes. Quality Energy conducts extensive Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to Quality Energy’s standard test sheets, or customised to the clients testing regime. Clients are encouraged to witness test the FAT in our Melbourne facility to ensure a smooth handover.

Yes. All electrical, mechanical, electronic components and equipment are sourced from quality accredited suppliers.

Quality Energy's Medium Voltage PFC solutions are compliant with the following standards:

• AS31000, 
• AS/NZS 61000,
• AS 1306,
• AS 2067,
• AS1033,
• AS1028,
• IEC 60871,
• AS 62271,
• AS 1864-1976,
• AS C135-1954

Power Factor is a measure of how efficiently the equipment on your site is using electricity. Running motors, machinery and other equipment, uses a lot of power. The electricity needed to keep things running is referred to as active power or real power and is measured in kilowatts (kW) on your electricity bill. However, anything that has an electric motor or transformer, including most types of industrial machinery, refrigeration units, air conditioning units and fluorescent lights need an additional amount of power to maintain the magnetic field that starts them up and keeps them running.

This power is referred to as reactive because although it keeps equipment running, it isn’t actually doing the work, and much of it is considered wasted energy.

Power Factor is the ratio of real power to total power, expressed as a numerical value between 0 and 1. If your power factor is 0.7, you’re using - and being charged for - 30% more power than you should be. The closer your power factor is to 1, the more efficiently the business is consuming electricity.

Power Factor Correction is the term for any equipment that compensates for reactive power and improves a sites Power Factor.

The main cause of low Power Factor is Inductive loads such as electric motors, ballast lighting and transformers. In addition, inductive loads that are not used at, or near, their design capacity contribute significantly to a low Power Factor.

Reactive power is considered as ‘Wasted Power’ as it does not perform useful work in a system. The higher the portion of reactive power, the lower the Power Factor. Reactive power puts additional demand on the electricity network and inflates your power charges. This is represented on a power bill as “kVA Demand”.

By installing a Quality Energy Power Factor Correction unit.

Quality Energy can assist in the design and manufacture of a Power Factor Correction unit to cater for your site's energy profile. This is achieved by providing the reactive current, they reduce the total amount of current your site must draw from the network.

Power Factor Correction provides many benefits such as reduced electricity utility bills, increased system capacity, improved voltage and reduced losses.

For example, a client's manufacturing plant sought to improve its Power Factor with a Power Factor Correction unit. This particular site had a low Power Factor of 0.82, so it had a big opportunity to save! By installing a Quality Energy Power Factor Correction that improved the Power Factor to 1, it resulted in a demand reduction of 18% which offered a return on investment (ROI) of 23 months.