Power Factor Correction (PFC)
Power factor correction (PFC) is essential in electrical systems for correcting the power factor, optimizing power utilization, reducing energy waste, and increasing overall efficiency.
- Electronic PFC &
- Capacitor Bank PFC
are two of the most used PFC technologies.
This post will go over the advantages & disadvantages of each strategy, including a high-level review of their respective strengths and shortcomings.
Key Factors for PFC Driver Selection
Power Rating: The driver’s maximal power handling capabilities.
Input Voltage Range: The range of voltages the driver can handle.
Output Voltage: The required power supply voltage.
Efficiency: The overall performance of the PFC stage.
Power Factor Correction Level: The desired power factor to achieve.
Control Method: The algorithm utilized by the driver IC.
Thermal Management: Thermal management is the capacity to dissipate heat created during operation.
Cost: Total cost of the PFC driver & components.
A typical PFC driver includes the following critical components:
Power Switch: A high-power transistor (e.g., MOSFET or IGBT) that turns the main power supply current on and off.
Control IC: An integrated circuit that creates control signals for power switches and regulates power flow to achieve desired power factors.
Current Sensing Circuit: The Current Sensing Circuit monitors the current flowing through the power switch and provides feedback to the control IC.
Voltage Sensing Circuit: Monitors input voltage for stable operation and adjusts power output as necessary.
kW (Kilowatt)
This unit measures the actual power utilized by electrical devices during work. One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.
KVAR (Kilovolt-Ampere Reactive)
This type of measurement measures reactive power, that does not perform beneficial work but is required to maintain system voltage levels. One kVAR is equal to 1,000 volt-amperes reactive.
KVA (kilovolt-Ampere)
KVA (kilovolt-ampere) is a unit of perceived power in electrical systems. It reflects the overall power available for work, which is computed as a combination of voltage (in kilovolts) & current (in amps).
Despite real power (measured in kilowatts), kVA includes both active and reactive power, making it useful in systems with inductive (or) capacitive loads.
1kVA = 1000VA (volt-amperes)
Real Power (P)
The power that does work in the circuit, measured in watts (W) (or) kilowatts (kW). P is calculated utilizing the formula:
P = VIcosØ