An APFC (Automatic Power Factor Control) Panel is an electrical panel used to improve the power factor of electrical systems, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs. Power factor refers to the ratio of real power (used by equipment) to apparent power (supplied from the source). A low power factor leads to inefficient energy usage and higher electricity bills, making APFC Panels essential for industries and commercial spaces.
How an APFC Panel Works:
The APFC Panel monitors the power factor in real-time and automatically switches capacitor banks in and out of the system as needed. By doing this, it compensates for reactive power, thus improving the power factor to an optimal level, typically close to 1 (or unity).Key Features of APFC Panels:
- Automatic Operation: Automatically adjusts the capacitor banks based on real-time power factor measurements without manual intervention.
- Energy Efficiency: Improves energy efficiency by reducing power losses and minimizing penalties for low power factor from utility companies.
- Capacitor Banks: Includes multiple capacitors that are automatically engaged to counteract reactive power and improve power factor.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Equipped with microprocessor-based control units that continuously monitor power factor and manage the system accordingly.
- Protection Features: Comes with overload protection, short-circuit protection, and alarms for faulty capacitors or high harmonic levels.
- Harmonic Filtration: Some advanced APFC Panels include harmonic filters to reduce distortion caused by harmonics in electrical systems.