When the electrical load of a building has a large inductive component i.e. electric motors then the current used in supplying this load is out of phase with that performing useful work. It is measured in Kilovolt Amps Reactive (KVAR) whereas that providing useful work is measured in Kilowatts (KW) your metering system will add these two components together to provide the Kilovolt Amp (KVA) this is the Apparent Power you are using. Your electricity supplier will charge extra for supplying this current, and it will cause problems with your electrical distribution in your building requiring over-sized cable and switchgear or limiting what you can install.The ratio of KW to KVA gives the Power Factor which should be around 0.95 but in most uncorrected premises is 0.7 on average. For more information on power factor visit en.wkipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor.
To correct or reduce power factor capacitors are used which produce a KvA which is exactly opposite to that produced by an inductive load and thus reduce the KVA. For a fuller overview visit www.energy.wsu.edu/documents/engineering/reducing_pwr.pdf
Within Climate Change Levy the government has made cash available for businesses investing in this equipment. In conjunction with our suppliers we can carry out a survey of your premises and suggest the most appropriate type of correction and show you how to access this cash. Email Technical@ccelectrical .com
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Another way of reducing energy costs is by reducing the power required to run electric motors, this is done by matching the power input to that necessary to drive a given process. This is achieved by means of a variable frequency or inverter drive. These drives also reduce starting current thus preventing the volt drop often caused by large currents drawn by starting motors, and although it is true that soft starters also reduce starting current an inverter drive can be adjusted to give a smoother ramp up to the required power output and run the motor at reduced current. For futher information see www.emcsolutions.com/vfdbenefits.html. Investing in this type of technology to reduce your carbon footprint as part of an energy management scheme can be funded by government grant. Email Technical@ccelectrical.com.
One aspect of cost in a commercial or industrial premises, often overlooked, is the amount of power used to give sufficient ambient light. In partnership with our suppliers we can assist customers to design environmentally enhancing, energy efficient and cost effective lighting schemes which meet Health and Safety requirements. Our Sales and Technical personnel have a broad experience of different types of lighting equipment,. If you would like some advice email either Sales@ccelectrical.com or Technical@ccelectrical.com.
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