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Power Factor Correction Capacitors (Cap banks) add kVAR to improve the power factor. These capacitors are fairly
common in Minnesota. If Cap banks are installed and the Power Factor is low, it is assumed that the load has changed
or that the capacitors have failed. Sometimes capacitor banks are installed on the incoming power, sometimes on
individual equipment.
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) provide kVAR to help correct the power factor.
Normally, a Power Factor penalty is hidden in the Demand Charge. Demand represents the greatest amount of energy
used in 15-minute intervals during a billing cycle.
A recent invoice from a small treatment plant shows:
Measured Demand = 36 KW
Billed Demand = 46 KW x $6.50 per KW = $299.00
46-36=10 KW Power Factor penalty. The discrepancy is rarely questioned. If you filled your vehicle with 36 gallons of
gas, would you pay for 46 gallons of gas?
The Power Factor penalty is 10 KW x $6.50 per KW = $65.00.
Smaller loads under 50 KW don’t usually have Power Factor penalties.
Inspect your invoices and calculate the Power Factor penalty. Contact me with any questions.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Ziegler Power Systems offers a variety of
renewable energy and microgrid solutions:
Solar panels
Microgrid controllers
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24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE:
888.320.4292
Code
Shakopee, MN Updates
888.320.4292 In-Service
Cleaning
NEW TANKS — Rick DiZinno EXISTING TANKS — Patrick Heltsley
www.zieglercat.com/solar (270) 826-9000 ext. 2601 (270) 826-9000 ext. 4601
WINTER 2021 S MRWA TODAY 27
