What are the disadvantages of poor power factor?
Disadvantages of poor power factor -
1-Greater Copper Losses
As at the low power factor, the load current is greater. Therefore, the large load current causes more I^2* R
losses in all the components of the supply system. This in turn results in poor efficiency of the system.
2- Large kVA Rating of Equipment
The electrical source equipment such as alternators, transformers, switchgears, etc. are always rated in kVA because the power factor of the load is not known when these equipment are manufactured in the factory. Hence, from the definition of power factor, we get,
kVA rating=kW / cosϕ
That is, the kVA rating of the equipment is inversely proportional to the power factor. Therefore, the lower the power factor, the higher the kVA rating of the equipment. Hence, at low power factor, the kVA rating the equipment needs to be made more which increases the size and cost of the equipment.
3- Larger Conductor Size
For transmitting and distributing a constant amount of power at a constant voltage, the conductor will have to carry more current at the load power factor. Consequently, it requires the conductor of a larger size.
4- Poor Voltage Regulation
The increased current at low power factor causes greater voltage drop in alternators, transformers, transmission lines and distribution systems. As a result, a reduced voltage is available at the receiving end, i.e., the voltage regulation of the system is poor which impairs the performance of the utilisation device.
5- Reduces the Handling Capacity of the System
The low power factor decreases the handling capacity of all the components of the system. It is because the increased reactive component of the load current prevents the full utilisation of installed capacity.
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