KVAR rating calculation to design the APFC Panel

How to calculate KVAR rating for APFC Panel ?

APFC Stands for automatic power factor correction/controller 

KVAR stands for kilo volt ampere reactive 

Assume that your electrical  distribution system have the value of 100KVA,415V,240.96 Amps and PF is 0.8.

If we want to improve the power factor from 0.8 to 0.99, you need to install the static capacitor in the existing  system. 

There is a standard formula to calculate the required KVAR i.e. 

KVAR =P(Tan pi 1 - Tan pi 2) 

Let us assume Cos Pi 1 = 0.8 

                                  Pi 1 = cos inverse of 0.8

                                  Pi 1 = 36.869 

Also let us assume Cos Pi 2 =0.99

                                       Pi 2=Cos inverse of 0.99

                                       Pi 2= 8.109 

Now apply all the known values into the KVAR standard formula.

KVAR= 100( Tan 36.869 - Tan 8.109)

          =100(0.749-0.142)

          =100(0.607)

          =60.7

So, to improve the power factor from 0.8 to 0.99, we need to install at least 60KVAR capacity of APFC panel in the electrical system.

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Ashokraj S