How power factor correction (PFC) systems can improve energy efficiency with reactive loads.
Power Factor (pF) is the difference between the actual energy consumed (Watts), and the Volts x Amps in a circuit.Power factor may be lagging, where the current waveform lags the voltage waveform, or leading where the current waveform leads the voltage.
Distortion Power Factor is the power factor produced by the harmonics generated from non-linear loads.
Displacement Power Factor is the ratio of Real Power (W) to Apparent Power (VA) at the fundamental frequency.
Total Power Factor or True Power Factor is the total power factor including both distortion and displacement power factors.
Reactive Power is a flow of energy (measured in VAr) superimposed back onto the supply source from which it was drawn. The flow of energy is the difference between the Real Power (kW) and the Apparent Power (kVA) required by some electrical equipment in order to operate. Reactive Power increases the amount of current that has to be provided by the District Network Operator (DNO) to a site and is charged for by the utility supplier.
Capacitance is the ability of a circuit to store electrical energy as a charge. The circuit is known as a capacitive circuit.