español
English
français
Deutsch
العربية
中文
Reactive power charges and power factor assessments are common in electricity billing, especially for industrial and commercial consumers. Here's a detailed explanation:
Reactive power (measured in kVARh) is the power consumed by inductive or capacitive loads (e.g., motors, transformers, fluorescent lights) that do not perform actual work but are necessary for maintaining voltage levels in the grid. Excessive reactive power increases line losses and reduces grid efficiency.
Why is reactive power charged?
Utilities impose reactive power charges to incentivize consumers to maintain an efficient power factor (PF), reducing strain on the grid.
Power factor is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA):
Power Factor (PF)=kWkVA=cosθ
where θ is the phase angle between voltage and current.
Ideal PF: 1.0 (purely resistive load).
Typical Industrial PF: 0.8–0.95 (lagging, due to inductive loads).
Poor PF: Below 0.8 (may incur penalties).
Different utilities have varying policies, but common methods include:
If reactive energy (kVARh) exceeds a threshold (e.g., >50% of kWh), extra charges apply.
Formula:
Reactive Power Charge=(kVARh−Allowed Threshold)×RatePenalty: If PF < 0.95 (lagging), a surcharge is applied.
Surcharge=Energy Charge×(0.95Actual PF−1)Reward: Some utilities offer discounts if PF > 0.95.
If PF is low, the apparent power demand (kVA) increases, leading to higher demand charges.
kVA Demand=kW DemandPFPoor PF increases billed demand, raising costs.
Install Power Factor Correction (PFC) Equipment:
Capacitor banks (for inductive loads).
Synchronous condensers (for large industrial loads).
Use Active PFC in Drives & Inverters: Modern VFDs and UPS systems improve PF.
Regular Monitoring: Use energy analyzers to track PF and reactive power.
Assume:
Active Energy (kWh) = 10,000
Reactive Energy (kVARh) = 7,000
Allowed kVARh = 50% of kWh = 5,000
Excess kVARh = 7,000 – 5,000 = 2,000
Rate = $0.05/kVARh
Reactive Charge = 2,000 × $0.05 = $100
If PF = 0.8 (below 0.95), a 5% penalty may apply to the total bill.
Maintain PF ≥ 0.95 to avoid penalties.
Use capacitors or active filters to reduce reactive power.
Check your utility’s tariff structure for exact billing rules.
6. Key products of reactive power compensation
Advice
For most industries: Automatic capacitor banks (cost-effective).
For harmonics: Active filters (AHF) or detuned reactors.
For large, dynamic loads: STATCOM/SVC.
compatible con la red ipv6
