Can a surge suppressor improve power factor? How much?
Yes, but the amount is negligible. First, you need to understand that Power Factor is the calculation of the ratio between True and Reactive Power. In motors, “reactive” power is used to produce the magnetic field the motor needs to operate. This power, however, doesn’t do any real “work”. The “work” is produced by True Power. The amount of energy used to produce this magnetic field can range between 20 and 60% of a motor’s “total” load. It is well-known that transient activity produces hysteresis losses in the iron cores of inductive devices. This results in an inefficiency in building the “magnetic field” within the motor. Reducing transient activity increases this efficiency and will, therefore, increase power factor…to which the next logical question is “How much?” The amount is related to the amount of transient activity that is present to interact with this magnetic field. It cannot be estimated. If it is assumed that transient activity can produce up to a 10% loss in efficienc
