Which are better, Fixed or Automatic Power Factor Correction Capacitors?
A. The answer to this varies with each installation. If you have just a limited number of motors that need correction, it would be advisable to put a fixed capacitor at each motor. If you have a large plant with varying loads and numerous motors, an automatic capacitor may be better. Other factors to consider are maintenance and “down-time”. A fixed capacitor requires less maintenance and if the unit goes down, you have not lost all of your correction abilities. If you need to replace or work on an automatic capacitor, it may require taking the whole plant down or losing all of your correcting ability for a length of time. Additionally, capacitors cannot be directly connected to some equipment.
Related Questions
- What is wrong in keeping power factor improving capacitors online, while the power source is a generator and not the grid?
- Should capacitors used for bulk power factor correction be controlled manually or automatically?
- What is the difference between fixed and automatic Power Factor Correction Capacitors?
