Power Factor Capacitors

Low Voltage
Fixed Capacity

Automatic

Transient Free

Improve Power Factor & Reduce Electric Energy Costs

 Determine Your Power Factor Objectives
1. Improve Power Factor for Individual Motors
Use Fixed Power Factor Capacitors
Power factor capacitors may conveniently be Harmonics will reduce the life of power factor
switched on and off with individual motors. This capacitors. Whenever there are harmonic producing
assures that the capacitor is energized only during loads on the power system, the capacitor bank
the times when the motor is energized - when you should include a capacitor protection reactor, that
need power factor correction. For this type of will “detune” the capacitor bank to a frequency
application, typically a Fixed Capacitor Bank is used. where no harmonic energy exists. Consult factory
This is the simplest and most economical form of for “detuned” capacitor banks.
power factor correction. Depending on the manner in
which you connect the capacitor, you may or may
not need to include fuses. See page 6 for more details.

2. Improve Power Factor for Entire Facility

Use Automatic Power Factor Capacitors
When the load conditions and power factor in a Harmonics will reduce the life of power factor
facility change frequently, the demand for power capacitors. Whenever there are harmonic producing
factor improving capacitors also changes frequently. loads on the power system, the automatic capacitor
In order to assure that the proper amount of power bank should include a capacitor protection reactor,
factor capacitor kvars are always connected to the that will “detune” the capacitor bank to a frequency
system (without over-correcting), an Automatic Type where harmonic energy does not exist. Alternatively
Capacitor System should be used for applications it can be supplied as a harmonic filter that
involving multiple loads. will remove unwanted harmonic frequencies from
the power system. Consult factory for “detuned”
capacitors or harmonic filters.

3. Improve Power Factor for Large Induction Equipment

Use smARTvarTM
Dynamic Power Factor Capacitors
Large inductive loads (large motors, oil drilling rigs, Harmonics will reduce the life of power factor
wind turbines, amusement rides, auto crushers, arc capacitors, whenever there are harmonic producing
furnaces, induction furnaces, etc.) typically have loads on the power system, this type of capacitor
dynamic requirements for reactive energy (kVARs), bank should include a capacitor protection reactor,
these applications require more sophisticated that will “detune” the capacitor bank to a frequency
automatic type capacitor systems with extremely where no harmonic energy exists. Alternatively it
fast response capabilities. Use smARTvar™ for can be supplied as a harmonic filter that will remove
applications with large dynamic loads. unwanted harmonic frequencies from the power
system. Consult factory for “detuned” capacitor
Table of Contents banks or harmonic filters.

Determine Your Power Factor Objectives 2

Alternative Solutions from Arteche 3
Benefits of Improving Power Factor 4
Switching Capacitors with Motors 6
Power Factor Tutorial 7
Determining Your Capacitor KVAR Requirement 8
Product Specifications 9
Product Selection - 480V 10
Useful Capacitor Formulae 11

2
 Power Factor Solutions from Arteche
Fixed Capacitor Banks (non-automatic)

Arteche Type CFB Power Factor Capacitor Systems offer a fixed

amount of kVARs. They can be supplied with or without fuses or with
circuit breakers. The internal circuit breaker can provide over current
protection as well as satisfy the NEC requirements for a disconnecting
means (when capacitor is not connected between motor and overload
relay). For applications where there may be harmonic producing
loads on the power system, “detuned” capacitor banks are available Fixed
to reduce the flow of harmonic currents into the capacitor. Arteche Power Factor Capacitors
may conveniently be
also offers harmonic filters that will remove harmonics from the power switched on and off
system. with individual motors.

Automatic Capacitor Banks

Arteche Type CAB Automatic Power Factor Capacitor Systems

automatically adjust the connected capacitor kVAR to the system
needs based on commands from the internal electronic power factor
controller. The total bank of capacitors is segmented into convenient
increments of kVAR which are switched on-line as needed. Automatic
capacitor systems can be supplied either with or without a main circuit
breaker or switch. For applications that have harmonic producing
loads, automatic capacitor systems can be supplied with an optional
Precise detuning reactor to reduce the flow of harmonic currents in capacitors.
increments
Arteche also offers harmonic filters that will remove harmonics from the
of kVAR are
switched on-line as needed. power system.

smARTvarTM Transient-Free Automatic Capacitor Banks

smARTvarTM Type SMV Automatic Capacitor Systems utilize power electronic

technology to achieve extremely fast switching of power factor capacitors. Not
only is this an automatic power factor system, it can switch capacitors on-line in
less than one cycle, to maintain designed power factor when large inductive
loads have very dynamic characteristics. It can respond to the most dynamic of
loads including arc furnaces, amusement rides, wind turbines, etc. The total
bank of capacitors is segmented into convenient increments of kVAR which are
switched as needed using zero-cross switching thyristors. Capacitor switching is
accomplished rapidly but without transients. These systems can be supplied
either with or without a main circuit breaker or switch. For those applications that
have harmonic producing loads, these capacitor systems are available with an
optional detuning reactor to reduce harmonic currents in the capacitor. Arteche
also offers harmonic filters to remove harmonics from the power system.

Capacitor switching is accomplished

in less than one cycle without
transients.

3
 Benefits of Improving Power Factor
Arteche PF Capacitor Systems Offer Rapid ROI

Raise Power Factor • Eliminate Power Factor penalties

Arteche Power Factor Capacitors will raise the power factor
of motors and other inductive loads. Type CFB capacitors • Reduce electricity costs
may be used for individual inductive loads, or to improve • Reduce current draw
power factor for an entire facility or electrical service. • Reduce kVA demand & demand charges
Use Type CFB Capacitors for commercial, industrial or
municipal applications. • Reduce system power losses
• Increase kVA available from transformers
Precise Control of Power Factor
For large facilities or electrical services, consider Arteche
• Improve facility voltage levels
Type CAB Automatic Capacitor Systems. Automatic
capacitor systems are required for multiple loads so that Benefits are only realized upstream of the point of
capacitance can be adjusted based upon varying load capacitor connection.
conditions and varying reactive power demand.

Achieve Maximum Reduction of Power Losses Working Power (kW)

Motors need
Capacitors should be connected as close (electrically) as both
possible to individual inductive loads in order to recover the Reactive Power (kVAR)
Reactive VARs
highest percentage of branch circuit conductor power and
losses. Properly applied capacitors can lower the power Utility supplies Reactive kVARs – you pay for working watts
system losses by reducing the circuit current and I2R power Let a capacitor
losses. Working Power (kW)
provide the
Reactive kVARs
Reduce Electric Energy Costs Power (kVAR) instead of
The use of Power Factor Capacitors can eliminate the utility paying the
charges for low power factor. utility for this
Capacitor supplies PFC Reactive reactive power.

Improve Power Factor and Increase Power System Capacity

Inductive loads can demand large amounts of reactive

Reduce power and reduce overall facility power factor. The power
Current & KVA factor of individual motors can range from 0.60 to 0.93 and
drops steadily as the load is reduced. Since many motors
are de-rated or operate well below full load conditions,
KVA actual power factors are often lower than stated on the
Current
Original Final Demand motor nameplate.
Reduced
PF PF Reduced
By
by When capacitors are added to power systems supplying
induction motors, the capacitor supplies the reactive power
0.93 1.0 7% 7%
needed by the motor, thus reducing the reactive power
0.90 1.0 10% 10% demanded from the facility power source and improving
power factor upstream of the capacitor connection point.
0.88 1.0 12% 12%
Arteche capacitors improve the power factor, reduce kVA
0.85 1.0 15% 15% demand, save energy and can reduce electric bills. By
reducing the reactive power demand, they can also
0.80 1.0 20% 20% release capacity available from existing transformers.

0.75 1.0 25% 25% How much is kVA reduced?

Raise PF from 0.80 to 0.95 => reduce kVA by 15.8%
0.70 1.0 30% 30% Raise PF from 0.70 to 0.95 => reduce kVA by 26.3%
0.65 1.0 35% 35% How Much is current reduced?
Raise PF from 0.80 to 0.95 => reduce Amps by 15.8%
0.60 1.0 40% 40% Raise PF from 0.70 to 0.95 => reduce Amps by 26.3%

4
 Adding up the Benefits
Saving Energy and Energy Costs

ROI for your Capacitor Investment

Capacitors improve the power factor of induction loads.

Additionally, they reduce current and kVA demanded
from the power sources. The payback period will depend
on your electricity rate structure and penalties associated
with low power factor. We can help you determine the
ROI of a capacitor investment. Contact our offices for a
ROI analysis based on your electricity rates and usage.

How much will kVA be reduced?

⎛ ⎞
kVA = kVA original ⎜ 1 − PF new ⎟
released ⎜ PF orig ⎟
⎝ ⎠
In electrical equipment, such as transformers or cables,
capacitors can release capacity and thus allow a greater
payload. By furnishing the necessary magnetizing current
for induction motors and transformers, capacitors reduce
the current drawn from the power supply. Less current
means less loading on transformers and feeder circuits. If
a system has an existing overload, the capacitor may
eliminate it. If the system is not overloaded, capacitors
can release capacity and postpone or avoid an
investment in more expensive transformers, switchgear
and cable, otherwise required to serve additional loads.

How much will voltage rise?

kVAR capacitor
V Rise = • Z p .u .( transforme rr))
kVAR transforme r
Excessive voltage sags can make your motors sluggish,
and cause them to overheat. Low voltage also interferes
with lighting, the proper operation of motor controls and
electrical and electronics instruments. Capacitors will
raise your plant voltage level, and can maintain it all
along your feeders, right out to the furthest motors.

How much energy will capacitors save?

By supplying kilovars at the point where they are needed,
capacitors will relieve the system of delivering reactive
current. Since electrical current in the lines is reduced,
the circuit I2R losses also decrease. Therefore, fewer
kWh need to be purchased from the utility. ROI will vary
depending on factors such as utility rate structure, load
conditions, old PF and new PF.

5
 Switching Fixed Capacitors with Motors
Between Motor Starter & Motor
Non-Fused Power Factor Capacitor
• No extra switch or fuses required.

• Contactor serves as capacitor disconnect.

• Change overload relays to compensate for

reduced motor current.

• Too much kVAR can damage motors.

Check motor manufacturer or Nema MG-1
recommendations for maximum kVAR.

Calculate new (reduced) motor current. Set

overload relays for this new motor FLA.
PFold
FLA new = * FLA nameplate
PFnew

Fused Power Factor Capacitor Upstream of Motor Starter

• Disconnect switch is required. (per NEC)

• Must include fuses in series with capacitor

(per NEC).

• No changes to overload relays.

• Fuses must have an interrupting current

rating that is greater than the available
short circuit current. (per NEC)

Power Factor Capacitor with Circuit Breaker Upstream of Motor Starter

• Circuit Breaker serves as disconnect.

• Circuit breaker is over current protection.

• Fuses not required.

• No changes to overload relays.

• Circuit breaker must have an interrupting

current rating greater than the available
short circuit current. (per NEC)

6
 Understand Power Factor & Determine Capacitor Requirements
Power Factor Tutorial
Electrical systems perform with some degree of efficiency Induction motors, transformers and many other electrical
ranging from poor to excellent. One measure of efficiency loads require working power (kW) as well as magnetizing
compares the work produced (kW) with the apparent power (kVAR). Considering kW and kVAR as the
power (kVA) that is demanded from the power source, sides of a right triangle, we can determine the
for the purpose of performing that work. The kW/kVA is apparent power (kVA) based on the right triangle rule.
a measure of electrical efficiency and is known as
Power Factor (PF).
Motors need kVARs—Capacitors supply kVARs
kVA 2 = kW 2
+ kVAR 2

Motors and other inductive equipment in a plant require To reduce the kVA required for any given load, you must
two kinds of electric power. One type is working power, reduce the line that represents the kVAR. This is precisely
measured by the kilowatt (kW). This is what powers the what capacitors do-.
equipment and performs useful work. Secondly, inductive kW
equipment needs magnetizing power to produce the flux
necessary for the operation of inductive devices. The unit ϕ1 ϕ2 k
of measure of magnetizing or reactive power is the kilovar V
A
(kVAR). The working power (kW) and reactive power R
(kVAR) together make up the apparent power which is kV
A
measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Thus eliminating these kVA By supplying this
from the kVA demand charge kilovars with capcitors
Capacitors most effective at the Load
Most AC power systems require both kW (kilowatts) and
kVAR (kilovars). Capacitors installed near the inductive
loads in a facility are the most effective way of supplying
By supplying kVAR directly at the load, the motor receives
these kilovars, and can provide the greatest reduction of
the reactive power that it needs and the capacitor relieves
branch circuit power losses. If not supplied by local
the utility of the burden of carrying the extra kVAR.
capacitors, then these kilovars will need to be provided by
This reduces both current and kVA in the branch circuit
the electric utility. Arteche low voltage capacitors are a low
conductors and in the upstream power system. This makes
cost, high reliability and maintenance free means of
the utility transmission and distribution systems more
providing the needed kilovars.
efficient, reducing cost for the utility and their customers.
Capacitors Relieve Power System of Reactive Current The ratio of actual power and apparent power is usually
If magnetizing current for inductive loads is provided by expressed in percentage and is called power factor.
capacitors, then those kilovars do not have to be sent all
the way from the utility to the inductive loads. This relieves kW
both your electrical system and your utility of the cost of PF = = cos ϕ
carrying these extra kilovars. The utility typically charges kVA
for this reactive power through either a direct or indirect
power factor penalty charge. Capacitors can reduce your In the illustration below, addition of capacitors improved
electricity demand and can reduce your utility bill, gain power factor and subtracted the non-working current from
system capacity, improve voltage and reduce power the upstream conductors. This reactive current is now
losses. supplied by the capacitor rather than the utility.

Typical Power Factor by Industry Power Power

supply supply

Industry Power Factor

Total line Total line
Arc Furnaces 0.70 to 0.90 current current
100 A 80 A
Arc Welding 0.35 to 0.60

Breweries 0.75 to 0.80

Cement Works 0.78 to 0.80 Reactive Current

Active Reactive Active 60 A
Chemical 0.65 to 0.75 Current Current Current
80 A 60 A 80 A
Foundries 0.50 to 0.80

Induction Furnaces 0.15 to 0.40

Machine Shops 0.40 to 0.65 Induction Induction

Motor Motor
Printing 0.55 to 0.70 loads loads
Capacitor
Quarries 0.50 to 0.70

7
 Determining your capacitor kVAR requirement
Find the kVARs you need in 3 easy steps.
Select Proper Capacitor (kVAR) in 3 easy steps: Example:
1) Find your Desired Power Factor at top of chart. If Load is 720kW, 0.75 PF and Desired PF = 0.95 (95%)
2) Slide down to the row corresponding to your 1) Find 95% in top row.
Original Power Factor 2) Slide down that column to the row beginning with 75%.
3) Multiply your KW by this factor to determine the Find factor = 0.553.
required capacitor kVARs. 3) Multiply 720kW by 0.553.
Capacitor needed is 398.16kVAR (use 400kVAR).

8
 Product Specifications
Type CFB Capacitor Banks utilize Arteche
Capacitors that are constructed using metallized
polypropylene elements which are encased
in aluminum canisters and filled with high
performance, biodegradable dielectric fluid
(free of PCBs) for superior heat transfer.
Arteche capacitors are harmonic rated and suitable for use
in applications where harmonics are present.

Our capacitors are self-healing and self-protecting.

Arteche capacitors have the ability to heal the internal
winding by removing small short circuits caused by voltage
transients. In the event of a capacitor cell failure, our Arteche capacitors are
capacitors also include an internal pressure switch. The self-healing and self-protecting.
internal pressure switch will disconnect the individual cell
that has failed, leaving the other cells intact to continue
improving power factor.

Type CFB Product Specifications: Type CFB Application Notes:

Voltage:…………Rated voltage + 10% maximum Capacitor Current (Ic):

Current:…………Rated current + 35% maximum 200V : kVAR x 2.88 (amps)
Power:…………..Rated kVAR + 35% maximum 240V : kVAR x 2.40 (amps)
400V : kVAR x 1.44 (amps)
Temperature:…..80C maximum operating temperature
480V : kVAR x 1.20 (amps)
Altitude:………...2000 meters (6600 feet) without derating
600V : kVAR x 0.96 (amps)
690V : kVAR x 0.84 (amps)
Power Loss:……Low ESR; 0.4 W per kVAR
Fusing:………….use 1.65 to 1.80 x Ic
Protection:……..Self healing, self protecting capacitors
Internal pressure switch
Contactor:……...use capacitor rated contactor, or
Harmonic Distortion:.Suitable for < 10% THD-v @ 25C
.……...use contactor rated 1.80 x Ic
Discharge:……...Discharges to <50V within 1 minute
Approvals:.……..UL / CUL Listed kVAR at lower
(File: # E227040 per UL 810) or system voltage:..kVAR(LV) = kVAR(rated) x [LV / V(rated)]2
(File: # E311756 per UL 508A)
References:…..NFPA 70 (NEC)
Fuse AIC:……….100,000 amps standard (Art. 460-capacitors)
C.B. AIC:………..25,000 amps standard
(Art. 310-conductors)

9
 Selection Tables for 480 Volts, 60Hz [1.5 to 125 KVAR]
Type CFB Fixed Capacitor Banks 480V, 60Hz, Nema 1
Basic Fixed PFC PFC w/ Fuse & Indicators PFC w/ Circuit Breaker Rated Current Wire Size Fuse Rating Switch Rating
kVAR Catalog No. Catalog No. Catalog No. (Amperes) (AWG-90C) (Amperes) (Amperes)

1.5 CFB 001.5 480 N1 CFB 001.5 480 F N1 CFB 001.5 480 ITM N1 1.8 14 3 30
2 CFB 0002 480 N1 CFB 0002 480 F N1 CFB 0002 480 ITM N1 2.4 14 6 30
2.5 CFB 002.5 480 N1 CFB 002.5 480 F N1 CFB 002.5 480 ITM N1 3 14 6 30
3 CFB 0003 480 N1 CFB 0003 480 F N1 CFB 0003 480 ITM N1 3.6 14 6 30
4 CFB 0004 480 N1 CFB 0004 480 F N1 CFB 0004 480 ITM N1 4.8 14 10 30
5 CFB 0005 480 N1 CFB 0005 480 F N1 CFB 0005 480 ITM N1 6 14 10 30
6 CFB 0006 480 N1 CFB 0006 480 F N1 CFB 0006 480 ITM N1 7.2 14 15 30
7.5 CFB 007.5 480 N1 CFB 007.5 480 F N1 CFB 007.5 480 ITM N1 9 14 15 30
8 CFB 0008 480 N1 CFB 0008 480 F N1 CFB 0008 480 ITM N1 9.6 14 20 30
9 CFB 0009 480 N1 CFB 0009 480 F N1 CFB 0009 480 ITM N1 10.8 14 20 30
10 CFB 0010 480 N1 CFB 0010 480 F N1 CFB 0010 480 ITM N1 12 14 20 30
12.5 CFB 012.5 480 N1 CFB 0012 480 F N1 CFB 0012 480 ITM N1 15 14 25 30
15 CFB 0015 480 N1 CFB 0015 480 F N1 CFB 0015 480 ITM N1 18 12 30 30
17.5 CFB 017.5 480 N1 CFB 017.5 480 F N1 CFB 017.5 480 ITM N1 21 10 40 60
20 CFB 0020 480 N1 CFB 0020 480 F N1 CFB 0020 480 ITM N1 24 10 40 60
22.5 CFB 022.5 480 N1 CFB 022.5 480 F N1 CFB 022.5 480 ITM N1 27 10 50 60
25 CFB 0025 480 N1 CFB 0025 480 F N1 CFB 0025 480 ITM N1 30 8 50 60
27.5 CFB 027.5 480 N1 CFB 027.5 480 F N1 CFB 027.5 480 ITM N1 33 8 60 60
30 CFB 0030 480 N1 CFB 0030 480 F N1 CFB 0030 480 ITM N1 36 8 60 60
32.5 CFB 032.5 480 N1 CFB 032.5 480 F N1 CFB 032.5 480 ITM N1 39 8 80 100
35 CFB 0035 480 N1 CFB 0035 480 F N1 CFB 0035 480 ITM N1 42 6 80 100
37.5 CFB 037.5 480 N1 CFB 037.5 480 F N1 CFB 037.5 480 ITM N1 45 6 80 100
40 CFB 0040 480 N1 CFB 0040 480 F N1 CFB 0040 480 ITM N1 48 6 80 100
42.5 CFB 042.5 480 N1 CFB 042.5 480 F N1 CFB 042.5 480 ITM N1 51 6 100 100
45 CFB 0045 480 N1 CFB 0045 480 F N1 CFB 0045 480 ITM N1 54 4 100 100
50 CFB 0050 480 N1 CFB 0050 480 F N1 CFB 0050 480 ITM N1 60 4 100 100
55 CFB 0055 480 N1 CFB 0055 480 F N1 CFB 0055 480 ITM N1 66 2 125 200
60 CFB 0060 480 N1 CFB 0060 480 F N1 CFB 0060 480 ITM N1 72 2 125 200
65 CFB 0065 480 N1 CFB 0065 480 F N1 CFB 0065 480 ITM N1 78 1/0 150 200
70 CFB 0070 480 N1 CFB 0070 480 F N1 CFB 0070 480 ITM N1 84 1/0 150 200
75 CFB 0075 480 N1 CFB 0075 480 F N1 CFB 0075 480 ITM N1 90 1/0 150 200
80 CFB 0080 480 N1 CFB 0080 480 F N1 CFB 0080 480 ITM N1 96 1/0 175 200
85 CFB 0085 480 N1 CFB 0085 480 F N1 CFB 0085 480 ITM N1 102 1/0 175 200
90 CFB 0090 480 N1 CFB 0090 480 F N1 CFB 0090 480 ITM N1 108 1/0 200 200
100 CFB 0100 480 N1 CFB 0100 480 F N1 CFB 0100 480 ITM N1 120 2/0 200 200
120 CFB 0120 480 N1 CFB 0120 480 F N1 CFB 0120 480 ITM N1 144 3/0 200 200
125 CFB 0125 480 N1 CFB 0125 480 F N1 CFB 0125 480 ITM N1 150 3/0 250 400

This short form catalog lists only 480V capacitors.

Contact factory for other voltage and KVAR ratings.

Other Ratings Available:

200V, 208V, 240V, 380V, 415V, 480V, 600V & 690V.
1 kVAR thru 1000kVAR.

10
 Useful Formulae
Three Phase Capacitors

Effective (p.u.) kVAR for Capacitor used on lower system voltage

Capacitor System Voltage

Voltage 208/60 240/50 240/60 400/50 480/60
600/60 0.12 0.133 0.16 0.37 0.64
480/60 0.187 0.21 0.25 0.576 1.0
240/60 0.75 0.83 1.0 - -

Voltage Boost due to PF Capacitor: kVAR capacitor ∗ % Z xfmr

% V rise = ∗ 100 %
kVA xfmr
PF Capacitor Current: kVAR ∗ 1000
Ic =
V( L − L ) ∗ 3
Capacitance per phase: kVAR ∗1000
(wye connected) C= ( Farads )
V ∗ 2 ∗π ∗ f
2

Capacitance per phase: kVAR∗1000

(delta connected) C= 2 ( Farads)
V ∗ 2 ∗π ∗ f ∗ 3

Other Related Formulae

Available Short Circuit Current: kV 2 ( xfmrSEC %Z

= ∗
) xfmr
I sc
MVA xfmr 100
Total Power Factor: kW 1
PF Total = ∗
kVA ⎡ % THDi ⎤
2

1+ ⎢
⎣ 100 % ⎥⎦
Voltage Sag due to Locked Rotor Amps: V (L − L )∗ kVA
=
sc
V
+ kVA
min
kVA LR sc

Harmonic Resonance: MVAsc

(four accepted industry methods) hr =
MVAr ( cap )

Xc kVA xfmr ∗ 100 % 1

hr = hr = fr =
Xsc kVAR ( cap ) ∗ % Z xfmr 2π LC

11
 Contact ARTECHE PQ for solutions to
Harmonic Distortion and Low Power Factor
Low Voltage, Medium Voltage and High Voltage Solutions

Harmonic Filters Power Factor Improvement

Low Pass Harmonic Filters (5%THD-i) Fixed Capacitor Systems
Tuned Harmonic Filters De-Tuned Capacitor
Active Harmonic Filters (5% THD-i) Active PF Compensation
Automatic Harmonic Filters Automatic Capacitors
12 & 18 Pulse Rectifier Upgrade Kits Dynamic VAR Compensation
Soft Switching Harmonic Filters Transient Free Capacitor Systems

Form No. C07-2009 / Feb 2010

ARTECHE PQ, Inc.

16964 West Victor Road ● New Berlin, WI 53151
Phone: 1-262-754-3883 ● Fax: 1-262-754-3993
POWER QUALITY www.artechepq.com