Thanks for clearing up my misconceptions about pf correcting capacitors. I was also assuming that the pf of an underloaded induction motor will lower greatly. Thanks again you all have been a great help.
This is more of a hypothetical question...the pumps have power factor correcting capacitors. However, the power factor correcting capacitors were removed to troubleshoot a source of harmonic distortion in the system.
So my question was if I ran these pumps without pf correcting...
The motors are actually A-C induction motors coupled to centrifugal pumps for use in a water distribution system.
They are rated at 400HP, 1185rpm, 4160 Volts. The pump station is sized for future demand so the motors are oversized. With current demand they are running at around 300Bhp and 78%...
I am looking for reference material on how running a pump at low power factor (around .6) will affect the lifecycle of the pump motor. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
