Pump Power Factor Correction Capacitor 1

[mechconst]

What is the purpose of having to install a Power Factor Correction Capacitor locally at a pump? I have never seen one before. Pump is 7.5 HP / 460 volt/3 phase/60 / 10.1 FLA. This pump is within a typical plant feed from the Motor Control Center.

 

[rcw retired EE]

Improve voltage on starting may be one reason. A capciotr on a single 7.5 HP motor does seem a little odd, unless the cable run is a long ways or the plant voltage is low at the MCC.

 

[itsmoked]

To reduce current in the lines to the motor or to avoid PF penalties in your mail box. (If applicable)

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[DanDel]

PF correction at the source of the low PF is the best way to go, if it is possible/practical. That way, it switches on and off with the low PF load, and is being used only when it is needed (along with reducing current, and therefore I^2R losses, in the cables and distribution equipment supplying it).

 

[swn1]

Be sure to account for the capacitors when specifying / setting motor protection. They reduce the current seen by the protective device while the stator current stays the same.

 

[Skogsgurra]

Hey! swn1

That's something most people would forget about. Good that you brought it up.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

 

[mechconst]

Thanks for all the responses. I found some information in the electric motor spec indicating it's required in order to raise the motor power factor to approx. 95%.