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[ { "title": "LEARN | Understanding Power Factor Correction - part 2", "nid": "485", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/ \u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022assembly line\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022be853c1d-0dff-4fb9-b69d-3e33ff05223b\u0022 height=\u0022306\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/AdobeStock_auto%20assembly%20line.jpeg\u0022 width=\u0022588\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=LEARN--Understanding-Power-Factor-Correction---pt-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPart 1\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E of this informative 2-part read, we began by outlining what power factor is.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn Part 2, we discuss power factor correction and how it is performed to achieve a maximum power factor of 1 (unity).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe power of unity\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EPower factor correction is performed to restore the power factor as close as possible to unity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThis is done with the addition of capacitors to the electrical network. It will compensate for the reactive power demand of the inductive load, thus reducing the burden on the supply. It also has no effect on the operation of the equipment. These capacitors draw current, and that leads the voltage, producing a leading power factor. If a capacitor is connected to a circuit that has a nominally lagging power factor, the extent the circuit lags is reduced proportionally. The corrected power factor is in the range of 0.92 to 0.95.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe below diagram depicts the flow of power to a motor, with and without the inclusion of Capacitor Banks.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Flow of power\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022a99b127a-d429-4887-baf1-5847aa19708c\u0022 height=\u0022296\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Diagram-redraw.png\u0022 width=\u0022526\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow to Improve Power Factor?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe addition of capacitors connected in parallel with motors or lighting circuits can be done at the equipment distribution board, or at the origin of the installation. These capacitors act as reactive current generators. This reduces the total amount of current your system must draw from the utility. In theory, capacitors can provide 100% of the reactive power required, but in practice a power factor correction to approximately 95% is sufficient for maximum benefit.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Before PF\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022e955ff05-f489-483a-a1f3-d6690adecf3d\u0022 height=\u0022266\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Before%20PF.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022329\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022After PF\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00227dfa02c5-1521-4847-9bfe-8573e7808486\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/After%20PF.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022330\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe figures above depict the before and after effects of power factor correction respectfully, on a power triangle for a specific load \u003Cem\u003E(Taken from the eThekwini Tariff Booklet 2020-2021).\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EAs seen in the before picture, the power factor is 0.7 and the demand charge for the load was R73\u00A0299.24 per month. When the power factor is improved to 0.99 as a result of the addition of capacitor banks, it can be seen that the demand charge for the load was reduced to R51\u00A0843.30 and this represents a saving of R21\u00A0455.94 per month.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EPower factor correction that is applied at the origin of the installation consists of a controller monitoring the VAR\u2019s and performs the function of switching the capacitor in or out to maintain the power factor above the pre-set limit. Static power correction can be applied to each motor by connecting the correction capacitors to the motor starter. The two disadvantages of static power factor correction is that it can result in over or under correction and it cannot be connected at the output of various control equipment as it can damage the electronic components.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHave any questions on power factor correction?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInterested in adding power capacitors to your plant or upgrading the existing installation?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Electrical Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECHAT\u003C/strong\u003E \u003C/a\u003Eto our team of experts now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Apr 2021", "terms": "Electrical, Education" }, { "title": "PRODUCT NEWS | Detect poor power factor with A-eberle\u0026#039;s PQI-DA Smart", "nid": "432", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EThink you may have poor power factor, or any other\u00A0power quality issue? Then inquire about a-eberle\u0027s PQI-DA Smart.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022a-eberle pqi-da smart\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00227c673a94-39fb-4d04-9599-59585f34aca4\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/pq_k_pqida_smart_0_0.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis robust power quality analyser and fault recorder detects issues such as transient activity, voltage dips and swells, harmonics and much more!\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/magnet-model-pqi-da-smart.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to download a full product brochure now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to chat to one of our experts for an a-eberle solution for your facility now!\u200B\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Oct 2020", "terms": "Electrical, Products" }, { "title": "LEARN | Introduction to Power Quality part 4 - Power Factor", "nid": "431", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re wrapping up our Power Quality series by giving an overview on power factor and the correction of poor power factor.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf\u00A0you missed our previous articles in the series, click below to catch up now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0 \u00A0 1. \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-electrical/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=LEARN--An-introduction-to-Power-Quality-part-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAn Introduction to Power Quality\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0 \u00A0 2. Understanding Power Quality issues and what to do about them:\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0 a) \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-electrical/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=LEARN--Introduction-to-Power-Quality-part-2---Voltage-Instability\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVoltage instability\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0 b) \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-electrical/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=LEARN--Introduction-to-Power-Quality-part-3---Harmonics\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHarmonics\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0 c) Poor power factor\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou\u2019ve probably realised by now that power factor correction saves you money.\u00A0We\u2019re taking a few steps back to give you a basic understanding on what power factor is, and what you can do to correct poor power factor.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat is Power Factor?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nPower Factor (PF) is a measurement of how effectively your facility uses electricity. It is a unit-less number used in alternating current circuits.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPF is a ratio of the power used calculated by dividing true power in Kilowatts (kW) by apparent power in Kilovolt amperes (kVA).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeer, anyone? \u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nTrue power and apparent power are not the same. The difference between true power and apparent power is called reactive power, and is measured in Kilovolt-Ampere Reactive (kVAr). Reactive power is the non-working power delivered to a facility.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe best way to explain the difference, is using a beer analogy\u2026\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-electrical/index.php\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Power Factor explained\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022eadf94d0-edcf-47a6-846f-be6f3925daea\u0022 height=\u0022481\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/power%20factor%202-01.jpg\u0022 style=\u0022max-width:900px !important\u0022 width=\u0022784\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe pay for beer by the glass. However, if there is a lot of foam and less beer, you\u2019re not getting value for money. The glass represents apparent power (kVA). The glass is filled with beer and foam. The beer represents true power (kW) \u2013 it\u2019s what we want and what we\u2019re happy to pay for. The foam represents the reactive power (kVAr). The reactive power is a waste in the sense that we get no use from it - but still have to pay for it, although we do need it to be able to do the work in the first place.\u003Cbr /\u003E\nThe sum of true power (kW) and reactive power (kVAr) is apparent power (kVA).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPower Factor tells us how much value for our money we are getting for the power we consume.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPower Factor is therefore the ratio of true power (useful power) in kW and apparent power in kVA (the power we are charged for).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPower Factor = True Power (kW) divided by Apparent Power (kVA)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat are the causes of reactive power?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nOversized motors are often the culprit of reactive power. Oversizing is a design precaution used to ensure power is adequate for the job at hand. For example, an idling motor isn\u2019t doing any work, but it still consumes power to keep the electrical field operating. This is reactive power. This is the cost on a utility bill that every business dreads\u2026\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReactive power charges\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nIn a typical residential electricity bill, you will generally see a fee for the amount of power used in kilowatt hours (kWh). As the power factor in residential electricity consumption is very low, it is not charged for. However, in a commercial or industrial electricity bill, for large buildings in particular, you may find reactive power charges.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESo why is reactive power charged for?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen large consumers have bad power factors, they are increasing the current flow through the electricity grid, which causes voltage drops. These subsequently reduce the utility\u2019s distribution capacity, which affects other users of electricity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMoreover, electricity cables are rated to handle only a specific amount of current flowing through them. If numerous large consumers with bad power factor connect, cables could overload.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen the power of a building falls below a certain level, reactive power charges occur. This level is defined by the utility supplier, and is typically around 0.95 or less. The very ideal, but highly unlikely, power factor is 1.0 (Unity).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow do you get rid of this cost?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nThis cost can be reduced and even removed by implementing Power Factor Correction capacitors. These temporary storage units provide reactive power to your motor instead of receiving it from the utility. Both true power (kW) and reactive power (kVAr) come from the utility. When a capacitor is installed in your facility, it replaces the reactive power supplied by the utility. Thus, reducing the apparent power (kVA) delivered to your facility. Reduced power from the utility results in reduced cost!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow do you calculate power factor?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Calculating PF\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00229c9f6ea4-dcfc-406f-b831-63e2fe3e312e\u0022 height=\u0022433\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Calculating%20PF.jpg\u0022 style=\u0022max-width:900px !important\u0022 width=\u0022706\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor commercial buildings such as offices, you\u2019re likely to see a power factor of around 0.98 \u2013 0.92. However, this is far from the case for industrial buildings. Industrial buildings could experience a power factor as low as 0.7.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow can you correct poor power factor and reduce reactive power charges?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-electrical/index.php\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022PF Correction\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00229ca8a924-0fac-4fb4-a65d-7f8162e6c311\u0022 height=\u0022387\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Power%20Factor%20Correction_0.jpg\u0022 style=\u0022max-width:900px !important\u0022 width=\u0022639\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are two types of poor power factor \u2013 lagging and leading. In most cases we come across lagging power factor caused by inductive loads, but we can also come across leading power factor in a capacitive loading system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo correct poor power factor, we can add capacitors or inductors to the circuit which will realign the current back into phase and bring the power factor closer to 1. If we have a lagging power factor caused by high inductive loads in the circuit then we add capacitors, this is most common. If we have a leading power factor caused by high capacitive loads then we add an inductive load to the circuit.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave a power factor audit!\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nOptimise your power factor value by installing the right power factor correction equipment. For more information on what kind of capacitor you may need, and where it can go in your facility, contact us for an audit.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nClick \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to enquire now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETurn to a-eberle for a Smart solution to detecting poor power factor and other power quality issues. Click \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=A-eberle039s-PQI-DA-Smart--Detect-poor-power-factor-and-other-power-quality-issues\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to download the PQI-DA Smart brochure now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESource: theengineeringmindset.com\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Oct 2020", "terms": "Electrical, Education" }, { "title": "PRODUCT NEWS | Brady\u0026#039;s M211 Label Printer", "nid": "632", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDesign. Preview. Print. All from your phone, with Brady\u0027s M211 Label Printer...\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Brady M211\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022942a1920-2029-455b-883c-81d0f89ea00f\u0022 height=\u0022144\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture1_8.png\u0022 width=\u0022164\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u2022 Built for the job site:\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0\u003Cbr /\u003E\nRunning all day on a powerful battery while resisting drops, shocks and crushes, all in a lightweight and wearable printer\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u2022 Easy to use:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nSeamlessly design, preview, print, save and share labels from your familiar smartphone using the Express Labels Mobile App\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u2022 Quick:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nEasier and faster with the enhanced communication between the Brady Authentic cartridges and the printer\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u2022 Innovative:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nNow with both pre-sized and continuous labels in the familiar M21-catridge format, filled with reliable, tested and dedicated label materials\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0 - \u003Cstrong\u003EWhy do pre-sized labels change the game?\u00A0\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003ERounded corners versus cutting a continuous strip\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0\u00A0Edge-to-edge printing minimizes wasted label space\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\u00A0 \u00A0 \u00A0 Consistent sizing from one label to the next\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnet.co.za?subject=Brady Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECHAT \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003Eto us about a Brady solution for your facility!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022m211\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022f5303bd7-76b1-4ba9-8ea3-456f1726e026\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture2_0.png\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Nov 2022", "terms": "Electrical, Products, Brady" }, { "title": "PRODUCT NEWS | Eaton\u0026#039;s C441 Motor Insight Range", "nid": "428", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EDid you know that we are an Eaton Premium Distributor? We stock a \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-electrical/index.php\u0022\u003Ecomprehensive range of Eaton\u003C/a\u003E products and solutions at competitive prices. Think Eaton, think Magnet!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpoaZNTn9m8\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022eaton c441 Motor Insight\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002279822369-c463-4f7d-a89c-892c83bc0a21\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/C441%20thumb.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpoaZNTn9m8\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWatch\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E a quick video on\u00A0Eaton\u2019s C441 Motor Insight Solid State Protection Relays \u2013 Eaton\u2019s offering within the C400 series of advanced motor protection \u2026\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to inquire now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Sep 2020", "terms": "Electrical, Products, Eaton, General" } ]