Apfc Electrical Control Panel

An Automatic Power Factor Control (APFC) Panel is a smart electrical panel used for improving and maintaining the power factor of an electrical system automatically. It achieves this by intelligently managing the switching of capacitor banks in accordance with the reactive power (kVAR) demand of the system.

Power factor is a measure of how efficiently electrical power is being used. In systems with inductive loads (e.g., motors, transformers, compressors), the power factor tends to be low (lagging), resulting in higher electricity costs and possible penalties from utility companies.

Working Principle

1. CTs installed on the load side measure the current flow.

2. The APFC relay/controller continuously calculates the real-time power factor.

3. If the power factor falls below the preset level (e.g., 0.95 lag), the controller energizes the required capacitor banks by triggering the contactors.

4. When the load decreases or power factor becomes leading, the controller switches off the unnecessary capacitors to avoid over-compensation.

5. This cycle repeats continuously and automatically.

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Power Factor Range and Control Steps

• Most APFC panels are set to maintain a power factor between 0.95 and 1.0.

• Capacitor banks are divided into steps (e.g., 5 kVAR, 10 kVAR, 25 kVAR) to allow step-wise correction based on real-time demand.

Key Advantages of APFC Panels

• Improves power factor and energy efficiency

• Reduces electricity bills by avoiding penalties

• Enhances equipment life by minimizing heat and voltage drops

• Reduces transformer and generator loading

• Ensures stable voltage and power quality

• Fully automatic operation with minimal human intervention

• Can be integrated with BMS/SCADA for remote monitoring

Common Applications

• Industrial Plants (textile, steel, cement, etc.)

• Commercial Buildings and Offices

• Hotels, Hospitals

• Shopping Malls and Complexes

• Schools, Colleges, Universities

• Substations, DG Set Panels