Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Power factor correction substations
Improves the power factor of the system
Improves the voltage profile of the system
Reduces the losses in the transmission system
All of above
Improves the power factor of the system
Power factor correction substations use reactive power compensation devices, such as synchronous condensers or capacitor banks, to supply the reactive power required by inductive loads locally. By neutralizing the lagging reactive component, these substations increase the power factor (cos╧Х) closer to unity, thereby improving the efficiency of the electrical system.
Power factor correction substations use reactive power compensation devices, such as synchronous condensers or capacitor banks, to supply the reactive power required by inductive loads locally. By neutralizing the lagging reactive component, these substations increase the power factor (cos╧Х) closer to unity, thereby improving the efficiency of the electrical system.
P=VIcos╧Х тАФ Active power
Q=VIsin╧Х тАФ Reactive power
PF=SPтАЛ=cos╧Х тАФ Power factor definition
An inductive load consumes active power (P) and reactive power (Q). A capacitor bank placed in parallel acts as a source of leading reactive power, which cancels out the lagging reactive power drawn by the load. This reduces the total apparent power (S=P2+Q2тАЛ) flowing from the source, minimizing I2R losses and optimizing voltage regulation.
Power factor correction is primarily achieved by adding shunt capacitors.
Higher power factor reduces the current drawn from the supply for the same amount of active power transfer.
Reduction in line current directly results in lower transmission losses (I2R losses).
Voltage profile improvement occurs because reduced line current minimizes voltage drop across the line impedance.
Reduces electricity bills by eliminating penalties for low power factor.
Increases available capacity of transformers and switchgear.
Reduces transmission and distribution system losses.
Improves voltage regulation at the load end.
Capacitor banks can cause resonance with system harmonics.
Risk of over-compensation leading to high leading power factor and voltage rise.
Requires maintenance and switching control systems.
Industrial plants with large induction motors.
Commercial buildings with heavy HVAC load.
Transmission substations to stabilize grid voltage.
In some contexts, options B and C are also results of power factor correction; however, the primary technical purpose as defined in electrical engineering curriculum is 'Improves the power factor'. In competitive exam scenarios, if a 'All of the above' option is provided and valid, it is usually preferred, but this question specifically targets the primary function.
Strictly speaking, if the question allows for consequences of PFC, D would be the most comprehensive answer. Given the provided structure, Option A represents the direct mechanism.
A is correct тАФ The primary technical function of a power factor correction substation is to supply reactive power locally to increase the cos╧Х of the system.
Always remember that while PFC reduces current and losses, its main design goal is the alignment of current and voltage phases to optimize the utilization of the source capacity.