Power Factor Correction

A power factor of 1.0 represents the most efficient power factor. The amount of real and apparent power is the same. In an inductive load (e.g. when the power is driving a motor) the current lags the voltage. A difference between real and apparent power arises. “Basically speaking “real power” is the actual energy used by an application, and “apparent power” is “real power” plus the losses,” typically in the form of heat generated. This mismatch can cause a 25 to 40% loss of efficiency for powering inductive loads.
In a home the inductive load portion of electricity consumption can range from approximately 60 to 80%, depending upon the type of HVAC systems used. In the case of industrial motors, the inductive load portion approaches 100%. Commercial use of electricity represents inductive load percentages in between residential and industrial loads.
Active PFC devices can compensate for phase correction to a level of 0.90 or 0.95 even in a dynamic load environment. The problem with active PFC devices is that the restored amperage is typically not in a true sine wave form. Thus the total harmonic distortion of active PFC devices can be extremely high, thereby degrading the performance of many types of sensitive electronic equipment.
The approach of Umbrella Technologies is to control all aspects of the AC power output, i.e. volts, amps and phase, to recreate grid quality power with an ideal power factor of 1.0. In addition, the Inter-Active Power Control and Correction device will also compensate for transient forms of power problems.