HT APFC Panel

HT APFC PANEL

RuncoN HT APFC Panel (High Tension Automatic Power Factor Control Panel) is used in high-voltage electrical systems to automatically improve power factor by controlling capacitor banks.

What It Does

1. Maintains power factor close to unity (≈1.0)
2. Reduces reactive power (kVAR)
3. Avoids penalties from utilities
4. Improves system efficiency

Working Principle

The panel continuously measures power factor using a controller. When PF drops due to inductive loads like motors, it switches ON capacitor banks.

1. Inductive loads produce a lagging power factor.
2. Capacitors provide leading reactive power to compensate.
3. The net effect is an improved power factor.

Step-by-Step Working

1. Sensing: CTs (Current Transformers) measure load current and voltage is sensed from the HT line.
2. Controller Action: The APFC relay calculates real-time power factor.
3. Decision: If PF is low, the controller sends a switching signal.
4. Switching: Capacitor banks are switched ON/OFF using vacuum contactors or circuit breakers at HT level.
5. Correction: Reactive power is compensated and power factor improves.

Main Components

1. APFC Relay (controller)
2. Capacitor banks (HT rated)
3. Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCB)
4. Current Transformers (CTs)
5. Protection relays
6. Busbars and panel structure

Typical Ratings

Applications

1. Large industries
2. Steel plants
3. Cement plants
4. Substations
5. Large commercial complexes