Power Factor is the measurement of how effectively your
business uses the electricity supplied to your site. Ideal
Power Factor is unity or 1, anything less than 1 means
that extra power is required to achieve the necessary
tasks.
The higher the power factor, the more
effectively electrical power is being used
and vice versa.
Low Power Factor is expensive and inefficient, with many
utility companies charging extra, (reactive power charge),
for sites with a poor power factor. Low Power Factor can
also reduce the capacity of your electrical distribution
system by increasing current flow and causing voltage
drops.
A distribution system’s operating power consists of 2 parts:
Active (working) power and reactive (non-working)
magnetising power. The ACTIVE power performs the useful
work while the REACTIVE power does not, as its only
function is to develop magnetic fields by inductive devices.
Generally, power factor decreases with increased motor
loads.
Power Factor is the ratio of true power to
apparent power
Power Factor = KW
KVA
The Definitive Power Solution
Power Factor Correction is the term given to a technology
to restore Power Factor to as close to unity as
economically viable. This can be achieved by adding
Power Factor Correction capacitors to the distribution
system which provide or compensate for the Reactive
Power demand of the inductive load, and thus reduce the
burden on the supply.
Capacitors work as reactive current generators “providing”
needed reactive power (KVAr) into the power supply. By
supplying their own source of reactive power, the
industrial user frees the utility from having to supply it,
and therefore the total amount of apparent power supplied
by the utility will be less.
Power Factor Correction Capacitors reduce the total
current drawn from the distribution system and
subsequently increase the system’s capacity by raising the
Power Factor level.
SDC Industries have been producing a wide range of
Power Factor Correction equipment since 1978 and can
supply equipment for both low and high voltage systems.
It is the knowledge and experience of our Managing
Director and in-house engineers that have led us to
become industry leaders in this field.
Here at SDC Industries, we pride ourselves in all our
products being made in Britain. Each piece of equipment
is designed and manufactured in our premises in East
Kilbride, Scotland, by fully qualified and highly
experienced electrical engineers and electrical fitters.
SDC Industries offer a free-of-charge
Power Factor Correction Survey,
anywhere in the UK mainland.
Below is an example of the Power Factor calculator which
can be found on our website.
• A reduction in electricity charges
• Elimination of utility power factor penalties, which can
increase electrical bills by up to 20%
• Reduction in I²R losses of transformers and distribution
equipment
• Prolonging the life of equipment from reduced heat in
cables, switchgear, transformers and alternators
• Reduced voltage drop in cables, allowing the same cable to
supply a larger motor and improving the starting of motors
at the end of the long cable runs
• A return on investment is typically between 12 to 24
months
A range of high integrity power
capacitors designed to meet the needs
of smaller electrical loads.
Self-healing, non-toxic capacitors
suitable for use on a 415V, 3-Phase,
50Hz system, designed and tested to
IEC60831-1&2, EN60831-1&2,
VDE0560-46&47 International
Standards.
High integrity power capacitors in
metal enclosures, complete with a
suitably rated circuit breaker, designed
to meet the need of smaller electrical
installations.
Self-healing, non-toxic capacitors
suitable for use on a 415V, 3 phase,
50Hz system. Capacitors are designed
and tested to IEC60831-1&2,
EN60831-1&2, VDE0560-46&47, circuit
breakers to IEC157, BS4752.
High integrity power capacitors, in
automatically controlled banks
designed to meet the need of electrical
systems with fluctuating loads.
Self-healing, non-toxic capacitors with
switching stages from 10-65KVAr, and
overall bank rating a maximum of
200KVAr at 415V, 3 phase 50 Hz.
High integrity power capacitors, in a
prestige enclosure, featuring
automatically controlled switching stages,
designed to meet the need of the larger
electrical system with a fluctuating load.
Self-healing, non-toxic capacitors with
switching stages from 10-50KVAr, and
overall bank rating a maximum of
900KVAr at 415V, 3 phase, 50Hz.
For further information please contact us on
01355 265 959.
The SDC Varcap & Varmatic HV is a comprehensive range
of low loss, environmentally friendly power capacitors with
voltage ranges from 660V – 33KV. The capacitors can be
supplied as loose units or finished assemblies.
The individual capacitors can be utilised to replace
existing capacitors. The complete assemblies can be
supplied as fixed or automatic banks which incorporate
Vacuum/SF6 contactors.
A design service is available for individual customer
requirements/harmonic filter banks.
The Varmatic HV assembly offers the latest technology in
the supply of automatic capacitive reactive power
combining very high quality components with state of the
art engineering expertise.
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All film dielectric, no PCB presence.
Losses less than 0.2W/KVAr.
Ratings 25KVAr – 400KVAr, single and 3 phase.
Stainless steel welded container.
Porcelain bushings.
• Designed to specific site requirements.
• Individual automatic stage sizes 50KVAr – 1000KVAr.
• Assemblies in free standing sheet steel enclosure
complete with all control power supplies, HRC fuse
protection, etc.
SDC Industries has over 30 years experience in
manufacturing High Voltage Capacitor Banks. Each HV
Capacitor Bank is manufactured in our facility in Central
Scotland. Our customer base for this type of equipment
consists mainly of large contractors and sub-contractors
with clients in the UK and overseas.
• Designed to specific site requirements.
• Reactors can be iron/air cored or oil immersed.
• On site commissioning.
It is usual to supply the Varmatic range from an oil/SF6
fused switch or circuit breaker, off the existing HV
network. We can check the suitability of existing
switchgear, modify, overhaul and test.
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Remote indication of status of capacitor bank
Ammeter/voltmeter, etc.
Indicator lamps to show stage energised
Out of balance protection
Design and commission service for ancillaries, e.g.
supply circuit breaker, protection relays, etc.
Capacitors – IEC 871 BS1650
Voltage: 660V, 1100V, 2400V, 3300V, 6kV, 6.6kV, 11kV,
15kV, 20kV, 33kV.
Temperature: -40 C to +50 C
These units are designed and manufactured to each
client’s specification, and are built with the following in
mind:
• Power quality
• Safety
• Cost benefits
• Weatherproof enclosure (various IP levels) for indoor or
outdoor use in hot, humid, sandy or cold climates
• Installation in tight/awkward spaces
• Ease of transportation to site
If harmonics are present on the system, reactors can be
included within your capacitor bank to improve an
inefficient system.
For the ultimate in safety and security, each High Voltage
Capacitor Bank is fitted as standard with safety locks to
ensure no unauthorised person gains access to the bank.
Provision has been made for the fitting of a multi-clasp
and padlocks, to lock-off the key’s protective cap whilst
the operating key is out. This feature enables multiple
users to lock-off the supply, even though there may only
be one key available. This ensures that all users have to
return to the isolation point to release the clasp, prior to
re-energisation of the power source via the key.
18 Colvilles Place
Kelvin Industrial Estate
East Kilbride
G75 0PZ
TEL: +44(0)1355 265959
EMAIL: info@sdcindustries.co.uk
WEB: www.sdcindustries.co.uk