Distortion factor: the `new´ problem of power factor

Recent increases in the number of off-line AC/DC power supply loads on the AC distribution system have caused an increase in concern over how these loads affect the system. Power factor is composed of displacement factor and distortion factor. The increase in the use of off-line AC/DC power supplies has resulted in increased line harmonics, causing the distortion factor to dominate. This `new´ portion of power factor is not correctible with traditional techniques. New methods of correction power factor caused by harmonics are available to eliminate these problems at the source