Power factor improvement for nonlinear loads

Power factor correction through the application of capacitors to electrical systems is addressed, with particular reference to avoiding problems in systems where large nonlinear loads producing harmonic distortion are present. Power factor is reviewed, and a method for designing a power factor correction is presented. The approach has been successfully applied to industrial power distribution systems ranging in size from 550 to 10000 kVA. Four case studies, illustrating different aspects of the approach are presented. In all instances power factor was improved by reduction of both reactive and harmonic current loads on the system