Power-Factor Correction by Resistive Load

Author: E.E. Kimberly

A resistive load, such as a furnace, added to a system with low power factor will effect some improvement. Thus, the power factor of the load in Fig. 25-2 (a) may be improved to that of (b) by the addition of the load kW₂. As a result, the power factor cos θ1 of (a) is improved to cos 6% of (b). It is seldom, however, that the need for power-factor correction will occur simultaneously with the need for addition of apparatus with a high power factor.

Fig. 25-2. Power-Factor Correction by Addition of Active Power Load