What is Power Factor? Causes, Effects, and Methods of Improvement
Introduction Welcome, future engineers! If you have ever looked at an electricity bill from an industrial unit or read the nameplate of a large motor, you have probably come across the term "Power Factor." It’s a crucial concept in electrical engineering that bridges your theory exams and real-world industrial practice. Understanding it not only helps you score marks but also saves lakhs of rupees in electricity costs. Let’s demystify this important topic together. What is Power Factor? Definition In the simplest terms, Power Factor (PF) is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being used. Think of it like this: When you buy a glass of cold drink, you pay for the full glass (what you get). But what if it’s half-filled with foam? You paid for the full volume, but you only get half the actual drink. Similarly, in an AC circuit, not all the power supplied by the electricity board (called Apparent Power) is converted into useful work (called Real Power)...