AQ: Improve PF of pumping motor with soft starter controlled
I have 3 pumping motors of 1750 kw 6.6kv, with soft starter they are maintaining a pf of .96-.97. Now I want to install HT capacitors to use these motors in d.o.l, can I take the pf to .99 by using this?
If you are using soft starters now, do not take them out. These are really large motors and starting them across the line is not a good idea. The utility serving you should have designed their service based on you having soft starters for these motors. They probably also have a stipulation stating that you cannot start them all at the same time. Starting one or more them across the line may cause the utility’s transformer fuses to fail. Even if it doesn’t, the flicker may cause other processes in your facility to trip. Especially drives or undervoltage relays in MCC’s.
The only reason to install caps at this point would be to correct for power factor. Since your pf is .96 it will take years if not decades to get a return on your investment (ROI). My utility does not charge a pf penalty until you drop below .90. And even then, it is usually not worth installing a cap bank unless you are under .85 and correct to >.95. Most customers require a 3 to 5 year ROI and you will never get that. We always recommend designing for a .95 pf to leave some “headroom”. So, your existing design sounds like it is correct. Your company may also have a “kva rate” instead of a “kw rate” with the utility. Check with your utility marketing rep to verify what type rate you are own and to help you evaluate your ROI.
Also, when you install a capacitor bank you have to make sure that you do not hit a resonant harmonic frequency. You will have to get the utility involved to give you the short circuit data at the PCC (point of common coupling). If the calculated harmonic resonant point is near the 3,5,7,11 or 13 harmonic, you will need a harmonic filter installed in conjunction with the capacitor bank. That means more money and a longer ROI.
