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Power Factor Improvement (PFI) is a technique used to increase the power factor of an electrical system. The power factor is the ratio of real power (measured in kilowatts or kW) to apparent power (measured in kilovolt-amperes or kVA). It represents the efficiency of power usage in an electrical system.

In an AC electrical system, the power factor is affected by the phase difference between the voltage and current waveforms. When the current and voltage are perfectly in phase, the power factor is 1, indicating that all the supplied power is being effectively utilized. However, if there is a phase difference between the current and voltage, the power factor decreases, resulting in efficient utilization of the power.

A low power factor can have several adverse effects, including increased energy losses, reduced system capacity, and higher electricity bills. Power utilities often impose penalties on industrial and commercial consumers with poor power factors to encourage power factor improvement.

To improve the power factor, various methods can be employed:

Power Factor Correction Capacitors: Power factor correction capacitors are connected in parallel with inductive loads to compensate for the reactive power (kVAR) drawn by these loads. The capacitors supply reactive power locally, reducing the power system's burden and improving the power factor.

Synchronous Condensers: Synchronous condensers are rotating machines that operate without a mechanical load but are connected to the power system. They can absorb or supply reactive power as needed, effectively improving the power factor.

Static Var Compensators (SVC): SVCs are solid-state devices that use power electronics to quickly and precisely control reactive power. They can inject or absorb reactive power to maintain the desired power factor.

Phase Advancement Techniques: Phase advancement techniques involve adjusting the phase relationship between the voltage and current waveforms. This can be achieved through the use of specialized devices or control systems to actively manage the power factor.

Power factor improvement techniques help reduce energy losses, increase system capacity, and improve the overall efficiency of electrical systems. They are particularly important in industrial and commercial settings where there are large inductive loads, such as motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting, which tend to have low power factors.