What are the causes of low power factor? Write down the name of three PF improvement devices & explain their uses in short.

Causes of Low Power Factor :

• Excessive inductive loads (motors, transformers)
• Use of fluorescent and discharge lamps
• Overloaded or poorly maintained equipment
• Presence of harmonics
• Long cable runs causing inductive reactance

Three Power Factor Improvement Devices and Their Uses:

1. Capacitor Banks:

• Provide leading reactive power to compensate lagging inductive loads
• Most common and cost-effective method

2. Synchronous Condenser:

• A synchronous motor operated at leading power factor
• Provides adjustable reactive power compensation

3. Phase Advancer:

• Used mainly with induction motors
• Improves power factor by supplying excitation current to rotor circuit