ABSTRACT

X is receiving power from KSEB at 110kV. This power is distributed to various plants at different voltages viz. 11kV, 3.3kV and 415V. As the electrical load is predominantly of induction motors, the power factor of the system is about 0.8pf lagging. The tariff structure includes a penalty/incentive scheme for the monthly average pf. If the average pf is less than 0.9, a penalty is imposed by KSEB while an incentive is obtained if it is more than 0.9. Hence in order to minimise the bill amount, charges on demand have to be kept minimum and they need to maintain a good pf for maximising the pf incentive. The existing pf control method in X is manual. The operational staffs monitor the pf and manually switch on the necessary capacitor banks for getting a better pf. This method of manual correction poses many problems. The operational staffs may forget to switch on the capacitor banks or keep the capacitors in line even when the load is considerably less, resulting in leading pf for the system. Inorder to overcome these problems, a fully automated system is proposed using PLC. This would employ capacitors of various kVAR rating as the corrective devices.