A capacitor bank refers to a collection of individual capacitors that are interconnected to form a unified unit. These capacitors have the ability to store electrical energy and release it as required. The primary purpose of a capacitor bank is to improve on the power factor of electrical systems. A better power factor would be less wastage for the distribution systems and step-down transformers.
Capacitor banks provide reactive power compensation and power factor correction, it can ensure optimal power usage. Reactive power compensation involves balancing the reactive power generated by inductive loads, such as motors and transformers, by supplying the necessary reactive power through the capacitor bank. This improves the power factor, resulting in reduced energy losses and increased overall system efficiency.
Power factor correction is another significant function of capacitor banks. In systems with a low power factor, capacitors within the bank supply capacitive reactive power, thereby reducing the reactive power drawn from the power grid. This correction minimizes energy wastage and leads to more efficient power utilization, resulting in cost savings.
For most users (low voltage 400V, medium voltages 11kV and 33kV), you must record a monthly power factor of more than 0.85. If your power factor drops to below 0.85 for the month, TNB can include a “power factor surcharge” in your bill. For your information about power factor surcharge, you can refer to this link in TNB’s website: https://www.tnb.com.my/commercial-industrial/charges-penalties