Concept of Power Factor penalty prevailing in Maharashtra should be

changed drastically after detailed analysis.

Power factor is the ratio of Real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA).
Apparent power is the sum of Real Power and Reactive Power.
Reactive power is generated either due to magnetisation/demagnetisation of
electric machinery (Motor, transformer, inductor (choke)) or due to
charging/ discharging of capacitor.
The energy which is stored in capacitor is given back to the supply denoted
by E= CV 2 Where C is the capacitance in farad and V is Voltage in volts
and the Energy in joules.
The energy which is stored in inductor is given back to the supply denoted
by E= LI 2 Where L is the inductance in Hendry and I is Current in
Amperes and the Energy in joules.
The Heat energy (calories) formed by burning coal is converted to
mechanical energy in the turbine and electrical energy (kWh) is generated in
the generator which is driven the turbine.
The unit used for the consumption of Electricity is kWh which is
proportional to the amount of coal burnt for generation of electricity.
RkVAh capacitive and RkVAh inductive could be made analogous to kinetic
Energy and potential energy in a loss less pendulum. The power required for
oscillation of a pendulum is only the loss due to friction.
The kinetic energy is transformed to potential energy and vice-versa.
Kinetic Energy = Potential energy
Similarly at unity power factor
RkVAh capacitive = RkVAh inductive
The energy gets stored in capacitor is proportional to the voltage across the
capacitor and maximum energy stored is when the instantaneous voltage is

maximum (charging current is zero) and minimum energy stored is when the
voltage is zero.
The energy gets stored in inductor is proportional to the current in the
inductor and maximum energy stored is when the instantaneous current is
maximum (voltage is zero) and minimum energy stored is when the current
is zero.
The electrostatic energy stored in capacitor is transformed to the magnetic
energy in the inductor and vice-versa. No energy is consumed for creation of
RkVAh. No coal is burnt to create RkVAh energy as in the case of kWh
where the coal is consumed.
Depending on the amount of capacitor and the inductor the power factor will
be leading if capacitor is more (the currents lead the voltage) or lagging if
inductor is more (the currents lag the voltage).
Inductance and capacitance exists in each and every part of power system.
Unity power factor maintained at the terminal will not ensure unity power
factor at the junction pillar or at substation.
Transformer also generates inductive currents to magnetise its winding.
Equivalent circuit of Transmission line is also a network of inductance and
capacitance.
Power Factor incentive/penalty applied to consumers is based on the meter
reading.
The present meter used by most of the utilities (including BEST RINFRA,
TATA & MSEDCL) measures RkVAh inductive(lagging) only to calculate
power factor penalty. RkVAh capacitive (leading) is not
measured/considered (not reflected in the bill of consumer).

So to maintain the power factor unity in bill and avail power factor incentive
a leading power factor should be maintained. Level of leading power factor
could be to which ever level 0-100% (90-0).Connection of more capacitor
than required is more harmful to the transmission & distribution Network
than inductive current flow in the circuit. Extremely high voltage could be
generated by series resonance of capacitor with the line (network)
inductance completely damaging all electric Equipment connected to the
line.
The Power factor of 0.85 lagging is the cut off factor denoted in Electricity
Rule 1956 section 22 (k).
Power Factor of Apparatus- The apparatus shall have a power factor of
not less than 85 per cent at normal working load.
Intending consumers are advised to consult the Engineer of the licensee
before ordering their motors, as in some cases it may be practicable to relax
the starting current limit dependent on the location and conditions of
working.
It is the responsibility of the electric company to maintain higher power
factor as auto power factor correction panel is included in capital
expenditure.
There is a provision in section 62(3) of Electricity Act 2003 to differentiate
consumer based on the power factor. Electricity Act 2003 also directs the
tariff to reflect the cost of supply. The distribution loss is proportional to the
square of current flowing in the network. It is ideal not to have reactive
current flowing in the network and the power factor is corrected as close to
the place where the reactive currents are generated (preferably at the low
tension substation).

The loss (T&D) should be never more than 10% ( 5% max transmission loss
5% maximum for distribution loss)of the power supplied. And increase in
distribution loss due to not maintaining power factor is further less. So the
RkVAh charge or the penalty due to power factor should not increase more
than 8% of the cost of Electricity.
The balancing the three phase current / reducing the reactive loading or
injecting reactive current could be well maintained by the licensee as
demanded by the Power system for stability. Insertion of reactive
components to control harmonics is also a practice followed in the power
system. Unity Power factor cannot be maintained in any power system by
any utility. The bulk consumers, high end consumers and the licensee have
the knowledge and capacity to maintain power factor near unity and the
harmonics as per the IEEE STD 519-1992 stated in clause 12.1 &12.2 of the
MERC Supply Code Regulations 2006.
12. Power factor / Harmonics
12.1 It shall be obligatory for the consumer to maintain the average power
factor of his load at levels prescribed by the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956
with such variations, if any, adopted by the Distribution Licensee in
accordance with Rule 27 of the Indian ElectricityRules, 1956 and in
accordance with the relevant orders of the Commission.
Provided that it shall be obligatory for the HT consumer and the LT
consumer (Industrial and Commercial only) to control harmonics of his load
at levels prescribed by the IEEE STD 519-1992, and in accordance with the
relevant Orders of the Commission.
12.2 The Distribution Licensee may require the consumer, within a
reasonable time period, which shall not be less than three months, to take
such effective measures so as to raise the average power factor or control

harmonics of his installation to a value not less than such norm, in

accordance with Regulation 12.1 above:
2. Definitions
(d) Average Power Factor means(i) the ratio of kilowatt hours consumed in the month to root of sum of
squares of kilowatt hours consumed in the month & reactive kilo-volt
ampere hours consumed in the month;or
(ii) the ratio of kilowatt hours consumed in the month to kilo-volt ampere
hours consumed in the month;
as may be recorded by the consumers meter and shall be rounded off to two
decimal places;
Hence Power Factor incentive /disincentive charge should not be levied
without consent of consumer.
Hence the incentive / disincentive for power factor to be given to HT
consumers with meters measuring both capacitance and inductive
currents.
It is the duty of the transmission licensee to maintain the grid disciplines
with adequate capacitors this has to be made mandatory.
Charging (even 25paise or 30paise) for reactive currents in the grid give the
option to the transmission licensee the excuse for injecting / drawing
reactive currents.
Hence no charge as penalty should be levied for transmission utility.
Prudent check for adequate infra structure (capacitors) at the nodes is
mandatory.

N. Ponrathnam. B.E (Electrical & Electronics)

Authorised consumer representative under 94 (3) a Public Spirited
Consumer and also an expert in field of INDUCTION HEATING.
VEL INDUCTION HARDENINGS,
25, Majithia Industrial Estate,
Waman Tukaram Patil Marg,
Deonar,Mumbai 400 088.
Phone: 022-25565478, 25569122, 25583235,
Fax: 022-25576395
Email: raja7769@yahoo.com
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