How to Convert Capacitor Farads into kVAR & Vice

Versa (For Power factor improvement)

How to Calculate the Required Capacitor bank value in
both kVAR and Farads?

How to Convert Capacitor Farads into kVAR & Vice Versa (For Power factor improvement)
In this simple Calculation tutorial, we will find the way How to Convert
Capacitor Faradsinto kVAR and Vice Versa, usually used in Power Factor
improvement Calculation and problems. We will use two simple methods for
finding and Conversion for both quantities. For explanation, consider the
following simple Example.

Example 1:
A Single phase 400V, 50Hz, motor takes a supply current of 50A at a P.F
(Power factor) of 0.6. The motor power factor has to be improved to 0.9
by connecting a capacitor in parallel with it. Calculate the required
capacity of Capacitor in both kVAR and Farads.

Solution.:

(1) To find the required capacity of Capacitance in kVAR (i.e, Convert

Capacitor Farads into kVAR) to improve P.F from 0.6 to 0.9 (Two
Methods)

Solution #1 (By Simple Table Method)

Motor Input = P = V x I x Cos
= 400V x 50A x 0.6
= 12kW
From Table, Multiplier to improve PF from 0.60 to 0.90 is 0.849
Required Capacitor kVAR to improve P.F from 0.60 to 0.90
Required Capacitor kVAR = kW x Table Multiplier of 0.60 and 0.90
= 12kW x 0.849
= 10.188 kVAR

Solution # 2 (Classical Calculation Method)

Motor Input = P = V x I x Cos
= 400V x 50A x 0.6
= 12kW
ActualP.F = Cos1 = 0..6
Required P.F = Cos2 = 0.90
1 = Cos-1 = (0.60) = 53.13; Tan 1 = Tan (53.13) = 1.3333
2 = Cos-1 = (0.90) = 25.84; Tan 2 = Tan (25.50) = 0.4843
Required Capacitor kVAR to improve P.F from 0.60 to 0.90
Required Capacitor kVAR = P (Tan 1 - Tan 2)
= 12kW (1.3333 0.4843)
= 10.188 kVAR

(2) To find the required capacity of Capacitance in Farads (i.e, Convert

Capacitor Farads into kVAR) to improve P.F from 0.6 to 0.9 (Two
Methods)

Solution #1 (Using a Simple Formula)

We have already calculated the required Capacity of Capacitor in kVAR, so we
can easily convert it into Farads by using this simple formula
Required Capacity of Capacitor in Farads/Microfarads
C = kVAR / (2 f V2) in microfarad
Putting the Values in the above formula
= (10.188kVAR) / (2 x x 50 x 4002)
= 2.0268 x 10-4
= 202.7 x 10-6
= 202.7F

Solution # 2 (Simple Calculation Method)

kVAR = 10.188 (i)
We know that;
IC = V/ XC
Whereas XC = 1 / 2 F C
IC = V / (1 / 2 F C)
IC = V 2 F C
= (400) x 2 x (50) x C
IC = 125663.7 x C
And,
kVAR = (V x IC) / 1000 [kVAR =( V x I)/ 1000 ]
= 400 x 125663.7 x C
IC = 50265.48 x C (ii)
Equating Equation (i) & (ii), we get,
50265.48 x C = 10.188C
C = 10.188 / 50265.48
C = 2.0268 x 10-4
C = 202.7 x 10-6
C = 202.7F

Good to Know:
These are the main Formulas to Convert Capacitor kVAR into Farads and Vice
Versa
 Required Capacity of Capacitor in Farads/Microfarads (Convert Capacitor
Farads into kVAR)

C = kVAR / (2 f V2) in microfarad

Required Capacity of Capacitor in kVAR (Convert Capacitor kVAR into

Farads)

kVAR = C x (2 f V2)
You may also read about;
Power Factor
Active, Reactive, Apparent and Complex Power. Simple explanation with
formulas.
Causes of low Power Factor
Disadvantages of Low Power Factor
Power Factor improvement Methods with Their advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages of Power factor improvement and Correction
How to Calculate the Suitable Capacitor Size in Farads & kVAR for Power
factor Improvement (Easiest way ever)