Lab Report: Power Factor Improvement Using Static Condenser

1. Title:

Demonstration of Power Factor Improvement Using Static Condenser

2. Objective:

To understand and demonstrate how the use of a static condenser (capacitor bank) improves the power factor of an AC circuit by reducing reactive power.

3. Apparatus/Materials Required:

  • AC Power Supply
  • Inductive Load (such as a motor or inductive coil)
  • Static Condenser (Capacitor Bank)
  • Ammeter and Voltmeter
  • Wattmeter
  • Connecting Wires

4. Theory:

  • Power Factor (p.f.): The ratio of real power (P) to apparent power (S) in an AC circuit. p.f.=cos⁡θ=PSp.f. = \cos \theta = \frac{P}{S}
  • Inductive loads cause lagging power factors, resulting in inefficiencies in the power system.
  • Static Condenser (Capacitor Bank): A device that supplies leading reactive power to counteract the lagging reactive power from inductive loads, thereby improving the power factor.

5. Circuit Diagram:

Include a circuit diagram showing the power supply, inductive load, static condenser, and measuring instruments.

6. Procedure:

  1. Initial Measurement:

    • Connect the inductive load to the AC supply without the static condenser.
    • Measure the voltage, current, and power using voltmeter, ammeter, and wattmeter.
    • Calculate the initial power factor using the formula: p.f.=WV×Ip.f. = \frac{W}{V \times I}

  2. Introducing Static Condenser:

    • Connect the static condenser in parallel with the inductive load.
    • Measure the voltage, current, and power again.
    • Calculate the improved power factor.

  3. Observation and Analysis:

    • Compare the power factor values before and after connecting the static condenser.

7. Observations:

Parameters Without Capacitor With Capacitor
Voltage (V)
Current (I)
Power (W)
Power Factor

8. Results:

  • Initial power factor was found to be low due to inductive loading.
  • The introduction of a static condenser improved the power factor significantly by supplying leading reactive power.

9. Conclusion:

The experiment demonstrated that using a static condenser effectively improves the power factor of an AC circuit. This improvement reduces power losses and increases the efficiency of power transmission and distribution systems.