APFC Control Panels (Automatic Power Factor Correction Panels)

Designed with the concept of modularity which allows upgrading of kVAR rating as and when required. Advanced microprocessor based relay used to ensure real time power factor correction in the installation Current limiting contractors are used which are specially designed for capacitor switch. They are used to Supervise and Control the voltage and reactive power of the power system. We manufacture and supply a qualitative range of APFC panels, that are extensively used in various industries. These automatic power factor control panel are designed and developed using advanced techniques and are capable of saving maximum power and energy. These APFC Panel are highly efficient and accurately monitor the re-active power in power systems for saving energy and can alter the system voltage as well as current.

An APFC Panel (Automatic Power Factor Control Panel) is an electrical control panel used to improve the power factor of electrical systems by automatically switching capacitor banks in or out, depending on the load requirements. It helps reduce energy losses, avoid power factor penalties, and increase energy efficiency.

• Main Components of an APFC Panels

Component	Function
APFC Relay / Controller	Measures PF and triggers capacitor switching based on load demand
Capacitor Banks	Provide reactive power compensation
Contactor / Thyristor Switches	Switch capacitors ON/OFF (contactors for stepped; thyristors for dynamic loads)
MCBs / MCCBs	Provide circuit protection
CTs (Current Transformers)	Measure current for PF calculation
HRC Fuses	Protect capacitor banks from faults
Cooling Fans	Maintain temperature inside the panel
Meters and Indicators	Display voltage, current, PF, etc.

• What is Power Factor?
Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA).
A low PF leads to higher demand charges and inefficiencies in the electrical system.
Utilities often charge penalties for poor power factor (typically < 0.9 or 0.95).
• What is an APFC Panel?
An APFC panel monitors the power factor using a power factor controller and automatically switches capacitor banks to maintain the desired PF level. It eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures optimized reactive power compensation.
• Working Principle
The APFC relay continuously monitors power factor using inputs from CTs and meters.
When the PF drops below the set value (e.g., 0.95), the relay signals contactors or thyristor modules to add capacitor banks.
When PF is too high or load reduces, the relay disconnects capacitors to prevent overcorrection.
This automated process ensures optimal power factor at all times.
• Protections in APFC Panels
Overvoltage/undervoltage protection
Harmonic suppression (optional)
Capacitor over-temperature protection
Auto / manual mode selection
Step delay and switching time control
• Benefits of APFC Panels
Avoids power factor penalties from utility companies
Reduces kVA demand and electricity bills
Improves energy efficiency of the system
Enhances voltage regulation and system stability
Increases capacity of existing electrical infrastructure
• Applications
Commercial buildings
Industries with inductive loads (motors, transformers)
Hospitals and data centers
Shopping malls
Manufacturing plants

• Ensure precise power factor correction in the systems
• Can include detuned filters to control hamonics
• Provides protection against high inrush current during switching
• Modular to upgrade, up to 500 KVAR
• Capacitors : L&T, ABB, Epcos, Subhodhan, Shreem
• IVt* PF controllers : Epcos, L&T, Schneider
• Thyristorised or contactor based Designed with the concept of modularity.
• Easiness in operation, very low manual intervention
• Avoid power factor penalty.