| Answers |
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1. |
What is a Power Factor Improvement (PFI) Panel?
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| 1.1. |
A PFI Panel is a cost effective solution to improve the Power Factor in any industry. It automatically switches ON and OFF the required amount of Capacitors depending upon the load variation to achieve the set PF. The PFI Panel is a perfect solution to manage Power Factor and to improve the life of the Capacitors. It has a fantastic payback period. It has necessary Switchgears, Contactors, Isolating switches, HRC fuses and an Intelligent Micro Processor based Power Factor Controller. This can be used for switching externally/internally installed Capacitor banks for integrated management of load Power Factor. |
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2. |
What is the difference between APFC Panel and Power Factor Improvement (PFI) Panel?
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| 2.1. |
Function-wise APFC and PFI Panels are the same but the Schneider Electric Conzerv PFI Panel has many advantages compared to other competitors because of its intelligent unique design of the banking pattern that helps to improve the desired Power Factor for all kind of loads.
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3. |
What are the types of models available in Power Factor Improvement (PFI)? |
| 3.1.
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Mainly there are two PFI Panel models as follows:
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| 3.1.1. |
PFI- KVAR value/MCB/AM (For Ex: PFI-30/MCB/AM)
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| 3.1.2. |
This model comprises of main MCCB/MCB, individual MCB for each Capacitor banks and Power Contactors, Capacitors, Intelligent Power Factor Controller with auto and manual facility. |
| 3.1.3. |
PFI-KVAR value: (Ex: PFI-30)
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| 3.1.4. |
This model is the same as PFI-30/MCB/AM except it has:
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| 3.1.5. |
No individual MCB.. |
| 3.1.6. |
No manual facility |
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4. |
What is the range of models available on KVAR?
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| 4.1. |
The minimum KVAR starts from 30 and goes up to 500 KVAR. Each KVAR has two models as explained above.
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5. |
Where can a Power Factor Improvement (PFI) Panel be used?
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| 5.1. |
The above models are meant for LT applications. In case of HT applications, please contact us. |
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6. |
What are the main accessories required for a Power Factor Improvement (PFI) Panel? |
| 6.1. |
IPFC (Intelligent Power Factor Controller), Power Contactors, Capacitors, MCCB |
| 6.2. |
Control fuses, enclosure and cables. |
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7. |
What are the components of the PFI Panel? |
Sl. no |
Material |
1. |
Intelligent Power Factor Controller (IPFC) |
2. |
Power Contactors |
3. |
Power Capacitors |
4. |
MCB/MCCB |
5. |
Control fuses |
6. |
Enclosure |
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8. |
What is the main function of Contactors?
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| 8.1. |
Power Contactor is a switching device, which makes and breaks the circuit as per the switching ON and OFF command given by an Intelligent Power Factor Controller. |
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9. |
How do I install the Power Factor Improvement (PFI)?
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| 9.1. |
Schneider Electric Conzerv supplies the complete Power Factor Improvement Panel according to customer requirement to achieve the desired Power Factor. To install, follow the procedure given below:
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| 9.2.
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The PFI Panel should be placed next to the PCC (Power Control Centre) Panel. |
| 9.3.
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To energise the PFI, power supply cables should be connected to the PFI panel and to IPFC from the PCC panel.
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| 9.4. |
One CT should be mounted in the PCC panel to sense the load current. It should be connected to the IPFC (Intelligent Power Factor Control) |
| 9.5. |
After all the above connection the PFI Panel should be energised by switching on the main MCCB of PFI Panel. |
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10. |
How do I decide on the value of KVAR required in my plant?
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| 10.1. |
Kindly fill in the PFI questionnaire attached which will help us to assess your requirements based on which the product can be customized.
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11. |
Can the PFI Panel size be customized to suit our requirements?
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| 11.1. |
Schneider Electric Conzerv supplies a standard sized PFI Panel the details of which are given in the PFI leaflet. It can be customized to suit your requirements. |
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12. |
Is it possible to connect Power Factor Improvement (PFI) Panel to a PC for online monitoring?
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| 12.1. |
It is not a standard feature of the PFI Panel A RS 485 port can be incorporated in the IPFC and data regarding PF and Capacitor bank status can be monitored on the PC. |
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13. |
What is the banking pattern of each PFI Panel?
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| 13.1. |
Please refer to the Product leaflet. |
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14. |
Is it possible to supply the capacitor-banking pattern as per my requirement? |
| 14.1. |
Yes, it is possible to customize it to your requirement. |
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15. |
Can you supply the make of the switchgears and contactors as per my requirements? |
| 15.1. |
Yes, it is possible to supply as per your requirement, but the pricing would be different from the standard list price. |
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16. |
What can go wrong in a Power Factor Improvement (PFI) Panel? |
| 16.1. |
Wrong connections to the automatic relay: The current signal should come from the main CT connected to the bus bar and not from the Capacitor bus bar. The voltage connection to the relay should be from the same phase from which the current is measured. These relays are single-phase relays. |
| 16.2. |
The C/K ratio setting in the Power Factor Controller may not be sent correctly as per the CT ratio and the minimum Capacitor value.
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| 16.3. |
Contactor points are shorted /melted together.
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| 16.4. |
Discharge Resistor and or choke coils burning out.
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| 16.5. |
Time delay relays being bypassed or not working in case of manual mode.
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| 16.6. |
Failure of electronic components under continuous operation at higher ambient temperature and voltage surges. This could happen if panel is installed at outdoor (Schneider Electric Conzerv panels are designed to be used in Indoor applications)
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| 16.7. |
Improper ventilation, loose cable joints and similar causes commonly found.
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| 16.8. |
Unattended leaks on Capacitors. |
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17. |
How is Schneider Electric Conzerv's PFI Panel superior/inferior to the competitor models? |
| 17.1. |
Schneider Electric Conzerv uses proven rating Contactors.
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| 17.2. |
Schneider Electric Conzerv uses Surge Suppression choke coils on each Capacitor. This will induce extra inductance & thus limit the peak current in panels with 4 stages or more. It can also be used for panels with heavy-duty MPP Capacitors. |
| 17.3. |
Schneider Electric Conzerv uses a special Contactor with auxiliary contacts, which operates with starting resistance.
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| 17.4. |
Schneider Electric Conzerv provides an intelligent banking pattern to avoid a hunting operation of Capacitor banks. Hunting operations cause damage to Capacitors and Contactors and it is not possible to achieve the set PF target.
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| 17.5. |
Schneider Electric Conzerv provides an intelligent Micro Processor based Power Factor Control which has the following technical features:
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| 17.6. |
Automatic self-adjustment to any KVAR value. |
| 17.7. |
Built-in protection against harmonics, over-voltage, over-current etc. |
| 17.8. |
Reactive load reversal switching time delay. |
| 17.9. |
Digital display of Power Factor, load current, THD. |
| 17.10. |
Detection and display of excess current in CT. |
| 17.11. |
Alert on system failure by an external alarm. |
| 17.12. |
Digital display like irregular Power Factor compensation, over-voltage, over-current and harmonics.
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| 17.13. |
Schneider Electric Conzerv provides heavy-duty cylindrical type Power Capacitors as a standard component for all our PFI Panels.
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