PFC Inductors

MPS Industries is a leading provider of power factor correction (PFC) inductors. Our PFC inductors are designed to improve the power factor of a system by storing and releasing energy. This results in more efficient utilization of the electrical grid, lower energy costs, and a longer equipment lifespan. Learn more about the features and functions of PFC inductors in electrical circuits.

What Is Power Factor Correction?

Represented as “K”, power factor is a measure of how effectively a circuit or motor uses the incoming voltage. The power factor ranges from 0 to 1, with 1 being the highest and most efficient power usage. A low power factor indicates that the motor is not using the voltage as efficiently as it could be. As a result, the motor will require more current to produce the same amount of work, leading to increased energy costs. Poor power factor can be a result of:

  • Displacement: Displacement occurs when the current and voltage are out of phase with each other, usually due to the presence of capacitors or inductors.
  • Distortion: Distortion occurs when the current is not a sinusoidal waveform, usually due to nonlinear circuits like rectifiers. The harmonic content distorts the grid’s voltage.

Power factor correction is a method of improving the power factor by adding external reactive components like inductors. A PFC inductor helps to improve the power factor by canceling out the displacement of the current. The PFC inductor can reduce current draw, resulting in improved power factor and lower energy costs. It can also help protect motors from damage due to voltage spikes. Distortion issues can be resolved by using passive or active PFC circuits.

Active PFC vs. Passive PFC

To improve poor power factor due to distortion, there are two types of PFC: active and passive. Passive PFC is a simple, cost-effective method to solve most distortion issues affecting power factor, whereas active PFC is a complex solution for high-power applications. Here is an outline of their main distinctions:

  • Passive power factor correction uses passive filters to filter harmonics, improving PF. PFC inductors are passive power factor correction devices that are best for applications below 100 W.
  • Active power factor correction uses a switching converter to generate a near-sinusoidal current waveform. The harmonics are transmitted to much higher frequencies, making them easier to filter. Active power factor correction is used in applications with power above 100 W, but it does add complexity and cost to the circuit.

 

The Basics of PFC Inductors

PFC inductors are devices that improve the power factor of an electrical system. They are typically installed between the AC source and the load by storing energy during periods of low power demand and releasing it during peak demand periods. This helps to even out the load on the system and can improve overall efficiency.

PFC inductors help to address power quality issues by:

  • Improving power quality
  • Reducing energy losses
  • Reducing stress on electrical components

 
PFC inductors are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be customized to meet the specific needs of your application.

How PFC Inductors Work

Power factor correction (PFC) is a method used to improve the power factor of an AC electrical power system. PFC inductors improve power quality by correcting the phase angle between voltage and current. When current lags behind voltage, it has a lower power factor. The inductor resists changes in current, so it slows down the current and brings it into phase with the voltage when necessary. As a result, the current and voltage are in phase, and the power factor is improved.

PFC Inductors From MPS Industries

At MPS Industries, we offer a variety of PFC inductors to meet your needs. Our P191 Series Passive Power Factor Correction products are designed for PFC with high flux density material. Our P192 Series Power Factor Correction products are PCB-mounted PFC inductors with aux winding. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you improve the power factor of your electrical system. You can also request a quote to start your solution.