A Study on Power Factor Control at Power Receiving Point with Active Filters for Air Conditioners

Abstract

Air conditioners with an active filter have excess distortion compensation capacity during periods of light loads such as intermediate seasons. It was assumed that this excess capacity can improve the leading power factor at the power receiving point. This study investigates the possibility of using the excess distortion compensation capacity in an automatic power factor regulator of an air conditioner with an active filter to enhance the leading power factor at the power receiving point of the electric system during periods of light loads. Based on the three-year results of a demonstration test, the desired control level was achieved for power factor improvement at the power receiving point. Thus it is expected that the static capacitor can be discarded by power factor control using air conditioners with active filters.