Capacitor Bank Calculator
Calculate the required capacitor bank kVAR to correct the power factor. Enter load kW, initial PF, and desired PF for accurate capacitor sizing.
power factor correction calculator
Capacitor Bank (kVAR) = P (tan φ1 – tan φ2), Where, P – load in kW , φ1 = arccos(initial PF), φ2 = arccos(desired PF).
Formula & Table Summary:
- φ = arccos(PF)
- Qc = P × (tan φ1 − tan φ2)
- Input: kW, Initial PF, Desired PF
- Output: Required kVAR
kVAR requirement calculator
This capacitor bank calculator assists you to find out the capacitors needed to bring up the power factor in electrical systems. By inputting existing power factor and the desired new power factor, the tool tells the user how many kVARs of compensation are required by inputting new load power (kW). Capacitor banks minimize reactive power deficiency, and diminish transformer loading, and energy costs, and enhance voltage consistency.
This item finds extensive application in the sizing of capacitors in industrial and commercial complexes as well as in motor driven loads. You can as well use it to estimate savings and guarantee the transformer to be working efficiently. Calculator works both on single and three phase systems. It contains detailed formulas, summary tables, and frequently asked questions, which makes it a trusted reference book by an engineer, electrician and energy manager.
capacitor bank sizing formula
| Load (kW) | Initial PF | Desired PF | kVAR Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.70 | 0.95 | 57.5 |
| 200 | 0.75 | 0.95 | 96.6 |
| 50 | 0.80 | 0.95 | 22.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions - Capacitor Bank Calculator:
How do you calculate capacitor bank size?
Use Qc = P × (tan φ1 − tan φ2), where P is load kW, φ1 is initial PF angle, φ2 is desired PF angle.
What is kVAR in capacitor banks?
kVAR is the reactive power rating of a capacitor bank used for power factor correction.
Why is capacitor bank required?
It reduces reactive power, improves PF, decreases losses, and lowers electricity bills.
Can capacitor banks improve efficiency?
Yes, they improve voltage regulation and reduce transformer and cable losses.
How to convert PF to angle?
φ = arccos(PF), then use tan φ in the kVAR formula.
What PF should I aim for?
Most utilities recommend 0.95 to 0.99 to avoid penalties and improve efficiency.
What happens if I oversize capacitors?
It may lead to leading PF, overvoltage, and resonance issues.
Are capacitor banks used in homes?
Rarely. They are mostly used in industrial and commercial loads with motors.
What are types of capacitor banks?
Fixed, automatic, and detuned capacitor banks depending on load variation.
How to calculate capacitor in farads?
C = Qc / (2π f V²), where Qc in VAR, f frequency, V system voltage.
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