Consider the following statements regarding power factor correction:1.It reduces line current.2.It reduces copper losses.3.It improves voltage regulation.Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Correct Answer: D - 1, 2 and 3

Quick Concept Explanation

For a fixed real-power load and supply voltage, poor power factor requires higher current. Raising power factor with shunt capacitors or an over-excited synchronous machine reduces kVA demand, line current and I²R losses and generally improves voltage regulation. Key relation: Single phase: I=P/(V·PF). Three phase: I=P/(√3 V_L·PF).

Exam focus: For the same kW, current is inversely proportional to power factor. Common trap: Capacitors supply leading reactive power; they do not supply lagging VARs.

Statement-wise Verification

• Statement 1 - Correct.
  It reduces line current.
  Raising power factor with shunt capacitors or an over-excited synchronous machine reduces kVA demand, line current and I²R losses and generally improves voltage regulation.
• Statement 2 - Correct.
  It reduces copper losses.
  Raising power factor with shunt capacitors or an over-excited synchronous machine reduces kVA demand, line current and I²R losses and generally improves voltage regulation.
• Statement 3 - Correct.
  It improves voltage regulation.
  Raising power factor with shunt capacitors or an over-excited synchronous machine reduces kVA demand, line current and I²R losses and generally improves voltage regulation.

Core Concept

For a fixed real-power load and supply voltage, poor power factor requires higher current. Raising power factor with shunt capacitors or an over-excited synchronous machine reduces kVA demand, line current and I²R losses and generally improves voltage regulation. Compensation should be placed close to the inductive load when practical so reactive current does not travel through upstream conductors.

Formula / Key Relationship

Single phase: I=P/(V·PF). Three phase: I=P/(√3 V_L·PF).

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 3. Option B is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 1. Option C is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 2.

Exam Shortcut / Approach

For the same kW, current is inversely proportional to power factor.

Common Mistake

Capacitors supply leading reactive power; they do not supply lagging VARs.

Quick Revision

Benefits of Power Factor Correction is linked with Power Factor Correction, Power Factor and Basic Electrical Engineering. For the same kW, current is inversely proportional to power factor.