ABSTRACT
The electrical load devices that are used in industry, in our homes, and in commercial buildings are very important parts of electrical power systems. Electrical loads may be classified according to the function that they perform or by the electrical characteristics that they exhibit. Utility companies must design power distribution systems that take peak demand time into account and ensure that their generating capacity will be able to meet this peak power demand. Utility companies usually charge industries for operating at power factors below a specified level. Static capacitors are used for power factor correction in the system. The capacitive effect of a synchronous capacitor is easily changed by varying the direct current excitation voltage applied to the rotor of the machine. Industries considering the installation of either static or synchronous capacitors should first compare the initial equipment cost and the operating cost against the savings brought about by an increased system power factor.
