Power Factor Correction
Power factor correction (PFC) is a technique of counteracting the undesirable effects of electric loads that create a power factor that is less than 1 (or unity). Power Factor is a term of measure for how well a power load uses the power, and is defined as the ratio of real power to apparent power. Perfect power factor occurs if the input current tracks the input voltage both in shape (a sine wave) and over time. If there is distortion to the shape of the AC current or if the current is “out of phase” with the voltage, more current will be drawn from the AC mains to deliver the required power. This can have many effects - tripping of circuit breakers, over-heating of building sub-transformers, and higher electrical costs. The importance of near-unity power factor, and the value of Power Factor Correction, is discussed in the Delta-Q White Paper titled “QuiQ - High-Efficiency Grid-Friendly Battery Charger.” These effects have been recognized in Europe for many years, and regulators have made high power factor mandatory for electrical equipment.
All Delta-Q chargers have almost perfect or ‘near-unity’ power factor.