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NEON- Re: Power factor & Load Current
>Telford-
>
>A few more questions...
>
>>Maybe I can help. When we refer to 'power-corrected' transformers, we are
>>refering to transformers which contain a capacitor to compensate for the
>>transformer's natural inductive characteristics, as seen by the power lines.
>>These are also called "high power factor" transformers.
>
>Gotcha. Could you clarify what you mean by "natural inductive
>characteristics" and why that's a bad thing needing correction?
>
>>Note: "strayfield" (European term) is the regular everyday magnetic type of
>>transformers we normally use, and they come both power factor uncorrected and
>>corrected.
>
>It's about time I got that straight. Thanks.
>
>>The deal is this: uncorrected transformers draw more line current than a
>>corrected type, because the line must supply power for the neon load
>>("resistive") AND power to the transformer's uncompensated inductance
>>("reactive").
>
>You lost me here. Could you say more about the "transformer's
>uncompensated inductance" or define it?
>
>How does the added capacitor act to "correct" the power factor?
>
>>The reactive power is returned back to the line [which pisses off
>>the power company people because almost all losses associated with reactive
>>power occur on their side of the meter). This is why transformers are
>>rated in
>>'volt-amps' (VA) rather than 'watts' - VA includes the reactive power.
>
>So, if that loss occurs as a result of the functioning of the transformer,
>how does it return through the line and occcur on "their side of the
>meter?"
>
>>They do sell power factor corrected transformers here (for an extra charge, of
>>course
>
>Ah, yes. I did a bit more homework and looked in a catalog from one of
>the manufacturers and they're there alright.
>
>>Hope this helps.
>
>Absolutely.
>
>>Telford Dorr
>
>Tom U.