Power factor correction in industrial facilities using adaptive excitation control of synchronous machines

Synchronous machines provide a practical way to control VA consumption of the plant. One of the main advantages of using synchronous motors in a plant is their ability to generate reactive power for plant loads. In petrochemical plants synchronous motors are often operated with a constant set point of power factor (PF) without considering overall performance and the dynamic changes of the distribution system in the plant. This often results in less than optimum operating conditions. This paper addresses a new application to automate VAr generation and voltage control in a petrochemical facility using advantages and capabilities of advanced power monitoring devices to optimize VAr and voltage conditions.