Power factor correction is a technique of raising the power factor in any power distribution supply. Switching power supplies without power factor correction draw current in brief, high-magnitude pulses. These pulses can then be smoothed out by using both active or passive techniques. This mitigates the input RMS current and apparent input power, henceforth enhancing the power factor.

The power factor correction in power management moulds the input current in order to optimise the real power from the AC supply. In the perfect scenario, electrical equipment should present a load that is similar to a pure resistor, which means that the reactive power should be zero. Along with this, the current and voltage waveforms should be the same sine wave and in phase with each other. However, because of the reactive components in a substantial number of circuits, there is always a power lag that leads to lower power factors.

In an ideal scenario, all the power drawn from the AC mains in an electrical power distribution is employed in performing some task or the other. This can only happen when the current is in sync with the voltage. When the phase between the two fluctuates, some of the energy from the AC outlet does not perform any relevant work and is pretty much wasted.

The energy management company must, therefore, produce more power to meet the demand for the power that is eventually used productively and for the power that is lost. This results in a significant increase in capital investments revolving around generation, transmission, distribution, and control. The costs are then eventually passed on to the consumer while also negatively impacting the environment we live in.

Power factor correction in its perfect form strives to push the power factor of any electrical system in such a way so that it reaches the ideal level - 1, and even though it may not always reach 1, it could possibly get as close to 0.95 which is considered above average and acceptable in the case of most applications.

So many well-known companies in this domain have explored options in terms of power factor correction. An example of such a company is #SchneiderElectric. The brand has established itself as a leader in the following areas -

Energy Management - The energy management business provides installation components, software and integrated solutions for the management of energy in medium voltage & grid automation, low voltage and building automation, secure power and cooling applications.

Industrial Automation - The company curates industrial and machine automation, along with process automation products and solutions in the industrial sector, such as programmable relays, motion controllers and interface modules for basic machines to intricate process systems for smart manufacturing. The company also provides software for industrial automation and control.

Services - The services provided by Schneider can be divided into three divisions: Global Field Services, Energy and Sustainability Services, and Smart Grid Services.