The Digital Imperative: The Rising Wave in Power Factor Corr ecti on (PFC) Techniques
By Celite Mildbrandt, Power Factor Correction Marketing Manager, Cirrus Logic Inc.

With the push toward more efficient energy usage, lower carbon footprints and resource sustainability gaining momentum throughout the world, virtually every aspect of energy generation and consumption is coming under intense scrutiny for improvement. Much of the media buzz has centered upon such “big picture” sweeping changes as smart power grids, wind and solar power, carbon sequestration, etc.

However, equally important changes are also taking place on the consumption side of the equation, with the continuing development of new high-efficiency electronic products in support of sustainable energy supply and smart consumption. Utilities have increasing concerns with distortion to the voltage waveform supplied to their customers as well as the effects of non-linear loads on their distribution systems. The cost implications of low power factor in distribution infrastructures are apparent in added heating losses resulting in the early replacement of capital equipment. Cirrus Logic’s smart energy products improve power grid performance by introducing an innovative digital solution for power factor correction.

The significance of power factor correction (PFC) has long been visualized as a technology requirement for improving the efficiency of a power system network by compensating for the fundamental reactive power generated or consumed by simple inductive or capacitive loads. With the Information Age in full swing, the growth of high reliability, low cost electronic products have led utilities to escalate their power quality concerns created by the increase of such “switching loads.” These products include: entertainment devices such as Digital TVs, DVDs, and audio equipment; information technology devices such as PCs, printers, and fax machines; variable speed motor drives for HVAC and white goods appliances; food preparation and cooking products such as microwaves and cooktops; and lighting products, which include electronic ballasts, LED and fluorescent lamps, and other power conversion devices that operate a variety of lamps. The drivers that have resulted in this proliferation are a direct result of the availability of low-cost switch-mode devices and control circuitry in all major end-use segments: residential, commercial, and industrial.

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