Improvement of the power factor on the distribution line feeder Sutami 23 Lampung using capacitor bank and SVC with ETAP 12.6 simulation

Abstract

A good power distribution rate is the key to the success of electric power service providers in fulfilling consumer rights. A poor power distribution rate will cause a lot of losses, both for consumers and providers. The power distribution rate is closely related to the power factor value (PF). Low PF should be avoided to get a good power distribution rate. Sutami 23 Lampung feeder data shows 216 buses with a PF below the SPLN 70-1: 1985 standard, which is 0.85, so a PF correction is needed. In this research, PF corrections have been made with the ETAP simulation method for two kinds of components, namely capacitor bank, and SVC (static VAr compensator). The results showed that installing the capacitor bank is more recommended than SVC because the impact of installing the capacitor bank for PF correction is bigger than SVC. Capacitor bank can raise the PF from 0.82 to 0.98, while SVC can only raise the PF from 0.82 to 0.91. In addition, the investment cost for installing a capacitor bank is also much cheaper than SVC, with a cost difference of 1,932,000.250 IDR.