Frequently Asked Questions On the KVAR
The KVAR stores the reactive power to create the electromagnetic field (EMF) around the inductive windings of a motor by storing in its capacitors. As motors operate, reactive power is "pulled" and"pushed" to and from the KVAR by the motor at 60 cycles/second.
The KVAR stores and releases what the motors need to function more efficiently. This unique approach reduces the heat generated on the lines and therefore reduces the strain placed on all the electrical components so they actually will increase their life expectancy. Electricity that is normally pushed back through the power distribution lines is now reclaimed and recycled by the KVAR
The KVAR reclaims, stores, recycles and supplies power to all inductive loads (motors). As you have already paid for this electricity, why waste a percentage of your investment. With the KVAR energy can be stored and used when needed. This whole process is called energy optimization.
Inductive loads use magnetic fields, i.e., motors, solenoids, and relays. If it moves, it's probably an inductive load. Some examples of inductive motors are air conditioning units, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps, vacuum cleaners, furnace blower motors, computer fans, ceiling fans, well pumps, etc.
Power factor is the percentage of electricity that's delivered to your home or business and used effectively, compared with what is wasted. For example, a 1.0 power factor means that all the electricity that's being delivered to your home is being used effectively for its purpose. However, most homes in America today have less than a .76 power factor.
This means that approximately 76% of the electricity that is coming through your meter at your home or business that you are paying for is being used effectively; the other 24% that you are still paying for is being wasted by the inductive loads. So if your building has a low power factor, the utility has to deliver more electricity to be able to allow you to do the same work. However, the KVAR increases that Power Factor above a .96 in most cases, thus increasing the effective use of your electricity, reducing the amount of electricity supplied and therefore saves you money.
Most utility companies charge large commercial and industrial customers an additional fee, (up to 25% more), when their power factor is less than 85% (0.85). Companies can now avoid this additional fee by determining to an exact science how much capacitance is needed to optimize each motor to unity.
Yes, as long as you have a circuit breaker panel with breaker switches and not the old screw in type fuses. Most homes use single phase. KVAR has systems for 100, 200 and 400 amp single phase electrical panels. All systems are approved for indoor or outdoor installations.(Proper sizing may be the superior method for some abnormal applications)
Yes, most certainly but only in a positive way. Dirt and heat are the natural enemies of motors, and the KVAR stores and then releases more accurately the power needed to allow the motors to function more efficiently, and in so doing reduces power surges, reduces the harmful effects from electro-magnetic fields and in so-doing increases the life expectancy of motors and appliances.
With the exceptional quality and high standard of components used, coupled with the fact that there are no moving parts, predicted life span is 25 years.
In reality, one could say smugness and cost effectiveness have driven the American market place into a state of complacency. Until recently, people have been content in the SUV, V-8 engine and wasting fuel era. There was little desire to "tighten" our energy belts due to the relatively low costs of petroleum products and electricity. However, reality is beginning to catch up and as the whole world is scrambling to save energy and reduce costs in every way possible, resulting in major marketing efforts being employed to highlight the benefit of these new "Green" technologies; hence the KVAR ..
Yes, the KVAR also protects the entire home against power surges, and provides a broad range of protection for hardwired appliances and most home electronics such as televisions, satellite equipment, entertainment systems, etc. The unit protects from power line surges as well as spikes caused by internal wiring problems, loose connections and fluctuating demand from large motors such as appliances, vacuum cleaners, heating and cooling equipment, etc.
Yes, 5 year Manufacturers Warranty for full replacement, even if the systems are affected by lighting surges.
Panel systems are easily installed within approximately 30 minutes by a qualified electrician. Each system comes complete with installation instructions. They are also posted on this site.
Yes. On single and three phase panel systems, the unit can be relocated to another similar panel configuration although if the panel unit was left in place it would add a selling benefit to the new owner because of the added energy conservation.
The KVAR improves the efficiency of the electrical system and the capacity of the existing distribution system is increased. Since no one wants a power plant in their neighborhood, power companies can now supply power to more customers without the generation or acquisition of additional power. They can reduce capital expenditures by leveraging the existing infrastructure.