An MV APFC Panel is an advanced electrical solution used in medium voltage (typically 3.3kV to 11kV) power distribution systems to automatically maintain an optimal power factor. It monitors the reactive power demand in real-time and switches capacitor banks (and in some cases reactors for harmonic filtering) accordingly to reduce the reactive power drawn from the utility supply.
Maintaining a good power factor (close to unity) is essential to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, minimize losses, and avoid utility penalties. MV APFC panels are commonly installed in large industrial plants, commercial complexes, and utility substations where power loads are highly variable.

These panels typically include:

• Vacuum contactors or circuit breakers for capacitor switching
• Capacitor banks rated for medium voltage
• Detuning reactors (for harmonic mitigation)
• Power factor controller with real-time monitoring and auto control
• Protective relays and metering systems

MV APFC panels are designed and tested in compliance with IEC standards, primarily:

• IEC 60871 – for capacitor banks used in MV systems
• IEC 62271-200 – for medium voltage switchgear and control gear
• IEC 60076 – for reactors

Power Factor Correction (PFC) Panels are electrical systems designed to improve the power factor of an installation by reducing reactive power consumption. They work by automatically switching capacitor banks to maintain a power factor close to unity (typically up to 0.99), which helps in lowering energy costs, improving system efficiency, and avoiding utility penalties.

Low Voltage (LV) PFC Panels:
LV PFC panels operate in systems up to 1,000 V and are commonly used in commercial buildings, residential complexes, and small to medium industries. They include:

• Capacitor banks (typically dry or oil-filled)
• Automatic Power Factor Controller (APFC relay)
• Contactors or thyristor switches
• Protection devices (MCBs, MCCBs, fuses)

Standards:

• IEC 60831 – Shunt power capacitors for LV
• IEC 61439 – LV switchgear and control gear assemblies

Medium Voltage (MV) PFC Panels:
MV PFC panels are used in electrical systems ranging from 3.3 kV to 11 kV and are ideal for large industries and utility substations. These panels improve PF in bulk power systems and typically include:

• Medium voltage capacitor banks
• Vacuum contactors or circuit breakers
• Detuned reactors (for harmonic filtering, if needed)
• Advanced PF controllers and protection relays

Standards:

• IEC 60871 – Power capacitors for MV
• IEC 62271-200 – MV switchgear
• IEC 60076 – Power reactors