Power factor correction is a key technology to ensure energy efficiency and operational continuity. In an energy-intensive sector such as waste treatment, where sustainability is integral to the business model, choosing a reliable system for power factor correction is a strategic investment.
A major company in the waste treatment sector, committed to the principles of the circular economy, selected Ortea to supply a Multimatic HP10 400kvar 415V system. The decision was made during the design phase of the new plant, to prevent inefficiencies and comply with electrical standards.
THE CHALLENGE: POWER FACTOR AND SUSTAINABILITY
Industrial machinery in waste treatment plants often creates phase shifts between active and reactive power, resulting in a non-compliant cosφ. This leads to economic risks (billing penalties) and technical issues (overloads, losses, reduced equipment lifespan).
For the customer, power factor correction meant addressing two priorities: reducing operating costs and improving environmental sustainability. In a sector with a significant energy impact, correction is both an efficient tool and a commitment to corporate responsibility.
THE SOLUTION: MULTIMATIC HP10 400KVAR 415V
The Multimatic HP10 is a robust automatic power factor correction system, designed to maintain the power factor close to unity.
This device:
- Compensates reactive power through metallised polypropylene capacitor banks.
- Reduces overload, inefficiencies and overheating, protecting network and equipment reliability.
- Adapts to different industrial load profiles, ensuring continuity and operational stability.
The Multimatic HP10 is part of a complete Ortea range capable of handling even environments with high harmonic content, thanks to integrated filtering solutions.
BENEFITS OF POWER FACTOR CORRECTION: EFFICIENCY, SAVINGS AND COMPLIANCE
DIRECT ECONOMIC SAVINGS
Power factor correction eliminated billing penalties and reduced transformer losses. For example, a 1600 kVA plant with cosφ improved from 0.75 to 0.95 achieved a payback of less than 12 months.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPTIMISATION
Lower absorbed current means reduced Joule losses and less thermal stress on components. This extends equipment lifespan and allows more cost-effective sizing of transformers and cables.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND RISK REDUCTION
Compliance with national regulations (cosφ ≥ 0.95) prevents sanctions and disconnections, while ensuring greater system stability and reliability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Energy efficiency reduces overall consumption and CO₂ emissions, aligning with the company’s commitment to the circular economy.
IMPACT ON THE WASTE TREATMENT COMPANY
Thanks to Ortea’s Multimatic HP10, the client achieved:
- Fast return on investment, due to direct energy savings.
- Enhanced safety and reliability, with fewer failures.
- Lower operating costs, both in energy and maintenance.
- Alignment with ESG and environmental goals, strengthening reputation as a sustainable player.
These benefits confirm Ortea as a strategic partner in the path towards efficiency and in the management of the energy transition.
ORTEA’S LEADERSHIP IN POWER QUALITY
Choosing Ortea goes beyond technical supply: it is a strategic investment. With over 50 years of experience, certified Made in Italy solutions, a complete portfolio and tailored engineering services, Ortea is a leader in power quality and efficiency.
With the Multimatic HP10 system, the client combined performance, savings and sustainability, confirming Ortea as a strategic partner in energy transition and efficiency.
FAQ ON POWER FACTOR CORRECTION IN WASTE TREATMENT PLANTS
- WHY IS POWER FACTOR CORRECTION IMPORTANT IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS?
Power factor correction improves the power factor, reduces reactive energy consumption and prevents billing penalties. It also increases efficiency, reduces losses and extends equipment lifespan. - WHAT ARE THE CONCRETE BENEFITS OF POWER FACTOR CORRECTION FOR A WASTE TREATMENT COMPANY?
In an energy-intensive industry like waste treatment, correction helps cut energy costs, ensure regulatory compliance and support environmental sustainability. - WHAT IS THE POWER FACTOR AND WHY SHOULD IT BE KEPT CLOSE TO 1?
The power factor (cosφ) measures how efficiently electrical energy is used. A value near 1 means nearly all energy is converted into useful work. Lower values generate waste, losses and possible penalties.
