How to Calculate the suitable size of Capacitor in Farads & kVAR For Power factor improvement)

In this simple Calculation tutorial, we will find the way How to Convert Farads into kVAR and Vice
Versa, usually used in Power Factor improvement Calculation and problems. We will use two simple
methods for finding and Conversion for both quantities. For explanation, consider the following simple
Example.
Example 1:
A Single phase 400V, 50Hz, motor takes a supply current of 50A at a P.F (Power factor) of 0.6. The motor
power factor has to be improved to 0.9 by connecting a capacitor in parallel with it. Calculate the
required capacity of Capacitor in both kVAR and Farads.
Solution.:
(1) To find the required capacity of Capacitance in kVAR to improve P.F from 0.6 to 0.9 (Two Methods)
Solution #1 (By Simple Table Method)
Motor Input = P = V x I x Cos
= 400V x 50A x 0.6
= 12kW
From Table, Multiplier to improve PF from 0.60 to 0.90 is 0.849
Required Capacitor kVAR to improve P.F from 0.60 to 0.90
Required Capacitor kVAR = kW x Table Multiplier of 0.60 and 0.90
= 12kW x 0.849
= 10.188 kVAR
Solution # 2 (Classical Calculation Method)
Motor Input = P = V x I x Cos
= 400V x 50A x 0.6
= 12kW
Actual P.F = Cos1 = 0..6
Required P.F = Cos2 = 0.90
1 = Cos-1 = (0.60) = 53.13; Tan 1 = Tan (53.13) = 1.3333
2 = Cos-1 = (0.90) = 25.84; Tan 2 = Tan (25.50) = 0.4843
Required Capacitor kVAR to improve P.F from 0.60 to 0.90
Required Capacitor kVAR = P (Tan 1 - Tan 2)
= 5kW (1.3333 0.4843)
= 10.188 kVAR
(2) To find the required capacity of Capacitance in Farads to improve P.F from 0.6 to 0.9 (Two Methods)
Solution #1 (Using a Simple Formula)
We have already calculated the required Capacity of Capacitor in kVAR, so we can easily convert it into
Farads by using this simple formula

Required Capacity of Capacitor in Farads/Microfarads
C = kVAR / (2 f V2) in microfarad
Putting the Values in the above formula
= (10.188kVAR) / (2 x x 50 x 4002)
= 2.0268 x 10-4
= 202.7 x 10-6
= 202.7F

Solution # 2 (Simple Calculation Method)
kVAR = 10.188 (i)
We know that;
IC = V/ XC
Whereas XC = 1 / 2 F C
IC = V / (1 / 2 F C)
IC = V 2 F C
= (400) x 2 x (50) x C
IC = 125663.7 x C
And,
kVAR = (V x IC) / 1000 *kVAR =( V x I)/ 1000 +
= 400 x 125663.7 x C
IC = 50265.48 x C (ii)
Equating Equation (i) & (ii), we get,
50265.48 x C = 10.188C
C = 10.188 / 50265.48
C = 2.0268 x 10-4
C = 202.7 x 10-6
C = 202.7F

Good to Know:
These are the main Formulas to Convert Farads into kVAR and Vice Versa

Required Capacity of Capacitor in Farads/Microfarads
C = kVAR / (2 f V2) in microfarad

Required Capacity of Capacitor in kVAR
kVAR = C x (2 f V2)