Just a funsie garage project here.
I've got a bunch of machine tools in my garage that frequently run underloaded. A lathe, mill, metal shaper, drill press, etc. I end up paying more than necessary on my electric bill because most of the power they consume is reactive. (cosϴ 0.2-0.4). I realize that I'm talking about a few dollars at most here, but it's the principle of the thing that bugs me.
So I figure I've got a Koyo Click PLC lying around and most of the spendier components needed to build a power factor correction unit. Relays, capacitors, an enclosure, etc. What's got me scratching my head is trying to figure out what the best scheme would be for determining *when* to cut in and out capacitors due to changes in measured power factor. I'd like it to respond to a motor startup within five or ten seconds (i.e. after it has reached full speed), but I don't want it to constantly switch in and out every time I start and finish drilling a hole on my drill press, etc.
So I figured I'd ask here if anyone might have any bright ideas or inspiration as to what sort of logic might work well for this application.
Thanks.
I've got a bunch of machine tools in my garage that frequently run underloaded. A lathe, mill, metal shaper, drill press, etc. I end up paying more than necessary on my electric bill because most of the power they consume is reactive. (cosϴ 0.2-0.4). I realize that I'm talking about a few dollars at most here, but it's the principle of the thing that bugs me.
So I figure I've got a Koyo Click PLC lying around and most of the spendier components needed to build a power factor correction unit. Relays, capacitors, an enclosure, etc. What's got me scratching my head is trying to figure out what the best scheme would be for determining *when* to cut in and out capacitors due to changes in measured power factor. I'd like it to respond to a motor startup within five or ten seconds (i.e. after it has reached full speed), but I don't want it to constantly switch in and out every time I start and finish drilling a hole on my drill press, etc.
So I figured I'd ask here if anyone might have any bright ideas or inspiration as to what sort of logic might work well for this application.
Thanks.
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