Hello. we are installing a Diesel Generator for running our house. We are off grid. We are buying a Cummins 15 KVA/12KW Prime Power Generator. This generator can supply 23 Amps per phase in the standby mode with a PF of .8 With the normal set up, we can run only 3, single phase 18,000 BTU ACs, one on each phase. I read somewhere that by installing Power factor Capacitors, we can install more than one AC on each phase. Do you know anything about that? Is it an easy task or do I need to get an engineering degree for this? I'm some what comfortable with doing electrical work and can do minor calculations as well.Any help would be really appreciated.Greetings from Iran
I'm not an HVAC expert, but I am an electronics expert. the power factor caps are used to limit the huge power surge when the AC compressor kicks in. They do not give you free power or allow more load. They just smooth out the load to protect the genset. there is a saying in the AC world about ELI the ICE man. in an inductive circuit voltage leads current, in a capcitive circuit, current leads voltage. the compressor is inductive, so you add capacitance to adjust the power factor.
First you desire and electric expert no longer HVAC expert. If the strategies (limited) I even have seen on means factor capacitors is right you need to run greater effective than the rated amps on a single leg yet purely for a limited time. sturdy success.
