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How Does the KVAR® Energy Controller (EC) work?
KVAR® EC fine tunes the electrical system from the inductive equipment
(motors) back through the utility company’s KVA electric meter, kilowatt hour meter (kWh) or demand meter.
This fine tuning slows down the operation of the meter, reduces the amount of power drawn from the utility
and therefore saves on
electricity consumption.
The KVAR® EC stores the reactive power to create the electromagnetic field
(EMF) around the inductive windings of a motor by storing in its capacitors. As motors operate,
reactive power is “pulled” and“pushed” to and from the KVAR® EC by the motor at 60 cycles/second.
The KVAR® EC stores and releases what the motors need to function more
efficiently. This unique approach
reduces the heat generated on the lines and therefore reduces the strain
placed on all the electrical
components so they actually will increase their life expectancy.
Electricity that is normally pushed back
through the power distribution lines is now reclaimed and recycled by the
KVAR® EC.
The KVAR® EC reclaims, stores, recycles and supplies power to all
inductive loads (motors). As you have
already paid for this electricity, why waste a percentage of your
investment. With the KVAR® EC, energy
can be stored and used when needed. This whole process is called energy
optimization.
What is an inductive load?
Inductive loads use magnetic fields, i.e., motors, solenoids, and relays.
If it moves, it's probably an
inductive load. Some examples of inductive motors are air conditioning
units, refrigerators, freezers,
washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps, vacuum cleaners, furnace blower
motors, computer fans, ceiling
fans, well pumps, etc.
What is Power Factor?
Power factor is the percentage of electricity that’s delivered to your
home or business and used
effectively, compared with what is wasted. For example, a 1.0 power factor
means that all the electricity
that’s being delivered to your home is being used effectively for its
purpose. However, most homes in
America today have less than a .76 power factor. This means that
approximately 76% of the electricity that
is coming through your meter at your home or business that you are paying
for is being used effectively;
the other 24% that you are still paying for is being wasted by the
inductive loads. So if your building
has a low power factor, the utility has to deliver more electricity to be
able to allow you to do the same
work. However, the KVAR® EC increases that Power Factor above a .96 in
most cases, thus increasing the
effective use of your electricity, reducing the amount of electricity
supplied and therefore saves you
money.
How can I reduce the primary power factor surcharge penalty?
Most utility companies charge large commercial and industrial customers an
additional fee, (up to 25%
more), when their power factor is less than 85% (0.85). Companies can now
avoid this additional fee by
determining to an exact science how much capacitance is needed to optimize
each motor to unity.
Electricians using the KVAR® patented apparatus and methodology are
trained to properly size the inductive
loads and install the KVAR® EC systems at each motor. This proven method
also eliminates the primary
power factor penalty charge as well optimizing each motor to obtain
maximum savings and utilization of the
electricity purchased. No primary power factor correction capacitors or
capacitor buildings are therefore
needed.
Can the KVAR® EC be installed in every home or business?
Yes, as long as you have a circuit breaker panel with breaker switches and
not the old screw in type
fuses. Most homes use single phase. KVAR® has systems for 100, 200 and 400
amp single phase electrical
panels. All systems are approved for indoor or outdoor installations.
(Proper sizing may be the superior
method for some abnormal applications)
Are there 3-phase KVAR® EC for commercial applications?
Yes. Systems are available for 3 phase 200 and 400 amp panel mount
applications, as well as for the more
commercial applications as utilized in large induction motor assemblies.
KVAR® has a patented apparatus
and methodology for determining the exact amount of capacitance that is
needed to optimize inductive
motors to achieve maximum savings. These larger three phase motors would
generally have the KVAR® EC
installed at the motors’ disconnect, after first having trained
electricians carry out an individual
sizing of the respective motors. This exact science enables the commercial
customer to achieve the
quickest return on investment (ROI).
Will the KVAR® EC affect any of my appliances, motors and their normal
use?
Yes, most certainly but only in a positive way. Dirt and heat are the
natural enemies of motors, and the
KVAR® EC stores and then releases more accurately the power needed to
allow the motors to function more
efficiently, and in so doing reduces power surges, reduces the harmful
effects from electro-magnetic
fields and in so-doing increases the life expectancy of motors and
appliances.
Is the KVAR® EC tested, certified and proved?
Yes, the KVAR® EC is UL Listed #E23980 and CSA Approved. NASA Tested, RoHS
Compliant and Cleaner & Greener
Certified.
How much can I expect to save per month by using the KVAR® EC?
That depends on many factors, i.e., the size of your home, the amount and
size of inductive motors, the
rate at which you are charged per kilowatt-hour for electricity and how
far you are away from power
company transformers and generation stations. However, generally speaking
users of the product have seen
8% - 25% in savings.
A typical example for the residential or light commercial panel mount
system:
Electric bill is $300 per month - 10% savings = $30 per month for the next
25 years = $9,000
20% savings = $60 per month for the next 25 years = $18,000
Electric bill is $600 per month - 10% savings = $60 per month for the next
25 years = $18,000
20% savings = $120 per month for the next 25 years = $36,000
The more and larger the inductive motors, and the longer the run times of
the motors, will mean the larger
the savings! Larger Commercial systems should experience far greater
savings too.
How long will it take for a KVAR® EC unit to pay for itself?
Generally a 2-3 year ROI is expected; however, in many installations a
quicker ROI has been noticed.
How does the KVAR® EC savings compare with other energy savings techniques
that I could incorporate in my home or business?
Replacing windows, adding insulation to the attic or walls, upgrading the
present HVAC system, installing
new lighting, new appliances, new solar panels or performing many other
modifications or additions to your
home or commercial business whilst being beneficial, generally fail to
achieve anywhere near the 8% - 25%
electrical savings realized through KVAR® EC, with 2 - 3 year ROI. A 10%
saving can easily create an
excitement in the market place, imagine what an 8%-25% can do,
particularly with such a high focus on the
need to reduce costs and save money!
How long will the KVAR® EC last?
With the exceptional quality and high standard of components used, coupled
with the fact that there are no
moving parts, predicted lifespan is 25 years.
Why haven’t I heard of this product until now?
In reality, one could say smugness and cost effectiveness have driven the
American market place into a
state of complacency. Until recently, people have been content in the SUV,
V-8 engine and wasting fuel
era. There was little desire to “tighten” our energy belts due to the
relatively low costs of petroleum
products and electricity. However, reality is beginning to catch up and as
the whole world is scrambling
to save energy and reduce costs in everyway possible, resulting in major
marketing efforts being employed
to highlight the benefit of these new “Green” technologies; hence the KVAR®
EC.
How much does the KVAR® EC cost, and how do I receive it?
It depends on what system is needed for your home, business or industrial
location.
Contact info@kvarec.com or 800-787-1866 for your local KVAR distributor
and price quote.
Does the KVAR® EC offer Surge Protection?
Yes, the KVAR® EC also protects the entire home against power surges, and
provides a broad range of
protection for hardwired appliances and most home electronics such as
televisions, satellite equipment,
entertainment systems, etc. The unit protects from power line surges as
well as spikes caused by internal
wiring problems, loose connections and fluctuating demand from large
motors such as appliances, vacuum
cleaners, heating and cooling equipment, etc.
Is the KVAR® EC Unit Warranted?
Yes, 5 year Manufacturers Warranty for full replacement, even if the
systems are affected by lighting
surges.
Is there a “Money Back Guarantee”?
Yes, 60-day money back guarantee. If in 60 days, you don’t see reduction
in usage on your electric bill,
call and get the details on how to return the unit for a full refund of
the purchase price. Installation
or removal cost will not be refunded.
Who should install KVAR® EC unit?
Panel systems are easily installed within approximately 30 minutes by a
qualified electrician, which we
recommend. Each system comes complete with installation instructions.
Can the KVAR® EC panel units be taken with you when moving from your home
or business?
Yes. On single and three phase panel
systems, the unit can be relocated to another similar panel configuration
although if the panel unit was
left in place it would add a selling benefit to the new owner because of
the added energy conservation.
How do the Utility Company’s benefit and do they agree with power factor
optimization?
The
KVAR® EC improves the efficiency of the electrical system and the capacity
of the existing distribution
system is increased. Since no one wants a power plant in their
neighborhood, power companies can now
supply power to more customers without the generation or acquisition of
additional power. They can reduce
capital expenditures by leveraging the existing infrastructure.
How is the environment benefited by using the KVAR® EC?
There is less fossil fuel being used to generate power and it decreases of
dependency on foreign oil.
Climate change is a Global crisis. Planetary distress is our new reality.
Energy efficiency is a
commitment worth making. You help meet the planetary requirements and reap
the financial savings.
Are there rebates or energy credits available?
Many utility companies, counties and states offer rebates for energy
savings.
Check with them directly.
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