HomeCap From EPCOS for Residential PFC

EPCOS AG has developed the HomeCap series of capacitors for power factor correction (PFC) in private residences. The new ready-to-connect PFC capacitors are designed for single-phase power networks. The current spectrum offers capacitance values ranges from 5 µF to 33 µF. This enables inductive reactive powers of 0.25 kvar to 1.66 kvar to be corrected. The permissible rated voltage in 50-Hz or 60-Hz grids ranges from 127 V to 400 V. A reinforced polypropylene film is employed as dielectric.

The HomeCap series is self-healing. The body of the capacitor is insulated with a shrink-sleeve and is grounded internally, ensuring safe operation in the residential environment. An integrated overpressure disconnection device automatically shuts the capacitor off should it overheat. HomeCap has a diameter of 40 mm and a height of 70 mm to 105 mm, depending on its capacitance.

In infrastructures with average household energy consumption, HomeCaps allow annual savings of approximately 280 kWh per installed kvar, as an installation in Peru has demonstrated.