Study on Power Factor Characteristics and Reactive Power Compensation According to Gear Ratio in Logistics System Induction Motors

This study analyzes the causes of power factor degradation in induction motors used in logistics systems and proposes effective improvement methods. Specifically, the impact of gear reduction ratios in conveyor systems on the motor’s power factor was simulated and evaluated. The results demonstrate that as the gear reduction ratio increases, the active power decreases significantly while the reactive power remains relatively constant, leading to a sharp decline in the overall power factor. Since a low power factor increases operating costs, reactive power compensation is essential to meet the standards required by power utilities (0.92 or higher). Furthermore, this study confirms that the required compensation varied by gear ratio and that the calculated values remains below the magnetization requirements, thereby eliminating the risk of self-excitation. These findings provide a crucial basis for diagnosing low power factor issues in logistics systems and developing safe, efficient compensation techniques.