The Influence of Reactive Flow by Electronic Loads in Electricity Billing System of a Shopping Mall's Consumer Unit

Abstract

This paper analyzes the use of a set of electronic loads, specifically tubular and compact fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts in a Shopping Mall, as well as its possible impact on existing rules of charging. In field measurements regarding two transformers that feed two levels of the building, using a power analyzer, was observed a capacitive reactive power flow to the source. This study inquires if this capacitive reactive flow generated by electronic loads is beneficial or detrimental to the charging system, depending on the time of the day that the electronic charge is triggered. Beyond that, this paper provokes discussions about projects of power factor correction in consumers units, that have in its bus the presence of linear and non-linear electronic loads.