Active PFC: The next generation of intelligent power usage in Domel EC blowers

At Domel, innovation is driven by real-world system challenges. With the introduction of EC blowers featuring Active Power Factor Correction (PFC), we are taking a significant step forward in intelligent power management — delivering high performance while improving efficiency, electrical stability, and global compliance.

Designed for Seamless Upgrade

One of the key advantages of the new Active PFC generation is its complete mechanical compatibility with the previous wide-range unit.

The control electronics have been redesigned within the same mechanical dimensions, meaning:

• No external changes to the blower
• Identical footprint and interface layout
• No mechanical redesign required
• No system modification necessary

This makes the Active PFC version a true drop-in replacement, enabling effortless system upgrades without additional engineering costs.

 

How Active PFC Optimizes Power Usage

Active PFC aligns the input current waveform with the supply voltage. Instead of drawing distorted, reactive current from the grid, the blower operates in a controlled and sinusoidal manner.

The result:

• Significantly reduced harmonic distortion
• Minimized reactive power components
• Lower overall apparent power (kVA) demand

In practical terms, this means the blower delivers the same 1100 W mechanical output, but with far less electrical stress on the system.

 

The Electrical Impact: Before and After Active PFC

The improvement in power factor is substantial — from 0.55 / 0.65 to 0.99

 

120 V System Comparison

Without Active PFC:

• Power Factor: 0.65
• Input Current: 14.1 A
• Active Power: 1100 W
• Apparent Power: 1692 VA
• Reactive Power: 1285 var

 

    

 

With Active PFC:

• Power Factor: 0.99
• Input Current: 9.3 A
• Active Power: 1100 W
• Apparent Power: 1111 VA
• Reactive Power: 155 var

 

 

230 V System Comparison

Without Active PFC:

• Power Factor: 0.55
• Input Current: 8.7 A
• Active Power: 1100W
• Apparent Power: 2000 VA
• Reactive Power: 1670 var

With Active PFC:

• Power Factor: 0.99
• Input Current: 4.8 A
• Active Power: 1100W
• Apparent Power: 1111 VA
• Reactive Power: 155 var

These numbers clearly demonstrate how Active PFC dramatically reduces apparent power and reactive energy — while maintaining the same mechanical performance.

 

What Does This Mean for System Designers?

1. Lower Input Current

Reduced RMS input current lowers the risk of breaker trips — especially in 120 V systems.

2. Reduced Thermal Load

Less electrical stress means:

• Lower heating of cables and connectors
• Reduced stress on protection devices
• Improved long-term system reliability

3. Simplified Electrical Dimensioning

Lower kVA demand simplifies:

• Breaker sizing
• Cable dimensioning
• Generator specification

This can result in optimized system costs and improved installation flexibility.

 

Compliance and Global Market Readiness

The Active PFC blower is designed to meet IEC/EN 61000-3-2 harmonic standards.

 

The product is:

• CE marked, confirming compliance with relevant EU safety, health, and environmental standards
• UL and CSA approvals, supporting seamless entry into the North American market

This ensures global readiness and regulatory confidence for OEM partners.

 

Intelligent Current Control for a More Efficient Future

Active PFC represents a smarter way of using energy. By improving the power factor to 0.99, Domel EC blowers require less apparent power from the grid to deliver the same active/real power output.

The result is:

• Higher electrical efficiency
• Lower system stress
• Improved grid compatibility
• Future-ready compliance

At Domel, we believe performance should never come at the expense of efficiency. With Active PFC technology, we combine both — delivering intelligent power usage for the next generation of applications.

 

Interested in upgrading your system to Active PFC?
For more information (https://app.domel.com/blowersearch/) on how this drop-in solution can boost your product performance while simplifying electrical design, please contact Jaka Mohorič at jaka.mohoric@domel.com .

 

Keywords: Active PFC, Active Power Factor Correction, EC blower, Domel EC blower, Power factor 0.99, Intelligent power usage, Reduced input current, Apparent power reduction (kVA), Reactive power reduction (var), Harmonic distortion reduction, IEC/EN 61000-3-2 compliance, EMC compliance