Proposta de estratégias de mitigação dos impactos do baixo factor de potência e das interrupções momentâneas na operação de equipamentos portuários: um estudo de caso aplicado à infraestrutura dos Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM-Sul)

Abstract

Electric power quality is essential for the efficient and safe operation of industrial and port systems, such as those at the CFM-SUL port. The SMREA department of CFM is responsible for supplying energy to the ports of Maputo and Matola, receiving power from the Maputo thermal power plant at 33 and 11 kV. This energy is distributed to substations and transformer stations at 11/0.4 kV, which feed the port loads, making the study of power factor crucial to ensure the continuous operation of loads connected to the grid. Problems such as low power factor and momentary interruptions affect the performance of critical equipment, causing failures, increased operational costs, and reduced asset lifespan. Power factor correction is performed through the insertion of capacitor banks, which compensate for excess inductive reactive load, operating automatically and precisely via controllers. This study evaluates the power quality at the CFM-SUL port and proposes technical solutions, such as the sizing of automatic capacitor banks, to improve energy efficiency and operational reliability. The methodology includes a literature review, field data analysis, and the development of a technical and economic project aimed at optimizing power quality and reducing costs.