WO2018020469A1

WO2018020469A1 - Device and system for the control of the power factor

Info

Publication number: WO2018020469A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/054603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca GUERRIERI
Original assignee: Ducati Energia S.P.A.
Priority date: 2016-07-28
Filing date: 2017-07-28
Publication date: 2018-02-01
Also published as: IT201600079708A1; EP3491727A1

Abstract

The control device (1) of the power factor comprises at least one input of at least one voltage and current signal operatively connected to a power supply line (2) and detection means (3) of data (D) relating to the reactive power absorbed by a user device (4) connected to the power supply line (2) starting from the voltage and current signal, wherein the control device (1) comprises radio frequency communication means (8) for the sending of the data (D).

Description

DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF THE POWER

FACTOR

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device and system for power factor control. Background Art

In the particular sector of electricity supply, users, private and public, generally draw up supply contracts with the electricity managing authority and supplier on the basis of the expected needs of the users themselves.

More in detail, the costs incurred by the users to avail themselves of the electricity supply service are related to the power factor defined as the ratio between the active power, i.e., the power that produces useful work for the loads, and the apparent power, i.e., the combination of the active power which is transformed into mechanical work, heat, light, and of reactive power which allows the production of the electromagnetic field required for the load to operate.

The power factor is therefore an index linked to the quality of electricity consumption, supplied by the network, by the load.

Within the scope of the present treatise, by the expression power factor is meant an index linked to the phase shift between the phase of the absorbed current compared to the phase of the applied voltage, alternately. The power factor value is between 0 and 1.

Generally, in the case of inductive loads, the absorbed current signal has a phase delay with respect to the applied voltage signal, while in the case of capacitive loads the absorbed current signal has a phase advance with respect to the applied voltage signal.

In the event of the power factor being lower than a certain threshold, given a determinate supplied power value, the electricity supplier charges the users in proportion to actual consumption.

In order to overcome this drawback, power factor correction appliances are known provided with banks of capacitors which can be connected in parallel with the loads; the logical units of such appliances are power factor controlling devices. Such banks of capacitors, if connected, correct the loads, generally of an inductive type, by providing the capacitive reactive power needed to support the electromagnetic field generated by the loads themselves, thus avoiding the absorption of such energy from the network to reduce the phase shift between the current signal absorbed by the load and the voltage signal applied to the load.

Furthermore, electrical network analyzer devices are known, or energy analyzers, which allow measuring the main electrical quantities on both single- phase and three-phase networks for monitoring the electrical parameters of the systems (including, for example, voltages, current and related peak values, active, apparent and reactive powers on single-phase and three-phase systems, power factor, total current and voltage harmonic distortion) as well as of the energy consumption of the systems themselves.

Conventional control devices of power factors on systems have a number of drawbacks.

The main drawback is tied to the fact that these control devices, in the event of any maintenance or malfunctioning, are difficult to manage by users who are lacking the technical requirements and expertise needed to detect anomalies and respond appropriately as regards device configuration.

Another drawback of devices of known type is their lack of accessibility by skilled technicians to the state of operation of the devices and systems on which the devices are installed with consequent difficulty in managing the service operations which are then not very practical and easy.

Another drawback of devices of known type is related to any charges incurred by the users in the event of breakdowns and malfunctions detected by the user in a not very timely manner.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a device and system for power factor control which permits simplifying and making more practical and effective the functioning monitoring and maintenance operations on such devices performed by skilled technicians and by clients.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device and system for power factor control which permits reducing any costs to the charge of the clients in case of device malfunctions or anomalies which are not correctly and promptly identified.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device and system for power factor control which allows to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the ambit of a simple, rational, easy, efficient to use and cost-effective solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present device and system for power factor control having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a device and system for power factor control, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting example, in the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the device for power factor control according to the invention in a possible connecting configuration to an electrical supply line and to a user device;

Figure 2 is a general diagram of the control device according to the invention; Figure 3 and Figure 4 are general diagrams illustrating a system for power factor control according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a device for power factor control.

The control device 1 comprises at least one input of a voltage signal and at least and input of a current signal operatively connected to an alternate power supply line 2.

Furthermore, the control device 1 comprises detection means 3 of data D relating to the reactive power absorbed by a user device 4 connected to the power supply line 2 starting from the voltage and current signals.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the illustrations, the detection means 3 comprise at least one conversion unit operatively connected to a measuring stage of the voltage and current supplied by the power supply line 2 and absorbed by the user device 4.

Such measuring stage is provided with a voltage divider adapted to transform the voltage signal provided by the power supply line 2 (substantially equal to 230 V/400 V) into a lower voltage signal (substantially around 3.3 V).

The measuring stage also comprises an amperometric transformer, provided with at least one primary winding and at least one secondary winding, adapted to convert the circulating current value on the primary to a lower current value on the secondary (substantially equal to 5 A).

The secondary winding is in turn connected to a resistor connected in series to it for the conversion of this current into a voltage value proportionate to it.

In the rest of this treatise, for sake of simplicity, by the words primary and secondary reference will be made to the primary winding and the secondary winding respectively.

The detection means 3 are provided with at least one analogue/digital conversion unit operatively connected to the measuring stage for the conversion of the signals collected by means of the voltage divider and the amperometric transformer.

In alternate current circuits, the current absorbed by the user device 4 comprises an active component in phase with the voltage supplied by the power supply line 2, and a reactive component in quadrature with respect to the voltage supplied by the power supply line 2 which substantially represents an index of the energy exchange between the power supply line 2 and the user device 4. In an electrical system it is necessary to provide, in addition to the useful active power, also reactive power which, while not being usable by the user device 4, is indispensable for converting electricity.

The useful active power and the reactive power together define apparent power. Within the scope of the present treatise, by the expression power factor is meant the ratio between the useful active power and the apparent power, i.e., an index of the phase shift between the phase of the absorbed current with respect to the phase of the applied voltage, with alternate current.

The control device 1 can be connected to reactive power factor correction means 5 comprising at least one bank of capacitors. The power factor correction means 5 are adapted to maintain the power factor above a predefined value set by the user.

In other words, the power factor correction means 5 are adapted to increase the power factor in a specific section of the electrical system by providing, in that specific section, reactive power such as to reduce the value of the current passing through the network, required useful power being equal.

The detection means 3 are operatively connected to the power factor correction means 5 for the activation/deactivation of the bank of capacitors according to the detected data D.

In the present case, the conversion unit 3 is adapted to process and convert the analog voltage signals, detected by the voltage and current measuring stage, into digital signals which, substantially, coincide with the data D.

For example, the data D detected by the control device 1 comprise information about: network voltage, line current, line power factor, online active power, online reactive power, amperometric transformer current distortion or total harmonic distortion and the temperature detected at the control device 1.

In particular, the control device 1 comprises a voltage input block 6, provided with at least two input pins for the connection of at least one pair of phase conductors of the power supply line 2, and a current input block 7, provided with at least two input pins for the connection of the current transformer connected to one of the three phase conductors of the power supply line 2.

In the particular embodiment shown in figure 1, both the voltage input block 6 and the current input block 7 are each provided with two input pins.

It cannot be ruled out that the voltage input block 6 and the current input block 7 be provided with a plurality of input pins for the connection to one or all the phase conductors of the power supply line 2.

In particular, the voltage divider of the voltage measuring stage is connected to the input pins of the voltage input block 6, while the amperometric transformer is connected to the input pins of the current input block 7.

Furthermore, the control device 1 is provided with a power supply stage which can be separated or coincide with one of the voltage signal inputs 6.

In the case of single-phase systems, the electrical connection of the control device 1 to the power supply line 2 involves the connection of an input pin of the voltage input block 6 to one of the phase conductors of the power supply line 2 and another pin of the voltage input block 6 to a zero-potential neutral conductor.

In the case of three-phase systems, on the other hand, the electrical connection of the control device 1 to the power supply line 2 provides for a connection for each phase conductor to a respective pin of the voltage input block 6, wherein the voltage signal provided on each conductor has the same frequency and phases shifted by 120° the one from the other, and a connection to the zero- potential neutral conductor.

The current input block 7 is connected to the amperometric transformer, which in turn is connected upstream of the user device 4 and of the power factor correction means 5.

More in detail, on the primary of the amperometric transformer flows the current to be measured and on the secondary flows a current proportionate to that flowing on the primary.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, for the connection of the control device 1 to the power supply line 2, two input pins of the current input block 7 are connected to the secondary, while the primary is connected to a phase conductor of the power supply line 2; at the same time, two input pins of the voltage input block 6 are connected to the other two phase conductors so that the inputs of the voltage signals and the amperometric transformer are connected in quadrature. Different connecting modes of the control device 1 to the power supply line 2 cannot however be ruled out wherein two input pins of the current input block 7 are connected to the secondary, while the primary is connected to a phase conductor of the power supply line 2; at the same time, one of the input pins of the voltage input block 6 is connected to another of the phase conductors while the other of the input pins of the voltage input block 6 is connected to the same phase conductor to which the primary of the amperometric transformer is connected.

In the case of single-phase systems, the amperometric transformer is connected to a phase conductor, while two input pins of the voltage input block 6 are connected to a phase conductor and to the neutral conductor respectively.

According to the invention, the device 1 comprises radio frequency communication means 8 for the sending of data D.

The radio frequency communication means 8 comprise at least one of:

a medium-range radio frequency communication unit 9 adapted for the transmission of data D to a remote processing station 10; and

a short-range radio frequency communication unit 11 adapted for the transmission of data D to at least one mobile device 12.

Within the scope of the present treatise, by the expression medium-range radio frequency communication unit is meant devices which establish bi-directional wireless communication at distances the one from the other of some ten meters.

Preferably, the medium-range radio frequency communication unit 9 is selected from a communication unit of the radio wave type and a communication unit of the Bluetooth type which enable the communication between the control device

1 and the remote processing station 10 which are positioned at distances the one from the other of some ten meters.

In the present case, the selected radio wave communication unit is of the 868MHz radio type.

More in detail, the 868MHz Bluetooth and radio communication units generate a wireless personal area network (WPAN), within which multiple devices can communicate simultaneously at a distance the one from the other of some ten meters.

With regard to Bluetooth communication units, on the other hand, communication is of the point-to-point type between two links.

The mobile device 12 can be e.g. a smartphone, tablet, or other electronic devices equipped with mobile radio communication media.

Within the scope of the present treatise, by the expression "short-range radio frequency communication" is meant wireless communication between devices placed at a maximum distance of ten centimeters the one from the other.

Preferably, the short-range radio frequency communication unit is a communication unit of the Near Field Communication (NFC) type, adapted to set up point-to-point communication with the control device 1 at a distance the one from the other of less than ten centimeters. In the present case, the short- range radio frequency communication unit 11 is of the type of a label having a memory unit, adapted to store data D, and an NFC communication device for the radio frequency communication of the data D stored in the memory unit. In the preferred embodiment shown in the illustrations, the radio frequency communication means 8 comprise both the short-range radio frequency communication unit 11 and the medium-range radio frequency communication unit 9, usable simultaneously or alternatively depending on whether the detected data D are sent to the remote processing station 10 and/or to the mobile device 12.

The remote processing station 10 is of the type of a management and processing server, on which the data D are stored, and has a web platform through which such data D are accessible to clients, generally of a hardware type such as a computer.

In a possible embodiment, the control device 1 is a regulator of the power factor related to the energy absorbed by the user device 4 connected to the power supply line 2.

Within the scope of the present treatise, by the expression regulator of the power factor is meant the device that allows the management of the power factor correction devices according to the power factor measured with respect to the target one relating to the user device 4 for correct operation.

In the present case, the reactive power regulator is adapted to activate/deactivate the banks of capacitors in cases where the capacitive reactive power required to increase the power factor of the user device 4 to the predefined value set on the regulator exceeds a reference value of the power of the first bank of capacitors for a predefined time interval.

In the embodiments shown in the illustrations, the control device 1 comprises a central control unit 13 provided with detection means 3 for the receipt and calculation of the data D.

In the particular embodiment shown in the illustrations, the central control unit 13 is a microcontroller adapted to process the detected data D, but alternative embodiments cannot be ruled out wherein the central control unit 13 is a microprocessor or other type of programmable controller.

Usefully, the control device 1 comprises switch means 14 operatively connected to the detection means 3 and connected in turn to the power factor correction means 5 for the selective activation/deactivation of each bank of capacitors depending on the data D detected and processed by the detection means themselves.

More in detail, the switch means 14 comprise a plurality of relays wherein each relay is connected to a respective bank of capacitors.

The central control unit 13 is operatively connected to the radio frequency communication means 8 for the transmission of the data D to the remote processing station 10 and/or to the mobile device 12.

Conveniently, the central control unit 13 is provided with calculation means 15 for the obtaining of events E starting from the data D.

In particular, the central control unit 13 is operatively connected to the medium- range radio frequency communication unit 9 for the transmission of the data D and/or the events E to the remote processing station 10, and to the short-range radio frequency communication unit 11 for the transmission of the events E to the mobile device 12.

Preferably, the central control unit 13 is connected to the medium-range radio frequency communication unit 9 and to the short-range radio frequency communication unit 11 by means of a serial communication bus, e.g., PC or SPI.

More in detail, within the scope of the present treatise, by the expression events is meant a set of quantities obtained starting with the data D which allow determining the pattern and variation of parameters according to variation in time and particular operating conditions.

In particular, the events E comprise a plurality of operational conditions which, once verified, generate alarms relating to particular operating modes of the control device 1 or to quantities measured by it, or the real-time monitoring of variations in data D, or the pattern of the trend of variation of the data D, at predefined time intervals. By way of example, the events E comprise parameters relating to overvoltage conditions, lack of power factor correction and therefore power factor below a predefined value, temperature conditions above a predefined limit value at the control device 1, high total harmonic distortion conditions affecting the amperometric transformer, voltage drops or surges in the power supply network. The control device 1 comprises a storage unit 16 operatively connected to the central control unit 13 for the storage of at least one of the data D and the events E, in turn sent to the remote processing station 10 and to the mobile device 12, respectively.

In the present case, the storage unit 16 is adapted to store both the data D and the events E.

The storage unit 16 is operatively connected to at least one of the medium-range radio frequency communication unit 9 and the short-range radio frequency communication unit 11 for the transmission of at least one of the data D and the events E to the remote processing station 10 and to the mobile device 12, respectively.

Advantageously, the storage unit 16 is adapted to store the backup firmware of the central control unit 13 and of the user warning and/or alarm messages for the management and/or programming of the central control unit 13 by the operator.

Advantageously, the control device 1 comprises display means 17 operatively connected to the central control unit 13 and adapted to the display of at least one of the data D and the events E.

The display means 17 comprise a display 18 for displaying the data D and the events E.

Alternative embodiments cannot be ruled wherein the display means 17 comprise a plurality of icon leds 19 each adapted to signal alarms relating to the detected data D and/or events E.

It cannot also be ruled out that the display means 17 comprise both the display 18, to display the numeric values of the data D and/or the events E, and the icon leds 19 for signaling the alarms.

Usefully, the display means 17 comprise a panel provided with a plurality of keys accessible by the operator to make reference to the data D and/or the events E displayed on the display 18 and for the management of the control device 1.

The control device 1 comprises signaling means 20 operatively connected to the central control unit 13 and adapted to signal the activation/deactivation of the control device itself.

Preferably, the signaling means 20 comprise at least one relay connected to the central control unit 13 adapted to provide an activation/deactivation signal of the control device 1.

In particular, the signaling means 20 are operatively connected to the remote processing station 10 by means of wired data transmission elements.

Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that the signaling means 20 be operatively connected to the processing station 10 and to the mobile device 12 by means of the medium-range and short-range radio frequency communication unit 9, 11 respectively.

Advantageously, the control device 1 comprises linkage means 21 for linking to at least one electronic meter device connected to the power supply line 2 and adapted to provide a plurality of reactive power values relating to different time slots of use.

The linkage means 21 comprise a plurality of inputs which can be linked to the meter device, wherein each input is adapted to receive data D relating to a respective consumption time slot.

The linkage means 21 are operatively linked to the central control unit 13 for the management of the power factor correction means 5 according to the power factor value preset for each time slot.

Usefully, the control device 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor 22, 23 arranged at the power factor correction means 5 for the detection of the temperature of the bank of capacitors and of the temperature of the space surrounding the bank of capacitors.

Preferably, the control device 1 comprises a first temperature sensor 22 adapted to detect the temperature of each of the banks of capacitors fitted in parallel to each user device 4 connected to the power supply line 2. Furthermore, the control device 1 comprises a second temperature sensor 23 for the detection of the internal temperature of the control device itself.

Each temperature sensor 22, 23 is operatively connected to the central control unit 13 for monitoring the temperatures and the related signaling by means of the display means 17.

Advantageously, the control device 1 comprises connection means 24 of at least one connection interface selected from: a Bluetooth connection interface and a serial connection interface.

Preferably, the connection means 24 comprise at least one Bluetooth interface for the communication of the data D and of the events E processed by the central control unit 13 to another Bluetooth device.

Advantageously, the connection means 24 include at least one serial interface, e.g., USB, Ethernet, RS485 or the like for the communication via cable of the data D and of the events E to other processing and storage devices having the same serial type interface.

Advantageously, the connection means 24 are provided with at least one connection port connected to the central control unit 13 for the programming and/or the debugging of the central control unit itself.

It cannot be ruled out that the control device 1 comprises at least one meter device 25 operatively connected to the central control unit 13 and provided with at least one integrated circuit processor and one supply battery of the integrated circuit processor for counting the real time even when the control device 1 is disconnected.

More in detail, the meter device 25 is adapted to determine and keep track of the passing of time even in the case of the control device 1 being disconnected.

The present invention also relates to a system for power factor control relating to the reactive power absorbed by a user device 4 connected to the power supply line.

According to the invention, the system comprises a control device 1 and a data communication unit 26 provided with:

radio frequency receiving means 27 operatively connected to the medium- range radio frequency communication unit 9 for the receipt of at least one of the data D and the events E;

storage means 28 of at least one of the data D and the events E operatively connected to the radio frequency receiving means 27; and

transmission means 29 of at least one of the data D and the events E to the remote processing station 10.

In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, the data communication unit 26 is of the type of a data logger.

Within the scope of this treatise, by the term data logger is meant a digital electronic device adapted to record the data received from external units operatively connected to it, e.g., via cable or radio frequency.

Generally, the data logger has its own power supply by means of battery or connection to the power supply mains.

The data logger is provided with radio frequency receiving means 27 for the receipt of data D and/or events E provided by the central control unit 13 through the medium-range radio frequency communication unit 9.

It cannot be ruled out that both the data D and the events E be transmitted directly from the central control unit 13 to the data communication unit 26 without the use of the storage unit 16 for storing the events E.

In other words, if both the data D and the events E are monitored by the operator from the remote processing station 10, the control device 1 transmits the data D and the events E to the data communication unit 26 by means of the medium-range radio frequency communication unit 9.

Preferably, the radio frequency receiving means 27 are of the type of an antenna adapted to receive the data D and/or the events E which are transmitted by the medium-range radio frequency communication unit 9.

The storage means 28 comprise at least one microprocessor and a memory for storing the data D and/or the events E acquired by the radio frequency receiving means 27.

The transmission means 29 comprise at least one of radio mobile transmission means and wired transmission means.

Advantageously, the transmission means 29 comprise both the radio mobile transmission means, e.g., GSM or GPRS, and the wired transmission means. The wired transmission means can be, e.g., of the type of an ethernet interface which, by means of a suitable ethernet cable connected to it, permits the transmission of the data D and/or the events E to the remote processing station

10 via the internet connection.

Alternatively or in combination with the data communication unit 26, the system according to the invention comprises a mobile device 12.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the mobile device 12 is provided with:

a short-range radio frequency communication apparatus 30 operatively connected to the short-range radio frequency communication unit 11 for the receipt of the events E; and

a software program 31 for the processing of the events E. The software program 31 is substantially a set of programs defining a software application adapted to manage and process the events E acquired through the short-range radio frequency communication apparatus 30.

The mobile device 12 comprises at least one screen for the display and consultation of the events E by the operator.

More in detail, the short-range radio frequency communication apparatus 30 is a communication apparatus of the NFC type which communicates with the short- range radio frequency communication unit 11.

The short-range radio frequency communication apparatus 30 and the short- range radio frequency communication unit 11 of the NFC type have a flow rate of data exchanged between them such as to allow the communication of the events E between them, inasmuch as the dimensions of the events E are substantially lower than the dimensions of the data D and such as to be supported by the NFC communication standard.

In a second embodiment, the control device 1 is an energy analyzer adapted to monitor the data D and the events E detected by means of the detection means 3.

More in detail, with respect to the first embodiment, the control device 1 is disconnected from the power factor correction means 5, with the consequent lack of control of the power factor by the control device itself.

It follows, therefore, that in the second embodiment, the control device 1 is an energy analyzer adapted to only monitor the data D and the events E.

In other words, unlike the first embodiment, the control device 1 does not have the switch means 14 inasmuch as, being an energy analyzer, it does not need to drive power factor correction means 5 for correcting the power absorbed by the user device 4.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and in particular the fact is underlined that the device and system for power factor control made this way permits simplifying and making more practical and fast the operations for monitoring the operating conditions and the state of operation of the installed devices without skilled technicians needing to visit the clients' facilities.

It therefore follows that real-time monitoring by skilled technicians of the data relating to the reactive power absorbed by the user devices allows intervening beforehand, providing any information to clients and reducing on-site maintenance at the clients' facilities only to those cases where the practical intervention of skilled technicians is required.

It is thus evident that, this way, the costs to be borne by the clients in the event of malfunctions relating to incorrect corrections of the power absorbed by the control devices are greatly reduced by means of the remote and real-time monitoring by skilled technicians.

Furthermore, in cases where the total harmonic current and voltage distortion factor is particularly high, the capacitors are subject to deterioration and malfunction as they are subjected to significant harmonic currents which involve the overheating and possible burning of the capacitors themselves.

The resulting control device allows monitoring and mitigating the harmonic distortion factor, diagnosing the operation of the capacitors.

Claims

1) A control device (1) of the power factor, comprising at least one input of at least one voltage and current signal operatively connected to at least one power supply line (2) and detection means (3) of data (D) relating to the reactive power absorbed by at least one user device (4) connected to said power supply line (2) starting from said at least one voltage and current signal, characterized by the fact that it comprises radio frequency communication means (8) for the sending of said data (D).

2) The control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said radio frequency communication means (8) comprise at least one of:

at least one medium-range radio frequency communication unit (9) adapted for the transmission of said data (D) to at least one remote processing station (10); and

at least one short-range radio frequency communication unit (11) adapted for the transmission of said data (D) to at least one mobile device (12).

3) The control device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said medium-range radio frequency communication unit (9) is selected from a communication unit of the radio wave type and a communication unit of the Bluetooth type.

4) The control device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said second radio frequency communication unit is a communication unit of the NFC type.

5) The control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it is a regulator of the power factor.

6) The control device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it is connectable to correction means (5) of said power factor comprising at least one bank of capacitors, said detection means (3) being operatively connected to said power factor correction means (5) for the activation/deactivation of said bank of capacitors depending on said data (D).

7) The control device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that it is an energy analyzer.

8) The control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one central control unit (13) having said detection means (3), for the receipt of said data (D), and said radio frequency communication means (8), for the transmission of said data (D) to said remote processing station (10), said central control unit (13) having calculation means (15) for the obtaining of events (E) starting from said data (D).

9) The control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one storage unit (16) operatively connected to said central control unit (13) for the storage of at least one of said data (D) and said events (E), said storage unit (16) being operatively connected to at least one of said medium-range radio frequency communication unit (9) and said short-range radio frequency communication unit (11) for the transmission of at least one of said data (D) and said events (E) to said remote processing station (10).

10) The control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises display means (17) operatively connected to said central control unit (13) and adapted to the display of at least one of said data (D) and said events (E).

11) The control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one temperature sensor (22, 23) arranged at said power factor correction means (5) for the detection of the temperature of said bank of capacitors and of the internal temperature of said control device (1), said temperature sensor (22, 23) being operatively connected to said central control unit (13).

12) The control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises connection means (24) of at least one connection interface selected from: a Bluetooth connection interface and a serial connection interface.

13) The system for the power factor control, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims and at least one data communication unit (26) having:

radio frequency receiving means (27) operatively connected to said medium-range radio frequency communication unit (9) for the receipt of at least one of said data (D) and said events (E);

storage means (28) of at least one of said data (D) and said events (E) operatively connected to said radio frequency receiving means (27); and - transmission means (29) of at least one of said data (D) and said events (E) to said remote processing station (10).

14) The system according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that said transmission means (29) comprise at least one of radio mobile transmission means and wired transmission means.

15) The system for the power factor control, comprising at least one control device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one mobile device (12) having:

at least one short-range radio frequency communication apparatus (30) operatively connected to said short-range radio frequency communication unit (11) for the receipt of said events (E);

at least one software program (31) for the processing of said events (E).