Application of capacitor banks to enhance energy efficiency in aeration systems for fisheries cultivation

Abstract

Electrical energy consumption in aeration systems represents a major component of operational costs, primarily due to the low power factor of inductive equipment such as blowers. This study evaluates the effectiveness of capacitor banks in improving energy efficiency and their economic feasibility in small- to medium-scale aquaculture aeration systems. Over 90 days, measurements were conducted on energy consumption, current, voltage, and water quality parameters, including dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH in two systems: without and with capacitor banks. The results showed that the use of capacitor banks reduced daily energy consumption from 15.01 ± 0.45 kWh to 13.13 ± 0.45 kWh (savings of 12.51%), equivalent to approximately 56.4 kWh per month or 686.2 kWh per year. The average current decreased from 2.44 A to 1.88 A, while voltage, DO (6.50-6.64 mg/L), and pH (7.20-7.25) remained stable within the optimal range. Economic analysis revealed that an initial investment of IDR 1,500,000 has a payback period of 18 months, a net present value (NPV) of IDR 2.15-2.33 million (at 8% discount rate), and an internal rate of return (IRR) exceeding 50% per year. These findings demonstrate that the application of capacitor banks not only enhances energy efficiency and reduces power losses but is also highly feasible and profitable for practical adoption in aquaculture operations.