How can synchronous motors improve the power factor in an industrial plant?

Synchronous motors can improve the power factor in an industrial plant by leveraging their ability to control the stator electrical input through the adjustment of direct current in the rotor field winding.1

When the field current is increased beyond the level required to produce the necessary magnetic field, the motor becomes overmagnetized. This causes the total stator current to lead the stator voltage in phase, effectively supplying reactive volt-amperes to the power system. By operating a large synchronous motor at this leading power factor, a facility can compensate for the lagging power factor typically caused by other equipment, such as transformers and induction motors.1

This capability is particularly valuable in industrial settings, as it helps plants maintain a better overall power factor and avoid the additional utility charges often associated with low power-factor loads.12