PFC is the acronym for power factor correction or power factor controller. It minimizes the amount of reactive power produced by computers. Reactive power is the power stored and released by the capacitors and inductors of a device. While reactive power is useless to an electronic device, power companies include this type of power in the charges users have to pay.
These charges are reduced when of PFC is used. In addition to computer systems, PFC also reduces reactive power on other equipment, including induction welders, high bay lighting and arc furnaces. Aside from reducing the cost of power, PFC also ensures power distribution to the devices connected to the power supply is efficient.
There are two types of PFC: Active PFC and Passive PFC. Active PFC uses electronic circuits in efficiently distributing power to devices connected to the power supply. On the other hand, Passive PFC is simple and uses capacitors and inductors in enhancing efficient power distribution. The complexity in the method used in Power Factor Correction by Active PFC makes it more expensive than Passive PFC. But, Active PFC is also more efficient in the use of power compared to Passive PFC.
A PFC Power Supply is a device that ensures power for electronic equipment is efficiently used. It also reduces the cost of electricity by minimizing the amount of reactive power produced by computers and other devices. The PFC power supply should be connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to ensure the devices have suitable power in case the main power source goes out. But, it is also important to avoid connecting the UPS to a power strip to avoid a power spike that can destroy the devices connected to it.
References:
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/PFC-power-factor-correction-or-power-factor-controller
https://cooltechpc.com/articles/power-factor-correction-pfc
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/340854-28-pure-sinewave-active-power-supplies