Automatic Power Factor Improvement Using Microcontroller

Abstract

The quality of electricity is a critical factor in manufacturing and other applications, as it directly impacts the efficiency and reliability of electrical systems. Maintaining a certain power quality standard is essential for various applications to ensure smooth operation and minimize technical issues, which in turn reduces energy costs. One important parameter that determines power quality is the mains power factor, which indicates the efficiency of the power system. Reduced efficiency results when the power factor drops due to an increase in the demand for reactive power. In order to remedy this, when the power factor drops below the desired value, ideally 0.92, capacitance of the needed value needs to be introduced to the system. Capacitors are a helpful addition in lowering losses and enhancing power factor. In order to enhance power quality, this article suggests a computationally managed infrastructure for Automated Power Factor Correction (APFC). The paper describes the design and simulation of an APFC system utilising an Arduino UNO microcontroller. The Arduino's microprocessor controls capacitor banks switching to adjust for reactive power while reducing the power factor almost to unity, which enhances the quality of the electricity. A power factor transducer is used by the system to determine the power factor. Additionally, the modelling outputs show up in the paper. Demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed system in improving power quality by maintaining a high power factor.