AUTOMATIC POWER FACTOR CORRECTION SYSTEM
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Abstract
Efficient power utilization is a key concern in modern electrical systems, especially in industries where large inductive loads cause a reduction in power factor and overall system efficiency In this part of the world, power factor correction has been accomplished through manually operated capacitor banks; however, manual systems are not flexible enough to react dynamically to changing load conditions. Therefore, this project focuses on the design and simulation of an Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) system using the Proteus software environment, aimed at improving the power factor of electrical systems operating under varying load conditions.
The project was done by deploying an Arduino Uno microcontroller-based control logic, supported by zero-crossing detectors to convert voltage and current waveforms into square signals for accurate phase difference and power factor calculation. The experimental setup was designed and simulated using Proteus 8 Professional software. The Proteus simulation replicates the real-time operation of the APFC system, enabling precise observation of voltage and current waveforms, zero-cross detection, and automatic capacitor switching. A resistive load and an inductive load were modelled to test the system’s capability to measure and correct the power factor dynamically. Simulation results showed a significant improvement in power factor after correction, confirming the effectiveness of the control strategy. Base load of 30mH; 60mH; 30mH and 60mH; 30mH and 90mH; 60mH and 120mH; 30mH, 60mH, 120mH and 90mH; had power factors of 0.87; 0.84; 0.78; 0.60; 0.58 respectively, but recorded tremendously improved power factors of 1.00; 0.91; 0.98; 0.95; 0.98 respectively after correction. As load increases, the system automatically activates additional capacitors to offset the rise in reactive power
demand, thereby enhancing voltage stability, reducing energy losses, and improving overall power efficiency.
The project was done by deploying an Arduino Uno microcontroller-based control logic, supported by zero-crossing detectors to convert voltage and current waveforms into square signals for accurate phase difference and power factor calculation. The experimental setup was designed and simulated using Proteus 8 Professional software. The Proteus simulation replicates the real-time operation of the APFC system, enabling precise observation of voltage and current waveforms, zero-cross detection, and automatic capacitor switching. A resistive load and an inductive load were modelled to test the system’s capability to measure and correct the power factor dynamically. Simulation results showed a significant improvement in power factor after correction, confirming the effectiveness of the control strategy. Base load of 30mH; 60mH; 30mH and 60mH; 30mH and 90mH; 60mH and 120mH; 30mH, 60mH, 120mH and 90mH; had power factors of 0.87; 0.84; 0.78; 0.60; 0.58 respectively, but recorded tremendously improved power factors of 1.00; 0.91; 0.98; 0.95; 0.98 respectively after correction. As load increases, the system automatically activates additional capacitors to offset the rise in reactive power
demand, thereby enhancing voltage stability, reducing energy losses, and improving overall power efficiency.
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