S. O. ONOHAEBI

This project assessed the feasibility of implementing a 1KVA solar power system as an alternative energy solution for an office experiencing frequent power outages. The study aimed to determine whether such a system could reliably fulfill daily energy requirements while remaining cost-effective long-term compared to conventional power sources. The investigation addressed both energy security—reducing reliance on unstable grid electricity—and environmental sustainability through lower carbon emissions. The research examined how small-scale solar installations could prevent operational disruptions while supporting sustainability goals, and whether savings from eliminated electricity bills and generator fuel costs could justify the initial investment in renewable technology. The methodology employed a three-phase approach beginning with an energy audit to quantify power requirements by documenting all electrical equipment and measuring actual consumption patterns. This was followed by a cost-benefit analysis comparing the solar system's upfront investment against projected long-term savings. Implementation involved installing a complete 1KVA system with strategically positioned photovoltaic panels, appropriate deep-cycle batteries, and calibrated inverters. The system underwent performance monitoring under various conditions, collecting data on power generation, battery cycles, and load management. A maintenance protocol was also established, outlining inspection procedures and troubleshooting guidelines to ensure optimal system performance and longevity.
Findings confirmed the 1KVA solar system effectively met the office's energy needs, providing sufficient power for essential equipment with battery reserves covering low-sunlight periods. Despite initial costs being 2.5 times higher than conventional solutions, financial analysis projected complete return on investment within 3.2 years through eliminated utility bills and fuel expenses. Environmental assessment showed carbon emission reductions of approximately 2.8 tons annually, while the system improved operational continuity by eliminating power-related downtimes. With proper maintenance, components maintained over 90% efficiency after one year of operation. These results demonstrate that appropriately sized solar systems offer a viable, sustainable alternative for small offices, delivering reliable energy security alongside long-term economic and environmental benefits despite higher initial investment requirements

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.