Power factor correction using Arduino

Description

This project is an Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) system using Arduino UNO designed to improve the power factor of electrical loads automatically. In industries and electrical systems, inductive loads such as motors, fans, transformers, and pumps reduce the power factor, causing power loss and electricity penalties.

The system continuously monitors voltage, current, and power factor using ZMPT101B Voltage Sensor and ACS712 Current Sensor. Based on the measured power factor, the Arduino UNO automatically controls a relay module to switch capacitor banks ON/OFF. These capacitors compensate for reactive power and improve the power factor toward unity (1.0).

The measured values and system status are displayed on the I2C LCD display, while an alarm/indicator system provides warnings during abnormal conditions. This makes the project suitable for industrial automation, energy-saving systems, electrical laboratories, and smart power management applications.

*Main Components Used*

1. Arduino UNO
2. ACS712 5B Current Sensor
3. ZMPT101B Voltage Sensor
4. 16×2 I2C LCD Display
5. i2c Model
6. 4 Channel Relay Module
7. Capacitor Bank
8. Chock
9. Alarm/Buzzer & LED Indicator
10. AC Load (Bulb/Motor)
11. Power Supply & Switches

Working Principle

1. The ZMPT101B sensor measures AC voltage.

2. The ACS712 sensor measures load current.

3. Arduino calculates the power factor of the connected load.

4. If the power factor becomes low, Arduino automatically activates relays.

5. The relays connect the required capacitor bank.

6. Capacitors compensate reactive power and improve power factor.

7. The updated values are displayed on the LCD screen.

Features of the Project

1. Automatic Power Factor Detection – Continuously monitors power factor in real time.

2. Automatic Capacitor Switching – Capacitor banks are switched automatically using relays.

3. Energy Efficiency Improvement – Reduces power wastage and improves system efficiency.

4. Penalty Reduction – Helps avoid low power factor penalties in industries.

5. Real-Time Monitoring – Displays voltage, current, and PF on LCD.

6. Relay-Based Capacitor Control – Multi-stage correction using 4-channel relay module.

7. Alarm/Indicator System – LED/Buzzer indication for system status or faults.

8. Low Cost & Compact Design – Built using affordable Arduino components.

9. Industrial & Educational Use – Useful for electrical labs and industrial learning.

10. Expandable System – More capacitor banks and IoT monitoring can be added in future.

Applications

-Industrial Power Factor Improvement
-Smart Energy Management Systems
-Electrical Substations
-Educational Engineering Projects
-Factory Motor Load Compensation
-Automatic Electrical Monitoring Systems

Advantages

@ Reduces electricity losses
@ Improves electrical efficiency
@ Automatic operation without manual control
@ Low maintenance
@ Cost-effective solution

Short Line for Project File:
“An Arduino-based intelligent system that automatically improves power factor by controlling capacitor banks according to load conditions.”