Automatic Power Factor Control Using Microcontroller Through Shunt Capacitor

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Automatic Power Factor Control Using Microcontroller Through Shunt Capacitor
In the present technological revolution, power is very precious. So, we need to find out the causes of power loss and improve the power system. Due to industrialization the use of inductive load increases and hence the power system losses its efficiency. In this project, you are going to address one such kind of problem. Here you will work on improving the power factor with a suitable method. Again, an embedded system has a lot of application in industries. Whenever we are thinking about any programmable devices then the Embedded technology comes into the forefront. In this project, you will work on Automatic power factor correction of the system using microcontroller through shunt capacitor.

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Automatic power factor correction device reads power factor from line voltage and lines current by determining the delay in the arrival of the current signal with respect to the voltage signal from the function generator with high accuracy by using an internal timer. This time values are then calibrated as phase angle and corresponding power factor. Then the values are displayed in the 2X16 LCD modules. Then the motherboard calculates the compensation requirement and accordingly switches on different capacitor banks. This is developed by using a microcontroller.


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Automatic power factor correction techniques can be applied to the industries, power systems and also households to make them stable and due to that the system becomes stable and efficiency of the system, as well as the apparatus, increases. The use of microcontroller reduces the costs.

Project Description:

  1. Embedded system: An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system, often with real-time computing constraints. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. Embedded systems control many devices in common use today. Ninety-eight percent of all microprocessors are manufactured as components of embedded systems.
  2. 2X16 LCD modules: An LCD is an electronic display module which uses liquid crystal to produce a visible image. The 16×2 LCD display is a very basic module commonly used in DIYs and circuits. The 16×2 display 16 characters per line in 2 such lines.
  3. Arduino Uno: Arduino Uno is a microcontroller which can take both analog and digital inputs and you can use this to acquire the data from all the sensors. There are six analogs I/O pins and fourteen digital I/O pins which you can use to interface your sensors.
  4. CT and PT transformer: A current transformer (CT) is a type of transformer that is used to measure alternating current (AC). It produces a current in its secondary which is proportional to the current in its primary. Similarly, a voltage or potential transformer is used to measure the Voltage. You will use these two types of instrument transformers to measure the input current and voltage.
  5. Shunt capacitor: This capacitor is primarily used to improve the power factor in the network. They also improve voltage stability and reduce network losses. Improving the power factor leads to higher power transmission capability.
  6. The comparator (ZCS and ZVS): These are comparator circuits which you will use to find the time difference between current and voltage.

Project Implementation:

  1. At first, take input from the main supply and feed it to the CT and PT instrument transformer for measuring current and voltage.
  2. Then again give CT and PT input to the microcontroller to find current and voltage.
  3. Give other input to ZCS and ZVS comparator to find the time difference between current and voltage.
  4. On the basis of the above data find power factor by writing codes in Arduino Ide.
  5. Then write logic to calculate require correction, and on the basis of correction apply shunt capacitor across appliances through the microcontroller.
Project Brief: After successful completion of this project, you can observe below developments,

  • Reactive power decreases.
  • Proper voltage regulation is achieved.
  • Overloading is avoided.
  • Copper loss decreases.
  • Transmission loss decreases.
  • Improved voltage control.
  • The efficiency of the supply system and apparatus increases.

Software requirements:

Arduino IDE Version 1.8.5: You will be needing Arduino IDE software for writing and uploading the program into the Arduino Uno board.

Programming language: Arduino programming language

Kit required to develop Automatic Power Factor Control Using Microcontroller Through Shunt Capacitor:
Technologies you will learn by working on Automatic Power Factor Control Using Microcontroller Through Shunt Capacitor:

Any Questions?


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