INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of SMART GRID

Md. A. Al Rakip et al., Vol.5, No.3, September, 2021

Arduino Based Automatic Power Factor Control

Md Abdullah Al Rakib *‡ , Sumaiya Nazmi* , Md Hasan Imam** , Mohammad Nasir Uddin**

* Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Science & Engineering, City University-Bangladesh,
Dhaka-1216
**Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Science & Engineering, American International University-
Bangladesh, Dhaka-1229
(alrakib108@gmail.com, hasan.imam@aiub.edu, drnasir@aiub.edu, kheya.naz@gmail.com)
‡Corresponding Author; Md. Abdullah Al Rakib, Dhaka-1216, alrakib108@gmail.com

Received: 29.06.2021 Accepted:29.08.2021

Abstract- When the inductive load is brought into the industry, it is known that the power factor will drop. The electricity cost
will be greater if the power factor is decreased. When the power factor drops in our system, the automated capacitor sets are
activated, and the factor of power is restored with a predetermined level. The unique element of our research work is that an IoT
(Internet of Things) technology was used to complete it. It will be capable to monitor and operate the research work from any
place on the Internet, in addition to monitoring from the research work display. As a programming device, it has been utilized
an Arduino Uno Microcontroller. The PF may be improved to increase current-carrying capacity, enhance voltage to equipment,
minimize power losses, and cut electric costs. Reactive current generators are PF correction capacitors. We contribute to
increasing the power factor by helping to balance the nonworking power used by inductive loads. In this article, the power factor
of a load is measured using an Arduino Uno microcontroller, in which the necessary capacitors are then triggered to compensate
for reactive power and put the factor of power closer near unity.
Keywords Arduino Uno, power factor, active power, reactive power, voltage converter, relay module.

1. Introduction The capacitor set will be controlled by the control unit. The
current converter is familiar to measure the load current for
Industrial and commercial firms competing in today's the sampler, and it plays a significant part in this process. The
competitive marketplaces place a premium on electrical unique element of our research work is that we used IoT
energy efficiency. One of the primary problems that (Internet of Things) technology to complete it. We will be
companies strive to reconcile with vitality effectiveness for capable to monitor and operate the research work from
both reasonable and eco-friendly reasons is the optimal anywhere over the Internet, in addition to monitoring from the
utilization of plants and equipment. Reduced energy usage is research work display. This microcontroller control unit's
becoming increasingly important as society becomes more intelligent control guarantees even capacitor step use reduces
mindful of its environmental control, and it is a goal that the amount of switching tasks and improves power factor
everyone can achieve. Power factor adjustments are optimized correction [2].
by the use of measurements such as electricity usage, resulting
in lower energy consumption and lower CO2 greenhouse gas The major goal of this scheme has to develop a spontaneous
emissions. Its use, however, is contingent on the dimension of power factor control system for the goal of making a smart
the fixing and the range to which the factor of power system that will allow us to reap many advantages from a
adjustment is required. By keeping the system reliable, single undertaking. (a) The power quality is improved by
automatic power factor adjustment procedures may be used in continually monitoring the load power factor. (b) Construct an
power systems, industrial units, and even households. Arduino Uno type correction device for raising the system
Therefore, the system develops more steadily and the power factors to the target value close to 0.95. (c) To diminish
structure's and apparatus' efficiency improves [1]. the penalty. (d) To detect the anomaly before it occurs. (e)
Using (IoT) concept, monitor the system's parameters using an
Capacitor sets for 1 phase use in industry and household online program. (f) A system for checking and adjusting IoT
solicitations were developed in response to saving power and devices.
management of reactive power issues. The goal of the research
work is to build a microprocessor-based control system to The active power (kW) is required for accomplishing the
improve and advance the functioning of 1 phase capacitor sets. real job, and the reactive power (KVAR) is required for
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of SMART GRID
Md. A. Al Rakip et al., Vol.5, No.3, September, 2021

sustaining the magnetic pitch. The reactive power is required In this paper, we have planned a low price hardware and
for the apparatus to functioning, then by causing the current software model that has been used a simple Arduino Uno,
being out of phase with the input signal, creates a negative relay module, ESP8266 wifi module, simple blynk server and
load on the source (voltage leads current). When dormant app, and some basic equipment, and our further improvement
motors are used below that peak charge, such as when a will be to take the power factor value greater than the 0.95.
surface grinder is used to build a light cutting or a rotary out
was merely rotated, or empty compressor for air, a low power 3. Design of Power Factor Control
factor might occur. Poor power factor losses are produced by
reactive current rolling in the method, which may be reduced Spontaneous Power Factor Revealing and Correction
utilizing PFC [3]. It has been noticed that power is extremely works upon the principle of continuously checking the system
valuable in the current technology revolution. power factors and initiating necessary corrections if the power
Industrialization largely increases inductive loading, which factor falls below the predetermined value. Instrument
reduces the factor of power and reduces the efficiency of the transformers linked in the circuit are used to sample the
energy scheme. This automated power factor adjustment voltage and current signals. These instrument transformers
device is a highly important tool for increasing the efficiency provide stepped-down current and voltage values that are
of active power transmission. The power factor falls when a proportionate with the diagram of voltage and current. These
consumer attaches an inductive load; when this power factor recorded analog indicators are transformed to appropriate
goes down 0.97 (lag), the electric company will charge the digital signs by the zero overpass detection, which changes
consumer a penalty. As a result, it's critical to keep the power state at every zero-crossing point of the voltage and current
factor below a certain threshold. The spontaneous power measurements. [10].
factor improvement gadget calculates the compensation
required switch on various capacitor banks by reading the
factor of power at line current and line voltage.

Because this least current is required to transfer a given

quantity of real power, the optimum number for unity factor
of load power, which is a clean resistive load. Real-world
loads differ after this best. Because electrical motor loads are
phase lagging (inductive), capacitor sets are required to
compensate for this inductance. Inductors are occasionally
used to adjust the factor of power when it is to lead owing to
capacitive load. Even if reactive power is flowing backward
and forward among every ac sequence, the inductors are
claimed for consuming it and, capacitors remain believed to
supply it in the electric sector [4].

2. Literature Review Fig. 1. Functional block diagram of the prototype.

A.R.Danila Shirly and her team explore the various power The Arduino Uno development board, sensor, and Wi-Fi
factor correction techniques used in industrial loads and a new module were utilized in this suggested system. The system in
topology is proposed to automatically improve the power this research work is entirely powered by electricity. The
factor by injecting the reactive power produced by the
major goal of IoT-based Automatic Power Factor Control. The
capacitor bank connected with a load. They used PWM current sensor, voltage sensing system, LCD, relay module,
inverter and dynamic compensation for their work and did not
and Wi-Fi module are all shown in the block diagram above.
give the proper circuit diagram of their research work [5]. K. The microcontroller monitors the sensor's output and sends a
Naresh and his team present a model about the modest and signal to the IoT system circuit, which controls the
cost-effective plan of a spontaneous power factor correction applications.
(SPFC) scheme for 1 phase native loads. They used
Optocouplers and Capacitive Load for their work which is
In figure 2, a circuit has been designed with Arduino Uno.
different from our work [6]. M. SIVA SAI PRASAD and his
To measure the line voltage here, the voltage was reduced and
team primarily advocated employing power factor correction
worked with some basic equipment like register, current
via a multitude of shunt capacitors to reduce loss of power in
sensor to measure current, a capacitor to improve the power
the industry. They reduced the cost of their work but cost
factor system. A LCD has been attached for monitoring the
analysis had not mentioned [7]. Nanda.P1, Sunil Rathod
output data and also used a Wi-Fi module for controlling and
reviewed the disadvantages of lagging power factor,
monitoring over the internet. By using relays the loads will be
advantages of power factor improvement, working
controlled and Arduino Uno had used as programming device
methodology, and its future scope. In their paper, the results
[11].
part had not shown clearly but we have [8]. Balamurugan K,
Gowsika M proposed a model for power factor adjustment and
they used SEPIC converter and boost converter [9].

122
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of SMART GRID
Md. A. Al Rakip et al., Vol.5, No.3, September, 2021

All details of equipment in research work are given.

Arduino Is open microcontroller board is equipped with Sets
ATmega328P microprocessor and created by Arduino.

Fig. 2. Circuit of the arduino based power factor correction.

123
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of SMART GRID
Md. A. Al Rakip et al., Vol.5, No.3, September, 2021

computer from www. arduino.cc (This was NOT connected to

the PC) [20-23].

Fig. 3. Flow chart of the entire system.

Fig. 4. The complete prototype of the proposed model

The Arduino was not linked to the computer at the time. If
The LM2596 voltage converter is a set of uniform we now select “Port” from the “Tool” drop-down menu, we
integrated circuits that perform all of the active operations for will find one or more ports listed (COM1/ COM2/ COM3...).
a step-down switching controller accomplished of motivating The number of displayed ports is independent of the number
a 3-A load by good line and load control. Stable output of USB ports on the machine. We'll discover another port after
voltages of 5 V, 3.2V and 12 V, as well as a the board is linked to the PC.
modifiable output version, are offered. The ESP8266 is a
cheap Wi-Fi chip that includes a full IP stack as well as a
microcontroller. A relay was also utilized, which is a device
that is powered by electricity.
It has a control system as well as a controlled system (also
known as an input circuit) (also called an output circuit). A
current sensor chip with a rating of ACS712ELC-30A was
also utilized to determine the output current value. Because
𝑉𝑐𝑐
there is no test current, the output voltage is 2 . A capacitor
set is a collection of similar or non-identical capacitors that are
linked in series or parallel with each other. These capacitors
assemblies are generally employed for rectification or counter
unwanted features of an alternating current electrical power
supply, like the factor of power lagging or phase-shifting [12-
19].

Fig. 5. Program installation process -2.

4. Software Development of This System
One of the best significant components of the MCU-based
Single phase induction motor driving, regulating, and
protection system is the software. The algorithm is based on a
variety of circumstances and measurements. The software is
in charge of the entire system's operation. The code is written
in the C programming language. The Arduino software
installation and setup instructions are provided below.
Arduino software was downloaded and installed on the

124
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of SMART GRID
Md. A. Al Rakip et al., Vol.5, No.3, September, 2021

can control the connected loads from anywhere through the

internet and monitor the data.

Fig. 8. Hardware Development of the System.

Fig. 6. Program installation process -3.

Proteus 7.0, a Simulated Arrangement Modeling that
integrates circuit model, active apparatuses, and
microprocessor copies to co-simulate entire microcontroller-
based designs, was familiar to simulate the circuit [24]. This
application allows users to relate with the scheme via on-
screen indications, LCDs, as well as controls and keys if the
PC is connected. Circuit Simulation, one of the primary
apparatuses of Proteus 7.0, is a tool that combines a SPICE3f5
analog trainer with a digital simulator to allow users to use any
SPICE model from any vendor [25-27].
The development cycle was separated into 4 phases:

Fig. 9. Observation of output results.

Fig. 7. Flowchart of the compiling process. In this work, we can control the power factor to 0.83 which
is very much effective in the Power sector. We can control this
power factor continuously by our work and reduce the voltage
5. Results and Output Observations losses.
When we give power to our research work, the research
work will start, if Q enters through the entrance. The power
factor will decrease only when the inductive load is turned on. Table 1. When operated in IDMT over-voltage mode
Whenever the power factor in this system is reduced, the SL. Components Quantity Unit Price (Taka)
automatic capacitor bank will be connected and the power
factor will be taken to the specified level. We can monitor it No. Name
from the display on the research work and IoT system. We will
be capable to monitor all the data of our research work such 1 Arduino Uno 1 460 460
as Voltage, Current and Power Factor from one display. We

125
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of SMART GRID
Md. A. Al Rakip et al., Vol.5, No.3, September, 2021

2 Buck 1 110 110 [2] K. Naresh , T. Kumar , Md. Sameer , S. Reddy K.

Converter "Arduino-based auto power factor correction using
Optocouplers and Capacitive Load Banks, pp. 172-176.”
3 WIFI Module 1 290 290
[3] M. S. S. PRASAD , P. K. KHAN , R. V.S. KUMAR , K.
4 Relay Module 3 70 210 PANDARINADH , G. SRINIVAS. "Automated Power Factor
5 LCD Display 1 450 450 Correction And Monitoring System."pp. 87-93 (2020).

6 Current Sensor 1 250 250 [4] P. Nanda, S. Rathod , B. Halapeti , D. Poojari , G. Math ,
S. Jalageri, "Automatic Power Factor Correction Using
ATmega328."
7 Power 1 80 80
[5] K. Balamurugan, M. Gowsika, T. Monika, N. Naveen.
Capacitor
"Power Factor Correction Using Sepic Dc-Dc Converter in
8 Adaptor 1 450 450 Industrial Motor Drives." Ch.4, pp. 34-39.
9 Others 500 [6] R. Dhameliya , K. Domadiya , P. Miyani , H. Savaliya , P.
Total Cost 2800TK Jariwala. "Automatic power factor control using arduino
uno." International Journal of Advance Engineering and
Research Development (IJAERD) 4.4 (2017).
6. Conclusion
[7] P.P. Machado , T. P. Abud , M. Z. Fortes , B. S, M, C,
Power factor adjustment plays a key part in conserving Borba . "Power factor metering system using Arduino." 2017
energy in this climate to conserve more energy for the future. IEEE Workshop on Power Electronics and Power Quality
As a result, this article describes a system that continually Applications (PEPQA). IEEE, 2017.
analyzes several aspects of an induction motor and updates
these data on a webpage utilizing IoT. We manage the power [8] M. B. Khan, M. Owais, "Automatic power factor
factor to 0.85 which is remarkable here and if a fault happens,
correction unit." 2016 International Conference on
the device will send an alarm message to the person who is
responsible for the problem, and an electrical relay is Computing, Electronic and Electrical Engineering (ICE
activated. Because the power factor will decrease as the Cube). IEEE, 2016.
inductive load increases, this system features a power factor
enhancement method by swapping the capacitor banks. The [9] N.H. Ishak, M.N. Zainodin, N.A. Salim, F.M.T. Tawi, A.
major goal is to create Automatic Power Factor Adjustment H. Mohd Saod. "A design of an automatic single phase power
(APFC) Units for load changes that can monitor an induction factor controller by using Arduino uno Rev-3." Applied
motor's energy usage and increase its power factor Mechanics and Materials. Vol. 785. Trans Tech Publications
continuously. It will aid in the reduction of penalties
Ltd, 2015.
associated with poor power factors and services in the
preservation of induction motors, as well as the identification
[10] W. Ali, H. Farooq , M. Jamil , A. Rehman, R. Taimoor,
of issues before failure. The power factor component
improved the power factor from 0.76 to 0.97 under the testing M. Ahmad . "Automatic Power Factor Correction for Single
load conditions. The mean power consumption savings were Phase Domestic Loads by Means of Arduino Based TRIAC
about 1.7% of the intended load, with a variety of loading Control of Capacitor Banks." 2018 2nd International
conditions. Only with the precise amount of power factor Conference on Energy Conservation and Efficiency (ICECE).
correction, the system capacity is freed when the current IEEE, 2018.
drawn is lowered. According to the economic study, the
payback period would be about 9 months, with considerable [11] Y. Kabir, Y. Mohammad Mohsin and M.M. Khan.
energy cost reductions. "Automated power factor correction and energy monitoring
system." 2017 Second International Conference on Electrical,
References Computer and Communication Technologies (ICECCT).
IEEE, 2017.
[1] A.R.D. Shirly, K.Vijayaragavan , R.V. Chander ,
M.Santhosh, M.P. Kumar. "Dynamic compensation of [12] T. S. Gunawan, M. H. Anuar, M. Kartiwi, Z. Janin.
reactive power: comparitive analysis of power factor "Development of Power Factor Meter using Arduino." 2018
correction techniques, pp. 67-87." IEEE 5th International Conference on Smart Instrumentation,
Measurement and Application (ICSIMA). IEEE, 2018.

126
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of SMART GRID
Md. A. Al Rakip et al., Vol.5, No.3, September, 2021

[13] S.B. Jarad, V. D. Lohar, S. P. Choukate, S. D. Mangate. Fresnel reflector solar plant." Int. J. Renew. Energy Res 9.2
"Automatic Optimization and Control of Power Factor, (2019): 804-812.
Reactive Power and Reduction of THD for Linear and
Nonlinear Load by Using Arduino UNO." 2018 Second [21] M. S. Mahamud , M. A. A. Rakib , T. M. Faruqi , M.
International Conference on Inventive Communication and Haque, S. A. Rukaia , S. Nazmi. "Mouchak-An IoT Basted
Computational Technologies (ICICCT). IEEE, 2018. Smart Beekeeping System Using MQTT." 2019 4th
International Conference on Robotics and Automation
[14] M. M. Than, "Implementation of Power Factor Engineering (ICRAE). IEEE, 2019.
Correction Using Solid State Switched Capacitors." IOSR J.
Electr. Electron. Eng. 11.04 (2016): pp. 70-79. [22] M.A.A. Rakib, M. T. Ali, M. S. Mahamud, T. M.
Faruqi, S. A. Rukaia, M. Haque. "Energy Harvesting
[15] S. Mane, R. Sapat, P. Kor, J. Shelar, R.D. Kulkarni, J. Technology from Human Motion." 2020 2nd International
Mundkar. "Microcontroller based Automatic Power Factor Conference on Advanced Information and Communication
Correction System for Power Quality Improvement." 2020 Technology (ICAICT). IEEE, 2020.
International Conference for Emerging Technology (INCET).
IEEE, 2020. [23] M.H.K. Khan and M.A.A. Rakib. "Implementation of
Inverse Define Minimum Time Under and Over Voltage
[16] G. W. Chugulu, F. Simba, S. Lujara. "Proposed Practical Relay." International Journal of Smart Grid-ijSmartGrid 5.2
Communication Architecture for Automatic Fault Detection (2021): 88-93.
and Clearance in Secondary Distribution Power
Network." International Journal of Smart Grid- [24] M. H. K. Khan, S. Uddin, M. M. Rahman and M. A.A.
ijSmartGrid 4.4 (2020): 164-175. Rakib. "Pure Sine Wave Inverter Design for Street Light
Emergency Backup System."
[17] H. A. Illias, N. S. Ishak, N. A. M.N. Alam. "Awareness
of Secondary School Students in Petaling Jaya Malaysia [25] M.A. A. Rakib, M. S. Rana, M. M. Rahman and F. I.
Towards Renewable Energy." International Journal of Abbas. "Dry and Wet Waste Segregation and Management
Renewable Energy Research (IJRER) 10.4 (2020): 1645- System." European Journal of Engineering and Technology
1654. Research 6.5 (2021): 129-133.

[18] G. Soufiane , F. Ouafia , A. Ahmed. "Solar Power Time [26] M.A.A. Rakib , S. Ahmad , T. M. Faruqi , M. Haque , S.
A. Rukaia , and S. Nazmi. "Design and Simulation-Based
Series Prediction Using Wavelet Analysis." International
Parametric Studies of a Compact Ultra-Wide Band Antenna
Journal of Renewable Energy Research (IJRER) 10.4 (2020): for Wireless Capsule Endoscopy System at Inside Body
1764-1773. Environment." International Journal of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering & Telecommunications (2021).
[19] Y. E. A. Eldahab , N. H. Saad , A. Zekry. "Enhancing the
Energy Utilization of Hybrid Renewable Energy [27] S. Ahmad, R. R. Hasan, R. Hasan, M.A.A. Rakib, M.
A. Hasan, M. Zubayar. "A low SAR in-body antenna for
Systems." International Journal of Renewable Energy
wireless monitoring purpose of pacemaker system." 2019 4th
Research (IJRER) 10.4 (2020): 1974-1987. International Conference on Electrical Information and
Communication Technology (EICT). IEEE, 2019.
[20] R. Meligy , M. Rady , A. E. Samahy , W. Mohamed , F.
Paredes , F. Montagnino. "Simulation and control of linear

127