MEERAYAN JOURNAL (ISSN NO:2455-6033) VOLUME 25 ISSUE 3 2025

Automatic Power Factor Detection and Correction using 8051

Microcontroller
Mr. Shripad K. Ksheersagar1, Gunwanti Sayare2, Abhijeet Giripunje3, Kiran Patle4,
Piyush Gajjalwar5, Rohit Mane6
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Kavikulguru Institute of Technology & Science, Ramtek,
Nagpur, Maharashtra, India-441106
2B.Tech. Scholar, Department of Electrical Engineering, Kavikulguru Institute of Technology & Science, Ramtek, Nagpur,
Maharashtra, India-441106
3B.Tech. Scholar, Department of Electrical Engineering, Kavikulguru Institute of Technology & Science, Ramtek, Nagpur,
Maharashtra, India-441106
4B.Tech. Scholar, Department of Electrical Engineering, Kavikulguru Institute of Technology & Science, Ramtek, Nagpur,
Maharashtra, India-441106
5B.Tech. Scholar, Department of Electrical Engineering, Kavikulguru Institute of Technology & Science, Ramtek, Nagpur,
Maharashtra, India-441106
6B.Tech. Scholar, Department of Electrical Engineering, Kavikulguru Institute of Technology & Science, Ramtek, Nagpur,
Maharashtra, India-441106

ABSTRACT: In the present technological revolution, power is very precious. It is important to find out the causes
of power loss and improve the stability of the power system. Due to industrialization, the use of inductive load has
increased, and power systems have lost their efficiency. Hence need to improve the power factor with a suitable
method. The project is designed to minimize the penalty using Automatic power factor regulators.
An automatic power factor detection and correction device reads the power factor from line voltage and line current
by determining the delay in the arrival of the current signal with respect to the voltage signal from the AC mains.
These time values are then calibrated as phase angle and corresponding power factor. Power factor correction is
essential for improving electrical efficiency and reducing energy losses. This paper describes a real-time approach to
measuring power factor, identifying lagging conditions, and dynamically switching capacitors to improve power
factor. The MATLAB Simulink model is designed to simulate inductive load conditions and validate the correction
mechanism.Automatic power factor detection and correction techniques can be applied to the IT industries,
power systems, and also households to make them stable, and due to that the system becomes stable and hence
increases the efficiency of the system.
KEYWORDS: Power Factor, Capacitor banks, Real-Time Monitoring, Energy Efficiency, Microcontroller.

1. INTRODUCTION
Power factor correction is a vital aspect of modern electrical systems, especially in applications involving
inductive loads. Poor power factor can lead to increased energy costs, reduced system efficiency, and potential
penalties from utility providers. The focus on the designing of a power factor detection and correction system
utilizing the 8051 microcontroller. The integration of sensing devices and control algorithms facilitates precise
detection of power factor deviations and adjusts reactive power accordingly. This approach not only enhances
energy efficiency but also contributes to improved stability and reliability in electrical systems.

An Automatic Power Factor Detection and Correction System using the 8051 Microcontroller. The system
continuously monitors the power factor of an electrical load, detects deviations from the ideal range, and
automatically corrects it by switching capacitor banks to compensate for reactive power. The 8051 microcontroller
plays a crucial role in processing power factor data, making real-time decisions, and controlling the capacitor
switching mechanism and allowing for timely corrective actions. MATLAB-based simulation to analyze and
improve power factor dynamically.The proposed system utilizes zero-crossing detectors to measure the phase
difference between voltage and current waveforms, enabling precise power factor calculation. Based on the
detected power factor value, improve system efficiency. The automation of power factor correction eliminates the
need for manual intervention, enhances power system performance, and reduces electricity costs. In many
industrial and commercial settings, the presence of inductive loads such as motors and transformers can lead to a
significant reduction in power factor. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the Power factor within a limit. This
techniques can be applied to industries, power systems, and also to households to make them stable and also help
in improving the efficiency of the system.

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2. OBJECTIVES
This study approached to develop a Automatic Power Factor Detection and Correction System using the 8051
Microcontroller which has main following Objective:

1. Continuously monitor the power factor of the electrical system.

2. Reduce energy losses, lowering the electricity bills, and improving overall system performance.

3. Protect from low power factor Penalty.

4. Reduce energy Consumption

3. SIMULATION AND RESULT

3.1 Block Diagram and Result for Unity Power Factor

Fig 3.1(a) Simulation Circuit Diagram for Unity Power Factor

Fig 3.1(b) Simulation Output Waveform for Unity Power Factor

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In the project module, Fig3.1(a) have Single phase AC 160V as input source, is used where capacitor bank is used
for improving power factor of the system. As load module, we used a combination of resistive (R) & inductive (L)
elements
In the above Fig 3.1(b) shows simulation output waveform for unity power factor where sinusoidal signal representing
the AC voltage. “Red waveform” indicates the current waveform and “Green waveform” indicates the voltage
waveform. Here voltage and current waveforms are in phase with each other. Therefore it is called as unity power
factor. Unity power factor results in less current being drawn, therefore less electricity costs, less heat and greater
longevity of the electrical system

3.2 Block Diagram and Result for Lagging Power Factor

Fig 3.2(a) Simulation Circuit Diagram for Lagging Power Factor

Fig 3.2(b) Simulation Output Waveform for Unity Power Factor

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In the above Fig 3.2(a) shows the simulation circuit diagram for lagging power factor. In these case we are increasing
the inductive and resistive load by keeping capacitive power constant. Therefore it results in poor power factor.
Hence, there will be more current drawn, therefore more electricity costs, more heat generation and less life of the
electrical system.
In the above Fig 3.2(b) shows the output waveform for lagging power factor where sinusoidal signal representing
the AC voltage. “Red waveform” indicates the current waveform and “Green waveform” indicates the voltage
waveform. The current waveform was lagging behind the voltage waveform, demonstrating the inductive nature of
the load.

4. CONCLUSION
A load that uses alternating current needs apparent power, which is made up of both actual and reactive power. The
power that the load actually uses is known as real power. Reactive power is the cyclical effect that happens when
alternating current passes through a load containing a reactive component. Reactive power is repeatedly demanded
by the load and given back to the power source.

When reactive power is present, the true power is always less than the perceived power, causing electrical loads to
have a power factor below “1”. The current flowing between the power source and the load is increased by reactive
power, which also results in an increase in power losses along transmission and distribution lines. Power firms suffer
operational and financial losses as a result. For avoiding all these problems we are implementing Automatic power
factor correction equipment.

5. RESULT

We come to know that the power factor of the system is very essential part. Due to less power factor, it has been n
noted various types of losses.

The capacitor load is used to maintain the power factor of system. Using MATLAB R2024b, a computer model for
APFC system may be created.

6. REFERENCE

1. J. Dixon, L. Moran, and J. Rodriguez, Reactive Power Compensation Technologies: State of art
Review, Proceedings of the IEEE. Vol. 93.No. 12,2005.

2. P. N. Enjeti and R martinez, “A high performance single phase rectifier with input power
factor correction ,”IEEE Trans. Power Electron..vol.11,No.2,Mar.2003.pp 311-317

3. “using capacitors", International Journal of Engineering Trends & Technology (IJETT), Volume 4,
Issued 7-July 2013.

4. Anant Kumar Tiwari, "Automatic Power Factor Correction Using Capacitor Bank, "International
Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, Volume 4, Issued February 2014.

5. Tagwira, M. P., Design of an Automatic Power Factor Correction System, (2014)

6. Kulkarni Kaumudi, Kumbhar Pooja, Patil Priyanka, Prof.Madhuri International Namjoshi, “Automatic
power factor correction using PIC microcontroller”,Engineering Research Journal (IERJ) Volume 2
Issue 1 Page 13-16, ISSN 2395-1621, February 2016.

7. Barsoum Nader “Programming of PIC Micro-Controller for Power Factor Correction” IEEE
Conference on Modeling & Simulation, Pages: 19-25, March 2007.

8. Anagha Soman, Assistant Professor, Pranjali Sonje, “Power Factor Correction Using PIC
Microcontroller”,International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology (IJEIT) Volume 3,
Issue 4, October 2013
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