MICROCONTROLLER-

BASED POWER
FACTOR
IMPROVEMENT WITH
VOLTAGE
MONITORING
CHAPTER 1

Introduction
Background of the study

Power quality and efficiency are still a concern of certain individuals in the world
of power sector. Increasing the use of inductive loads generate lagging currents that
result into poor power factor of an electrical system. In most system, a poor power factor
is often overlooked, but if an electrical system has a poor power factor, it will draw higher
current than an electrical system with a power factor close to unity. This might be a
cause of losses, decrease in efficiency and low quality of electricity.
Background of the study

Higher currents can also result into voltage fluctuation that could shorten the life
span of an equipment sensitive into voltage fluctuation. Isolating heavy inductive loads
and connecting a microcontroller based power factor improvement with voltage
monitoring is the proposed solution. This study will be useful for this study will improve
the power factor which at the same time monitor the voltage and alert the end user when
voltage fluctuation occur.

The current device used in monitoring and improving power factor available in
the market are too expensive. In this study, the researchers will design and construct a
device which is easy to assemble and cheaper than what is available in the market.
Background of the study

The researcher will also investigate the use of the said microcontroller to monitor
the voltage and power factor of electricity. To improve the poor power factor by switching
capacitor in parallel with the line supplying inductive loads. Four capacitors will be used,
each capacitor is connected into separate relay to improve the power factor of an
electrical system. This research will try to help solve the above mentioned problem.
Which would create a good quality of electricity for an equipment, gadgets and all other
electrically operated machines especially those which are using inductive loads to
maintain your machines in good conditions and extend their life span.
Objectives of the study

This study aimed to construct a portable device which will help improve the
power factor of an electrical system focusing on inductive linear loads and also alert the
user about voltage fluctuation.

Specifically, it aimed to monitor the power factor, current, voltage and reactive
power; minimize the excess current drawn by a poor power factor electrical loads; alert
the user about the status of power factor and voltage fluctuation; and evaluate the
performance of a microcontroller-based power factor improvement and voltage
monitoring system as to its functionality, usability, reliability, efficiency and maintainability.
Significance of the study
The device in this study will be beneficial to the following:

 End-user-of electricity

 Distribution Utilities

 Facilities with heavy inductive loads.

Scopes and limitation
This study aimed to construct a device that could be able to provide power factor
improvement and voltage monitoring for which load it is connected. The status (Voltage,
Current, Reactive Power and Power Factor) will be displayed in the liquid crystal display
(LCD) Module and the user of the system will be notified via SMS about the power factor or if
there is a voltage fluctuation in an electrical system.

This device focused only on 230VAC, 60 hertz (Hz), Single-phase electrical system
where the maximum current drawn is 10A. The triggering reactive power will depend on the
individual capacitance of the capacitor. This would mean that if the reactive compensation of
the smallest capacitor is 240 volt-ampere reactive (VAR), the system need to detect at least
240VAR of reactive power before the first capacitor is connected into the line. This system
should be able to compensate at most 2kVAR of reactive power from inductive loads.
Scopes and limitation
The device focused on improving the poor power factor of a 1.5 horse power (HP) AC kenzo
capacitor start motor type YC90L-4. In this study, Improvement of the power factor was done by
connecting four capacitor in parallel with the line supplying inductive loading. Then the system notified
the user via global system for mobile communication (GSM) when both the power factor was not in the
range programmed in the device and when the reactive power must at least meet the reactive
compensation that can be supplied by the smallest capacitor.

This device will be initialized around 5-7seconds for the GSM to register to a network.
However, this device is not capable of sending short message service (SMS) when the user is out of
reach and/or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card in the GSM module has not been loaded. The
mobile number of the recipient will be pre-installed during the programming.
Scopes and limitation

The monitoring of voltage and power factor will be done by PZEM-004T with
monitoring capability with voltage (ranging from 80-260VAC), current (ranging from 0-
100A) and power (22 kilowatts (kW)). The amount of capacitor to be switched will be
determined by the equation programmed in the microcontroller.

This portable device is capable of notifying the user if a voltage fluctuation

occurred and or if the power factor was not within the range programmed in this device.
It is not designed to constantly send an SMS to the user about the current voltage or the
power factor. The power factor improvement of this device also depends on the amount
of reactive power is needed.
Scopes and limitation

Due to the limitation in the rated capacitance of the capacitors the minimum
reactive power needed to be improved must be at least 240VAR at 230VAC ( Changes in
voltage may vary the reactive compensation of each capacitor ). Thereby, this device is
suitable for inductive loads whose reactive power is above 240VAR. The power factor
improvement of this device depends on the reactive compensation of the power factor
correcting capacitor and the reactive power consumed by the load. The closer the
reactive power of the load to the reactive power compensated by the device the better
the improvement will be.
Scopes and limitation

This device will be enclosed with a portable and metal casing to protect the
system from any natural disturbances and also to ensure the safety of the user as the
casing could be grounded. Any interference caused by magnetic waves is not a concern
of this study. It could be a subject for future studies. Signal interruption is also a
hindrance for the proper communication of the SMS. In case of power interruption, there
is no need for the system to work since there is no power factor to improve and no
voltage to monitor.
Conceptual Framework
Definition of terms
For the purposes of better understanding and clarification of the study the following terms are
defined.

Active Power, refers to the power which is actually consumed or utilized in an AC Circuit is called True power
or Active Power or real power. It is measured in kilo watt (kW) or MW. It is the actual outcomes of the electrical
system which runs the electric circuits or load.

Apparent Power, refers to the product of root mean square (RMS) value of voltage and current is known as
Apparent Power. This power is measured in kVA or MVA.

Arduino Uno, refers to an open-source electronics platform based on easy to use hardware and software.

Current, refers to the flow of electrical charge carriers like electrons. Current flows from negative to positive
points. The SI unit for measuring electric current is the ampere (A). One ampere of current is defined as one
coulomb of electrical charge moving past a unique point in a second.
Definition of terms
Electricity, refers to the presence and flow of electric charge. Its best-known form is the flow of electrons
through conductors such as copper wires.

Electrical systems, refers to the groups of electrical components connected to carry out some operation.

Electric Power Quality, refers to the steadiness of voltage.

GSM SIM800l, refers to the SIM800L module supports quad-band GSM/GPRS network, available for GPRS
and SMS message data remote transmission.

Inductive loads, refers to an electrical loads that resist changes in current and as such, when you measure
the current, it lags (is behind) the voltage.

Linear Loads, refers to an AC electrical loads where the voltage and current waveforms are sinusoidal. E.g.
Motors, Inductors etc.
Definition of terms
Load, refers to an electrical components or portion of a circuit that consumes electric power.

Power Factor, refers to the ratio of the real power flowing to the load to the apparent power in the circuit.

Pzem-004t, refers to an electric monitoring test module with a current transformer and USB adapter. The
module can be used to test power, energy, voltage as well as current, and then display on a PC or other
terminals.

Reactive Power, refers to the power which flows back and forth that mean it moves in both the direction in the
circuit or react upon itself, is called Reactive Power. The reactive power is measured in kilovolt ampere-
reactive (kVAR) or megavolt-ampere (MVAR).

Root Mean Square (RMS), refers to the RMS value is the square root of the mean (average) value of the
squared function of the instantaneous values. The amount of AC power that produces the same heating effect
as an equivalent DC power.
Definition of terms
Relay, refers to an electrical device, typically incorporating an electromagnet, that is
activated by a current or signal in one circuit to open or close another circuit.

Voltage, refers to the pressure from an electrical circuit's power source that pushes charged
electrons (current) through a conducting loop, enabling them to do work such as illuminating
a light.

Voltage dips, refers to the situation when voltage goes beyond a standard level.

Voltage swell, refers to the situation when voltage goes above a standard level.
CHAPTER 2

Review of related literature and studies

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Low power factor of electrical loads cause high current drawn from power supply. The effect of
this situation is affected by impedance of electrical load. In this manner, the key thought of this
examination is the way impedance of electrical loads impact power factor of electrical loads (Syirrazie,
Hasim, & Ahmad A, 2015).

According to Edisto Electric Cooperative power factor is a measure of how effectively you are
using electricity. Various types of power are at work to provide us with electrical energy. Enhancing the
power factor can maximize current-carrying capacity, enhance voltage to equipment, reduce conductor
losses, and lower electric bills. The least difficult approach to enhance power factor is to add power
factor correction capacitors to the electrical system. Power factor correction capacitors act as reactive
current generators. They help counterbalance the non-working force utilized by inductive loads, thereby
enhancing the power factor. The connection between power factor capacitors and specific equipment,
for example, variable speed drives, requires a very much structured system (edistoelectric.com).
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Moreover, Jim Plourde (2011) stated that the first and most obvious opportunity
for motor energy saving is power factor correction. The power factor of an AC electrical
system is the ratio of the "real" power setting off to the load to the "apparent" power in
the circuit. Loads with a low power factor will draw more current than a load with a high
power factor for a similar measure of energy exchange. He also stated that the addition
of a capacitor does not affect the magnetizing current or the leakage reactance of the
motor, but it offsets the inductive component at the point where the capacitor is installed.
As more capacitance is added, the power factor angle, θ, becomes smaller until a unity
power factor is achieved (θ = 0). At unity power factor, the electrical system is at its
optimum performance for maximum power transfer.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

It is a great concern that this loss would be compensated by improving the

power factor because in most power systems, a poor power factor resulting from an
increasing use of inductive loads is often overlooked. A poor power factor correction unit
would allow the system to restore its power factor close to unity for economical
operation. There are many methods of improving the power factor that have been
proposed such as capacitor banking, using synchronous motors or condensers and
phase advancers.
RELAY

This is a 5V 4-channel relay interface board, and each channel needs a 15-
20mA driver current. It can be used to control various appliances and equipment with
large current. It is equipped with high-current relays that work under AC250V 10A or
DC30V 10A. It has a standard interface that can be controlled directly by microcontroller.
PZEM-004T

This is an electric monitoring test module with a current transformer and USB
adapter. The module can be used to test power, energy, voltage as well as current, and
then display on a PC or other terminals. Designed with one key reset button, you can
reset energy data by simply pressing one button. Moreover, it can store data when power
off, and store the accumulated energy data before power off, so it is very convenient to
use it.
ARDUINO UNO

The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATMega328.It has 14

digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a
16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset
button.
GSM SIM 800L

The SIM800L module supports quad-band GSM/GPRS network, available for

GPRS and SMS message data remote transmission. The SIM800L communicates with
microcontroller via UART port, supports command including 3GPP TS 27.007, 27.005
and SIMCOM enhanced AT Commands.
CBB65A-1 40UF CAPACITOR

Motor capacitor, such as a start capacitor or run capacitor is an electrical

capacitor that alters the current to one or more windings of a single phase AC induction
motor.
SOCKETS

AC power plugs and sockets allow electric equipment to be connected to the

primary alternating current (AC) power supply in buildings and at other sites.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Thirst for energy sources is unquenchable, but we hardly realize that we are
wasting a part of energy every day due to lagging power factor. The researcher
implement a device to prevent this kind of situation by improving the power factor. There
are many methods of improving a power factor have been proposed with the growth of
technological revolution. This thesis describes the design and development of power
factor improvement with microcontroller (Sayed, Ferdous and Shobug, 2015).
The improvement method in this device is described by synchronous condenser
instead of capacitor bank because of long life, achieve step less power factor by
changing the magnitude of current with change in excitation, faults in synchronous
condenser can be removed easily, and the motor windings offer higher thermal stability
for higher short circuit currents. But the disadvantages of this method is that the
maintenance cost is high due to rotating component, produces noise, there are losses in
the motor, at low power rating the cost is high compared to static capacitor method, and
it needs extra excitation equipment to function. This method involves continuous
measurement and monitoring the power factor and generation of required control signal
from microcontroller for controlling the DC excitation of synchronous condenser so as to
improve power factor (Sayed, Ferdous & and Shobug, 2015).
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Automatic Power Factor Controller using Pic Microcontroller

In this project, power factor correction prototype is developed using pic

microcontroller, relays, potential transformer, current transformer and zero crossing
circuit. PIC16F877A microcontroller calculate power factor and take necessary actions
based on power factor. Relay driver IC UNL2003 is connected with microcontroller and
which is used to drive relays. Microcontroller sends high signal to relay driver IC
whenever power factors falls less than 0.9. ULN2003 turn on relays which in return
connects capacitor banks with the load. First of all the phase difference between voltage
and current waveforms are measured and then power factor is calculated. In case of low
power factor capacitors are added to improve it (Malik, 2015).
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

AC Digital Multifunction Smart Meter using Arduino and PZEM- 004T

Every management system is trying to make an automatic, portable, accurate

and reliable system to for measurement. This project work presents a novel smart meter
for an automatic and superior metering, billing and warning system. The integration of
the Arduino and LCD provide the meter reading system with some automatic functions
that are predefined. The proposed energy meter system can incorporate with an
embedded microcontroller and PZEM-004T AC Digital Multifunction Meter designed by
Peacefair. PZEM-004T having the ability to measure Electrical parameters such as
voltage, current, active power and energy (Wakchaure, 2017).
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Automatic Power Factor Controller using Microcontroller

When load is connected the power factor is calculated by the PIC

microcontroller. If the calculated power factor is less than 0.9 then the relay switches on
the capacitor. The relays are switched using ULN2003 which is basically a driver IC.
ULN2003 consists of seven DARLINGTON PAIRS. The current lead in capacitor
compensates the corresponding current lag which is usually present in loads. Hence the
phase difference between the current and voltage will be reduced (Syamala, 2016).
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

GSM Based Automatic Energy Meter Reading

This paper presents the design of a simple low cost wireless GSM energy meter
and its associated web interface, for automating billing and managing the collected data
globally. The proposed system replaces traditional meter reading methods and enables
remote access of existing energy meter by the energy provider. Also they can monitor
the meter readings regularly without the person visiting each house. A GSM based
wireless communication module is integrated with electronic energy meter of each entity
to have remote access over the usage of electricity (Ashna, 2017).
CHAPTER 3

Research Methodology
Design Criteria

The following criteria were considered in the construction of the microcontroller

based power factor improvement and monitoring system.
The system was connected to 230V 60Hz power source.
The device have three direct current (DC) power supply inside one for arduino and GSM
module and LCD, one for the relay, and one for the sensor and LCD..
The microcontroller was supplied by 5V DC power source.
The power supply of the microcontroller, sensor and the relay was different.
The sensor module used is PZEM- 004T.
The housing were metal and grounded.
Design Criteria

The housing have a fan for exhaust of heat.

The capacitance of four capacitors were 12uF, 20uF, 40uF and 40uF.
GSM module used was Sim800l. The number of the recipient will be installed during the
program.
The relay module used is a 4 Channel relay.
The step correction of the device were as follow. At 230V AC, 60Hz the reactive
compensation are 240VAR, 399VAR, 780VAR, 1400VAR, 1200VAR wherein 240 VAR is
the minimum and 2000VAR is the maximum.
Parameters analyzed

The following parameters were essential for functionality of the device.

Current and voltage output of the power supply.
Current, Voltage and Active Power reading of the system
The microcontroller program data.
The amount of reactive power to be compensated.
The amount of the capacitor’s capacitance required.
Design Analysis

Reactive power

Complex power(S) composed of the Real power (P) and the Reactive power (Q).
Calculation for the amount of capacitor to be switched into the line will be determined by the
amount of reactive power needed to be compensated by the system.

Mathematically, reactive power (Q):

Q = tan (Ө) * P

Where:

Ө = cos-1(P.F.)
𝑅𝐸𝐴𝐿 𝑃𝑂𝑊𝐸𝑅(𝑃)
P.F. =
𝐴𝑃𝑃𝐴𝑅𝐸𝑁𝑇 𝑃𝑂𝑊𝐸𝑅(𝑆)
Design Analysis

Real Power (P), Vrms and Irms will be provided by the PZEM – 004T AC multi meter module. Equation
for calculation of capacitance required in a single phase electrical system.
𝑉2 𝑉2
Xc = 𝑄
= tan ⊖ ∗𝑃
;
1
C = 2𝜋𝑓𝑋𝑐

𝑃(tan ⊖ )
C= 2𝜋𝑓𝑉 2

Where:

C = Capacitance, f = Frequency, V = Voltage, P = Active Power and P.F = Power Factor.

Reactive Compensation of individual Capacitor. The following values are calculated assuming that the
voltage is at nominal value of 230VAC.
Design analysis

Equation for the calculation of Reactive Power:

Q = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 2 * 2π*(Frequency)*(Capacitance)
Capacitor 1:
C = 12uF
Q = 2302 * 2π*(60Hz)*(12*10−6 𝐹)
Q = 239.31 VAR
Capacitor 2:
C = 20uF
Q = 2302 * 2π*(60Hz)*(20*10−6 𝐹)
Q = 398.86VAR
Design analysis

Capacitor 3:
C = 40uF
Q = 2302 * 2π*(60Hz)*(40*10−6 𝐹)
Q = 797.71VAR
Capacitor 4:
C = 40uF
Q = 2302 * 2π*(60Hz)*(40*10−6 𝐹)
Q = 797.71VAR
Total Reactive Compensation = 239.31VAR + 398.86VAR + 797.71VAR + 797.71VAR
Total Reactive Compensation = 2233.59 VAR
Therefore the minimum and the maximum reactive power compensation of this device is 240VAR and
2.2KVAR respectively.
Block diagram
Flow Chart
Fabrication Design
Fabrication Design
Schematic diagram
Tools and equipment used.

Multimeter
Pliers
Soldering Iron
Soldering Lead
Soldering Pump
Wires
Electric Drill
Breadboard
Construction Procedure

1. Prepare the tools for the device.

2. Prepare the components.
3. Program the Microcontroller
4. Assemble the components together.
5. Turn on the device
6. Check each components of the device.
7. Final Test the device.
8. Use the device.
OPERATION AND TESTING PROCEDURE

The following procedures were followed for the test ‘run’ of the device:
1. Assemble the parts as designed.
2. Remove any connected Loads. Which is not a part of the system.
3. Check every module if properly connected.
4. Check the GSM if the Sim Card is inserted.
5. Final check all components.
6. Connect to the power source.
7. Upload the program in the PC and run the program.
8. See if the LCD module display the following. (Voltage, Current, Reactive power and Power
Factor).
9.Test the whole operation of the system.
OPERATION AND TESTING PROCEDURE

In testing the operation of the system, the following procedures were done,
1. Connect the system into the AC source;
2. Microcontroller will measure the voltage, current, reactive power and power factor then
displays it on LCD.;
3. If the voltage is not within the range specified in the program a SMS will be sent to the
user as well as when the power factor is not within the range specified in the program.
4. If the relays remains off because the power factor is not out of range, wait for the LCD
to update. This is indicated by brief flashing of LCD module.
5. Connect inductive load across AC power supply (Reactive Power must be greater
than 240 VAR).
OPERATION AND TESTING PROCEDURE

6. If power factor is less than 0.80 with Reactive Power greater than 240 VAR,
microcontroller will send a message to the user and turn on relays with the equivalent
amount of capacitor.
7. After the relays turn on and the capacitors connects with load, an SMS sent with the
information on improved power factor, so keep checking the power factor on LCD.
8. Microcontroller again reads power factor and displays it on LCD.
9. Now you will notice that power factor is improved.
10. The microcontroller will display it on LCD.
Evaluation procedure

A survey was made after a satisfactory result of the testing procedure using
qualitative analysis of determining the acceptability of the project. Questionnaires were
distributed to ten (10) respondent. Prior to the evaluation proceeding, a demonstration of
the operation and features of the project was conducted and captured on video camera.
Respondents were present during the said activity and were given evaluation copy.
Respondents who weren’t there during the demonstration were shown a video
containing the said demonstration.
Treatment of Data

From the data gathered, the mean (x) for each criterion was computed. Then
scoring system was employed in the scale of one (1) to five (5) with one being lowest
and five as the highest. The state criteria were scored and rated using the following
rating:
5 Very Acceptable
4 Acceptable
3 Moderately Acceptable
2 Inacceptable
1 Very Inacceptable
Treatment of Data

The mean (x) for every criterion was computed and from it, the grand mean (X) was
computed to check the overall acceptability of the project. The formula shown below was
used:
Grand Mean (X) = sum (x)/n

Where:

x = the individual mean

n = number of criteria for the evaluation

TIME TABLE
CHAPTER 4

Test and evaluation

Project Description

The Microcontroller Based Power Factor Improvement with Voltage Monitoring is

designed to be portable, and have an easy way to monitor voltage via GSM and
automatically improved the power factor. The system used the Arduino IDE to program
the microcontroller-based system to correct the low power factor by triggering-on and off
a relay depending on how much the capacitor is needed to improve the power factor.
The project used PZEM-004T to measure the voltage, current and real power.
Project Evaluation

The performance of this project was evaluated by 10 individuals. They tested the
project based on the different criteria concerned with Functionality, Reliability, Usability,
Maintainability and Efficiency. The individual scores for the following criteria were found
on Appendix for reference. The data shown below are the mean scores for each criteria
from 10 respondents. From the scale of 1 to 5 the respondents rated the device on the
following criteria.
Functionality
Reliability
Usability
Efficiency
Maintainability
Grand mean
Device Display
Data Gathered
The device with 1.5HP AC motor
The device with 1.5HP AC motor
Trials
Trials
Trials
Trials
Trials
Example of message that were received by the user.
CHAPTER 5

Conclusion and recommendation

Conclusion

The Microcontroller-Based Power Factor Improvement with Voltage Monitoring was

implemented completely. The system provided for power factor improvement and voltage monitoring in
low power factor inductive loads. Arduino UNO controller was very popular at this event, likewise it is
easy to write the program by using the high level language.

An Inductive linear load (1.5 HP motor) was tested for this system. The Voltage, Current,
Reactive power and Power factor were shown in the LCD module. The data gathered clearly shows the
benefit of using the system. The power factor of motor was improved from 0.52 to 0.85 and the current
that the motor draws were reduced to about 61% of the current drawn at lower power factor. The device
was also able to notify the user about the power factor of the inductive linear loads. The researchers
also received a notification via SMS about the voltage fluctuation of the line. However, there are times
that the message containing the value of unimproved power factor was failed to send due to no
reception of GSM. This observed weakness would be a subject for future improvement.
Conclusion

By using the device the system could raise the power factor of an electrical
system and at the same time notify the user when a voltage fluctuation occurs. This
study gave awareness to the user of the excess current drawn of the poor power factor
loads, will enable them to do necessary action in improving the power factor to minimize
the current drawn by the inductive loads.
Recommendation
Based from the aforementioned conclusions, the following recommendation were advised.

a. Improvement in the configuration of this device will be developed to suit with the different standards of any
electrical system.

b. Addition of keypad module is suggested to register the recipient of the message to improve this device for
there is a possibility that mass production of this device will become a reality in the near future.

c. Careful and calculated selection of the capacitor must be taken before the system is built for the closer the
value of reactive power consumed by the load to the reactive power compensated by the system the better the
improvement would be.

d. Since there is a possibility of flaws in the design of the device, to make precise selection of capacitor to be
triggered-on, a production of capacitor with small gap in capacitance (between the capacitance of the first
capacitor to the preceding capacitor) will be developed to have a numerous selection of capacitance.
References
References
MICROCONTROLLER BASED POWER
FACTOR IMPROVEMENT WITH VOLTAGE
MONITORING
End