A PWM-based scheme for Power Factor Correction

Power Factor Correction (PFC) is a technique to compensate the unwanted effects of reactive loads that make the power factor less than unity. The technique described in this paper clearly apparent as a simple and cost effective power factor (PF) measurement and correction scheme by using Programmable Interface Circuit (PIC) microcontroller. This system is especially applicable for industries and multi-storied buildings. The proposed design has the ability to sense power factor effectively and by using proper algorithm sufficient capacitors are switched on in order to compensate the reactive power. A preferred embodiment also includes a LCD display to show the lead-lag power factor and the number of capacitor banks that are switched on. The circuit in this design has been implemented and tested in the laboratory.