A microprocessor-based adaptive power factor corrector for nonlinear loads

A microprocessor-based adaptive power factor corrector for poor power factor (linear or nonlinear) loads is introduced. The system power factor is measured by the microprocessor and compared with a predetermined reference value. Accordingly, the microprocessor adjusts the power factor to get the predetermined value. This is achieved by controlling the firing angle of a thyristorized static VAR (volt-ampere reactive) compensator through microcomputer software. The system power factor is measured by the microprocessor at every supply cycle, and the above sequence is repeated. The proposed scheme achieves both accurate measurement and adjustment of the system power factor