A Scalable Power Factor Controller for Low-Voltage Distribution System

摘要

This paper proposes a single phase scalable power factor controller (PFC) to support reactive power in distribution power system. The controller calculates power factor (PF) of a system directly by taking data from the distribution line. Considering the power factor deficit, capacitors of different values are connected to the line to improve the power factor. The line data is sensed and processed with the help of instrument transformers and zero crossing detectors. Further, the processed data are fed to a microcontroller which calculates the load power factor of the system. Capacitors of appropriate size are then connected to the line to support the reactive power. The performance of the PFC model is verified by simulation results, and its effectiveness is investigated on residential loads in distribution power system. The results show that the system is capable of maintaining power factor at an optimum level. Moreover, it reduces the power losses, and compensate reactive power in the distribution power system.