Design Of Energy Monitoring Device With Remote Access Functionality For Power Factor Correction And Disconnecting Capability In A Convenience Outlet

Abstract

Power factor correction is crucial in optimizing energy efficiency in electrical systems, including residential and low-voltage environments. Even though residential settings and low- voltage systems may not be as prevalent as industrial applications, understanding and implementing power factor correction measures can still provide valuable information. Capacitor Switching is one power factor correction approach that can increase power factor, lessen reactive power losses, and alleviate the impacts of inductive loads. In low-voltage and domestic settings, this may result in an improvement in the overall system performance. This study introduces the design of an energy monitoring device with remote access functionality for power factor correction and disconnecting capability in a convenience outlet. The system has features such as real-time energy monitoring, power factor correction, and remote disconnecting of appliances through an Android application. This prototype uses a microcontroller, power analyzer, Bluetooth module, relays, and capacitors. It calculates the required capacitance to correct the power factor of a system. The research results based on the actual and corrected power factors showed no significant difference in values using a t-test. The study shows a system with Remote Access Functionality and Disconnecting Capability.