Optimization of IoT-based monitoring system for automatic power factor correction using PZEM-004T sensor

Power factor correction (PFC) is crucial for improving energy efficiency and reducing excessive power consumption, especially in inductive loads commonly found in household and industrial environments. Conventional PFC methods often rely on manual capacitor switching, which is inefficient and impractical for real-time applications. This study proposes an IoT-based automatic power factor monitoring and correction system that dynamically adjusts the power factor using real-time data analysis. The system integrates NodeMCU ESP32 and the PZEM-004T sensor to monitor electrical parameters and automatically switch capacitors based on power factor conditions. The research follows the ADDIE approach (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation) to ensure a structured development process. Experimental results demonstrate an average power factor improvement of 48.77% and a reduction in current consumption by 39.90%, significantly enhancing energy efficiency. The system's web-based interface allows real-time monitoring with an average data transmission response time of 207.67 ms, ensuring efficient remote management. Compared to existing systems, the proposed approach eliminates manual intervention and optimizes PFC adaptively. Future research should focus on expanding system reliability, testing on larger-scale applications, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive power factor adjustments.