Development of an Optimal Control Strategy of Three Phase Power Factor Correction System

The efficient provision of electric power is regarded as a critical issue for both energy suppliers and customers. The power factor, as a measure of system efficiency, is essential for minimizing energy losses and ensuring reliable power output. An insufficient power factor, primarily caused by elevated inductive loads, results in increased line currents, heightened power losses, and significant voltage drops, hence reducing system reliability and inflating energy costs. To address this, power factor correction techniques are typically employed, mostly including the integration of capacitive loads to counteract inductive effects. This study investigates the development of a three-phase power factor correction panel utilizing an ideal methodology to achieve designated power factor levels. The primary objective of this study is to develop a three-phase automatic power factor correction system that employs an optimization method to determine the optimal capacitor combination to improve the power factor to a reference-defined level. The general modified optimization method reduces the operation of switching contactors by a minimum of four times, up to the third dynamic power factor correction, compared to the staged approach (which entails checks and adjustments). Additionally, it reduces transients by the implementation of different operational strategies for the insertion or removal of capacitors, hence improving accuracy and stability while maintaining both within acceptable parameters.