Design of PLC-Based Var Compensator Modules

Authors

  • Rikki Fernando Napitupulu Politeknik Caltex Riau

Abstract

Poor power factor leads to increased reactive power. The increased reactive power causes additional power losses and costs. To overcome this, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based VAR compensator module was designed. This tool is used to improve the power factor and as a teaching module on power factor compensation. The method used is to compare the power factor when the load is installed with the standard power factor, namely 0.85 - 1. The power factor reading is done with the PZEM-004T sensor and the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) as the controller and Somachine software as the ladder programmer. If the power factor is less than 0.85, the VAR compensator works manually by pressing a push button that is connected to the capacitor group to the power grid. Power factor compensation stops manually when the power factor approaches 1. With the addition of capacitors, the power factor can be improved so that reactive power and current consumed by the load are reduced.

Published

2021-03-12

Issue

Section

Artikel