Design of a Power Factor Measurement System for Nonlinear Load

Abstract

This paper introduces and develops an efficient method for measuring power factor (PF) and its nature under nonlinear load current situations. The method is based on generating a pulse width modulated signal whose width correlates to the value of PF. This signal can then be employed as a feedback signal for controlling PF related power quantities in a system. This method has the advantages of its simple implementation, less computational complexity, and its allowable error of less than 4[%], which is justified by the computer simulation results.