Development of a Low-Cost Power Quality Analyzer using Digital Signal Processing Techniques

The issues related to voltage and current quality are one of the main challenges faced by industrial consumers as well as distributors. The power quality is analyzed using a DSP-based controller when a non-linear load is connected across a source. This eliminates the use of a power quality analyzer thereby reducing the cost. The work focuses on calculating power factor, apparent power, real power, total power, and THD (Total Harmonic Distortion in %) from the sensed voltage and current. The control logic used for this is very simple and efficient in determining the measures related to power quality. The hardware implementation of the proposed controller is done using an Arduino board. The focus is given on the calculation of the % THD and power parameters which helps the individual user to understand the disturbances and power loss occurring at the load side and initiate the corrective action immediately.