Design and Implementation of IoT-Enabled Reactive Power Management for Smart Distribution Networks

Reactive power management is a critical aspect of electrical power distribution systems, as it directly affects voltage stability, power quality, and system losses. Poor reactive power control can lead to voltage drops, increased line losses, and reduced efficiency of electrical equipment. Conventional reactive power compensation techniques, such as fixed capacitor banks and manual switching, are often slow to respond to dynamic load variations and lack real-time monitoring capabilities. This paper presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-based reactive power monitoring and control system designed to improve power factor and voltage regulation in low- and medium-voltage distribution networks. The proposed system employs smart voltage and current sensors installed at key locations of a three-phase distribution feeder. Real-time electrical parameters are collected and transmitted wirelessly to a centralized control platform, where reactive power requirements are calculated continuously. Based on predefined control logic, capacitor banks are automatically switched to maintain the desired power factor range. Experimental analysis using real-time operational data demonstrates that the IoT-based approach enhances power factor by approximately 7–10%, reduces voltage fluctuations, and lowers distribution losses. The results indicate that low-cost IoT technologies can provide an effective, scalable, and economical solution for modern reactive power management in smart grids.