Complex power/power factor calculations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around complex power calculations in an electrical system, specifically addressing the relationship between real power (P), reactive power (Q), and power factor. The user seeks clarification on whether the first load, given in kW, can be assumed to be purely resistive and how to express the complex power of the second load in rectangular form. They also inquire about defining system power and whether it can be calculated by summing the complex powers of all loads. Additionally, the user explores methods to find the current through a specific impedance using total complex power and applying Kirchhoff's laws. Overall, the thread highlights the complexities of understanding and calculating power in AC circuits.
i_am_stupid
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


(old exam question attached)

Homework Equations


Complex power: S = VI* / 2 = P + jQ where P is the average power and Q is the reactive power
Magnitude of complex power |S| = Vmax*Imax/2
V = ZI

The Attempt at a Solution


We can calculate θv - θi for each load by using arccos(power factor).

arccos 0.8 = 36.86 degrees
arccos 0.75 = 41.4 degrees

Because I'm fairly new to these types of problems I need to make sure I'm understanding this correctly before I can go any further:

- The first load is given in kW and the other is given in kVA. Does this mean that we can assume that the first load is purely resistive?
- Can I go ahead and express the complex power of the second load as 40/_41.4 -> 7.5 + 6.6j?

I'm thinking that the answers to these questions will indicate what I should do next.

Regarding part b), how exactly is system power defined? Is it the sum of the power delivered to all of the elements? If so, could I simply add the complex power delivered to the impedance Zs to the complex power delivered to both loads?

Thanks for any help you guys can offer!

EDIT: I just realized I have enough information to calculate the current flowing through the kVA load using S = VI* / 2. Alone, this doesn't help much, but by following a similar procedure for the first load (after determining what the complex power is, exactly) I can apply KCL and determine the current through the branch with the impedance (i1 + i2 = i3).

EDIT 2: Another thought - could I find the current through the impedance directly by using the complex power delivered to both loads as Stotal = S1 + S2 = 40 + (7.5 + 6.6j) and S = VI* / 2? This would solve part a), after finding the voltage of the impedance Zs and using KVL in the leftmost mesh.
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2012-07-26 at 1.40.23 PM.jpg
    Screen Shot 2012-07-26 at 1.40.23 PM.jpg
    30.6 KB · Views: 675
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
First load is not pure resisitive as power factor is not 1:
\begin{cases}P_1=40\,kW\\PF=0.8\end{cases} \Rightarrow Q_1=P_1\frac{\sqrt{1-(PF)^2}}{PF}=30\,kVA\\<br /> \begin{cases}Q_2=40\,kVA\\PF=0.75\end{cases} \Rightarrow P_2=Q_2\frac{PF}{\sqrt{1-(PF)^2}}=\frac{120}{\sqrt{7}}\,kW<br />

I think V=220\angle 0 means V_{rms}=220 not V_{max}=220 so S=VI^*
 
Back
Top