Calculating Power Lost in a Resistor (within Transformer Circuit)

In summary: So basically, resistors don't dissipate reactive power, just active power?Yes, that is correct. Resistors don't dissipate reactive power, just active power.
  • #1
Master1022
611
117
Homework Statement
Calculate the power lost via copper loss and iron loss?
Relevant Equations
[itex]P = IV = I^2 R [/itex]
Hi,

I have a simple question that I don't have a fundamental understanding of: do resistors dissipate reactive power (in addition to active power)?

For context, when we are looking at a transformer (single phase) equivalent circuit (similar to the one in the image attached), we are asked to find the copper loss (power dissipated in [itex] R_2 = 0.05 \Omega [/itex]) and the iron loss (power dissipated in [itex] R_0 [/itex] in the primary). From earlier parts of my homework question, we find the phasor diagrams to be: (in the attached images)

IMG_9278.jpg

Scannable Document on 22 Jul 2020 at 20_44_28.png
IMG_9277.jpg


We know that the secondary current [itex] I_2 [/itex] is lagging behind [itex] V_2 [/itex]. [itex] P_{R_2} = |I_2|^2 R_2 [/itex] is used even though there is a phase difference. Why is this the case - doesn't this include reactive power as well as active power?

Also, when finding the iron loss, we use the formula [itex] P_{R_0} = |I_m||V_1| cos(\phi) [/itex], where [itex] \phi [/itex] is the power factor.

I can't seem to understand why these formulae are accounting for complex parts of the power as well (or maybe I am misunderstanding them?).

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Master1022 said:
We know that the secondary current ##I_2## is lagging behind V_2. ##P_{R_2}=|I_2|^2R_2## is used even though there is a phase difference. Why is this the case - doesn't this include reactive power as well as active power?
##I_2## is not lagging behind the voltage over ##R_2##, which -- of course -- is ##I_2R_2##
 
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  • #3
BvU said:
##I_2## is not lagging behind the voltage over ##R_2##, which -- of course -- is ##I_2R_2##
Thank you very much for your fast reply. Yes, that makes sense to me. How about the core loss? The diagram on the web-page has slightly different labeling (as you have probably picked up), such that [itex] I_m [/itex] is defined to be the sum of the currents going into the parallel components. Doesn't [itex] IVcos(\phi) [/itex] project [itex] I_m [/itex] (as defined in my image) onto [itex] V_1 [/itex], which has imaginary components? Why isn't there another projection onto the real axis (i.e. using a cos(1.313 degrees)) ?
 
  • #4
o0) Confused -- don't remember your circuit diagram being there when I replied.

Master1022 said:
##V_1##, which has imaginary components
Seems it does. What's the full problem statement ?
 
  • #5
BvU said:
o0) Confused -- don't remember your circuit diagram being there when I replied.

Seems it does. What's the full problem statement ?
Sorry, it wasn't - I edited the post recently to include it in order to avoid future confusion when referring to variable names. The original problem overall was:
"A single phase 11kV to 240V transformer is "rated" as 20 kVA. Its magnetising current is 75 mA lagging the supply voltage by 82 degrees. X is 0.12 [itex] \Omega [/itex] and R is 0.05 [itex] \Omega [/itex], both referenced to the secondary. " This final part is about calculating the efficiency and we need the aforementioned power losses.

However, upon second thought, it seems wrong for me to suggest the complex nature of the voltage [itex] V_1 [/itex] as all the phasors are drawn relative to [itex] V_2 [/itex], which was probably chosen as there was an intermediate question voltages at the secondary terminals (and comparing it to our theoretical expectation of 240 V). Therefore, that arbitrary choice of phasor drawing shouldn't change the physics of the power dissipated, it should always be IVcos([itex] \phi [/itex]) between the respective current and voltage. I am not sure if I have conveyed that thought in the most comprehensible manner, please let me know if that doesn't make sense (or if it is incorrect).
 
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What is power loss in a resistor?

Power loss in a resistor refers to the amount of energy that is dissipated as heat when an electric current passes through the resistor. This energy is lost and cannot be used for any useful work.

How is power loss calculated in a resistor?

Power loss in a resistor can be calculated using the formula P = I^2 * R, where P is power loss in watts, I is the current in amps, and R is the resistance in ohms.

Why is power loss important in a transformer circuit?

Power loss is important in a transformer circuit because it affects the efficiency of the circuit. The more power lost in a resistor, the less efficient the circuit will be in transferring electrical energy.

What factors can affect power loss in a resistor?

The main factor that affects power loss in a resistor is the resistance of the resistor itself. The higher the resistance, the more power will be lost. Other factors that can affect power loss include the current flowing through the resistor and the temperature of the resistor.

How can power loss in a resistor be reduced?

Power loss in a resistor can be reduced by using a resistor with a lower resistance, which will result in less power being dissipated as heat. Additionally, using a larger resistor can also help reduce power loss, as it can handle higher currents without heating up as much.

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