Power Factor Proof: Avoid Poor PF < 0.8

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physics97
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Homework Statement


Hi guys, I am having trouble with my homework, it states to generalise the circumstances required to avoid a poor power factor (assumed to be less then 0.8) of a circuit, this generalisation must then be proved. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Homework Equations


Power Factor = Real Power / Apparent Power
Real Power = I^2*R
Apparent Power = I^2*Z
Z=sqrt(R^2+(Xl-Xc)
Where:
R is resistor
Xl is inductor
Xc is capacitor
in ohms

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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mfb said:
What happens if you use your equations to express the power factor with R, Xl and Xc?
Simplifies down to:
PF = R / sqrt(R^2+(xl-xc)^2) ?
 
Getting to the point where this is urgent, anyone able to help?
 
SteamKing said:
How do you make the value of the apparent power approach the value of the real power?
When Xl=Xc the power factor is equal to 1 (easily proven), so i suppose that as Xl-Xc approaches zero, the apparent power approaches the value of the real power. My problem is I am truly stumped on how i could prove it, any suggestions?
 
physics97 said:

Homework Statement


Hi guys, I am having trouble with my homework, it states to generalise the circumstances required to avoid a poor power factor (assumed to be less then 0.8) of a circuit, this generalisation must then be proved. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Homework Equations


Power Factor = Real Power / Apparent Power
Real Power = I^2*R
Apparent Power = I^2*Z
Z=sqrt(R^2+(Xl-Xc)
Where:
R is resistor
Xl is inductor
Xc is capacitor
in ohms

The Attempt at a Solution


Error in an equation * Z=sqrt((R^2)+((Xl-Xc)^2))
 
physics97 said:
When Xl=Xc the power factor is equal to 1 (easily proven), so i suppose that as Xl-Xc approaches zero, the apparent power approaches the value of the real power. My problem is I am truly stumped on how i could prove it, any suggestions?

Didn't you just prove it? I think even EEs must accept a mathematical proof as sufficient.
 
SteamKing said:
Didn't you just prove it? I think even EEs must accept a mathematical proof as sufficient.

Thanks for your help mate, greatly appreciated