Engineering RLC series circuit: Determine C so that P.F.=X

AI Thread Summary
To adjust a circuit's power factor from 0.6 to 0.8, the necessary capacitor value can be calculated using the inductive reactance (XL) and resistance (R). The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the relationships between power (P), reactive power (Q), and apparent power (S) in the context of power factor correction. The participants emphasize the need for a clear understanding of these concepts, including the use of a power triangle diagram for better visualization. Ultimately, a capacitor value of 2.422 µF is identified as the solution for achieving the desired power factor. The conversation underscores the significance of theoretical knowledge in practical circuit adjustments.
EVriderDK
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Hey.

If a a circuit is too inductive, and has a power factor of 0.6, how would i find a capacitor in series or parallel that would give a power factor of 0.8?

I think that i could do it with 3 equations and 3 unkowns like this:

1: Q=XL*I^2
Z=X*I^2
2: tan(P/Q)=\varphi
tan(P/Z)=Y
3: cos(Y)=0.8

Then solve for X and Y and Z?

Please help.
 
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EV,

What are your knowns? R? L? Frequency? What?

Ratch
 
I found out. See pic :)
 

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  • PFC.jpg
    PFC.jpg
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EV,

What is L? What is R? How about a phasor diagram.

Ratch
 
Ratch

L is the size of the inductor (self inductance), and R is the size of the resistor (resistance)

L would be L=(Q/(I^2))/(2*∏*f) Where Q/(I^2) = X_L the inductive reactance
R would be P/(I^2)
 
Last edited:
EV,

So if you know the inductive reactance Xl, and the resistance R, and they compute to a power factor of 0.6, can you firgure out what the reduction in inductive reactance should be to get a 0.8 power factor?

Ratch
 
Well, when XL change, Q change, and when R change, P change, so that should be possible.

I cannot see how though.
 
EV,

Installing a compensating cap does not change R. I think you need to study the theory behind the power factor some more.

Ratch
 
Ratch.

I know, as you can see in the picture. P stays the same.

If P does not change, then R does not change.
 
  • #10
EV,

I know, as you can see in the picture. P stays the same.

What picture?

If P does not change, then R does not change.

What is P, the apparent power?

Ratch
 
  • #11
PFC.jpg in #3

No. S is apparent, Q is reactive and P is the effective
 
  • #12
EVriderDK said:
PFC.jpg in #3

No. S is apparent, Q is reactive and P is the effective
Here's the figure !

attachment.php?attachmentid=48504&d=1340232919.jpg
 
  • #13
EV,

A power triangle diagram would have been nice. I just noticed, the page you referenced gives the solution you want. C = 2.422 uf in the lower right corner. What else do you want to know?

Ratch
 
  • #14
Ratch said:
EV,

A power triangle diagram would have been nice. I just noticed, the page you referenced gives the solution you want. C = 2.422 uf in the lower right corner. What else do you want to know?

Ratch

Nothing. As i wrote, i found out :)
 
  • #15
SammyS,

Call it a figure if you wish. That is a list of values for a bunch of undefined quantities. It wasn't until he explained which quantities defined the power triangle that I understood how everything was related, and the answer was already present.

Ratch
 
  • #16
Ratch said:
SammyS,

Call it a figure if you wish. That is a list of values for a bunch of undefined quantities. It wasn't until he explained which quantities defined the power triangle that I understood how everything was related, and the answer was already present.

Ratch

Sorry, thourght P, Q and S was standard.
 

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