Understanding Power Factor and Load Impedance

Click For Summary
Power factor is defined as the ratio of average power to apparent power, represented as cos(theta v - theta i), where theta v is the load voltage angle and theta i is the load current angle. The confusion arises in understanding how this definition relates to load impedance and why the power factor angle corresponds to the angle of the impedance. The power factor angle does not equal the impedance itself but is related to the angle between the voltage and current vectors. The angle between the impedance and resistance vectors is the same as the angle between the voltage and current vectors. Understanding these relationships clarifies the concept of power factor in electrical systems.
p75213
Messages
93
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I understand power factor is defined as (average power)/(apparent power) or cos(theta v - theta i) where theta v = load voltage and theta i = load current. Also the power factor angle is equal to the load impedance.

I don't understand how the 2 definitions of power factor equal each other or why the power factor angle equals the load impedance.

I know it's a tall order but I would appreciate it if somebody could answer these questions. Alternatively a good website or book that explains this fully.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your first statement means PF = Cos of the angle between V (the supply voltage) and the current vectors.
It does not equal the impedance but the angle between the impedance and the resistance vectors is the same as in my first sentence.
Hope this helps you to picture the vectors and the angle
 
See if this helps
FIG+5.jpe
 
This is what I was after.
 

Attachments

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K