Understanding Reactive Power Measurement with Wattmeter Configuration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the measurement of reactive power using a wattmeter configuration, particularly in a three-phase system. Participants explore the principles behind the wattmeter's operation and its application in measuring reactive power, including the relationship between current and voltage vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the wattmeter configuration measures reactive power.
  • Another explains that the wattmeter responds to current that is in phase with voltage, detailing the relationship between current and voltage vectors in terms of power factor.
  • A participant provides a mathematical representation of the wattmeter's output, relating it to reactive power in a three-phase balanced system.
  • There is a suggestion that the wattmeter reading must be multiplied by √3 to obtain the three-phase reactive power.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the operation of the wattmeter in measuring reactive power, with some explanations being clarified and others remaining contested. No consensus is reached on the exact methodology or implications of the measurements.

Contextual Notes

Some mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the phase relationships and power factor are not fully resolved, leaving room for interpretation and further discussion.

mnada
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Does anybody understand how this wattmeter configuration is measuring reactive power?

One%20Wattmeter.jpg


Thanks
 
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The wattmeter responds to current that is in phase with the voltage.
In your picture, The reference voltage is Y-B. (picture this vector as horizontal, the base of the delta
triangle). The current is from phase R. Its vector would be vertical or at 90 deg to the voltage vector.
If the power factor is 1.00, then the vector representing current would remain at 90 deg in relation to the voltage vector. As the power factor decreases however, the current vector rotates right or left (inductive or capacitive) and comes closer to being in phase with the voltage vector. As it does, the meter begins to respond. It will measure and display VAr. This is common and has practical application in the electrical power industry.
 
Thank you very much, your explanation is crystal clear, and helped me so.
Again, thank you.
 
That varmeter regarding to special connection is a wattmeter inherently, and we can write:

P = K1. VYB . IR . COS ø (output of measurement device)

VYB = √3.VR< 90˚ (In three phase balance system)

P = K1. √3.VR . IR . COS (ø - п/2) = K2. VR . IR . Sin ø

If K2 = 3 we can write:

P = 3. VR . IR . Sin ø = Q3PH

--------------------------------
Creative thinking is breezy, Then think about your surrounding things and other thought products. http://electrical-riddles.com
 
Another excellent Explanation. Thanks
 
you need to multiply \sqrt{3} to the wattmeter reading to get 3-phase reactive power...
 

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