Module 2:AC Fundamentals & Three phase circuits

Alternating voltage may be generated by rotating a coil in a magnetic field as shown in fig(a)
and Alternating voltage is generated by rotating a magnetic field within a stationary coil as
shown in fig b

The value of the voltage generated depends, in each case, upon the number of turns in the
coil, strength of the field and the speed at which the coil or magnetic flux rotates.

Alternating voltage may be generated in either of the two ways shown above, but rotating
field method is the one which is mostly used in practice.

Consider a rectangular coil, having N turns and rotating in a uniform magnetic field, with an
angular velocity of ω radian/second, as shown in fig

Let the time is measured from X-axis, Maximum flux ɸm is linked with the coil, when its
plane coincides with the x-axis

In time t seconds, this coil rotates through an angle ɵ = ω*t

In this deflected position, the component of the flux, which is perpendicular to the plane of
the coil is ɸ= ɸm *Cos ω*t

Hence, Flux linkages of the coil at any time are N ɸ = N ɸm *Cos ω*t
According to faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction, the emf induced in the coil is
given by the rate of change of flux-linkages of the coil

Hence, the value of the induced e.m.f at this instant or instantaneous value of the induced
e.m.f is

e = - d(N*ɸ)dt volt = -Nd( ɸm *Cos ω*t)dt = -N ɸm ω* (-Sin ω*t) Volt

= N ɸm ω* Sin (ω*t) =N ɸm ω* Sin (ɵ) .........(i)

When the coil has turned through 90degree, then Sin ɵ = 1, hence e has maximum value, say
Em From the above equation, we get

Em= ωN ɸm sin ɵ = ω N ɸm = 2π f N Bm A volt

Where Bm=maximum flux density in Wb/m2

A = area of the coil in m2

F= frequency of rotation of the coil in rev/second

Substituting this value of Em in equation (i) ,we get

e = Em* Sin ɵ = Em* Sin ωt

Equations of ac voltages and currents

Note : The voltage and current in d.c system are constant so that there is no problem of
specifying their magnitudes. Where as, in ac system, the alternating voltage and current vary
from instant. So the question arises how to express the magnitude of alternating voltage and
current.

The following three ways are adopted to express the magnitude of these quantities:

Peak value

Average value or Mean value

Effective value or R.M.S value

There exists a definite relation among the average value, r.m.s value and peak value of an
alternating quantity.

The relationship is expressed by the two factors namely form factor and peak factor.
Frequency of the alternating quantity

Frequency : The number of cycles per second is called the Frequency of the alternating
quantity. It is measured in hertz (Hz).

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Root-Mean-Square (RMS):

The r.m.s value of an alternating current is given by that steady(d.c) current which when
flowing through a given circuit for a given time produces the same heat as produced by the
alternating current when flowing through the same circuit for the same time.

It is also known as the effective or virtual value of the alternating current, the former term
being used more extensively.

The standard form of a sinusoidal alternating current i=ImSin(ωt) = ImSinɵ

The mean of the squares of the instantaneous values of current over one complete cycle is
I(r.m.s) = Im √2 = 0.707 Im

Root-Mean-Square (RMS) value and derive the equation for the rms:
Average value:

The average value of Ia of an alternating current is expressed by that steady current which
transfers across any circuit the same charge as is transferred by that alternating current during
the same time

Iav= Im/(π/2) = 0.637 Im

Therefore the average value of current

= 0.637 * maximum value

R. M.S value is greater than average value except in the case of a rectangular wave when
both are equal.

Average value and derive the equation for the Average value
Form factor & its value for sinusoidal ac quantity

There exists a definite relation among the average value, r.m.s value and peak value of an
alternating quantity. The relationship is expressed by the two factors namely form factor and
peak factor.

Form factor is defined as the ratio of the r.m.s value of the alternating currents to the average
value of the alternating current.

Form factor helps in calculating the hysteresis loss for different waveforms.

An ac magnetising current with higher form factor produces higher hysteresis loss per cycle.

Form factor is denoted by Kf

Kf = r.m.s value/average value

Kf = 0.707Im/0.637 Im = 1.11

Peak factor and its value for sinusoidal ac quantity

Peak factor is also called as Amplitude and is defined as the ratio of the maximum value of
the alternating current to the r.m.s value of the alternating current
The Peak factor of an ac voltage assumes importance while testing the dielectric insulation,
since the dielectric stress produced depends on the maximum or peak value of the voltage and
not on the rms value.

Peak factor is denoted by Ka and it is given by

Ka = maximum value/r.m.s value

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Phasor representation of AC signals

Phasor Diagram is a diagram containing the phasors of inter-related sinusoidal voltages and
currents, with their phase differences indicated.

Fig a:Rotating voltage current phasors Fig b:Waveforms produced

Fig a is a phasor diagram showing the amplitudes and phasor relationship of voltage and
current.The time waveforms are shown on Fig b. Which convey the same information about
the voltage and current.i,e I lags V. Drawing the phasor diagram needs much less efforts than
drawing the time varying waveforms. Phase of the two sine waves can be compared only if
Both have the same frequency. Both are written with positive amplitudes. Both are written as
sine functions, or as cosine functions

Problem solving: AC –RMS and Average Value

1. Calculate the rms value, average value, peak factor and form factor of sinusoidal voltage of
maximum value of 100 V?
2.An emf is given by : e = (170 sin 314 t) V, find (a) rms value (b) maximum value (c)
Frequency (d) radian through which vector has gone when t=0.001 s

Solution :

3.An alternating current is mathematically expressed as v=141.42 sin(157.08 t+pi/12) volts.

Find (a) effective value (b) frequency (c) periodic time

Solution :

4.The waveform of a voltage is non-sinusoidal having a form factor of 1.15 and a peak factor
of 1.4. The peak value of the voltage is 322 V. Find(a) rms value and (b) average value of
the voltage


Voltage and current in a purely resistive circuit are in phase.

Consider a simple circuit consisting of a pure resistance ‘R’ ohms connected across a voltage
v=Vmsin ∞t.
The circuit is shown in the fig .

According to Ohm’s law, we can find the equation for the current I as,
v Vm sin ѡ t
i= =
R R
i.e. i=
Vm
R ( )
sin (ѡ t)
The value of current will be Max when ɷt = 90 or sin (ɷt) =1

Hence Vm /R = Im
therefore i = Im sin (ɷt)

This is the equation giving instantaneous value of the current.

comparing i w.r.t to V

i,e v= vm sin (ɷt)

&
i = Im sin (ɷt)
we find,
ɸ = 0, it indicates that it is in phase with the voltage applied.

The waveforms of voltage and current and the corresponding phasor diagram is shown in the figure
 A.C. through purely resistive circuit

Power equation : ( for resistor )

The instantaneous power in a.c. circuits can be obtained by taking product of the
instantaneous values of current and voltage.
Vm ℑ
P = v x i = Vm sin(⍵ t)xIm sin ⍵ t = V m I m Sin2 ( ⍵ t) = (1 - cos 2 ⍵ t)
2
Vm ℑ Vm ℑ
P= - cos(2 ⍵ t)
2 2
From the above equation, it is clear that the instantaneous power consists of two components,
1)Constant power component ( Vm ℑ
2 )
2)Fluctuating component [ Vm ℑ
2 ]
cos (2 ⍵t) having frequency, double the

frequency of applied voltage.

The average value of the fluctuating cosine component of double frequency is zero,over one
complete cycle.
So, average power consumption over one cycle is equal to the constant power component i.e.
Vm ℑ
which is half of the power Vm Im
2
Vm ℑ Vm Vm Vm
Pav = = . = i.e. Pav = V x I watts = I2 R watts
2 √2 √2 √2

In a purely inductive circuit the current lags voltage by 90 0.Also prove that its power
consumption is Zero.

Consider a pure inductance of L henries, connected across a voltage given by the

equation,v=Vm sinwt as shown in figure shown in Q.2.1.
When alternating current ‘I’ flows through inductance ‘L’, it sets up an alternating
magnetic field around the inductance.

Fig Q.2.1 Purely inductive circuit

This changing flux links the coil and due to self inductance, e.m.f. gets induced in the coil.
The e.m.f. opposes the applied voltage.

The self induced e.m.f. in the coil is given by. E=-Ldi/dt .

At all instants, applied voltage, v is equal and opposite to the self induced e.m.f. ,e.

v = -e = - − L ( di
dt )
di di Vm
v=L i.e. Vm sin ⍵ t = L i.e. di = sin ⍵ t dt
dt dt L

i = ∫ di = ∫
Vm
L
sin ⍵ t dt =
L ⍵(
Vm −cos ⍵ t
)

=-
Vm
⍵L
sin
π
2
−⍵ t ( ) ( π2 −⍵ t )
...cos⍵ t = sin

i= -
Vm
⍵L
sin ⍵ t
π
2 ( ) ( π2 −⍵ t )=-sin(⍵ t − π2 )
...sin

(
i = Imsin ⍵ t −
π
2)where Im =
Vm
⍵L
= =Vm/XL = 2πfLΩ

The above equation clearly shows that the current is purely sinusoidal and having phase angle
of - radius i.e. -900. This means that the current lags voltage applied by 900.

The Fig Q.2.2 shows the waveforms and the corresponding phasor diagram.

The expression for the instantaneous power can be obtained by taking the product of
instantaneous voltage and current.

p = v x i = Vm sin⍵t x Im sin ⍵ t −
π
2 ( )
 Fig. Q.2.2. A.C. through purely inductive circuit
= - Vm Im sin(⍵t) cos(⍵t) ( π
)
as sin ⍵ t − = -cos ⍵t
2

Vm ℑ
p=- sin(2 ⍵t) as 2 sin ⍵t cos⍵t =sin 2⍵t
2
This power curve is a sine of frequency double than of applied voltage.

This average value of sine curve over a complete cycle is always zero.
2π
Vm ℑ
Pav = ∫ ❑- sin(2⍵t ) d (⍵t)=0
0
2
Pure inductance never consumes power.

Fig.Q.3.1 Waveforms of voltage, current and power for pure L

Explaination of phase relation between voltage and current in a purely capacitive

circuit with waveforms.

Consider a simple circuit consisting of a pure capacitor of C- farads, connected across a

voltage given by the equation, v = Vm sin ∞ t. The circuit is shown in the Fig.5.17.1.

The current I charges the capacitor C. The instantaneous charge ‘q’ on the plates of the
capacitor is given by,q= C v = C Vm sin ∞ t.

Current is rate of flow of charge.

Power consumed by the pure capacitor circuit is zero. Voltage, current and power
waveform.
Expression for current in R-L series circuit when supplied by a voltage
v(t) = Vm sin ɷt with phasor diagram.
Prove that the average power in RL series circuit is P = VI cosØ where Ø is the power
factor angle.
Expression for impedance, phase angle & power for series RLC circuit energized by
sinusoidal voltage.
From voltage triangle

So if V =Vmsinɷt,then i=Imsin(ɷt+Ø)current leads voltage by angle Ø

Problems

1.A 318 µF capacitor is connected across a 230 volts, 50HZ system. Determine (i) the
capacitive reactance (ii) R.M.S value of current and (iii) equations for voltage and current.

2.A series RL circuit takes 384 W at a power factor of 0.8 from a 120V,50HZ supply.
calculate the values of R and L.
Now, XL=2πfL=18

L=18/2π x60=0.047 H.

3. An inductor coil is connected to supply of 250 V at 50 HZ and takes the current of 5A.the
coil dissipate 750W.calculate power factor, resistance and inductance of the coil.

Assignment

Derive the expression for current drawn and power consumed by a circuit consisting of
RCand C connected in series across V = Vmsin ɷt supply

Explaination of true power, reactive power, apparent power, power factor.

True power is defined as the product of the applied voltage and the active component of the
current P=VI cos Ø watts. Apparent power (S) is defined as the product of RMS value of
voltage (V) and current(I). It is denoted by .S=VI (VA). Reactive power is defined as product
of the applied voltage and reactive component of the current. Q=VI sin Ø (VAR).

Power factor (cos Ø):It is the ratio of true power to apparent power. It is the factor which
decides the true power consumption in the circuit.It is the ratio of resistance to the
impedance.It cannot be greater than 1.
Active power, reactive power, and apparent power.

Ans: If we multiply voltage equation of R-L series circuit by current I,we get power equation.

VI

Power factor and its significance in ac circuit.

Introduction to J-operator :
vector OE is described by stating that its horizontal component is ‘ a ‘and vertical component is
‘b’.instead it can be expressed symbolically i,e E=a±jb. This representation is called “ rectangular form “
or “complex form”,where j is an operator, which indicates that b component is perpendicular to ‘a’.

Significance of operator j: j indicate the counter clockwise rotation of a vector through 90 0.it is
assigned a value of √-1.

w.k.t 1. E=a±jb……………………………………(1)

2. RL circuit phasor diagram RC circuit phasor diagram

fig 1 fig 2

3. impedance triangle of RL circuit impedance triangle of RC circuit

Referring to impedance triangle of RL & RC circuit & and substituting same in equation 1, we
get Z=R±jx where +j is for inductance and –j is for capacitance.

i,e
Problem solving

1. A circuit consists of a resistance of 10Ω, inductance of 16mH and a capacitance of 150µF

connected in series. A supply of 100V at 50 HZ is given to the circuit. Find the current, pf
and power consumed by the circuit .Draw the vector diagram.
2. A voltage e=100 sin 314t is applied to the circuit consisting of 80µF capacitor in series
with 25Ω resistor. Determine current and power factor in the circuit and also find voltage
across the capacitor when current is half of its maximum value.

3.A series circuit with a resistor of 100Ω, capacitor of 25µF and inductance of 0.15 H is
connected across 220V, 50 Hz supply. Calculate impedance, current, power, and Pf of circuit.
4. Given v=200sin377t volts and i=8 sin(377t-300)amps for an ac circuit determine: i) power
factor ii) True power iii) Apparent power iv)reactive power.

Assignment:

Two circuits A and B are connected in parallel across 200V, 50HZ supply circuit. A consists
of 10Ω resistance and 0.12H inductance in series while circuit B consists of 20Ω resistance in
series with 40µF capacitor. calculate i) current in each branch ii) supply current iii) total
power factor.

Session name-2.4: Problems on R-L, R-C, R-L-C with J operator.

Duration: 60 minutes.

Learning Objective:
1. Analyse R-L, R-C , R-L-C circuits with phasor diagram using j operator
(Application)

1. An alternating voltage of(160+j120)V is applied to a circuit and the current is

given by (6+j8)A. Find the values of element of the circuit assuming 50 Hz
frequency, power factor of the circuit power consumed.

2.An alternating voltage (80+j60)V is applied to a circuit and the current flowing is

(-4+j10)A. find :i) The impedance of the circuit .ii)the phase angle iii)power consumed.
3.Two impedances Z1=150-j157Ω and Z2=100+j110Ω are connected in parallel
across 200V, 50Hz supply .Find the i) branch currents ii) total current iii) total
power iv) draw the vector diagram.
4. In the 4.arrangement shown in fig1 below calculate the impedance of AB and
the phase angle between voltage and current .Also calculate the total power
consumed if the applied voltage between A and B is 200 at an angle of 300 volts
5. The circuit shown in the Fig.1 is operating at ɷ=50 rad/sec. Construct two phasor diagrams
one for 3 voltages and other for 3 currents
Session name-2.5: Three Phase circuits

Duration: 60 minutes.

Learning Objective:

1. Explain three phase circuits.(comprehension)

2. Advantages of three phase circuits.(comprehension)
3. Explain generation of three phase circuits.(comprehension)
4. Explain three-phase balanced circuits.(comprehension)
Introduction

Three phase circuits.

Phase means branch, circuit or winding. In a three phase supply system, there are three
voltages with a same magnitude and frequency but having a phase difference of 360 0/3=1200
between them, such a supply system is called three phase system.

Alternator consisting of one group of coils on armature produces one alternating voltage. But
if armature coils are divided into three groups such that they are displaced by the angle 120 0
from each other,three separate alternating voltages get developed.
The video below happens to bring about generation of three phase circuits.
https://youtu.be/CbcU5xS-OS8ra

(Duration:11:19)
The load is said to be balanced when magnitude of all the impedances are equal and phase angles of all of
them are equal and of same nature either all inductive or all capacitive or all resistive.

Advantages of three phase power.

A three phase system has following advantages over single phase system.

1) The output of three phase machine is always greater than single phase
machine of same size.
Generation of three phase power .
Fig Q 2.2 waveforms of three phase voltage
Balanced and unbalanced circuits.
Session name - 2.6: Voltage and current relations in star connections

Star and delta connection of a three phase system.

The star connection is formed by connecting starting or terminating ends of all the three
windings together. The delta is formed by connecting one end of winding to starting end of
other and connections are continued to form a closed loop.
Go through the video to know more about star and delta connection.
https://youtu.be/Kn70Tc9fFlU
(Duration:2.21)

Concept of line voltages, line currents and phase currents and phase voltages.

The potential difference between any two lines of supply is called line voltage and
current passing through any line is called line current. The voltage across any branch of
the three phase load is called phase voltage and current passing through any branch of
the three phase load is called phase current.

Relationship between line and phase values of voltage in a three phase balanced star
connected system.

For star connection IL=Iph. The lagging and leading nature of current depends on per phase
impedance.
The video below happens to bring about relation between line and phase values of voltage in
a three phase balanced star connected system.

https://youtu.be/ZnwOrZbavHw(Duration:17:35 minutes)

Explaination of star and delta connections of three phase circuits.

Fig Q.4.1
 Fig.Q.4.2

Concept of line voltage and line currents.

Concept of phase voltage and phase currents.
Relation between line and phase values of current and voltage in a 3-ɸ star
connection.derive equation for 3Ø power.
Session name-2.7 Voltage and current relations in delta connections and three phase
power measurement

1.For delta connection Vph = VL.

Zph decides whether Iph has to lag, lead or remain in phase with V ph. Angle between Vph
and Iph is Ø .

The video below happens to bring about relation between line and phase values of current in
a three phase balanced delta connected system.

https://youtu.be/WmTqTLv3uvY.

(Duration: 14.11 minutes)

Total apparent power S=3 x Apparent power per phase.

S = 3VphIph = 3VL(IL/√ 3)=√ 3V LIL

P = √ 3VLILcosØ ; Q=√ 3VLILsinØ

Relation between line and phase quantities in a three phase delta connected
circuit.Derive the expression for the power.
Apparent power,active power and reactive power for three phase load .Draw the power
triangle.
Power measurement using wattmeter.
Problem solving
1. A 3 phase 230V supply is given to balanced load which is Δ connected. Impedance
in each phase of the load is 8+j6Ω. Determine the phase current and the total power
consumed.

2. The three arms of a three phase load each comprise an inductor of resistance 25Ω and
of inductance 0.15H in series with a 120 µF capacitor. The supply voltage is 415V,
50HZ calculate the line current and total power in watts, when the three arms are
connected in delta.
3.A 3-phase delta connected load consumes a power of 60 kW taking a lagging current of
200A at a line voltage of 400V,50HZ. Find the parameters of each phase. what would be the
power consumed, if the load were connected in star.

Session name-2.8: Problems on star and delta connection.

Problems

1.A 3-phase, Y connected supply with a phase voltage of 230V is supplying a balanced
load .The load draws 15kW at 0.8 p.f lagging. Find the line currents and the current in each
phase of the load. what is load impedance per phase.
2.A balanced star connected load of (8+j6) per phase is connected to a 3-Ø, 230V supply.
Find the line current, power factor, reactive power and total volt amperes.

3.A balanced 3-phase,star connected load of 150 KW takes a leading current of 100A with
line voltage of 1100V, 50 HZ. Find circuit contants of the load per phase.
4. Three similar resistors are connected in star across a 400V, 3 phase supply. The line
current is 10Amps.Calculate the value of each resistor.

5.A three phase load of three equal impedances connected in delta across a balanced 400V
supply takes a line current of 10A a power factor of 0.7 lagging. Calculate i) the phase
current ii) The total power iii) the total reactive KVA .if the windings are connected in star,
what will be the new value of phase current and the total power.

Solution:
6.Three equal impedances, each having a resistance of 8 ohms and inductive reactance of 6
ohms are connected in delta across a 3-phase,440V system. find i) phase current ii)Line
current (iii) total power consumed.
7.Calculate the current flowing into each terminal and in each phase of the Winding of a 3-
phase Delta connected induction motor developing an output of 250HP, at 2300V between
the terminals at a power factor of 0.75 and efficiency of 85%.
Session name-2.9: Measurement of three phase power using Two Wattmeter method
( star connected load )

Duration: 60 minutes.

Learning Objective

1. Explain Measurement of three phase power using Two Wattmeter method ( star
connected load ) ( comprehension)

Measurement of three phase power using Two Wattmeter method ( star connected load
)

The Power measured in a three phase using wattmeter will be the sum of wattmeter readings.

i.e, P = W1+W2 = √3VLILcosØ

The video below happens to bring about measurement of 3 phase power using two Wattmeter
method in star connection
https://youtu.be/0BMU1qLzFhg

(Duration :25 :43 minutes)

Two wattmeters are sufficient to measure the power in a three phase circuit. ( Assume
lagging power factor, star connected load)

Ans. : The method of connection of two wattmeters in two wattmeter method is :

The current coils of the two wattmeters are connected in any two lines while

the voltage coil of each wattmeter is connected between its own current coil terminal

and the line without a current coil.

For example, the current coils are inserted in the lines R and Y then the pressure
coils are connected between R - B for one wattmeter and Y - B for other
wattmeter , as shown in the Fig.Q.17.1.
● The connections are same for star or delta connected load.
● let us consider the r.m.s values of the currents and voltages to prove that sum of two
wattmeter gives total power consumed by three phase load.
W1 = IR *VRB*cos (IR^VRB) and W2 = IY *VYB*cos (IY^VYB)

To find the angle between ( IR and VRB) and (IY and VYB) let us draw phasor diagram as

shown in Fig . Q .17.2.(Assuming Load p.f. be cos φ lagging).

VR = VY =VB = Vph, VRB =VYB = VL and IR = IY =IL = IPh

From Fig. Q.17.2, IR^VRB= 30 - φ and IY^VYB= 30 + φ

W1 = IR VRB cos(30 - φ) = VLIL cos(30 - φ)

W2 = IY *VYB cos(30 + φ) = VLIL cos(30 + φ)

W1+W2 = VLIL [ cos(30 - φ) + cos(30 + φ)]

= VLIL [ cos 30cos φ+sin30sin φ+ cos 30cos φ - sin30 sin φ]

= 2 VLIL [ cos 30cos φ = 2 VLIL

√ 3
2
cos φ
W1+W2 =√ 3VLIL cos φ = Total 3 phase power

● This is true for delta connected load as well. This shows that the two wattmeter are
sufficient to measure total power in a Three phase circuit.

2.How power factor is obtained from two wattmeter readings.

Ans. : For balanced, Lagging p.f. load,

W1 = VLIL cos (30 - φ) and W2 = VLIL cos (30 + φ)

W1+ W2 =√ 3VLIL cos φ

W1- W2 =√ 3VLIL [ cos (30 - φ) - cos (30 + φ)

= VLIL [ cos 30cos φ+sin30sin φ - cos 30cos φ - sin30 sin φ]

1
= VLIL [2 sin 30 sin φ] = VLIL [2* * sin φ ]
2

:: W1- W2 = VLIL sin (φ)

Taking the ratio of W1-W2 and W1+W2

W 1− W 2
=
V L I L sinΦ
=
tan Φ
i.e. tanΦ =
√3 (¿ W 1− W 2) ¿
W 1+W 2 √3 V L I L cos Φ √3 (W 1+W 2)

Φ= tan-1 [
√3 (¿ W 1− W 2) ¿]
(W 1+W 2)

p.f. cos φ = cos { tan-1 [

√3 (¿ W 1− W 2) ¿]}
(W 1+W 2)

Effect of power factor on the wattmeter readings.

The power factor angle φ is different for different power factors. The value of power factor
i.e. φ affects the two wattmeter readings. The Table Q.19.1 gives the effect of power factor
on the two wattmeter readings.

Range of p.f Range of ‘ φ ’ W1 sign w2 sign Remark

cos φ = 0 φ = 90◦ positive negative |w1|- |w2|

0< cos φ< 0.5 90◦< φ < 60◦ positive negative

cos φ = 0.5 φ = 60◦ positive 0

0.5< cos φ < 1 60◦< φ < 0◦ positive positive

cos φ = 1 φ < 0◦ positive positive W1 = W2

4.A 3-phase,400V motor takes an input of 40KW at 0.45 p.f lagging. Find the reading of the
two single phase wattmeter’s connected to measure the input.

5.Three similar coils each having resistance of 10Ω and reactance of 8Ω are connected
in star, across 400 V, 3phase supply. Determine i)line current ii) total poweriii)reading
of each of two wattmeter connected to measure power.
Session name-2.9: Measurement of three phase power using Two Wattmeter method
( star connected load )

Measurement of three phase power using Two Wattmeter method ( star connected load
)

The Power measured in a three phase using wattmeter will be the sum of wattmeter readings.

i.e, P = W1+W2 = √3VLILcosØ

The video below happens to bring about measurement of 3 phase power using two Wattmeter
method in star connection
https://youtu.be/0BMU1qLzFhg

(Duration :25 :43 minutes)

Two wattmeters are sufficient to measure the power in a three phase circuit. ( Assume
lagging power factor, star connected load)

Ans. : The method of connection of two wattmeters in two wattmeter method is :

The current coils of the two wattmeters are connected in any two lines while

the voltage coil of each wattmeter is connected between its own current coil terminal

and the line without a current coil.

For example, the current coils are inserted in the lines R and Y then the pressure
 coils are connected between R - B for one wattmeter and Y - B for other
wattmeter , as shown in the Fig.Q.17.1.
● The connections are same for star or delta connected load.
● let us consider the r.m.s values of the currents and voltages to prove that sum of two
wattmeter gives total power consumed by three phase load.

W1 = IR *VRB*cos (IR^VRB) and W2 = IY *VYB*cos (IY^VYB)

To find the angle between ( IR and VRB) and (IY and VYB) let us draw phasor diagram as

shown in Fig . Q .17.2.(Assuming Load p.f. be cos φ lagging).

VR = VY =VB = Vph, VRB =VYB = VL and IR = IY =IL = IPh

From Fig. Q.17.2, IR^VRB= 30 - φ and IY^VYB= 30 + φ

W1 = IR VRB cos(30 - φ) = VLIL cos(30 - φ)

W2 = IY *VYB cos(30 + φ) = VLIL cos(30 + φ)

W1+W2 = VLIL [ cos(30 - φ) + cos(30 + φ)]

= VLIL [ cos 30cos φ+sin30sin φ+ cos 30cos φ - sin30 sin φ]

= 2 VLIL [ cos 30cos φ = 2 VLIL

√ 3
2
cos φ

W1+W2 =√ 3VLIL cos φ = Total 3 phase power

● This is true for delta connected load as well. This shows that the two wattmeter are
sufficient to measure total power in a Three phase circuit.

2.How power factor is obtained from two wattmeter readings.

Ans. : For balanced, Lagging p.f. load,

W1 = VLIL cos (30 - φ) and W2 = VLIL cos (30 + φ)

W1+ W2 =√ 3VLIL cos φ

W1- W2 =√ 3VLIL [ cos (30 - φ) - cos (30 + φ)

= VLIL [ cos 30cos φ+sin30sin φ - cos 30cos φ - sin30 sin φ]

1
= VLIL [2 sin 30 sin φ] = VLIL [2* * sin φ ]
2

:: W1- W2 = VLIL sin (φ)

Taking the ratio of W1-W2 and W1+W2

W 1− W 2
=
V L I L sinΦ
=
tan Φ
i.e. tanΦ =
√3 (¿ W 1− W 2) ¿
W 1+W 2 √3 V L I L cos Φ √3 (W 1+W 2)

Φ= tan-1 [
√3 (¿ W 1− W 2) ¿]
(W 1+W 2)

p.f. cos φ = cos { tan-1 [

√3 (¿ W 1− W 2) ¿]}
(W 1+W 2)

Effect of power factor on the wattmeter readings.

 The power factor angle φ is different for different power factors. The value of power factor
i.e. φ affects the two wattmeter readings. The Table Q.19.1 gives the effect of power factor
on the two wattmeter readings.

Range of p.f Range of ‘ φ ’ W1 sign w2 sign Remark

cos φ = 0 φ = 90◦ positive negative |w1|- |w2|

0< cos φ< 0.5 90◦< φ < 60◦ positive negative

cos φ = 0.5 φ = 60◦ positive 0

0.5< cos φ < 1 60◦< φ < 0◦ positive positive

cos φ = 1 φ < 0◦ positive positive W1 = W2

4.A 3-phase,400V motor takes an input of 40KW at 0.45 p.f lagging. Find the reading of the
two single phase wattmeter’s connected to measure the input.

5.Three similar coils each having resistance of 10Ω and reactance of 8Ω are connected
in star, across 400 V, 3phase supply. Determine i)line current ii) total poweriii)reading
of each of two wattmeter connected to measure power.
Session name 2.10: Problems on Two Wattmeter method

Module: 2

Duration: 60 minutes.

Pre-class Activity :

● Derivation of Two Wattmeter method for 3-phase power measurement. ( Refer

session 2.9)
 1. A balanced three phase star balanced load draws power from a 440V supply. The two
Wattmeter’s connected indicate W1=4.2KW and W2=0.8 KW. Calculate the power,
power factor and current in the circuit.
Solution:

W1=4.2 KW, W2 =0.8KW

W1+W2= 5KW

Referring to the trigonometrical tables.

:: power factor. Φ = 49.6◦

Φ = cos 49.6◦ = 0.65

:: total power .p = ELIL COS Φ

Or 5000 = * 440 *IL*0.65

:: IL ==10.1A

2.Two wattmeters are connected to measure the input to a 3- phase,20 HP ,50 Hz induction
motor that works at full load efficiency of 90% and the power factor of 0.85 lagging.find the
readings of two wattmeters.
3.Three coils each of impedances of 20Հ600 are connected in star to 400V, 3-phase, 50HZ
supply. Find the reading on each of the two wattmeter’s connected to measure the power
input

Solution

Given Zp = 20. Φ =60◦ and EL =400 V

:: Rp = Zp cos Φ = 20*cos 60◦ = 10

Ep = = = 231 v

Ip = = = 11.55 A = IL

Total power taken = ELIL COS Φ

= * *11.55*0.5= 400w

4.A 500V, 3-phase motor has an output of 50 H.P and operates at a power factor of 0.85 with
an efficiency of 90%.calculate the reading on each of the two wattmeter’s connected to
measure the input.
5..A 440 V, 3-phase a.c. motor has an output of 80 H.P with an efficiency of 90% and power
factor 0.866. Calculate (i) the current in each phase of the motor, if the motor is delta-
connected (ii) the readings of two wattmeter’s connected in the lines to measure the input
power.
Assignment

The three arms of a three –phase load each comprise an inductor of resistance 25Ω and of
inductance 0.15H in series with a 120µF capacitor. The supply voltage is 415V,50Hz.
Calculate the line current and total power in watts, when the arms are connected in delta.