PTDU Lab no.

13
Complex Loads, Power Consumption Measurement & Peak Load Monitoring
ABDUL WAHAB NASIR (02) BSEE 16-20

Abstract
The main objective of this lab experiment is to understand and analyze the complex loads, their power consumption
measurement and the monitoring or our peak loads. Generally most of the loads are of inductive nature so we have
lagging power factor but it can be improved if capacitor bank is attached to it as capacitors provide reactive power
and inductor consumes reactive power. But in order to improve power factor to a specific value, a capacitor bank
having specific capacitance value should be used. In this lab power factor correction will be performed by inserting
required capacitor banks and the impact of power factor on current magnitude will also be observed. An analysis of
the power supply grid and connected consumers (loads) is necessary for effective use of the measurement techniques
involved. Accordingly, each experiment permits a detailed investigation of static, dynamic, symmetric and
asymmetric loads.

Index terms --- Peak Load Monitoring, Complex loads, Complex power consumption.

I. INTRODUCTION [1] waveforms are purely sinusoidal, the power factor is

the cosine of the phase angle (f) between the current
Complex Load and Complex Power and voltage sinusoid waveforms.
P is the real power, Q is the reactive power (in this
case negative), S is the complex power and the length
of S is the apparent power.
The unit for all forms of power is the watt (symbol:
W). However, this unit is generally reserved for the
real power component. Apparent power is
conventionally expressed in volt-amperes (VA) since
it is the simple product of rms voltage and rms
current. The unit for reactive power is given the
special name "VAR", which stands for volt-amperes
reactive (since reactive power flow transfers no net Figure 13.1: Circuit Diagram of the Module
energy to the load, it is sometimes called "wattless"
power).
Note that it does not make sense to assign a single Power factor equals 1 when the voltage and current
unit to complex power because it is a complex are in phase, and is zero when the current leads or
number and it is therefore defined as a pair of two lags the voltage by 90 degrees. Power factors are
units: W and VAR. Understanding the relationship usually stated as "leading" or "lagging" to show the
between these three quantities lies at the heart of sign of the phase angle, where leading indicates a
understanding power engineering. The mathematical negative sign. For two systems transmitting the same
relationship among them can be represented by amount of real power, the system with the lower
vectors or expressed using complex numbers, power factor will have higher circulating currents due
(where j is the imaginary unit). to energy that returns to the source from energy
storage in the load. These higher currents in a
Power Factor practical system will produce higher losses and
reduce overall transmission efficiency. A lower
Power factor measures the efficiency of an AC power power factor circuit will have a higher apparent
system. Power factor is the real power per unit of power and higher losses for the same amount of real
apparent power. (pf = Wh/VAh) A power factor of power transfer.
one is perfect, and 99% is good. Where the
 II. PROCEDURE [2] Task 03
In this task we have our credentials given below:
In this lab we are required to practically observe the
complaex power, its measurement and peak load
monitoring. We performed tasks to know about the R=750 Ohm, L=2H, C=6uF
calculation and power factor improvement. The
procedure is provided in ‘lab manual’ provided by Sir R=750 Ohm L=2H C=6uF
Abu Bakar. Following the instructions of lab manual
tasks were completed and results were observed. Phase1 Phase2 Phase3
Current (A) 0.43 0.43 0.43
III. LAB TASKS Voltage(V) 236 236 236

Task 01
Power factor=0.83
In this task we have our credentials given below:
Real Power=255W
R=750 Ohm, L=2H, C=2uF Reactive Power=-1.57Var
Apparent Power=307VA
R=750 Ohm L=2H C=2uF
Phase1 Phase2 Phase3
Current (A) 0.5 0.49 0.49
Voltage (V) 236 236 236

Power factor = 0.85

Real Power = 251 W
Reactive Power = 156 Var
Apparent Power = 296 VA
Figure 13.2: Capacitor vs Power Factor Peak Load
Task 02
In this task we have our credentials given below:
IV. DISCUSSION CONCLUSION
R=750 Ohm, L=2H, C=4uF
Capacitor provides reactive power .When we increase
capacitance the power factor improves and reach
R=750 Ohm L=2H C=4uF maximum value and then decrease as the current
angle start leading. When we increase capacitance the
Phase1 Phase2 Phase3 power factor improves and hence current decrease.
Current 0.37 0.36 0.37 When power factor reach maximum value, the
(A) current is minimum. After that any further increase in
Voltage(V) 236 236 236 capacitor increases the current as the angle of current
start leading.

Power factor=0.97 At high power factor, current is less, hence the line
losses are less. In our case the best suitable
Real Power=252W capacitance is 4uF which result in Power Factor of
0.97 and current of 0.36A. When we increase
Reactive Power=52Var capacitance the power factor improves, current
decrease When power factor reach maximum value,
Apparent Power=260VA
current is minimum. After that any further increase in
capacitor increases current. When we increase
capacitance the power factor improves, current
decrease When power factor reach maximum value,
current is minimum. After that any further increase in
capacitor increases current.
VI. REFRENCES

[1]. "Electono City | complex power –

Monitoring", electonicbuzz, 2019. [Online]. Available:
https://www.electicbuss.com/pfimp. [Accessed: 16- Apr-
2019].

[2]. Lab Manual Mr. Abu bakar | Complex Load

Monitoring | DEE PIEAS, 2019.