Power Triangle

Power Factor Correction

Power Triangle
The representation of a right angle triangle showing the
relation between real power, reactive power, and
apparent power.
Real Power
The power which is actually consumed or utilized in AC
circuits
Denoted by P
Sometimes called true power or active power.
Measured in Watts or kiloWatts
Reactive Power
The power which flows back and forth
Denoted by Q
Measured in volt-ampere reactive(VAR) or kilovolt-
ampere reactive(kVAR)
Apparent Power
The total power in ac circuit
Combination of true power and reactive power
Denoted by S
Measured in volt-ampere(VA) or kilovolt-
ampere(kVA)
Power Factor
The ratio of Real Power over the Apparent Power
Power Factor = Real Power/ Apparent Power
pf = P/S
cos = P/S
Real Power = Apparent Power x cos
Real Power = Voltage x Current x cos
P = VIpf
Example
A single phase load on 220 V AC source takes 100 W at 0.6
lagging power factor. Assume the load power factor will be
brought to about 0.9.

Current at 0.6 lagging power factor

Real Power = Spf
P = Vipf
I = P/Vpf
I = 100/220(0.6)
I = 0.75 Amperes

Apparent Power (S)
S = VI
S = 220(0.75)
S = 165 VA

Reactive Power
Q = Ptan
Q = 100(tan(53.13)
Q = 133.33 VAR
Corrected Power Factor to 0.9
Current
P = Spf
P = Vipf
I = P/Vpf
I = 100/220(0.9)
I = 0.5 Ampere
 Reactive Power
Q = Ptan
Q = 100(tan(24.84))
Q = 48.43
 Total Reactive Power
Total Reactive Power = Reactive Power old
Reactive Power New Q = Qold Qnew
Q = 133.33 48.43
Q = 84.9 VAR