Power Factor for a more efficient circuit and loading

Power factor is an important aspect to consider in AC circuit, because any factor less than 1 means that the circuit wiring has to carry more current than what would be necessary with zero reactance in the circuit to deliver the same true power to the resistive load.
    When expressed as fraction, the ratio between true power and  apparent power is called the power factor of the circuit.
                                                     Kw
The power factor is given cosƟ = --------
                                                    KVA
in the case of single phase supply

                     VI                    KVAx1000
KVA=     ----------  or I=    -----------  
                     1000                    V

In case of three-phase supply
            sqrt(3)VL IL                 KVAx 1000
KVA= --------------     or IL=-------------
                1000                           sqrt(3)VL
In the case of three phase supply
   All current will cause losses in the supply and distribution system. A load with a power of 1.0 result in the most efficient loading of the supply and a load with a power of 0.5 will result in much higher losses in the supply such as an induction motor, power transformer, lighting ballast,welder or variable speed drive, switched mode power supply, discharge lighting or other electronic load.
  The heating and lighting loads supplied from three-phase supply have power factors ranging from 0.95 to unity. But motor loads have usually low lagging power factor ranging from 0.5 to 0.9. Single phase motors may have a power factor of as low as 0.4 and electric welding units have even lower power factor of 0.2 or 0.3
 A poor power factor due to an inductive load can be improved by the addition of power factor correction,but a poor power factor due to a distorted current waveform requires a change in equipment design or expensive harmonic filter s to gain an appreciable improvement. many inverters are quoted as having a power factor of better than 0.95 when in reality, true power factor is between 0.5 and 0.75. the Figure of 0.95 is based on the cosine of the angle between the voltage and current but does not take into account that the current waveform is discontinues and therefore contributes to increased losses on the supply
   in each  equation above, the KVA is directly proportional to the current. The chief disadvantage of a low power factor is that the current requires for a given power is very high. this fact leads to the following undesirable results.

1. Large KVA for a given amount of power.
    All electric machines such as alternators, transformers, cables are limited in their current-carrying capacity by the permissible temperature rise which is proportional to I^2 .hence, they may all be fully loaded with respect to their rated KVA without delivering their full power.

2. Poor voltage regulation . When loading a low lagging power factor is switched on,there is a large voltage drop in the supply lines and transformers. this drop in voltage adversely affects the starting torque of motors and needs expensive voltage stabilizing equipment for keeping the consumers voltage fluctuations within the statutory limits

RLC parallel circuit formula and Phasor diagram

RLC in parallel

RCL parallel circuit can be considered as two reactance's XC and XL where the currents are in phase opposition in parallel with the resistor.

Through the use of  the phasor diagram the effective total resistance can be found  . It can be observed that IR is at the base of the right triangle and IL minus IC minus IL forming the perpendicular.

The amplitude of the resultant current is the hypotenuse.

To calculate the resultant we use the Pythagorean theorem . Ic and IL  are 180 degree out of phase  therefore cancel out. The resultant current is the difference between the two.

              

Impedance  phase angle  is calculated from the difference between IL and IC divided by IR

Parallel RC circuit formula and phasor diagram

RC circuit in parallel formula and diagram

Currents in IR and IC are 90 degree out of phase and cannot be added directly. The total current or resultant will depend upon the resistance and R and the reactance ( AC reactance) of AC

Parallel RC circuit Phasor diagram :

As the reactance of C falls relative to resistance of R , so more current flows in the capacitor branch and the resultant phase angle increases

Parallel RC circuit formula :

Parallel RL circuits formula and Phasor diagram explanation

Parallel  RL circuit formula and diagram

The current through L will lag  IR  by 90 degrees . The resultant negative phase angle  depends upon the relative values of R and XL. for R, E and R in phase . For  XL , E and IL in quadratic lagging current.

As  the circuit is inductive the phase angle is  negative.

Parallel RL circuit Phasor Diagram

There cannot be a direct addition of IR and IL because of their 90 degree phase angle. 

Parallel RL circuits formula

Series RLC circuit formula explanation

Series RLC circuit diagram and formula

Resistance ,inductance capacitance in series

  

In RLC series circuit , the series current is common for Resistance, Capacitance and inductance . VR will be in phase width I. Whereas the voltage of Vc and VL will be 180 degree phase opposition, resulting in some cancellation.

Series RLC  Phasor Diagram

The phasor diagram will produce the resultant circuit voltage and its phase angle. Positive angle indicate a greater inductive circuit influence and negative angle capacitive.

This is the corresponding formula for RLC circuit

Series RLC Formulas

The formula for Series RC circuit with Phasor Diagram

Series RC circuit formula explanation

 R- the resistance -opposition to current flow (ohms)Ω

C- capacitance-opposition to any change in voltage ,farad(f)

 VR=IR- voltage drop of the resistor

Vc= q/c=∫idt/c- voltage drop in the capacitor

     

     When a capacitor and a resistor  are in series current will flow to charge the capacitor .

 The two voltages VR and VC cannot be added directly and the phasor diagram is used  to find the resultant or the applied voltage amplitude and phase angle . 

Voltage VC can be found using Ohms law where VC = XC x I

The resultant or applied voltage is that which or developed across the circuit with these particular component values.  The resultant voltage can be greater than the individual values of VR and Vc   

As this is capacitive circuit the resultant voltage angle will lag the current I

Current I is shown as being in phase with VR . VC will lag I by 90.

Series RC circuit Phasor Diagram

Series RC circuit Formula

Here are the Formulas and the proof solution for the formula in RC circuit:

Series RC circuit Waveform

This is an example of a waveform produced by the   resultant voltage and corresponding resultant phase  angle.

Analyze the formula for Series RL circuit and its Phasor Diagram

   Series RL circuit

R- the resistance -opposition to current flow (ohms)Ω

L- Inductance -opposition to any change  

XL- inductive resistance

VR=I R volts

VL=I XL volts

XL = inductance reactance  (ohms) Ω

      = 2πfL= ωL

Voltage developed across R and L cannot be added directly. The phasor diagram is used to show the resultant voltage and phase angle.The resultant or the applied voltage will lead the current I which is given an arbitrary value in the instance to show that is in phase with VR

Phasor diagram Series RL circuit:

Series RL circuit Formula :

Series RL Circuit generated Waveform:

The larger the relative value of the  XL to R the closer the resultant phase angle willl be 90 degrees which is an indication of the amount of inductance in the circuit.

What are the effects of Electricity

The Effects of electricity
Electricity is  form of energy which could not be seen,but its presence could be detected due to numerous effects it has in  our daily living.

1. Mechanical effect  
An electric fan  for ventilation through the rotation of its blades; A vacuum cleaner that cleans our floors with dirt's.These devices operate because of electricity. Mechanical effect of electricity is made possible by the use of the device called the motor. The electricity powers up the motor in order for it to make work for the benefit of man.


2. Chemical Effect
The  best example for a chemical effect of electricity is Electroplating. It  involves the deposition of a thin protective layer  onto a prepared metal surface, using electrochemical processes.Applications of electroplating can be observed from the household equipments ,kitchen utensils,instruments common steel bolts ,nuts and washers and and even a fashion wear such as bracelets, earrings and necklaces which could either be Gold plated, silver plated, . Aluminum parts and steel parts in lighting fixtures are also electroplated.


3.Thermal Effect
  "A current of electricity passes over a conductor raises its temperature". That is why  heating elements requires an alloy of  metal to withstand  intense heat without melting. This heating elements are installed in our electric cooker, iron and heater.

4.Magnetic effects
Speakers produces varying sounds  because of magnetic effect. these devices have electromagnets  and a permanent magnet .. These two magnets  interact with each other. When the electrical current flowing through the voice coil changes direction, the coil's polar orientation reverses. This changes the magnetic forces between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet, moving the electromagnet and attached diaphragm back and forth . It pushes and pulls on the speaker cone  producing a vibration of the air in front of the speaker creating sound waves. 
5. Physiological Effect
Are you familiar with a treatment  known as "Shock Treatment or Shock Therapy" . This medical treatment is being utilized in rehabilitation centers to treat neurotic disorders


6.Photoelectric effect
  Wondering how did the doors in malls hotels and other buildings and offices opens automatically as soon as  you step the porch of these buildings? It is possible through photoelectric effect. These doors have "photo cells" This photocells have electrodes that are light sensitive that is used to operate a relay, which might turn a motor on to open a door or ring a bell in an alarm system. Same principle are also true in counting vehicles passing a road.

7.Luminous Effect
 " Light" this is the very common effect of electricity.  If however after you had switched on the means of control and the room is still not illuminated,then you'll surely say, there's an absence of electricity. To layman's language it is called a black out or brown out. But what is being implied here actually is that there's no electrical current in the circuit.

Using multimeter VOM as voltmeter for ACV test

The Ac voltmeter is used to measure alternative current voltage or electrical pressure of a circuit. This instrument is connected across the circuit and it does not require correct application of the polarity . The unit of measure is volt(V).

Note;

•  If the voltage range is unknown get the estimate value by setting the knob at the top level or should be   at 1000 V before measuring AC voltage,then adjust or lower the range until you could read it conveniently.
•   Do not touch the test probe.

Procedure:

1. set the knob  of your multimeter  to AC V
2. Choose the proper range .The numbers indicated in the multimeter are the maximum voltage reading for the range. 
3. Connect the test probe in the component being measured
4. Read the voltage value on the display

Using multimeter VOM as Ammeter

The DC ammeter- is used to measure the direct current of a circuit. The unit of measure is ampere (A). An multimeter can be used as ammeter by connecting it in series with the circuit. It requires correct application and polarity to measure the current.

Procedure:
1. Check the pointer of the meter if it set to zero
2. Set the knob at DC and set it to the desired ampere range.There are different ranges including 250 mA ,25mA 2.5mA and 50uA .For safety, set the knob at the top level (250mA ) to gain rough value when the current range is unknown. If you can not read it conveniently try to lower the range of the meter gradually in accordance with the first rough data for precise measurement.
3. Connect the test leads in series with the circuit. Apply the pin of the red lead to positive and black one to negative.
4. Read the current value in the display

Note

• Do not touch the test probe.
• Observe the polarity of the meter if the pointer deflects backward or the value to be negative,remove the connection immediately and reverse the connection of the test probe.

How to use multimeter as voltmeter DC voltage test

USE Multimeter as voltmeter
The DC voltmeter is used to measure direct current voltage or electrical pressure of a circuit. the unit of measure is in volt(V). Multi-meters can be used as voltmeter and this is done by connecting the instrument across the circuit . It requires correct application of the polarity. Your circuit must be powered up in conducting this test

Procedure:

1.  Check the pointer of the multi-tester to zero 
2. Set the knob to DCV. Set the voltage higher than the estimated value being measured. If the voltage range is unknown,get the estimate value by setting the knob at the top level (1000V) then choose a proper range for exact measurement
3. Connect the multimeter across the circuit.Attach the black lead of the meter to the  to the negative (-) connection of the circuit ,and the red test lead to the positive (+)
4. read the voltage value.

Attention:

• Observe the correct polarity of the meter.
• If the pointer deflects backward or the display to negative value disconnect the test probe immediately and reverse the connection of the pointer.
• Always estimate the value of the voltage range to top level and gradually lower it until you can read it conveniently.
• Do not touch the test probe.

How to use a multimeter as Ohmmeter

Ohmmeter- an ohmmeter  is used to measure resistance. Connected in parallel or across,  It can be used to check and measure the continuity of the circuit . When using  an ohmmeter it does not require correct application polarity.

Resistance test procedure:
    the purpose of the Ω test is to measure the resistance or checking out if the circuit is short or open . Here are the procedures in performing a resistance test using both analog and digital multimeter(DMM)

For Analog multi-meter

1. Set the knob to ohm (Ω).
2. Check the pointer of the multitester if it is set to infinite.
3. Set the multi-tester to the desired range. You can set the pointer initially at zero Ω by connecting the two leads of the instrument and adjusting the knob to be exactly zero.
4. Measure the resistance of  the component being measured. The reading is equivalent to the scale reading multiplied by the number indicated at the set range.  Ranges  are Ωx1, Ωx10 ,Ωx100, Ωx10k and Ωx1k 

         For Digital multimeter (DMM)
1. Turn off power and discharge all capacitors of the circuit  
2. Select "resistance" on the multimeter- You can switch to your designed ohm range position
3. Connect the test leads to the circuit to the device or circuit being measured
4  Read the resistance value on the digital display of the DMM

Note:

• Do not touch the pins (metal part) of the test lead t o avoid reading error caused by the resistance of the human body
• Don't make a resistance measurement while the circuit is with power. It may damage the meter by this improper operation
• for analog multimeter ,reset the pointer to zero  when changing the range of the ohmmeter.

Using a Multimeter/multi-tester: Preliminary setup and Safety precautions

Multi-tester (VOM-volt/ohmeter) also called multimeter is designed to measure different magnitudes of electrical units:voltage,current and resistance. It incorporates the functions of a voltmeter,ohmmeter,and Milli-ammeter into one device. A multimeter maybe Digital (DVOM/DMM) or Analog.

Parts and functions of multi-tester

Digital multimeter        Analog multimeter

1.   Zero ohm adjuster- for analog multi-testers this part sets the  indicator of the left scale to zero

2.   Range Selector switch knob-this is a switch that is calibrated to select the proper range of the meter

3. Amperage terminal -plug in connection for red (positive) test lead for measuring amperes 
4   +V.Ω.f terminal(positive )- terminal for positive test probe.It is  used for most types of measurements.

5.   -COM terminal (negative,N)- a terminal for the negative test probe

6.   Home plate-Serves as the cover or panel for multi-tester

7.   Indicator pointer- It deflects a certain point and use as a reference of where to read the measurement

8.  Output socket- used for measuring special purpose such as high AC  voltage,intensity of sounds in decibel,etc

9. Range Scale- it indicates the test function and scale option

10. Display for Digital multi meter(DMM) -it displays the measurement reading. Usually have a four digit display with a +/- indicator. 

Preliminary setup before measurement

1. Before start measuring, make sure that the pointer stays at zero(0) position on the left end of the scale. If not,gently adjust the zero corrector with the use of screwdriver to set it to zero.

2.Select the proper range before measuring. Do not attempt to switch the range knob while  measuring. Disconnect the test leads first before switching the range knob as it may damage your multimeter. in determining a measuring range,select a higher voltage than the value to be measured as well as where the pointer of the meter moves to considerable extent. however,select the maximum range and measure in case the extent of value to be measures can not be predicted.

Precautions for safety measurement

1. Never use meter on the electric circuit that exceeds 3k VA.

2. Pay special attention when measuring the voltage of AC30 volts or DC60V or more to avoid injury.

3. Never apply an input signals exceeding the maximum rating input value.

4. Never use meter for measuring the line connected with equipment that generates induced or surge voltage since it may exceed the maximum allowable voltage.

5.  Never use meter if the meter or test leads are damaged or broken.

6.  Never use encase meter.

7.  Be sure to use fuse of the specified rating type.never use substitute of the use or never make a short circuit of the fuse.

8. Always keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probe when making measurements.

9. Be sure to disconnect the test pins from the circuit when changing the function of the range.

10. Before starting measurement,make sure that the function and range are properly set in accordance with the measurement.

11. Never use meter with wet hands or in damp environment.

12. Never open tester case except when replacing batteries or fuses. Do not attempt any alteration of original specifications.

13. Never use test leads other than the specified test leads.

14. To ensure safety and maintain accuracy,calibrate and check the meter at least once a year.