Qatar University

Department of Electrical Engineering

ELEC 313 Electric Machines Lab

Experiment 1: Three-Phase Power Measurement using Two Wattmeters

1. Objective
The objective of the experiment is to perform three-phase power measurement using two
wattmeter method,
a. For a Resistive-Inductive load
b. For a Resistive-Capacitive load

2. Theory
2.1 Wattmeter
A wattmeter is an electrical device used to measure the real power consumed in a load.
Wattmeters typically measure power in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). There are two common
types of wattmeters; analog and digital.

Analog wattmeter consists of a pointer or needle that moves across a scale to indicate the power.
It uses electromagnetic or electrodynamic principles to measure power. Digital wattmeter
provides a numerical readout of power and are commonly used in modern electrical systems.
They use integrated circuits and digital displays to provide accurate measurements.

Wattmeters are used in various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial
settings, to monitor and control electrical power usage and hence to help in assessing energy
efficiency, managing electricity bills, and ensuring the proper functioning of electrical systems.

2.2 Two Wattmeter Method

Using one single wattmeter connected between any phase and the neutral and multiplied by
three, the three-phase power in a balanced system can be measured easily. However, a balanced
three phase system seldom occurs in real life, so three single wattmeters are needed to exactly
measure the three-phase power in an unbalanced system such as PT =P1+ P2+ P 3.

The two-wattmeter method is commonly used method for three phase power measurement. The
two wattmeters must be properly connected to any two phases, with the third line used as
common for the voltage coil as shown in Fig 1. Although the individual wattmeters no longer
read the power consumed by any particular phase, the algebraic sum of the two wattmeters
equals the total average power consumed by the load, regardless of whether it is wye or delta
connected, balanced or unbalanced such as PT =P1+ P2.

Consider a balanced, wye connected load as in Fig. 2, with a load impedance ZY =Z Y ∠ θ . Due to
the load impedance, each voltage coil leads its current coil by θ , so that the pf is cosθ . Since, the
line voltage leads the phase voltage by 30° , the total phase difference between the phase current
I a and line voltage V ab is θ+30 °, and the average power read by wattmeter W 1 is:

P1=ℜ [ V ab I ¿a ]=V ab I a cos ( θ+30° )=¿ V L I L cos ( θ+ 30° ) ¿

Similarly, the average power read by wattmeter W 2 is:

P2=ℜ [ V cb I ¿c ]=V cb I ac cos ( θ−30 ° )=¿V L I L cos ( θ−30 ° ) ¿

The sum of two wattmeter readings is given as:

P1 + P2=V L I L cos ( θ +30° ) +V L I L cos ( θ−30 ° )= √ 3 V L I L cos θ=PT

Fig. 1: Two wattmeter method for three phase power measurement

Fig. 2: Two Wattmeter applied to balanced wye load

Similarly, the difference of two wattmeter readings is given as:

−QT
P1−P2=V L I L cos ( θ+30 )−V L I L cos ( θ−30 )=−V L I L sin θ=
° °

√3
Hence, for a three-phase load using two wattmeter method, the total real power PT =P2 + P1 and
the total reactive power QT =√ 3 ( P 2−P1 ).

The tangent of power factor angle is obtained as:

QT ( P2 −P 1 )
tanθ= =√ 3
PT ( P 2+ P 1)
Thus, the two-wattmeter method not only provides the total real and reactive powers, it can also
be used to compute the pf.
Also, from the equations provided above, it can be concluded that:

1. If P2=P1, the load is resistive.

2. If P2 > P1, the load is inductive.
3. If P2 < P1, the load is capacitive.

It’s worthwhile to note that the above conditions will be satisfied only for the a-b-c phase
sequence as shown in Fig. 3a, but the wattmeters interchange their readings when subjected to a
reversal of phasor rotation, such as a-c-b phase sequence as shown in Fig. 3b. A phase sequence
meter is required to find the phase sequences if it’s unknown.

Fig.3a: a-b-c sequence Fig. 3b: a-c-b sequence

2.3 Phase Sequence Meter

Phase sequence meter, also known as a phase rotation meter or phase sequence indicator, is an
electrical testing device used to determine the sequence or order of the phases in a three-phase
electrical system.

Phase sequence meters are particularly useful in industrial settings, where the correct phase
sequence is critical for the operation of motors and other machinery. They are also used to
ensure that electrical systems are correctly wired and functioning safely. If the phases are
connected in the wrong sequence, it can lead to equipment damage, inefficient operation, or
even safety hazards.

A phase sequence meter works by measuring the voltage or current in each of the three phases
and then indicating whether they are in the correct sequence (a-b-c) or if there is a different
sequence (a-c-b). Typically, it uses LEDs, a display, or a rotating pointer to indicate the phase
sequence.

The equations provided above is applicable to delta-connected load as well. However, the two-
wattmeter cannot be used for power measurement in a three phase four wire system unless the
current through the neutral line is zero. In that case, three-wattmeter method has to be used.

3. Equipment List
Equipment Quantity
Three Phase Autotransformer 1
Single Phase Wattmeter 2
Switched Resistive Load 1
 Switched Inductive Load 1
Switched Capacitive Load 1
4. Schematic Diagram

4.1 Resistive-Inductive Load

4.2 Resistive-Capacitive Load

5. Procedure
5.1 Resistive-Inductive Load
1. Wire the circuit as per the schematic with three phase resistive and inductive loads in
parallel.
2. Keep the resistor and inductor loads off.
3. Using the autotransformer, apply 300 VL-L.
4. Switch on three phase resistor load in steps. Record the W1 and W2 in Table 1.
5. Once the resistor load is fully switched on, start switching on three phase inductor load
in steps. Record the W1 and W2 in Table 1.
6. Once the inductor load is fully switched on, start switching off three phase resistor load
in steps. Record the W1 and W2 in Table 1.
7. Bring the autotransformer to zero position and switch off the supply.

5.2 Resistive-Capacitive Load

1. Wire the circuit as per the schematic with three phase resistive and capacitor loads in
parallel.
2. Keep the resistor load fully on and capacitor loads off.
3. Using the autotransformer, apply 300 VL-L.
 4. Start switching on three phase capacitor load in steps. Record the W1 and W2 in Table 1.
5. Once the capacitor load is fully switched on, start switching off three phase resistor load
in steps. Record the W1 and W2 in Table 1.
6. Bring the autotransformer to zero position and switch off the supply.

6. Measurements (30%)

Table 1
V (LL) I W1 W2 P=W1+W2 pf=cosθ
300 0.179 45.2 47.2 92.4 0.999297979
300 0.35 89.3 93 182.3 0.999382668
300 0.526 133.3 138.2 271.5 0.999511769
300 0.551 120.5 157.7 278.2 0.974212663
300 0.6 108 176.8 284.8 0.922502712
300 0.67 94.6 197.8 292.4 0.853205542
300 0.53 50.7 151.9 202.6 0.756248803
300 0.416 6.9 106.6 113.5 0.54924879
300 0.352 -38 61.3 23.3 0.134244656
300 0.55 158.7 114.5 273.2 0.962908501
300 0.618 182.2 93.1 275.3 0.87229288
300 0.724 207.7 69.5 277.2 0.756864307
300 0.618 167.4 23 190.4 0.605723967
300 0.538 122.3 -24.4 97.9 0.359530439
300 0.507 77 -73.3 3.7 0.014211446
Phase sequence of the given three phase system

7. Calculations (10%)
pf =cos θ
θ=tan−1 √
3Q
P
Q=W 2−W 1
P=W 2+ W 1

For W 1=45.2 W ∧W 2=47.2 W :

Q=W 2−W 1=47.2−45.2=2 W
P=W 2+ W 1=47.2+ 45.2=92.4 W
−1 √ 3 Q −1 √ 3 ( 2 ) °
θ=tan =tan =2.147
P 92.4
pf =cos θ=cos 2.147=0.999297979

8. Discussion (35%)

We used the two-wattmeter method to measure power in a three-phase system, practically for
analyzing both real and reactive power. In order to estimate the power factor and load
characteristics, this experiment focuses on using this method to measure power in resistive-
inductive and resistive-capacitive loads.
The two-wattmeter method provides us with many advantages like accurate measurements,
simplicity, ease of implementation, flexibility in load types, and cost-effectiveness. To estimate
to pf we need to first to read the power off the wattmeters. We calculate the total power and the
reactive power to calculate the angle theta, then we calculate the pf by doing cos the angle theta.
Analog wattmeters use mechanical components, such as moving coil or iron-vane mechanisms,
to measure and display power readings on a calibrated scale. They provide a visual
representation of power consumption through a rotating pointer. Digital wattmeters utilize
advanced electronic components to provide precise power measurements digitally. They
typically have a digital display that shows the power reading in numerical form, making it easier
to read and record.

hase Sequence Indicator is an instrument which identifies the phase sequence of three phase
supply system. Phase sequence or often called phase rotation of 3 phase supply system is
defined as the sequence or order in which voltage in R, Y and B phase is attains their maximum
value. Normally the phase sequence is RYB. This means, first R phase voltage attains its peak
value followed by Y and B phases. This phase sequence is determined by this indicator.

Positive phase angle, or leading, describes the situation where the current reaches its maximum
value ahead of the voltage during each cycle. This occurs in circuits where the dominant
reactance is capacitive. Because the current waveform is ahead of the voltage, it "leads" the
voltage; this is commonly expressed with a positive phase angle.
Negative phase angle, or lagging, occurs when current increases more slowly than voltage
during a given cycle. Usually, circuits with inductive reactance experience this. A negative
phase angle is frequently used to describe how the current "lags" behind the voltage, meaning
that the current waveform follows the voltage.
In conclusion, the two-wattmeter method offers a reliable and practical approach to measure
three-phase power in unbalanced loads.

9. References (5%)

[1] “What is Active, Reactive, Apparent and Complex Power?,”

ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY, Jul. 03, 2013.
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2013/07/active-reactive-apparent-and-
complex.html
[2] “Line voltage and phase voltage,” Unacademy.
https://unacademy.com/content/jee/study-material/physics/line-voltage-and-phase-
voltage/#:~:text=Line%20Voltage%20is%20a%20voltage
[3] “Blackhawk Supply,” Blackhawk Supply, 2022. (Accessed Sep. 17, 2024)
https://blackhawksupply.com/pages/single-and-three-phase-ac-power-calculator-amps-to-
kilowatts?
srsltid=AfmBOooBDVeyIbEhVOh2FI6iETS0xtMRKMcw6fLs0yYYiNMmDeeggeYo
[4] Rohini Ramteke. “3 Phase Power in an Unbalanced Load by the Two Wattmeter
Method.” Grad Plus, 31 May 2023, www.gradplus.pro/188895-is-it-possible-to-measure-
three-phase-power-in-an-unbalanced-load-by-the-two-wattmeter-method/
(Accessed 17 Sept. 2024)
[5] “Wattmeters - Types and Working Principle of Common Wattmeters.” Testbook,
testbook.com/electrical-engineering/wattmeters-definition-and-applications.
https://testbook.com/electrical-engineering/wattmeters-definition-and-applications
[6] “Phase Sequence Indicator - Working and Importance - Electrical Concepts.” Electrical
Concepts, 28 Aug. 2018, electricalbaba.com/phase-sequence-indicator-working-and-
importance/. https://electricalbaba.com/phase-sequence-indicator-working-and-
importance/
(Accessed 17 Sept. 2024)