THREE AMMETER
METHOD
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Experiment No.7
OBJECTIVE: To measure power and power factor of a single phase R-L (Inductive load)
using three ammeter method.
APPRATUS:
[Link] NAME TYPE RANGE QUANTITY
1 Ammeter MI 0-5A 2
2 Ammeter MI 0-10A 1
3 Voltmeter MI 0-300V 1
4 Single-phase variac 230 V/0-270V, 1
8A
5 Load Inductive 250V, 5A 1
6 Rheostat Single tube 100Ω, 5A 1
THEORY:
The circuit diagram for the measurement of power in an inductive circuit using three ammeters
is depicted in Fig.1. The R-L load for which power is to be measured is connected in parallel
with a non-inductive resistor R of known value. The ammeters connected in the circuits
measures the following currents.
Fig.1 Circuit Diagram
The phasor diagram of the circuit is shown below:
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The power consumed by the load, 𝑃 =𝑉𝐼2 cos 𝜙
Voltage 𝑉 =𝐼1 R
Therefore 𝑃 =𝐼1 𝐼2 Rcos 𝜙 (1)
From the phasor diagram
𝐼32 = (𝐼2 sin 𝜙)2 + (𝐼1 + 𝐼2 cos 𝜙)2
= 𝐼12 + 𝐼22 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝜙 + 𝐼22 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜙 + 2𝐼1 𝐼2 cos 𝜙
= 𝐼12 + 𝐼22 + 2𝐼1 𝐼2 cos 𝜙
𝐼32 −𝐼12 −𝐼22
Therefore, cos 𝜙 = 2𝐼1 𝐼2
(2)
Put the values of cos 𝜙 from equation (2) into equation (1)
𝑅 2
𝑃= (𝐼 − 𝐼12 − 𝐼22 )
2 3
Hence the power consumed by the inductive load can be measured by recording in readings
of three ammeters and the known value of R.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:
FIG (1) shows the circuit diagram in which various instruments serve the function indicated
against each:
1. Inductive load- in which power has to be measured.
2. Resistor R- of known value, connected in parallel with the load, so that supply voltage
to the circuit can be expressed in terms of current.
3. Variac- To vary the applied voltage to the circuit for more observations.
4. Ammeters- To measure currents in the two branches and the total current.
5. Voltmeter- to record the voltage applied to the circuit.
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PROCEDURE:
1. Connect the circuit as per Fig(1).
2. Set the variac to zero position & rheostat to its maximum position.
3. Switch on the supply.
4. Apply the rated voltage of the load with the help of variac gradually.
5. Vary the load in steps and note down the readings of the ammeters.
6. Switch off the supply.
OBSERVATION:
S. No V I1 I2 I3 P cos 𝜙
Viva-Voce
1. Compare this method with 3 voltmeter method of power measurement.
2. Can this method be used for measurement of power in resistive load?
3. What is the nature of power factor of the two branches and that of the whole circuit?
4. Can this method be used in DC circuit for power measurement?
5. Derive an expression for the input power factor.
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