Three phase power meaurement questions

In summary, when using the Three Watt-meter method for power measurement, removing the neutral should not make a difference for a balanced load but will affect the phase difference between currents for an unbalanced load. For the Two Watt-meter method, removing the neutral for a balanced/unbalanced load will result in different readings for each meter. It is not possible to formulate total power in terms of these readings without the neutral. The correct way to measure for unbalanced loads would be to use the neutral. The neutral does not maintain balance for each load, but rather maintains a 120° phase difference between the currents. For systems with a neutral point, but no neutral conductor leaving the system, only 2 meters are needed for a 3-wire system
  • #1
TheRedDevil18
408
1
I have a few questions regarding three phase power measurement

Three Watt-meter method:
measurement-of-3-phase-power-fig-compressor.jpg


Balanced load:
What would happen if the neutral where removed ?, my guess is that it wouldn't make a difference because the neutral doesn't carry any current

Unbalanced load:
Same question as above

Two Watt-meter method:
TWO-WATTMETER-METHOD-OF-POWER-MEASUREMENT-FIG-1-compressor.jpg

What would happen if the neutral where removed for a balanced/unbalanced load ?
 
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  • #2
TheRedDevil18 said:
Balanced load:
What would happen if the neutral where removed ?, my guess is that it wouldn't make a difference because the neutral doesn't carry any current
Right.
TheRedDevil18 said:
Unbalanced load:
Same question as above

Two Watt-meter method:
%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F11%2FTWO-WATTMETER-METHOD-OF-POWER-MEASUREMENT-FIG-1-compressor.jpg

What would happen if the neutral where removed for a balanced/unbalanced load ?
For balanced load, removing the neutral should not make any difference. But without the neutral, phase difference between the currents for unbalanced load will no longer be 120°.
 
  • #3
cnh1995 said:
Right.

For balanced load, removing the neutral should not make any difference. But without the neutral, phase difference between the currents for unbalanced load will no longer be 120°.

So for an unbalanced load, if the neutral where removed, would the wattmeter reading be higher than if it where not removed ?

Like, for the three wattmeter circuit if the neutral is removed, each wattmeter would have a different reading ?
 
  • #4
TheRedDevil18 said:
Like, for the three wattmeter circuit if the neutral is removed, each wattmeter
Yes, in case of unbalanced load.
TheRedDevil18 said:
So for an unbalanced load, if the neutral where removed, would the wattmeter reading be higher than if it where not removed ?
I'm not sure about that. But since the currents are no longer 120° apart, the usual equations W1=VIcos(30+Φ) and W2=VIcos(30-Φ) are not applicable. So my guess is it's not possible to formulate the total power in terms of W1 and W2.
 
  • #5
cnh1995 said:
Yes, in case of unbalanced load.

I'm not sure about that. But since the currents are no longer 120° apart, the usual equations W1=VIcos(30+Φ) and W2=VIcos(30-Φ) are not applicable. So my guess is it's not possible to formulate the total power in terms of W1 and W2.

So basically if you have unbalanced loads, the correct way would be to measure with the neutral ?

Also, when the neutral is in place with an unbalanced load then the power and currents would be balanced for each load ?
 
  • #6
So,for the second picture it would be it,generally speaking neutral current is used for protecting electric circuits and taking the sufficient current also in this case when you remove neutral phase there is going to happen on some phases (b,y or r) higher or lower voltage ,in first case with neutral powers of each phase you can calculate seperately but it would be so called (in my language) literally phase voltages rhat counts for finding powers of each phase.(Also all of these volltages are "lined" because there is no neutral as you call it) Idk if have made the right discussion and satisfied you with answer,so ask again if you have a need
All the best [emoji16]
 

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  • #7
TheRedDevil18 said:
So basically if you have unbalanced loads, the correct way would be to measure with the neutral ?
Three wattmeter method will work for both balanced and unbalanced load with or without the neutral.
TheRedDevil18 said:
Also, when the neutral is in place with an unbalanced load then the power and currents would be balanced for each load ?
No. The neutral maintains 120° phase difference between the currents in case of unbalanced load. The power consumption in each phase will be different.
 
  • #8
For N conductors - you need N-1 Wattmeters... or current meter for that matter. If you have a neutral point "in" the system but no neutral conductor leaving the system, then you only need 2 Meters for a 3 wire system.

As for the neutral phase angle - huh. I would not say the neutral maintains anything...with respect to current. Consider A-B have a Resistive load ( no neutral current impact)and then C-N have a purely capacititive load--- the neutral current will be 90Deg leading the C-N Voltage - and then in a real system the neutral typically gets a lot of the non-linear elements. From a watt meter standpoint you have to still account for them.

Edit - Spelling level EE
 
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FAQ: Three phase power meaurement questions

1. What is three phase power measurement?

Three phase power measurement refers to the process of measuring the electrical power of a three-phase electrical system. This type of power system is commonly used in industrial and commercial settings, as well as in homes with high power demands.

2. How is three phase power measured?

Three phase power is measured by using a power meter or wattmeter. These devices measure voltage and current in each of the three phases, and then use mathematical calculations to determine the total power consumption.

3. What is the difference between single phase and three phase power measurement?

The main difference between single phase and three phase power measurement is the number of power lines used. Single phase power uses only one power line, while three phase power uses three power lines. This allows for a more balanced distribution of power and results in a higher power output.

4. Why is three phase power measurement important?

Three phase power measurement is important because it allows for more efficient and reliable power distribution. It also enables the use of high-powered equipment and machinery, making it essential for industrial and commercial applications.

5. What are some common methods for measuring three phase power?

There are several methods for measuring three phase power, including using a three-phase power analyzer, a three-phase digital multimeter, or a clamp-on ammeter. Each of these methods has its own advantages and may be more suitable for different types of measurements.

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