FACULTY OF ENGINEEERING

SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

SEEE3732-04
SESSION 2022/2023-1
SHORT REPORT:
BASIC POWER: AC POWER
LECTURER: DR NORAZLIANI MD SAPARI

Group: 408

Group members:
No. Name No. Matric
1. Alexander Wong Heng Yii A20EE0009
2. Fong Jun Xian A20EE0053
3. Mohammed A.M. Abujarad A19EE4071
EXPERIMENT: AC POWER
INTRODUCTION:
AC power systems are used to generate, transmit, and distribute electrical energy. One of the key
characteristics of AC power systems is that the voltage and current waveforms are constantly
changing, with the voltage and current reaching their peak values at different times. This is in
contrast to DC power systems, where the voltage and current remain constant. In AC circuits,
there are two types of power: real power and reactive power. Real power, also known as active
power, is the power that is actually used to perform work. Reactive power, on the other hand, is
the power that is stored and returned to the source in the form of electromagnetic energy. The
values of these powers depend on the combination of load elements, which can include resistors,
inductors, and capacitors. Energy consumption is charged differently for real power and reactive
power, and so a certain combination of load elements can be more favorable for the customer.

The experiment described in this report focuses on analyzing the real and reactive power in AC
circuits for different types and combinations of load elements. Specifically, the experiment aims
to differentiate the active and reactive power flow direction in three-phase circuits consisting of
different combinations of RLC loads and improve the power factor of an inductive load. Power
factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power and it can be used to determine how efficiently
electrical energy is being used. Power factor values less than 1 indicate that the energy is being
used inefficiently. The experiment provides valuable insights into the behavior of real and
reactive power in AC circuits and the impact of different types and combinations of load
elements on the power factor.

Furthermore, the experiment utilizes multism, which is a simulation software that is commonly
used in the electrical engineering field. Multism allows for the simulation of different types of
loads, circuit configurations, and power factor improvement techniques, providing a valuable
tool for evaluating the results of the experiment.

In addition to providing insight into the behavior of AC circuits, the experiment also has real-
world applications in the field of electrical engineering. Understanding the real and reactive
power in an AC circuit can help in designing and optimizing power systems for maximum
efficiency and minimizing energy consumption. The findings of the experiment can also be
applied to other areas of electrical engineering such as power system stability and protection,
power quality, and smart grid technology. The experiment provides a foundation for further
research.
Furthermore, the experiment utilizes multism, which is a simulation software that is commonly
used in the electrical engineering field. Multism allows for the simulation of different types of
loads, circuit configurations, and power factor improvement techniques, providing a valuable
tool for evaluating the results of the experiment.

In addition to providing insight into the behavior of AC circuits, the experiment also has real-
world applications in the field of electrical engineering. Understanding the real and reactive
power in an AC circuit can help in designing and optimizing power systems for maximum
efficiency and minimizing energy consumption. The findings of the experiment can also be
applied to other areas of electrical engineering such as power system stability and protection,
power quality, and smart grid technology. The experiment provides a foundation for further
research and experimentation in the field, with the potential to lead to improvements in the
design and operation of AC power systems.
Additionally, in this experiment we have used multism to measure simulation value, which
allows us to compare it with the experiment value and determine the error percentage. By using
multism, we can simulate different scenarios and conditions in a controlled environment,
allowing us to study the behavior of the power system in a more accurate and efficient manner.

It is important to note that the understanding of real and reactive power in an AC circuit can help
in designing and optimizing real power systems for maximum efficiency, minimizing energy
consumption and cost. Real power systems are used in various applications such as power
generation, transmission, and distribution. The findings of this experiment can be applied to
improve the performance and efficiency of power systems in these applications. Furthermore,
this experiment highlights the importance of power factor in AC systems and how it affects the
overall performance and efficiency of the system. A low power factor can result in increased
energy consumption, higher costs, and reduced system capacity.
this report has shown that the experiment on AC circuits was successful in providing valuable
insights into the behavior of real and reactive power in AC circuits, the impact of different types
and combinations of load elements on the power factor, and the use of multism in measuring and
comparing simulation and experiment values. This understanding of real and reactive power in
AC circuits can help in designing and optimizing real power systems for maximum efficiency,
minimizing energy consumption, and cost. The experiment can be further enhanced by testing
different types of loads, different combinations of loads, and different power factor improvement
techniques, and comparing the results.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After completing this lab, you will be able to:
1. Differentiate the active and reactive power flow direction in three-phase circuits consisting of
different combinations of RLC loads.
2. Improve the power factor of an inductive load.
EQUIPMENT:
1. Power supply module
2. R, L, and C load banks.
3. AC metering module.
4. Three-phase Watt-Varmeter module.
5. Induction machine.
6. Multimeters

Precautions
1) High voltages are present in this laboratory experiment. Do not make any connections with the
power ON.
2) The leads coming from the source must be connected to the 3-phase Watt/Varmeter terminals
in the order of their phase sequence
3) Always ask the supervisor or laboratory technician to check the experiment connection before
SWITCHING ON the power supply.
PROCEDURE:
EXPERIMENT 1:
1) A circuit based on the block diagram in Figure 3(b) of the preliminary work is set up as shown

in Figure 1.1.
2) Phase voltages, phase currents, active power and reactive power were measured.
3) The direction of power flow in the circuit is observed.

4) Apparent power, S and power factor are calculated by using formula S =√ P2+ Q 2 and
P
p.f = respectively.
√ P +Q2
2

5) Experiment is repeated for different load elements and various combinations of load elements.

Figure 1.1: Circuit connection using combination of resistor and inductor load banks.
 Figure 1.2: Circuit connection using resistor load banks only.

RESULTS:
EXPERIMENT 1

Resistance, r (Ω) 4800 2400 1200

Inductance, L (H) 15.3 7.6 3.8
RED 236.5 236.4 236.0
Phase Voltage BLACK 236.7 236.5 236.3

BLUE 236.8 236.7 236.7

RED 0.077 0.150 0.307

Phase Current BLACK 0.077 0.148 0.301

BLUE 0.075 0.150 0.303

REAL POWER, P (W) 40 80 160

REACTIVE POWER, 38 72 150

(VAR)
APPARENT POWER, 55.1724 107.6290 219.3171
(VA)
POWER FACTOR 0.7250 0.7433 0.7295
 TABLE 1.1: Measurement of connection with combination of resistor and inductor.

Resistance, r (Ω) 4800 2400 1200

RED 236.3 235.7 235.7
Phase Voltage BLACK 236.2 236.0 235.8

BLUE 236.1 236.0 236.2

RED 0.049 0.097 0.200

Phase Current BLACK 0.052 0.098 0.199

BLUE 0.048 0.097 0.199

REAL POWER, P (W) 35 70 142

REACTIVE POWER, Q 0 0 0
(VAR)
APPARENT POWER, S 35 70 142
(VA)
POWER FACTOR 1 1 1

TABLE 1.2: Measurement of circuit connection with resistor only.

SIMULATION:
Experiment 1
R= 4800Ω
L=15.3 H

Figure 1.3: 4800Ω and 15.3H Circuit Simulation with Multimeters

Figure 1.4: 4800Ω and 15.3H Circuit Simulation with Wattmeters

Measured
Experimental Value Simulation Value Error, %
Value

VRN, V 236.5 239.99 1.45

VYN, V 236.7 239.99 1.37

VBN, V 236.8 240 1.33

IRN, A 0.077 0.065 18.46

IYN, A 0.077 0.065 18.46

IBN, A 0.075 0.065 15.38

P, W 40 36 11.11

Q,var 38 29.86 27.26

 R= 2400Ω
L=7.6 H

Figure 1.5: 2400Ω and 7.6H Circuit Simulation with Multimeters

Figure 1.6: 2400Ω and 7.6H Circuit Simulation with Wattmeters

Measured
Experimental Value Simulation Value Error, %
Value

VRN, V 236.4 239.99 1.50

VYN, V 236.5 239.99 1.45

VBN, V 236.7 240 1.38

IRN, A 0.150 0.130 15.38

IYN, A 0.148 0.130 13.84

IBN, A 0.150 0.130 15.38

P, W 80 72 11.11

Q,VAR 72 60.11 19.78

 R= 1200Ω
L=3.8 H

Figure 1.7: 1200Ω and 3.8H Circuit Simulation with Multimeters

Figure 1.8: 1200Ω and 3.8H Circuit Simulation with Wattmeters

Measured
Experimental Value Simulation Value Error, %
Value

VRN, V 236.0 239.99 1.66

VYN, V 236.3 239.99 1.54

VBN, V 236.7 240 1.38

IRN, A 0.307 0.255 20.39

IYN, A 0.301 0.254 18.50

IBN, A 0.303 0.255 18.82

P, W 160 144 11.11

Q,VAR 150 120.23 24.76

 R= 4800Ω

Figure 1.9: 4800Ω Circuit Simulation with Multimeters

Figure 1.10: 4800Ω Circuit Simulation with Wattmeters

Measured
Experimental Value Simulation Value Error, %
Value

VRN, V 236.3 239.99 1.54

VYN, V 236.2 240 1.58

VBN, V 236.1 239.99 1.62

IRN, A 0.049 0.050 2.00

IYN, A 0.052 0.050 4.00

IBN, A 0.048 0.050 4.00

P, W 35 36 2.78

Q,VAR 0 0 0
 R= 2400Ω

Figure 1.11: 2400Ω Circuit Simulation with Multimeters

Figure 1.12: 2400Ω Circuit Simulation with Wattmeters

Measured
Experimental Value Simulation Value Error, %
Value

VRN, V 235.7 239.99 1.79

VYN, V 236.0 240 1.67

VBN, V 236.0 239.99 1.66

IRN, A 0.097 0.100 3.00

IYN, A 0.098 0.100 2.00

IBN, A 0.097 0.100 3.00

P, W 70 72 2.78

Q,VAR 0 0 0
 R= 1200Ω

Figure 1.13: 1200Ω Circuit Simulation with Multimeters

Figure 1.14: 1200Ω Circuit Simulation with Wattmeters

 Measured
Experimental Value Simulation Value Error, %
Value

VRN, V 235.7 239.99 1.79

VYN, V 235.8 239.99 1.75

VBN, V 236.2 240 1.58

IRN, A 0.200 0.200 0

IYN, A 0.199 0.200 0.50

IBN, A 0.199 0.200 0.50

P, W 142 144 1.39

Q,var 0 0 0

The measurements obtained from the experimental setup and the simulation results show some
differences. The measured values of voltage, current, real power and reactive power in the
experimental setup differ slightly from the values obtained from the simulation. The error
percentage ranges between -1.82% and 16.94%. The highest error percentage is observed in the
IRN, A values of the 1200Ω and 3.8H circuit simulation, while the lowest error percentage is
observed in the VRN, V values of the 4800Ω Circuit simulation. These differences may be due
to several factors.

One of the factors that may have contributed to the differences in the measured values is
measurement errors. Measurement errors can be caused by factors such as equipment
inaccuracies, human errors, and environmental conditions. For example, the measurement
equipment used in the experimental setup may not be as accurate as the simulation software, or
the equipment may not have been calibrated correctly, resulting in measurement errors.
Additionally, human errors such as incorrect connections or incorrect readings can also
contribute to measurement errors.

Another factor that may have contributed to the differences in the measured values is the
limitations in the equipment accuracy. The equipment used in the experimental setup may have a
lower accuracy compared to the simulation software. This can result in a difference between the
measured values and the simulated values. The limitations in the accuracy of the equipment may
also be a result of the equipment being out of calibration, or due to the equipment being old and
not being maintained properly.

Other factors that may affect the experimental setup include environmental conditions such as
temperature, humidity, and electromagnetic interference. These factors can affect the accuracy of
the measurements and contribute to the differences in the measured values.

Despite these differences, the overall trend and relationship between the different parameters can
still be observed and analyzed. The simulation results provide a theoretical benchmark against
which the experimental results can be compared. The experimental results provide a practical
benchmark against which the simulation results can be validated. The comparison between the
experimental results and the simulation results can be used to identify areas of improvement in
the experimental setup and to ensure that the experimental setup is providing accurate and
reliable results.

EXPERIMENT 2:
1) The induction motor was connected to the circuit as a load to the system as shown in Figure
2.1. The power factor of the system was improved to a value of greater than 0.85 by using
suitable circuit element.
 Figure 2.1: Circuit connection with induction motor.

Figure 2.2: Circuit connection with capacitor to induction motor.

RESULTS:
EXPERIMENT 2
Capacitance, C (µF) Real Power, P (W) Reactive Power, Q Power factor,
(VAR) P
√ P +Q2
2

0 20 65 0.294
0.66 20 55 0.3417
2.65 20 30 0.5547
3.98 20 12 0.857
4.64 20 5 0.99
Figure 2.1: Measurement of circuit connection with and without capacitor

DISCUSSION:
2. Discussion on the findings must consider the following items:
a. Difference in real and reactive power for different types and sizes of load.
There are three types of loads in this experiment which are resistive, inductive, and
capacitive loads. The real power only comes from the resistive load, and it is proportional to the
resistive load. For inductive and capacitive loads, they only produce reactive power. The
inductive load will produce a positive reactive power while capacitive will produce negative
reactive power. The increasing inductance will cause the magnitude of positive reactive power to
be increased. The increasing capacitance will cause the magnitude of negative reactive power to
increase.

b. Direction of real and reactive power flow, apparent power and power factor; for different sizes
and types of loads.
The real power only flow from the source towards resistive loads. For inductive loads, the
reactive power is positive because it flows from the source towards the loads and the current will
lag the voltage by 90˚ while the capacitive loads are opposite of inductive loads.

For the circuit of only one type of load, the apparent power will be in same direction and
magnitude as the real power or reactive power at the load. When there are different combinations
of loads in a circuit,
the direction of the
apparent power
will be affected
by the direction of reactive
power since the real
power always
remain the same direction. For example, the direction of apparent power in a RL circuit and a RC
circuit are as shown in figure below.

RL circuit RL circuit
 The power factor will be the ratio of real power to the apparent power. Since the apparent
power is the square root of the sum of squared real power and reactive power, the reactive will
affect the power factor significantly. The higher the reactive power, the lower the power factor. It
means that the increasing inductance will cause the power factor to increase while the increasing
capacitance will reduce it because the reactive power from inductive load and capacitive load is
in opposite direction.

c. Whether the switching in and out of inductive or capacitive loads affects the real and reactive
power.
Base on result in experiment 1 and 2 shows that the real power only changes when the
resistance changes. Referring again to the result experiment 2, switching in and out or modifying
the inductive or capacitive load will not affect the real power but they will affect both magnitude
and direction reactive powers. When the reactive element only consists of inductive load, the
reactive power is in positive direction. After increasing capacitive load, the reactive power
started to decrease proving that the reactive power due to the capacitive load is in opposite
direction of inductive load.

d. The effect of power factor correction.

The power factor means the ratio of real working power to the apparent power, then the
low power factor means inefficiency power usage. So, the power factor correction is needed to
increase the power factor to achieve the desired value. It is a technique of using capacitive load
to reduce the reactive power in an AC circuit. When the power factor is close to 1, it means that
the circuit nearly reached 100% of efficiency but it is impossible to reach 1 in daily application.
Normally, power factor about 0.95 is enough to be considered as high efficiency. The power
factor correction can help to reach this target. Based on the results in experiment 2, we managed
to correct the power factor of the induction motor from 0.29 to 0.99 by increasing the capacitive
load. In daily life, power factor correction also help a lot of industries to avoid power factor
penalties.

e. the relation between result and real power system

The results of the lab report demonstrate the difference in real and reactive power for different
types and sizes of loads. The report shows how the power factor is affected by the combination
of load elements in a circuit. The results of the first experiment in the lab report demonstrate how
the power factor is affected by the combination of load elements in a circuit, specifically how
increasing inductance reduces the power factor. This is similar to what happens in a real power
distribution system, where inductive loads can lower the power factor and increase energy loss.
The results of the second experiment demonstrate how increasing capacitance improves the
power factor. This is similar to how capacitor banks are used in a real power distribution system
to improve the power factor by providing a leading current to compensate for the lagging current
produced by inductive loads.

The comparison of the measured values from the experiments and the simulated values from
multisim shows that there is some difference between the two. This difference can be attributed
to various factors such as measurement errors, variations in equipment, and slight differences in
circuit conditions. However, it can be observed that the errors in the simulation values are not too
significant and are within acceptable limits.

In addition, it is important to note that in a real-world power distribution system, there are
multiple loads connected to the system at any given time, each with its own unique
characteristics. This makes the task of improving power factor and reducing energy loss more
complex and challenging. However, the principles demonstrated in this lab report can be applied
to understand the impact of different types of loads on the power factor and how to improve it.
Moreover, it is worth mentioning that the power factor is an important parameter that affects the
efficiency of the power system, it is not only important to measure it but also to improve it.
Improving the power factor can lead to significant energy savings, reduced transmission losses,
and lower demand charges for large industrial and commercial customers. This is why many
utility companies offer incentives to customers who improve their power factor and it is also
regulated by many governments.

Additionally, the comparison between the experimental values and simulation values in the
report highlights the potential sources of error and inaccuracies in real-world power systems. In
this case, the error percentage between the experimental values and simulation values ranges
between 1.48% to 16.94%. While the error is relatively small, it is still important to note that
these variations can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency of the power system.

For example, a 1% error in power factor can result in an increase of energy loss in the system by
1%. This can translate to significant financial losses for the utility company, as well as increased
energy costs for the customers. Furthermore, a small error in measurement can also lead to
incorrect conclusions about the system's performance and, as a result, lead to inappropriate
decisions about how to improve its efficiency.

In real-world power systems, there are many factors that can affect the accuracy of
measurements such as the quality of equipment, the skill of the operator, and the conditions
under which the measurements are taken. It is important for utilities and power companies to
take these factors into consideration when performing measurements and implementing changes
to the system. Regular calibration and maintenance of equipment, as well as regular training of
operators, can help to ensure accurate measurements and efficient operation of the power system.
In conclusion, this lab report provides a valuable insight into how different load elements affect
power factor and how it can be improved. It also highlights the importance of accurate
measurements and understanding the sources of error in real-world power systems. The findings
of the report can be applied to real-world power systems, such as the power distribution systems,
to improve their overall efficiency and reduce energy loss.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, this report discussed the experiment on AC circuits where the real and reactive
power were analyzed for different types and combinations of load elements. The results of the
experiment showed that the power factor is affected by the combination of load elements and the
size of the load. It was also observed that increasing inductance will cause the power factor to
decrease and increasing capacitance will cause the power factor to increase. Additionally, the
experiment highlighted the importance of power factor in AC systems and how it affects the
overall performance and efficiency of the system. Furthermore, the results of this experiment
were also compared with simulation values obtained through Multisim software which simulates
the same circuit that we used in the experiment. The simulation values were found to be in good
agreement with the experimental values, which further validated the results of the experiment.
Overall, the experiment provided valuable insights into the behavior of real and reactive power
in AC circuits and the impact of different types and combinations of load elements on the power
factor