Power Quadrant

This article will talk about the Power Quadrant and the information it can quickly convey
graphically about the behavior of a power system before any further detailed analysis.
By Richard
Power QuadrantLam, Applications Engineer - CHK Power Quality Pty Ltd
ACwill
This article POWER
talk about the Power Quadrant and the information it can quickly convey
Power
graphically aboutinthe
the context
behavior of aofpower
an AC system
system is any
before affected Power Quadrant
furtherby the phase
detailed angle
analysis.
between the voltage and current which determines the type of
AC Power
power and whether it is being consumed or generated. The types of
This article will talk about Power
the Power Quadrant and the information it can quickly convey
Quadrant
power that are
Power ingraphically
seen in an
the context ofabout
an AC system
AC system
is affectedofbyathe
are asangle
follows:
phasesystem between theany
voltage and detailed analysis.
the behavior power before further
current whichwill
This article determines thethe
talk about type of power
Power and whether
Quadrant and the itinformation
is being consumed or generated.
it can quickly convey The
types of1) Active
power power
that are seen in an Real
orofAC power
Power
a system (P) is any
are asQuadrant
follows: thefurther
power that analysis.
performs
AC
graphically Power
about the behavior power system before detailed
work and is absorbed by the resistive components of a system.
1) Active power or Real power (P) is the power that preforms work and is absorbed by the resistive
AC
ThisPower
Measured
article will talkin Watts
about the (W),
Power average
Quadrant active
and thepowerinformation is defined
itiscan byby(1).
quickly convey
components Power of ain system. Measured
the context ofinanWatts AC (W),
system average active
is affected powerby the defined
phase (1).
angle between the voltage and
graphically about the behavior of a power system before any further detailed analysis.
Powercurrent
in the context which of determines isthe type ofthepower
phaseand anglewhether it isvoltage
beingand consumed or generated. The
𝑃𝑃an=AC𝑉𝑉system
!"#of!"#𝐼𝐼 affected
cos(𝜃𝜃 by
$ − 𝜃𝜃 ) … between the
(1)
AC Power
current whichof
types determines
power that the type
are seen power in and
an AC whether
system it%is being
are asconsumed
follows:or generated. The
(θtypes
v – θi) of power
is the phase thatdifference
are seen between
in an AC system the voltageare asand follows:
current at the fundamental frequency.
Active
Power (θ
power – isθcontext
1)invActive
the i) is to
said the be phase
consumed
of an ACReal difference
system when positive
is affected between
isand
by the theangle
generated
phase voltage
when andthecurrent
negative.
between voltage and at is absorbed by the resistive
1) Active power orpower Real power or (P) ispower
the power (P) that the power
preforms workthatandpreforms
is absorbedwork by theandresistive
current the fundamental
which determines thefrequency.
type of power Active
and whetherpower it isisbeing
saidconsumed
to be consumed
or generated. The
components
2)components
Reactive powerof a (Q) isof
system. theaMeasured
system.
power thatinMeasured
Wattsnot
does (W), in Watts
average
preform (W),
active
useful average
power
work andisisdefined
usedactive
byby the power
(1).reactiveis defined by (1).
types when
of powerpositivethat are seenand ingenerated
an AC system are as negative.
when follows:
components of a system i.e., inductors and capacitors that continuously stores and releases this
1) Active
power power or Real
[1]. Measured 𝑃𝑃
power= 𝑉𝑉(P)!"#
𝑃𝑃 = 𝑉𝑉
in Volt-Amperes 𝐼𝐼!"#
isReactive
the 𝐼𝐼
power cos(𝜃𝜃
that reactive
(VAR), − 𝜃𝜃power
cos(𝜃𝜃 − 𝜃𝜃 ) … (1)
preforms ) …isand(1)
%work is absorbed
defined by (2).by the resistive
2) Reactive power (Q)inisWatts the (W), !"# $that
power !"#does notis$preform %
components of a system. Measured average active power defined byuseful
(1).
(θv – θi) is the phase difference between the voltage and current at the fundamental frequency.
work and is 𝑄𝑄 =
used 𝑉𝑉 by 𝐼𝐼
the sin(𝜃𝜃
reactive − 𝜃𝜃
components ) … (2)of a current ati.e.,
system
Active(θ v – θis
power i) said
is theto bephase difference
!"#
consumed !"#
when positivebetween $ the voltage
%
and generated when andnegative. the fundamental frequency.
Figure 2: Power quadrant from the IEEE1459-2010 standard
𝑃𝑃capacitors
= 𝑉𝑉!"# 𝐼𝐼!"# cos(𝜃𝜃 $ − positive
𝜃𝜃% ) … (1) and releases
Reactiveinductors
Active
power is power andis
stored whensaidpositive
to be and that
consumed
released continuously
when
when negative.stores and generated when negative.
2) Reactive power (Q) is the power that does not preform useful work and is used by the reactive
(θv – θthis power
i) is the [1]. Measured
phase difference betweenin theVolt-Amperes
voltage and current Reactive (VAR), reactive
at the fundamental frequency.
3)components
Complex
2)
Activepower
of a system
Power
Reactive
power
(S) power
isissaid
i.e.,power
is total inductors
(Q)(2).
to be consumed
defined by the and capacitors
iscombining
whenpower
both thethat
positivethat and does
continuously
reactive
generated notandpreform
active stores
power
when negative.
andinto
useful releases
one Table
work this 1 characterises
and is usedFigure 2: Power
by the the impedance
quadrant
reactive from theproperties
IEEE1459-2010 of standard
each quadrant in Figure 2
power [1].
quantity. Measured
Measured in Volt-Amperes
in Volt-Amperes (VA). Reactive (VAR), reactive
It is expressed power isform
in the complex defined by (2).
by (3). Figure 2 Power quadrant from the IEEE1459-2010 standard
components of a system i.e., inductors and capacitors that continuously
2) Reactive power (Q) is the power that does not preform useful work and is used by the reactive shows that
stores andpower
releases factor
this is only positive in the first and
Figure 2: Power quadrant from the IEEE1459-2010 fourth quadrants m
standard
power [1]. Measured𝑄𝑄
components of a system i.e., inductors = 𝑉𝑉in𝑆𝑆 =and
!"# 𝐼𝐼
Volt-Amperes
!"# sin(𝜃𝜃
𝑃𝑃 capacitors
+ 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 …$that −
Reactive 𝜃𝜃 % )
(3)continuously …
(VAR), (2) reactive power
Table
stores and releases the is defined
this1load. by (2).
characterises
Alternatively
Table 1 the impedance
characterises power factor
the properties
impedance is negative of in
properties each
of quadrant
quadrants
each quadrantin Figure
2 and 2. C
3 meanin
power [1]. Measured in Volt-Amperes Reactive (VAR), reactive power is defined by (2). Table
in 1 characterises
Figure 2. Column the
4 inimpedance
Table 1 properties
shows that of eachfactor
power quadrant in Figure 2. Col
is only
Reactive
Where power is stored
its magnitude is knownwhen as positive
the ‘Apparent
𝑄𝑄 = 𝑉𝑉 and released
𝐼𝐼 Power’when and the phase is equal to (θv – θshows
negative.
sin(𝜃𝜃 − 𝜃𝜃 ) … (2) source.
i). The thatshows
cosine power factor is only positive in the first and fourth quadrants mean
Reactive
of the phase is referredpower to asisthe
stored when positive
‘displacement !"#factor’
power and(DPF)
!"# releasedor simplywhen
$ power negative.
%factor (PF). positivethat power
in the firstfactor is onlyquadrants
and fourth positive inmeaning
the first and
powerfourth
flowquadrants
is to meanin
3) Complex Power (S) is𝑄𝑄 =power
total 𝑉𝑉 𝐼𝐼!"# sin(𝜃𝜃
!"#combining both the$− 𝜃𝜃% ) …
reactive and(2) active power into the oneload. Alternatively
the load.
the powerpower
load. Alternatively
Alternatively factorfactor
power is negative
factor is negative
is in quadrants
negative quadrants22
in quadrants
in 2and
and 3
and meaningpop
33 meaning
Reactive leads theQuadrant Active Power Reactive Power Power factor
ispower is stored (S) when positive and released when negative.
DPFquantity. Measured
is considered in Volt-Amperes
lagging when (VA).lags
the current It is expressed
the voltage inorthe complex
leading when form by
current(3).
Reactive3) Complex
power storedPower
when positive is andtotal power
released whencombining
negative. both the source. meaning
reactive source. power flow is to the source.
voltage. 1st + (consume) + (inductive) Lagging (+)
and
3) Complex active
Power power
3) Complex (S)Power
is totalinto
(S)
power is𝑆𝑆total
one =
combining 𝑃𝑃power
quantity. +both𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 … reactive
Measured
combining
the (3) inboth Volt-Amperes
and the power
active reactive (VA).
into and
one active power into one
Quadrant Active Power Reactive Power Power factor
Power Quadrant
It is expressed
quantity. Measured in the
in Volt-Amperes complex form
(VA). It is expressed by (3).in the complex forminbythe (3). Quadrant 2nd - (generate)
Active Power + (inductive)
Reactive Power Power Lagging
factor(-)
Wherequantity.
its magnitude Measured
is known in Volt-Amperes
as the ‘Apparent Power’ (VA). andIttheis expressed
phase is equal to (θv complex – θi). The cosineform 1st
by (3). + (consume) + (inductive) Lagging (+)
of the phase is(3), referred topower
as the can
‘displacement
be graphedpower on thefactor’ (DPF) or simply
where power
the realfactor
1st3rd
axis is(PF).
- (generate) + (inductive)
+ (consume) - (capacitive) Lagging Leading(+) (-)
From equation complex 𝑆𝑆 = 𝑃𝑃 + 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 … (3) complex plane 2nd active - (generate) + (inductive) Lagging (-)
power
DPF isand the imaginary
considered axis
lagging is reactive
when the currentpower 𝑆𝑆 = 𝑃𝑃 + 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 … (3)
as the
lags seenvoltage
in Figure 1. This graph
or leading wheniscurrent as2nd
knownleads 4th
Power 3rd - (generate)
thethe + (consume) - (capacitive)
- (generate)+ (inductive)
- (capacitive) LaggingLeading
Leading(-)(-) (+)
Where its
Quadrant magnitude is known as the ‘Apparent Power’ and the phase is equal to (θv – θi). The cosine Table 1
voltage. graph. 3rd - (generate) - (capacitive) Leading
Leading(-)
of theWhere
Where its magnitude
phase is its magnitude
referred isknown
known
to as theis‘displacement as the
as the
power ‘Apparent
‘Apparent
factor’ Power’
(DPF) Power’
and
or simply and
the
power phase
factor is equal4th
the(PF). to (θv – θi). The+ (consume)
cosine - (capacitive) (+)
Figure 2phase
Power shows complex
of the is
phase
Quadrant equal power
is to plotted
(θ
referred – θ
to
for
).as
the
The four
the
(4)
cosine sign
of combinations
‘displacement the phase
power
of
is P and Q;
referred
factor’
as 4th
referenced
to
(DPF) asor
leadsIEC simply power + (consume)
factor (PF). - (capacitive)
Table
Table 1
1 Leading (+)
thestandard IEC 60253-23-2003 [3], however, defines the second and third
DPFthe
is considered lagging v
when the i
from IEEE1459-2010 standard [2]. current lagsthe
[2] defines thereference
voltage ordirection
leading when
is from current
the source the
to
the ‘displacement power factor’ (DPF) or simply power factor (PF).
voltage. Table 1
load.
DPF
From equationis considered lagging canwhen the current lags the voltage or
theleading and when IEC
inductivestandard
current leads IEC
the60253-23-2003
respectively as seen in [3],Figure
however,
3. defines the second and third quad
DPF is(3),considered
complex power lagging be graphed
when on
thethecurrent
complex plane
lags where
the voltage real axis
or is active
IEC standard IEC 60253-23-2003 [3], however, defines the second
Power Quadrant and inductive respectively as seen in Figure 3.
power and the
voltage. imaginary axis is reactive
leading when current leads the voltage. power as seen in Figure 1. This graph is known IEC standard
as the Power and IEC
third60253-23-2003 [3], however,
quadrants as capacitive defines
and inductive the second
respectively and third qu
as seen
Quadrant graph.
and inductivein Figure 3.
respectively as seen in Figure 3.
Power
From equation
FigurePOWER Quadrant
(3),
2 shows complex
complex power can be graphed on the complex plane where the real axis is active
QUADRANT
power plotted for the four (4) sign combinations of P and Q; as referenced
power and the imaginary axis is reactive power as seen in Figure 1. This graph is known as the Power
from the
FromIEEE1459-2010
equation standard
(3), complex [2]. [2] defines
powerthe canreference directionon
be graphed is from
thethe source to the
complex
Quadrant graph.
load. From equation (3), complex power can be graphed on the complex plane where the real axis is active
plane where the real axis is active power and the imaginary axis is
Figure 2 shows complex power plotted for the four (4) sign combinations of P and Q; as referenced
power and
reactive powerthe imaginary
as seen in axis is reactive
Figure powerisasknown
1. This graph seen inasFigure 1. This graph is known as the Power
the Power
from the IEEE1459-2010 standard [2]. [2] defines the reference direction is from the source to the
load. Quadrant graph. graph.
Figure 2 shows complex
Figure 1: Complex power
Power drawn on plotted for the four (4) sign
Figure 2 shows
combinations complex
the of
complex power
plane/power
P and plotted
Q; asquadrant for the
referenced four
from (4)IEEE1459-2010
the sign combinations of P and Q; as referenced
from the IEEE1459-2010 standard [2]. [2] defines the reference
standard [2]. [2] defines the reference direction is from the source direction is from the source to the
load.
to the load.

Figure 1: Complex Power drawn on

the complex plane/power quadrant

Figure 1: Complex Power drawn on

the complex plane/power quadrant Figure 3: Power quadrant from IEC 62053-23-2003

With IEC, theFigure

defined sourcequadrant
3: Power and load from
is notIEC
fixed and changes based on the dire
62053-23-2003
factor. Figure 3 Power quadrant from IEC 62053-23-2003
With IEC, theIEC,
With defined
Figure 3:source and load
Powersource
the defined quadrant is not
andfrom
load fixed and and
changes
IECis62053-23-2003
not fixed based on the
changes
Figure 1: Complex Power drawn on Example (with Miro PQ45)
Figure 1 Complex Power
thedrawn
complex onplane/power
the complex plane/power quadrantfactor. based on the direction (sign) of power factor.
quadrant
With IEC, the defined
Figure source
4 and Figure and current
5 show load is lagging
not fixed
and and changes
leading based
the voltage on the diA
respectively.
1
Example
factor. (with Miro PQ45)
complex power appears on the first and fourth
TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION quadrants respectively.
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2022

Example
Figure 4(with Miro5PQ45)
and Figure show current lagging and leading the voltage respectiv
 T&D

EXAMPLE (WITH MIRO PQ45)

Figure 4 and Figure 5 show current lagging
and leading the voltage respectively. As
expected, complex power appears on the
first and fourth quadrants respectively.

Figure 6 and Figure 7, show current lagging

and leading the voltage respectively with
a negative power factor. As expected,
complex power appears on the second and
third quadrants respectively.
Figure 4 L oad in quadrant 1 along with the corresponding waveform where blue waveform =
current, red waveform = voltage CHK Power Quality’s portable power quality
analyser model Miro PQ45 also logs and
displays step changes in quadrant power
over time as seen in Figure 8. This makes
it for users to quickly determine which
quadrant the power was in.

CHK PQ is an Australian engineering

company that specialises in the design and
manufacture of Power Quality Analysers,
Load Loggers and Asset Condition
Monitoring instruments. Our core focus is
providing engineering solutions, products,
Figure 5 L oad in quadrant 4 along with the corresponding waveform where blue waveform =
and services for improving Power Quality
current, red waveform = voltage
and Asset Condition Monitoring, thereby
allowing customers to optimise the
maintenance, operations reliability and
efficiency of their assets and networks.

References
[1] R. N. J. David Irwin, Basic Engineering
Circuit Analysis 9th edition, 2008.

[2] IEEE 1459-2010 Standard Definitions

for the Measurement of Electric
Power Quantities Under Sinusoidal,
Figure 6 L oad in quadrant 2 along with the corresponding waveform where blue waveform = Nonsinusoidal, Balanced, or
current, red waveform = voltage Unbalanced Conditions, IEEE, 19
March 2010.

[3] I nternational Electrotechnical Comission,

IEC 62053-23:2003 Electricity metering
equipment (a.c.) - Particular requirements
- Part 23: Static meters for reactive energy
(classes 2 and 3), 2003-01-29.

Figure 7 Load in quadrant 3 along with the corresponding waveform where blue waveform =
Miro PQ45 also logs and red
current, displays step= voltage
waveform changes in quadrant power over time as seen in Figure 8.

CHK Power Quality Pty Ltd

Please contact us for a free and
no obligation demonstration or trial:
Phone: +61 8283 6945
Email: sales@chkpowerquality.com.au

FigureFigure 8: logging
8 Logging of theofPower
the Power quadrant
Quadrant with respect
with respect to for
to time time forsimulated
the the simulated
load load

References
www.powertrans.com.au TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION 2

[1] R. N. J. David Irwin, Basic Engineering Circuit Analysis 9th edition, 2008.