Day 22 - Apparent Power and Power Factor

Topics Discussed

On day 22 of the ENGR 44 course, we were introduced to different forms of power and how we could calculate and make sense of these types of power. These types of power come about as a result of AC circuits. Using the methods of dc circuits for power in application with ac circuits ultimately just shows us the instantaneous power. There is complex and apparent power which are integrated into AC circuits, and they have their own methods of calculation which we discussed. In order to get these different types of power, we also had to have an understanding of RMS current and voltage. We did many practice problems with these methods (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3)

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Apparent Power and Power Factor Lab

In lab, we planned to analyze a circuit that utilized two resistors and an inductor and find the different types of power through it. We followed the schematic in the lab and created the circuit (Fig. 4)

Fig. 4

We were able to utilize the methods discussed in class to find the apparent and complex power, as well as the power factor of the created circuit. 

Summary

Upon completion of the lab and class meeting, we were able to find apparent and complex power, as well as the total power that can be experienced across different elements in a circuit. These types of power utilize values uncommon in previous class discussions. We were also able to find the power factor of the circuit which came about as part of the phase shift found from the circuit.