Power factor calculation

Netlist · 11th March 2007, 03:35 PM

How to calculate the ratio of resistive and reactive load if the impedance/resistance is not measurable?
http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/elec...html#02216.png

As a practical example, I’d like to measure the cos(phi) of an energy saving light bulb which states to consume 8W but measures 230V * 0.057A = 13.1W.
Of course, believing the manufacturer is the easiest, 13.1W – 8W gives a power factor of 0.61 but I'd like to verify.
Out of circuit, the bulb has an infinite resistance probably caused by the internal ignition circuit.

/Hugo

sreten · 11th March 2007, 03:59 PM

Hi,

Said bulbs have a complex supply / ignition circuit.
You cannot derive the power factor from that simple formula.

Only way I know of is a small additional resistor and an oscilloscope.

/sreten.

Netlist · 11th March 2007, 04:30 PM

Say a 10ohm resistor in series and go from there?

/Hugo

sreten · 11th March 2007, 05:11 PM

Hi,

Yes. With an oscilloscope you can then see the current and
its relationship with input voltage. May not be continuous.

/sreten.

Netlist · 11th March 2007, 05:21 PM

Thanks.
Would there be a way to compensate these bulbs for a higher power factor. I calculated a 457µF (!) capacitor would bring the power factor close to 1. Apart from the fact that its rather silly to do, I'm trying to get a grasp of the basic math.

/Hugo

11th March 2007, 03:35 PM	#1
Netlist diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2003	Power factor calculation How to calculate the ratio of resistive and reactive load if the impedance/resistance is not measurable? http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/elec...html#02216.png As a practical example, I’d like to measure the cos(phi) of an energy saving light bulb which states to consume 8W but measures 230V * 0.057A = 13.1W. Of course, believing the manufacturer is the easiest, 13.1W – 8W gives a power factor of 0.61 but I'd like to verify. Out of circuit, the bulb has an infinite resistance probably caused by the internal ignition circuit. /Hugo

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11th March 2007, 03:59 PM	#2
sreten diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton UK	Hi, Said bulbs have a complex supply / ignition circuit. You cannot derive the power factor from that simple formula. Only way I know of is a small additional resistor and an oscilloscope. /sreten.

11th March 2007, 04:30 PM	#3
Netlist diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2003	Say a 10ohm resistor in series and go from there? /Hugo

11th March 2007, 05:11 PM	#4
sreten diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton UK	Hi, Yes. With an oscilloscope you can then see the current and its relationship with input voltage. May not be continuous. /sreten.

11th March 2007, 05:21 PM	#5
Netlist diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2003	Thanks. Would there be a way to compensate these bulbs for a higher power factor. I calculated a 457µF (!) capacitor would bring the power factor close to 1. Apart from the fact that its rather silly to do, I'm trying to get a grasp of the basic math. /Hugo