Power Factor [RE-wrenches]

[Ray Walters]

Hi Travis;

 I can't comment on the Brand's accuracy of power factor, since I have no other equipment to compare measurements with. Santa Claus still hasn't brought me a Fluke 43. My understanding of PF is that it is representative of the lag between the peak of the voltage wave with respect to the current wave. If both current and voltage peak at the same time, PF = 1. If voltage peaks when current is at zero, PF = 0.If voltage peaks positive when current is at max. neg, PF =-1, and the phase angle (the measurement in degrees between the two sine waves) is 180 degrees. My understanding is also that PF is dependent on the load. Because a power source could be called to provide more current (apparent power)than the actual watts would indicate, you can overload a power source without actually exceeding its watt rating. That (again my understanding) is why many generators and inverters are rated in VA (volts x amps) not watts. Anybody feel free to rip my explanation to shreds, I won't take!
 offen
se.

Ray





>
>What do you make of the SW's power factor?  I always thought it had a
>terrible power factor.  Once it was charging above a 1000 watts it's PF was
>above .95.  Should I question the accuracy of the Brand Meter?
>
>Travis
>----------
>>From: Ray Walters <remotech at taosnm.com>
>>To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
>>Subject: Re: Peak Voltage Sine Wave [RE-wrenches]
>>Date: Tue, Jun 18, 2002, 1:04 AM
>>
>
>>Hi Travis;
>>
>>Thanks for the high quality data collection. I think everyone can see now
>>that the inverter/ generators (especially your Yamaha) are really a break
>>through for off grid system backup.  (Yea, I know most of you on the coasts
>>are snoozing through this thread, since your so worn out from doing grid
>>intertie.)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
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