Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional

Experiment 02
TWO WATTMETER METHOD OF MEASURING
POWER IN BALANCED RESISTIVE AND INDUCTIVE
LOAD

Evaluation Form:
IMPORTANT! You must complete this experiment during your scheduled lab period. All
work for this experiment must be demonstrated to and verified by your lab instructor before
the end of your scheduled lab period.

STEP DESCRIPTION MAX SCORE

1 Pre-Lab 5
2 Data Table Part-A 5
3 Report Part-A 7
4 Data Table Part-B 5
5 Report Part-B 3
Total 25

Signature of Evaluator: ___________________________________________________

Academic Honesty Statement:

IMPORTANT! Please carefully read and sign the Academic Honesty Statement, below. You will not receive
credit for this lab experiment unless this statement is signed in the presence of your lab instructor.

“In signing this statement, I hereby certify that the work on this experiment is my own and that I have not
copied the work of any other student (past or present) while completing this experiment. I understand that if I fail
to honor this agreement, I will receive a score of ZERO for this experiment and be subject to possible disciplinary
action.”
Name: Lab Group: Date:

Student ID Signature:
 Contents
Evaluation Form: ................................................................................................ 1
Academic Honesty Statement: ........................................................................... 1
Pre-lab Study ....................................................................................................... 1
1 Lab Overview .............................................................................................. 2
2 Theory .......................................................................................................... 2
3 Equipment.................................................................................................... 4
4 PART A: Two wattmeter method of measuring power in balanced
Resistive (R) Load ........................................................................................ 4
4.1 Experimental Set-Up: ............................................................................. 4
4.2 Procedure ................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Data Measurement .................................................................................. 6
4.4 Report...................................................................................................... 7
5 PART B: Two wattmeter method of measuring power in balanced
Inductive (R-L) Load .................................................................................. 9
5.1 Experimental set-up .............................................................................. 10
5.2 Procedure: ............................................................................................. 10
5.3 Data Measurement ................................................................................ 11
5.4 Report.................................................................................................... 11
Pre-lab Study
Before attempting this lab, please do the following:
1. Read Textbook Chapter 12 Fundamentals of Electric Circuits 5th Edition Charles
K. Alexander, Matthew N. O. Sadiku (Section 12.10.1)
2. Read the lab sheet BEFORE coming to class.

3. Solve the following problem and submit before class.

(i) For the circuit shown below Fig A. find the wattmeter readings. Assume, Z∆= 6-8j,
magnitude of the phase voltage are Vp = | Va| = | Vb|= | Vc|= 100+XX, where XX
is the last 2 digit of your student ID
(ii) Repeat (i) if the same loads were connected in Wye.

Fig A: Circuit for Pre-Lab Problem 3

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-01
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
Experiment 1: Two wattmeter method of measuring power in balanced
resistive and inductive load.

1 Lab Overview
At the end of this lab, you will be able to:
• Two wattmeter theories of 3 phase power measurement
• Using two wattmeters for typical three phase Wye and Delta connected load
• Using two wattmeters for 3 phase Induction motor as Wye and Delta configuration

2 Theory

Basic of Wattmeter: The average power absorbed by a load is measured by an instrument

called the wattmeter. Figure 2.1 shows a wattmeter that consists essentially of two coils: the
current coil and the voltage coil. A current coil with very low impedance (ideally zero) is
connected in series with the load (Fig. 11.31) and responds to the load current. The voltage coil
with very high impedance (ideally infinite) is connected in parallel with the load and responds
to the load voltage. The current coil acts like a short circuit because of its low impedance; the
voltage coil behaves like an open circuit because of its high impedance. As a result, the presence
of the wattmeter does not disturb the circuit or have an effect on the power measurement

Fig 2.1: The wattmeter connected to the load

When the two coils are energized, the mechanical inertia of the moving system produces a deflection angle that
is proportional to the average value of the product, v(t) i(t). If the rms phasors current and voltage of the load
are

and the wattmeter measures the average power given by

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-02
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
A single wattmeter can also measure the average power in a three-phase system that is balanced,
W1=W2=W3 so that, the total power is three times the reading of that one wattmeter. However,
two or three single-phase wattmeters are necessary to measure power if the system is
unbalanced. The three-wattmeter method of power measurement, shown in Fig. 2.2, will work
regardless of whether the load is balanced or unbalanced, wye or delta-connected. The three-
wattmeter method is well suited for power measurement in a three-phase system where the
power factor is constantly changing. The total average power is the algebraic sum of the three
wattmeter readings, 𝑾𝑾𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕 = 𝑾𝑾𝟏𝟏 + 𝑾𝑾𝟐𝟐 + 𝑾𝑾𝟑𝟑

Fig 2.2: Three-phase power measurement using 3 wattmeter methods

Notice that the common or reference point o in Fig. 2.2 is selected arbitrarily. If the load is wye-
connected, point o can be connected to the neutral point n. For a delta-connected load, point o
can be connected to any point. If point o is connected to point b, for example, the voltage coil
in wattmeter reads zero, 𝑾𝑾𝟐𝟐 = 𝟎𝟎 and indicating that wattmeter is not necessary. Thus, two
wattmeters are sufficient to measure the total power.

Fig 2.3: Two-wattmeter method for measuring three-phase power

The two-wattmeter method is the most commonly used method for three-phase power
measurement. The two wattmeters must be properly connected to any two phases, as shown

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-03
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
typically in Fig. 2.3. Notice that the current coil of each wattmeter measures the line current,
while the respective voltage coil is connected between the line and the third line and measures
the line voltage. Also notice that the terminal of the voltage coil is connected to the line to
which the corresponding current coil is connected. Although the individual wattmeters no
longer read the power taken by any particular phase, the algebraic sum of the two
wattmeter readings equals the total average power absorbed by the load, regardless of
whether it is wye- or delta-connected, balanced or unbalanced.
The total real power is equal to the algebraic sum of the two wattmeter readings,
𝑾𝑾𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕 = 𝑾𝑾𝟏𝟏 + 𝑾𝑾𝟐𝟐

3 Equipment
1) One ac voltmeter (0-150-300V)
2) Two ac ammeter (0-2A, 0-5A);
3) Two Wattmeter
4) One Multimeter
5) Three lapboards (each containing at least 4 lamps with identical sets of lamps)
6) 3-phase induction Motor (R-L load)
7) Connecting Wires

4 PART A: Two wattmeter method of measuring power in balanced

Resistive (R) Load

4.1 Experimental Set-Up:

Figure 4.1.1: Two-wattmeter method for measuring three-phase power Y connect load

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-04
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
 Figure 4.1.2: Single wattmeter method for measuring three-phase power Y connect load

Figure 4.1.3: Two-wattmeter method for measuring three-phase power Delta connect load

Figure 4.1.4: Single wattmeter method for measuring three-phase power Delta connect load

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-05
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
 4.2 Procedure
Y connected load
1) Connect the lamp boards in Wye as shown in Fig 4.1.1. Create balanced load by
putting the same number of lamps of the same rating in each branch.
Keep Neutral Connection Open i.e. Don’t connect the neutral of the source (N) with
neutral of the load (n).
2) Set the supply phase voltage according to the rated voltage of lamps (if a range is
given, use the lowest rating)
Every time a new connection is made, you must verify it from the Instructor/Lab
attendee before turning on the power supply.
3) Take the reading of the two wattmeter, W-1, W-2;
4) Change the number of lamps and obtain a balanced load again and repeat (3)
5) Now remove the second wattmeter W-2 and modify W-1 connection as shown in
Fig 4.1.2. Connect an ammeter and voltameter to measure phase current and voltage
This connection is for single wattmeter method of measuring 3 phase load.
6) Take the readings of W-1, IP and Vp for the same set of loads as in step-(2-4).

Delta connected Load

7) Connect the lamp boards in Delta as shown in Fig 4.1.3. Set the supply phase
voltage according to the rated voltage of lamps (if a range is given, use the lowest
rating)
8) Take the reading of two wattmeter, W-1, W-2.
9) Change the number of lamps in the lamp board while keeping it balanced.
Repeat (8).
10) Now remove the second wattmeter W-2 and modify W-1 connection as shown in
Fig 4.1.4. Connect an ammeter and voltameter to measure phase current and voltage
This connection is for single wattmeter method of measuring 3 phase load.
11) Take the reading of wattmeter-1, IP and Vp for the same set of loads as in step-(8-9).

4.3 Data Measurement

Table 1: Data table for measuring 3 phase powers using two wattmeter and single wattmeter
method for Wye, Wye (with neutral), delta connected Resistive load

Two wattmeter method Single wattmeter method

Lamp Loads % Error p.f=
Connec WT = WTS 𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇
W1 W2 W1 𝐼𝐼𝑃𝑃 𝑉𝑉𝑝𝑝 𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇 −𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
-tions W1+ W2 =3 W1 3 𝑉𝑉𝑃𝑃 𝐼𝐼𝑝𝑝
# Rating ( )
𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇

Wye 2

2
Delta

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-06
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
4.4 Report

1) Consider a unbalanced delta connected (𝒁𝒁𝟏𝟏 = 𝟔𝟔 + 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖, 𝒁𝒁𝟐𝟐 = 𝟖𝟖 , 𝒁𝒁𝟑𝟑 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 − 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓) load
supplied from balanced (|𝑽𝑽𝑷𝑷 | = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏) 3 phase source as shown in the figure 4.4.1.
Show that, Sum of the Wattmeter reading 𝑊𝑊1 + 𝑊𝑊2 is same as the total power
consumed by the load 𝑷𝑷𝒛𝒛𝒛𝒛 + 𝑷𝑷𝒛𝒛𝒛𝒛 + 𝑷𝑷𝒛𝒛𝒛𝒛

Figure 4.4.1: Circuit for Report Problem 1

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-07
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
 2) In between Wye and Delta connected load, in which case total consumed power was
greater? Explain the reasoning

3) Does the measured power factor match with theoretical value? What are the probable
causes behind this?

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-08
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
5 PART B: Two wattmeter method of measuring power in balanced
Inductive (R-L) Load

A 3-phase induction motor is an electromechanical energy conversion device which converts

3-phase input electrical power into output mechanical power.

Figure 5.1: 3 phase induction motor as a balanced R-L load

A 3-phase induction motor consists of a stator and a rotor. The stator carries a 3-phase stator
winding while the rotor carries a short-circuited winding called rotor winding. The stator
winding is supplied from a 3-phase supply. The rotor winding drives its voltage and power from
the stator winding through electromagnetic induction and hence the name.

Every stator coil act as an inductive (R-L) branch which can be arranged both in Delta and Wye
configuration. In this part, we will use 3 phase induction motor as a balanced 3 phase Inductive
load.

Figure 5.2: Y and ∆ connected Balanced R-L load based on 3 phase induction motor

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-09
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
5.1 Experimental set-up

Fig 5.3: Set-up for constructing of 3-Ф balanced (R-L) Inductive load

5.2 Procedure:

Y connected Induction Motor

1) Connect the 3-phase squirrel case induction motor in Wye as shown in Fig 5.3 (b).
Create balanced load by putting the same number of lamps of the same rating in each
branch. Connect two wattmeter W1 and W2 similar to Y connected load performed in
figure 4.1.1
2) Set the line-to-line supply voltage 100V. (Every time new connection is performed,
Confirm from Instructor/Lab attendee before turning on power supply).
3) Take the reading of Two wattmeter, W1, W2;
4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 for line-to-line supply voltage 150 V and 200 V (3)
5) Now remove the 2nd wattmeter and modify the wattmeter-1 connection similar to
shown in Fig 4.1.2. Connect an ammeter and voltameter to measure phase current and
voltage This connection for single wattmeter method of measuring 3 phase load.
6) Take the reading of wattmeter-1, IP and Vp for the same set of voltage as in step-(2-4).

Delta connected Induction Motor

7) Connect the 3-phase squirrel case induction motor in Delta as shown in Fig 5.3(c).
Create balanced load by putting the same number of lamps of the same rating in each
branch. Connect two wattmeter W1 and W2 similar to Y connected load performed in
figure 4.1.3
8) Set the line-to-line supply voltage 100V.
9) Take the reading of Two wattmeter, W1, W2;
10) Repeat steps 2 and 3 for line-to-line supply voltage 150 V and 200 V (3)
11) Now remove the 2nd wattmeter and modify the wattmeter-1 connection similar to
shown in Fig 4.1.4. Connect an ammeter and voltameter to measure phase current and
voltage This connection for single wattmeter method of measuring 3 phase load.
12) Take the reading of wattmeter-1, IP and Vp for the same set of voltage as in step-(9-10).

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-10
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
 5.3 Data Measurement

Table 2: Data table for measuring 3 phase powers using two wattmeter and single wattmeter
method for Wye, Delta connected Inductive load

Two wattmeter methods Single wattmeter method

Supply % Error p.f=

Connect WT = WTS 𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇 −𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇
Voltage W1 W2 W1 𝐼𝐼𝑃𝑃 𝑉𝑉𝑝𝑝
ions
(V)
W1+ W2 =3 W1 ( ) 3 𝑉𝑉𝑃𝑃 𝐼𝐼𝑝𝑝
𝑊𝑊𝑇𝑇

100

Wye 150

200

100

150
Delta

200

5.4 Report
Answer the following questions:
1) Draw the vector diagram for the 3-phase current and voltage both for Delta and
connected Inductive load with proper labelling

EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-11
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023
EEE 270 – Electrical Drives and Instrumentation Sessional – Experiment 2 Page 02-12
The lab sheet is prepared by Dr. Orchi Hassan, Shoilie Chakma, Suzit Hasan Nayem EEE, BUET, on 13/06/2023