What is a Power Analyzer?

Power Analyzer - Circuit, Working and Its Applications

 

Power analyzer are electronic instruments that measures power consumption, loss, efficiency, etc. of electrical devices. It is a kind of testing instrument that is highly essential in the industries related to electrical devices and where the power usage is comparatively high. These can not only measure the power consumption but also the related variety of parameters associated with it. 

 

• Area of application

 

In a broader sense, power analyzers are important in any field related to functioning with large consumption of power and generate higher frequencies ranging from 50/60 Hz to greater kilohertz. The following will help you understand the particular work fields involving their usage.

 

1. 1.Devices and appliance testing: Following are the testing devices that use power analyzers to conduct power evaluation:

 

Frequency inverters, Automotive hybrid drives, Railway engines, Wind turbines, Transformers, Electric motors, Photovoltaic inverters and systems and so many.

 

 

2. 2.Industrial segments: Following are the fields of industries that incorporate the power analyzer to function properly:

 

Consumer electronics, White goods industries that include domestic using appliances, Red goods industries that include short-termed production of electrical appliances based on consumer choice, scientific research fields, Motor and electric drive, Inductive components and core industries, etc.

 

• Working principle

 

For measuring the flow of energy in a circuit, which is either in alternating current or direct current system, along with distinguished measuring considerations in each case, power analyzers are the best. It determines the electric signal’s true RMS period. The analyzers can detect the fundamental frequency of a circuit digitally. Through this evaluation of frequency cycles, they can deliver a better RMS period during the power conversion. Also, the detection of voltage and current of the existing system falls under the functioning of the power analyzers. 

 

Components: For carrying out the complexities, it comprises voltage dividers to acquire voltage evaluation, transformers to measure current directly and a coil or fluxgate current transducer to measure electrical field of a wire in the system. After determining each of the varied aspects of the system related to power flow, you can mathematically calculate the power.

 

• Circuit in use

 

A common power analyzer includes two isolated channels for voltage and current input. The channel having voltage input contains an attenuator and the channel having the current input has an in-built current shunt. The two input outlets sample together and the data obtained from the sampling undergoes analysis. The analysis happens in digital signal processing unit which is a high-speed processor. Apart from this, it also contains FPGA unit for interfacing all other units along with a separate CPU, taking input from DSP. This CPU is for displaying the results, storing them, and transmitting them through wireless outputs. 

 

• Installation segments

 

In industrial units, the power generated at the generators transmit through the transmission lines and then gets distributed to reach the energy meters at the using ends. For analyzing the power status of these systems, it is essential to have segmented monitoring outlets. The separate monitoring areas require a separate installation position. The main three areas of power analyzer installation are the following.

 

1. 1.Mains: Requires high-performing, accurate monitoring and better feature containing power analyzers.

 

2. 2.Distribution switchboard: Here, the analyzers are for registering electrical parameters and reporting any detected anomaly.

 

 

3. 3.Secondary switchboard: Dedicated to monitor and log the data from the loads connected to the transmission end lines to provide full status and consumption of each power load.

 

• Advanced power analysis

 

Other than providing power measurements of a system, you can obtain other information by using a power analyzer. The advanced power analyzers that are currently in use, can also measure mechanical energy values like torque and speed. As these are essentials in manufacturing applications, power analyzers are highly crucial in those fields. The additional calculations that advanced analyzers can conduct are the following.

 

1. 1.Efficiency mapping
2. 2.Harmonic analysis
3. 3.Fundamental power
4. 4.Space vectors
5. 5.DQ current

 

Depending on the model, these analyzers can perform distinct tasks along with the modern feature of storing the data obtained. Modern power analyzers offer storing and logging of data and also possess the capacity to communicate data via wireless connections to an external system.

 

Conclusion

 

You can find other instruments based on power measurement aspects, but power analyzers have been designed in a way that it can meet the testing requirements of electronic devices that generate, transform or consume electricity, all in a package. For this, engineers prefer using the power analyzers to measure the various aspects related to electrical power.