In the two-wattmeter method, the phase angle \(\phi\) between the current and voltage in a three-phase system can be determined using the readings from the two wattmeters. The wattmeter readings provide information about the real power consumed in the system, and from these readings, you can derive the phase angle. Hereβs a step-by-step explanation of how to find the phase angle:
### Wattmeter Readings
Let's denote:
- \( W_1 \) as the reading of the first wattmeter.
- \( W_2 \) as the reading of the second wattmeter.
These readings represent the power measurements taken by the two wattmeters in the three-phase system. The total real power \( P \) consumed in the system is given by:
\[ P = W_1 + W_2 \]
### Phase Angle Expression
The phase angle \(\phi\) between the current and voltage in a balanced three-phase system can be expressed in terms of the wattmeter readings as follows:
1. **Compute the Total Power Factor (PF)**:
The power factor is related to the phase angle by:
\[ \text{PF} = \cos \phi \]
2. **Calculate the Power Factor Using Wattmeter Readings**:
The power factor \(\text{PF}\) can be calculated from the wattmeter readings using the formula:
\[ \text{PF} = \frac{W_1 - W_2}{W_1 + W_2} \]
This formula derives from the fact that in a balanced three-phase system, the readings of the two wattmeters are related to the power factor and phase angle.
3. **Calculate the Phase Angle**:
The phase angle \(\phi\) can be determined from the power factor using the inverse cosine function:
\[ \phi = \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{W_1 - W_2}{W_1 + W_2} \right) \]
### Summary
To summarize, the expression for the phase angle \(\phi\) in terms of the two wattmeter readings \(W_1\) and \(W_2\) is:
\[ \phi = \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{W_1 - W_2}{W_1 + W_2} \right) \]
This formula assumes that the system is balanced and the load is either lagging or leading. For a purely resistive load (power factor = 1), the phase angle would be 0 degrees, and for a purely reactive load (power factor = 0), the phase angle would be Β±90 degrees.