Power Factor

[merriar]

If I have a poor power factor on the primary side of a transformer, will the poor power factor be reflected on the secondary side?

Richard

 

[Besoeker]

If I have a poor power factor on the primary side of a transformer, will the poor power factor be reflected on the secondary side?

Richard

No.
The secondary side power factor depends on the secondary side loads.

 

[fjrivera]

I agree with Besoeker. Power factor will depend on the loads connected to the secondary. So, you can visualize that the load power factor affect upstream where the load is connected in the system and not downstream.

 

[mikeames]

The inductance of the XFMR will correct that on the secondary but the Xfmr may run hotter/ warmer if the PF is too bad.

 

[rattus]

If I have a poor power factor on the primary side of a transformer, will the poor power factor be reflected on the secondary side?

Richard

It is the other way around. In an ideal transformer, the PF seen on the secondary will be seen on the primary as well because the secondary load is reflected back to the primary. Therefore, the lag seen in the primary will be the same as seen in the secondary.

 

[weressl]

It is the other way around. In an ideal transformer, the PF seen on the secondary will be seen on the primary as well because the secondary load is reflected back to the primary. Therefore, the lag seen in the primary will be the same as seen in the secondary.

Plus the additional inductance from the transformer itself.

 

[rattus]

Yes, but:

Yes, but:

Plus the additional inductance from the transformer itself.

True Laszlo, but note the assumption of an ideal transformer.

 

[gar]

080923-1926 EST

I agree with rattus. But is you have a bad PF load on the secondary, then the transformer leakage inductance may not be significant. Relatively efficient transformers do a good job of reflecting the secondary load to the primary. Would not be so of a Sola constant voltage transformer.

.

 

[weressl]

True Laszlo, but note the assumption of an ideal transformer.

Yessir, I am an idealist myself:grin: