The concept of power factor or power factor correction as relationship between the apparent power and active or real power is interesting (reactive power associated with inductor/inductive or capacitor/capacitive components characterized by imaginary numbers in an electrical circuit or distribution system).
The concept of dissipating "imaginary" energy or reactive energy is slightly complex for mechanical engineers.
Are you aware of analogous mechanical, Mechatronic, thermodynamic, heat transfer, fluid flow or thermodynamic principles of the same kind, conceptually or mathematically ?
Hello,
as a mechatronics Eng. I assume you are familiar with these E/E topics. And I hope you understand German as well - at least to some extend. Because I'll better resort to German on one topic. Just do make clear what I can express precisely in German but maybe not that perfect in English.
I am sure I cannot give you a concept, but I may be able to "trigger" your inspiration.
IMHO, maybe the most important topic is that power factor etc. only exists dynamically (AC - f > 0). Thus I'd look at pendulums (both end positions resembling charged capacitors, the transition state equivalent an energized coil). As the ideal pendulum is loss-less, it is the perfect equivalent of the electrical oscillator. Including friction will add some "losses" aka 'active power' - converting potential mechanical energy into (waste) heat.
So far, so good. But another important issue is the power factor - equivalent to an angle. Thinking of a (model) train, you may apply any force you like. It won't buck if this force is applied perpendicular to the rails. (OK - this example lacks the feature of reactive power.) Changing the "angle of attack" will make the train moving - starting to "Arbeit verrichten".
I am not too experienced in experimental mechanics, so I am sure you will find more descriptive examples. Maybe planetary/satellite mechanics could give examples where it is possible to overlay reactive and active power (resp. force).
Hope I could give some impulses - and that you succeed teaching the colleagues from the "nuts and bolts division" some of the basics of E/E.
Hello
In analyzing forces we see that the effective force will be Fxcos(theta) the force wasted is Fxsin(theta) which is reactive force in electrical terms.Any Force that can be analyzed using vectors sin component is a reactive power.
with best regards
vasanth
A friend of mine also referred me to these sites:
The power factor in mechanical system
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261227480_The_power_factor_in_mechanical_system
Power factor analyses in mechanical system focusing on trajectory and environment
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261311408_Power_factor_analyses_in_mechanical_system_focusing_on_trajectory_and_environment
Conference Paper The power factor in mechanical system
Conference Paper Power factor analyses in mechanical system focusing on traje...
Someone mailed me this very interesting article:
The power factor in mechanical system
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6519106
it describes that power factor is often used to evaluate active electrical power when considering the power consumption of the electrical system. Since this kind of approach did not exist in mechanical system the study consider mechanical loss of energy, the amount of power used in the phase change. This study introduces the power factor in the mechanical system and investigates how much power is actually used in the motion.
regards
Gerro
Dear Gerro Prinsloo
If you are aware of resolution of forces in mechanics,A force F acting at an angle theta on a body can be resolved in to its horizontal and vertical components .The vertical component works in line with gravity.Either aiding or opposing gravity.If your intention is to lift the object, the angle between force of action and line of gravitational pull need to be minimum,I.e cos component,because cos(0)=1.Hence the entire applied force is utilized to its maximum level.
if you try to lift the object away from your body the angle increases and only vertical component of the force will be available in the action or part of the applied force is wasted in terms of its horizontal (sine) component
with best regards
vasanth
There is no satisfactory mechanical analogy to Power Factor Correction in electrical circuits. You have to apply your mind hard. Sorry!
Imaginary energy is not dissipated.
Try to understand PFC this way: A poor (inductive) PF requires more copper or aluminium conductors over many miles to carry the Apparent Power, costing much money. If we correct the PF using capacitors, we reduce the maximum current rating (and diameter) of the conductor and other components needed, and save our customers money.
You can look at the pictures on the Wikipedia entry, but the explanation is far from satisfying.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor
Dear Colleagues
Just to echo an interesting reply I received by email for Duarte Reis Miranda
Please refer to:
http://www.nj7p.org/Manuals/PDFs/Books/Olson.pdf
for in depth introduction to Dynamical Analogies, by Harry F. Olson.
Duarte Reis Miranda
Director
Iberográfica Importação e Exportação, Lda
Centro Empresarial Sintra Estoril VI, Fracção P
Portugal
Thank you Duarte
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