Induction VArhour and solid-state VArhour meters performances on nonlinear loads

Experimental measurements of solid-state and induction VArhour meters operating in the presence of steady-state nonsinusoidal currents are presented. A computer-based data-acquisition and analysis system is used to determine the various electrical quantities of some common nonlinear three-phase loads. The basic operating principles of the VArhour meters are reviewed along with the nature of reactive power and energy for nonsinusoidal waveforms. Test results confirm that for nonlinear loads driven by sinusoidal voltages, both types of VArhour meters register the fundamental displacement voltampere hours only and do not respond to distortion voltampere hours