Advanced real and reactive power measurement using analog multiplier and phase-controlled switching technique

Electrical power is continuously monitored and measured in power systems, industrial applications, and control applications like Static VAr control. Traditionally, power analyzers require measuring the phase shift between voltage and current signals to calculate the power factor and subsequently determine the active or real power in an AC power system. This paper proposes a novel and direct approach for real and reactive power measurement using an analog multiplier and phase-controlled switching. Unlike conventional methods, this approach eliminates the need to calculate the phase shift between current and voltage signals or the frequency. The proposed system is straightforward and can be implemented using commercially available components. It demonstrates that active and reactive power can be accurately calculated by selecting suitable phase switching of the current waveform. The real ( V c o s ϕ ) and reactive ( V s i n ϕ ) components of voltage signals are computed directly and instantly, without the need for calculating s i n ϕ or c o s ϕ and their product with voltage. This method is derived mathematically, simulated, and experimentally verified, with experimental error found to be less than 2%. The presented system offers several advantages: linearity of output, simplicity of operation, reduced component count, quick responsiveness, and the potential for online measurement. These attributes make the proposed method highly suitable for integration into modern power analyzers, smart meters, renewable energy systems, industrial automation, power quality analyzers, building energy management systems, and microgrids. • A novel power meter technique based on controlled rectifiers and the analog multiplier is proposed for power measurements. • The final output is just a multiplication of Vsin ϕ and Vcos ϕ with the current signal, I . • The method uses less components and less parameters to measure power directly. • Proposed method is verified through simulation and experimental setup and tested for all types of loads.