German Development Cooperation, Pakistan

Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency REEE

House # 11-B, Street # 50, F-8/4, Islamabad

Tel: 0092-51-2851175, Fax: 2854576

MANUAL MEASUREMENT OF EFFECTIVE

PRESSURE, HEAD, FLOWRATE AND POWER
OUTPUT FOR EVALUATION OF EFFICIENCY OF
MICRO HYDRO POWER PLANTS

IN COLLABRATION WITH
AGA KHAN RURAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME
(AKRSP)

DR. JAVED AHMAD CHATTHA

GHULAM ISHAQ KHAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (GIKI)
TOPI PAKISTAN
November 2010

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION: ..............................................................................................................................................4
1.

Measurement of Effective Pressure Head using PV 350 PRESSURE TRANSDUCER MODULE....................5

Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................................................. 6
The PV350 Pressure Transducer Module ........................................................................................................... 7
Pressure Measuring Sensor........................................................................................................................... 7
Overview of the transducer .......................................................................................................................... 7
Box Contents ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Procedure to Measure the Effective PRESSURE Head ........................................................................................ 8
Observations & Calculations ....................................................................................................................... 11

2.

Measurement of Flow Rate Using UFM 610 FLOW METER....................................................................12

Introduction: ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Safety Precautions ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Specifications of Equipment............................................................................................................................. 14
Temperature indication/range:................................................................................................................... 14
Fluid types: .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Pre-requisite for Flow-meter ...................................................................................................................... 14
Assumptions for Mounting the Transducer ................................................................................................ 14
Procedure to Measure the flow rate ................................................................................................................ 15
Checklist: ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Keypad Operations:..................................................................................................................................... 19

3.

Measuring Power Output Using FLUKE 345 POWER CLAMP METER......................................................20

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
Safety First ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Some basics of power calculation .................................................................................................................... 23
Reactive Power ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Real Power .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Apparent Power .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Frequency.................................................................................................................................................... 23
Power Factor ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Parts of the power clamp meter ...................................................................................................................... 25
Preliminary setting of the clamp meter ........................................................................................................... 26
Procedure for Taking Power readings.............................................................................................................. 27
Using single phase to measure power ........................................................................................................ 27
Using three phases to measure power ....................................................................................................... 28
Using the power quality clamp meter to take readings................................................................................... 29

List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Plugging the PV350 ports into the DMM............................................................................................... 8
Figure 1-2 Part of DMM the pointer is set to mV................................................................................................. 8
Figure 1-3 Showing Pressure/Vacuum Module....................................................................................................... 9
Figure 1-4 DMM displaying zero............................................................................................................................. 1
Figure 1-5 FLUKE PV 350 and DMM system is connected to selected hose/fitting by sensor. ............................... 1
Figure 1-6 The DMM displays a reading in mV....................................................................................................... 1
Figure 2-1 Location for attaching Transmitter to penstock for measuring Flow rate............................................. 1
Figure 2-2 Use of chains to fix the transmitter ....................................................................................................... 1
Figure 2-3 Picture identifying the attachment point for transmitter on penstock.................................................. 1
Figure 2-4 UFM-610 Flow Meter............................................................................................................................. 1
Figure 2-5 Diagonal position for Transmitters...................................................................................................... 20
Figure 3-1: power reading screen display ............................................................................................................... 1
Figure 3-2 the wires coming out of the generator .................................................................................................. 1
Figure 3-3 Parts of Clamp Meter........................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 3-4: Press button to open and depress to close jaws................................................................................. 26
Figure 3-5 Insert red lead in the voltage slot and black lead in the ground slot..................................................... 1
Figure 3-6 reading single phase power................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 3-7 Measuring power of the red phase........................................................................................................ 1
Figure 3-8 Knob setting for 3-phase ..................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 3-9: MEASURING three phase power......................................................................................................... 28
Figure 3-10: gEnerator specification plate........................................................................................................... 29
Figure 3-11 Electronic Load Controller.................................................................................................................. 29

INTRODUCTION:
The formula for finding the efficiency of micro-hydro turbine is:

x100

Where:
P=
=
=
g=
Q=
H=

mechanical power produced at the turbine shaft (Watts),

hydraulic efficiency of the turbine,
density of water (1000 kg/m3),
acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s2),
volume flow rate passing through the turbine (m3/s),
effective pressure head of water across the turbine (m).

Density of water () and acceleration due to gravity (g) are constants. This manual
demonstrates the use of following three instruments to measure effective pressure head,
volume flow rate and power output for the calculation of efficiency of Micro-hydro Power
Plants.
1. PV 350 Pressure/ Vacuum Transducer Module
2. UFM 610 P FLOW METER
3. Power Quality Clamp meter

Note:
Effective Head (H) is the net head available at the turbine inlet after accounting for fluid
friction losses in pipes

1. Measurement of
Effective Pressure Head
using PV 350
PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
MODULE

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

To avoid eye injury, always wear approved safety glasses when working with this
instrument.

To avoid injury from pressure explosion: Be sure that pressure is removed before
disconnecting any hoses or tubing from the PV350 transducer. Follow accepted safety
procedures for systems on which pressure or vacuum measurements are made.

Make sure the PV350 is serviced by a qualified technician.

To ensure that the module is used safely, follow all safety and operating instructions in
this Instruction Sheet. If the module is not used as described in the Instruction Sheet, the
safety features of the module might be impaired.

To avoid electrical shock disconnect the module from all devices before opening the
case. Be sure to completely reassemble the module before attempting to use it.

THE PV350 PRESSURE TRANSDUCER MODULE

PRESSURE MEASURING SENSOR
The PV350 Pressure Vacuum Transducer Module (the module) measures gauge pressure the
difference between atmospheric (barometric) pressure and the pressure (or vacuum)
applied to the pressure port on the transducer. It then converts that measurement to 1 mV
dc per unit. A module and a high-performance Digital Multimeter (DMM) with min/max
function become a data logger capable of measuring peak high and peak low.

OVERVIEW OF THE TRANSDUCER

Compatible with all Fluke and most popular DMMs

Digital pressure and vacuum measurements in a single module
Transducer sealed in 316 stainless steel compatible with variety of liquids and gases
Measures vacuum to 76 cm Hg
Displays results in English (psig of Hg) or metric (kPa or cm Hg) units
Measures pressure to 3447 kPa (500 psig)

BOX CONTENTS
Within the pressure transducer box, you will find:
Pressure/Vacuum Transducer Module
1/4 in. male flare to 1/4 in. female pipe thread connector
9 V battery
Instruction Sheet
Quick Reference Guide

PROCEDURE TO MEASURE THE EFFECTIVE HEAD

Step 1: Plugging PV350 ports into the Digital Multimeter (DMM)
Plug the red PV350 port into the DMM (red polarity dot to volts input) and the black port of
the Pressure Transducer Module into the black (COM) plug-in point on DMM [Fig. 1].

Insertion of PV350
ports into DMM
Figure 1-1 Plugging the PV350 ports into the DMM

Step 2: Setting the knob to mV

After plugging the PV350 ports into DMM, set the multimeter knob on milliVolts dc
[Fig. 1.2].

Figure 1-2 Part of DMM the pointer is set to mV

Step 3: Testing of Battery

Connect the PV 350 Pressure/Vacuum Transducer Module to DMM and get the reading at
mV scale. If the reading is less than 100 mV then battery change is required (see the
equipment manual for details).

Step 4: Selection of System of Units

Press the English/Metric button on PV350 Pressure transducer to select the desired units
[Figure 3]. In Metric system, reading will be in mV.
Sliding knob on the module is used to get the desired setting [Figure 1.3]. The pointer is
placed at mV to obtain readings. Metric system is preferred since conversion from DMM
readings to head in meters is simple.

The black port is

inserted in the black
(COM) plug-in point on
DMM

Red Port is inserted in

the red (V ) plug-in
point on DMM

The button is pressed

to adjust the unit
system- METRIC or
ENGLISH

Slider- It is adjusted according

to required units and unit
system. The two systems are
shown

The ZERO button is

turned to adjust
initial reading on
DMM to 0.

Transducer
is
further
connected to area of
turbine where pressure is
to be measured

Figure 1-3 Showing Pressure/Vacuum Module

Step 5: Zeroing the Pressure Transducer Module

Before applying pressure, zero the module by turning the ZERO potentiometer until the
DMM displays zero [Figure 4]. Re-zero the DMM whenever the scale is changed. This is done
to make sure that the DMM always displays zero (0) prior to taking a reading, as shown in
Fig. 1.4.
9

Figure 1-4 DMM displaying zero

Step 6: Purging of air

Before mounting the PV350 transducer on the inlet pipe, open the valve to vent out that air
trapped inside the pipe. Also, Teflon sealing tape (or its equivalent) should be used in fitting
threads to ensure good seals between the PV350 and any hoses or fittings. The instrument
is now ready for the reading.

Step 7: Connecting the Pressure Sensor to the Pressure valve

Apply pressure to the PV350 transducer by inserting the sensor into the pressure input point
on the inlet pipe of the turbine (Figure 1.5) and read the DMM display. When measuring
pressure, if the DMM displays OL (Open-loop is a condition in which no current flows due
to infinite resistance. Hence no voltage exists across its probes end), switch the multi-meter
range from millivolts (mV) to dc volts. Increasing the range to dc volts moves the decimal
position three places to the left (500 mV displays as 0.500 V). Also, Teflon sealing tape (or its
equivalent) should be used in fitting threads to ensure good seals between the PV350 and
any hoses or fittings. The instrument is now ready for the reading and display the reading as
shown in Fig. 1.6

Figure 1-5 FLUKE PV 350 and DMM system is connected to selected hose/fitting by sensor.

10

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS

The practical use of PV350 Pressure/Vacuum Transducer Module is to measure gauge
pressure at a point as indicated in [Fig. 1.6], which can be further converted to Pressure
Head (m) at that point. DMM displays the reading in mV which is calibrated as:
1mV = 1 kilo-Pascal (kPa)
Hence the reading displayed is in equivalent kilo-Pascals (kPa) which can further be
converted into Effective Pressure Head (m) by the following conversion factor:
1 kPa = o.1 m of H2O
1 m of H2O = 10 kPa

Example:
The reading displayed on the [Fig. 6] is 225.9 mV which is equivalent to 225.9 kPa.
Applying the conversion factor: 10kPa = 1m of H2O. The effective Pressure Head at
this point can be calculated as: 225.9/10 = 22.59 m of H2O.

Figure 1-6 The DMM displays a reading in mV

11

2. Measurement of
Flow Rate
Using UFM 610
FLOW METER

12

INTRODUCTION:
A flow meter is generally a device used to measure the flow of a fluid.
The UFM 610 P is a portable flow meter designed for use on liquid flows in full pipes. The UFM 610
P has an easy to read Graphics Display. This Flow Meter Manual has been specially designed to
facilitate the users determining volumetric flow, velocity etc for Micro-hydro Power Plants.
The flow meter comes in an easy to carry case with the other following equipments; ensure that
these are present before actually setting-up the meter:

Transmitter Module
Receiver Module
Conducting Gel
Chains
Connecting wires
Meter Battery Charger

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Avoid any contact of the gel with your eyes and excessive contact with your skin.
Use syringe and gloves to apply and spread gel, respectively.
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water if it comes into contact with eyes and
consult a doctor.
Do not turn the knurly knobs forcefully lest they make strong contact with pipe
surface. Only finger tight contact is enough.

13

SPECIFICATIONS OF EQUIPMENT
TEMPERATURE INDICATION/RANGE:
The transducers work over two temperature ranges. The standard temperature range is from-20
0
C to +100 0C and high temperature is from 20 0C to +200 0C. The application temperature is
displayed when in flow mode only if the prop/temp sensor cable is connected.

FLUID TYPES:
The types of fluids that can be measured with the UFM 610 P are clean liquids or oils etc that have
less than 3% by volume of particulate content. Liquids that are cloudy, like river water, effluent
etc. can be measured and also liquids that are clean, like demineralised water. During the set up
procedure the user is asked to select from a list of liquids (See fluid list table below) which
includes water and oils. If the liquid to be measured is not listed it is possible for the instrument to
measure the propagation rate automatically, but only when pipes sizes are greater than 40 mm
internal diameter.
Applications include: - River water, Seawater, Potable water, De-mineralized water, Treated
effluent, Water/Glycol systems, Hydraulic systems and Diesel oil.
Water
Glycol/water 50/50
Lubricating oil
Diesel oil
Freon
Measure

PRE-REQUISITE FOR FLOW-METER

These are the things that you should know before operating the flow meter.
Pipe outer diameter
Pipe wall thickness
Material which pipe is made off
If you do not know these things flow meter is not able to give you the required reading.

ASSUMPTIONS FOR MOUNTING THE TRANSDUCER

As the transducers for the UFM 610 P are clamped to the outside surface of the pipe, the meter
has no way of determining exactly what is happening to the liquid. The assumption therefore has
to be made that the liquid is flowing uniformly along the pipe either under fully turbulent
conditions or under laminar flow conditions. Further it is assumed that the flow velocity profile is
uniform for 3600 around the pipe axis. To ensure a uniform profile the transducers must be
mounted far enough away from any cause of distortion such that it no longer has an effect.

14

PROCEDURE TO MEASURE THE FLOW RATE

1. First measure the circumference of the penstock pipe manually and calculate its
diameter.
2. Compare the calculated diameter with the actual diameter. If the reading is a slight
difference then this difference is due to the painting, rusting etc in the manual reading.
3. Place the ultrasound transmitter on the pipe inclined as shown in [Fig. 2.1]. It is of
utmost importance that the ultrasound transmitters should be attached to the pipe in
an inclined manner as shown in the [Fig. 2.1] (location 2) so that the device truly
measures the flow at low flow rates i.e. when the pipe is half filled.

Figure 2-1 Location for attaching Transmitter to penstock for measuring Flow rate

4. Get hold of the ultrasound transmitter (which is the longer module) and put it against
the penstock-pipe from which flow reading has to be taken.
5. Once you have determined the appropriate position (on penstock) to place the
transmitter, mark that position (using a marker). Apply a small amount of gel on the
transmitter module under the transmitter part. Spread the gel so as to form an even
layer of suitable thickness. Also apply a fine layer of gel on the penstock in the previously
marked area. The layer of gel is the critical thing in receiving the signals from the
transmitter so application of an even and suitable layer of gel is necessary.

15

6. Place the transmitter and use a chain [Fig. 2.2] to fix it in proper place. Clamp one end of
the chain of the module and make it go one rotation around the pipe and then, clamp
the free chain end to the other chain link on the module. Screws like ends are available
on the modules to tighten the chains. Dont make it too tight just yet since it will have to
be adjusted time and again. Also you will need two or three people for performing this
procedure.

Figure 2-2 Use of chains to fix the transmitter

Figure 2-3 Picture identifying the attachment point for transmitter on penstock

7. It should be of due importance that the sensor set is touching the surface of the pipe.
This can be ensure by seeing the [Fig. 2.3] as the two points are touching the pipe, if
these two points are touching the surface then in turn the sensor is also touching the
surface.

16

8. Next, connect the black, blue and red wires to the module, and into the appropriate
colored parts on the meter as shown in Fig. 2.4.

Figure 2-4 UFM-610 Flow Meter

9. Turn on the meter using the ON/OFF button.

10. Follow the on screen instructions which are simple to comprehend. The meter will ask
you for simple details such as penstock length, pipe outer diameter, pipe wall thickness,
material which pipe is made off etc. Simply enter the values as they are asked. No need
to enter the inner diameter.
11. Next, the meter will display the most important piece of information needed to setup
the transmitter and receiver. It will tell you in which position to place the
transmitter/receiver, and what should be the distance between the transmitting part
and the receiving part.
12. The meter is going to advise you about positioning of the module either in a diagonal
way or reflex (both methods are different as far as the positioning is considered).
There are two positions, depending on the outer diameter of the pipe:
I.

The transmitter and receiver are place diagonally across the pipe if its diameter is
generally large (more than 300 mm). This position is termed diagonal by the
meter [Figure 2.5].

II.

The transmitter and receiver are placed in a straight line if the pipe diameter is
small (less than 300 mm). This position is termed as reflex by the meter.

17

Diagonal Position

Figure 2-5 Diagonal position for Transmitters

13. Usually though the diameter is large enough that the diagonal position will be used. The
meter will tell you the most suitable position to use, in the given circumstances. Once
the transmitter and receiver have been clamped, set the separation distance indicated
by the meter.
I.

II.

If the reflex mode is being used this pertains to the distance between the end of
the fixed transducer (transmitter) and the beginning of the floating transducer
(receiver).
If diagonal mode is selected, the separation distance is fixed as the distance from
the ending of the off-white plate (transmitting part), then moving along the
calibration by an amount equal to the separation distance and then going around the
pipe, and that spot on the receiver. The off-white plate on the receiver should start
from this point.

14. Connect the red lead into the receiver module and also in the meter. The red cable
indicates positive flow if upstream.
15. Now turn the knurled knobs anti-clockwise, until in finger tight contact with the pipe
surface.
16. After taking various readings at different flow rate, tabulate the results in prescribed
manner; then carefully disconnect and unclamp the instruments, and put them back in
their appropriate place.

18

CHECKLIST:
Check the meter to see signal strength. It should be around 80% to give a good reliable
reading. Sometimes it can give an appreciable reading at 50% signal strength. To make sure,
check the velocity (of the fluid) by pressing Button 4, and check whether this velocity
reading corresponds to the velocity specified on the turbine specification plate or if its
around 2.5-4 m/s. If this is so then the flow rate reading is probably correct. Try to vary the
signal strength, and see if flow rate reading fluctuates to be sure of the accuracy of the
obtained reading.

KEYPAD OPERATIONS:
By selecting keys 4, 7, 8 and 9 it is possible to change the velocity and volumetric flow
readings. Press the key more than once to change the display into other units. To move the
cursor on the display left and right as well up and down press keys 5 (left) and 6 (right).
The meter also displays the temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipe.

19

3. Measuring
Power Output
Using FLUKE 345 POWER
CLAMP METER

20

INTRODUCTION
FLUKEs Power Quality Clamp Meter is like a standard Digital Multimeter (DMM), except
with slightly enhanced functions. This manual shows you the correct way of using the Clamp
Meter and to ensure that you get accurate results from your measurements and that you
interpret them correctly.
Flukes345 is more than an electric power meter. Combining the functions of a clamp meter,
oscilloscope, data logger and digital power meter into one handy device. The Fluke 345 is
ideal for working with variable frequency motor drives, high efficiency lighting and other
loads using switching electronics.
As can be seen in the Fig. 3-1, the power clamp meter can measure seven distinct
parameters in a power line without the need to break the circuit. Because the circuit does
not need to be broken, a clamp meter not only is safer than a standard multimeter but also
allows much quicker testing.

Figure 3-1: power reading screen display

These parameters along with the units in which they are measured are:

Real power, kW
Apparent power, kVA
Reactive power, kVAR
Voltage, Vrms
Current, Arms
Power Factor
Frequency, Hz

21

SAFETY FIRST

Always wear safety gloves (rubber gloves) when handling electrical equipment and working
with electrical wires.

Wear rubber boots when working with high voltages.

Never touch bare wires or even well insulated wires with your bare hands.
Remember in the case of rescuing someone from an electrical shock; always use an insulator
such as a piece of wood to pull that person away from danger.
Be extra careful of your surroundings when working in areas where high voltages are
involved.
When using the clamp meter, make sure that two wires dont accidentally come into
contact thus creating short-circuit. This can give you a shock or even start an electric fire.
Take care of yourself and those working around you.

22

SOME BASICS OF POWER CALCULATION

Electric power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. The
SI unit of power is the watt. In its most basic form, electrical power is the product of current
and voltage
P = VI

REACTIVE POWER
Reactive Power is power stored in and discharged by inductive motors, transformers and
solenoids. It is measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR).

REAL POWER
The actual amount of power being used, or dissipated, in a circuit is called Real power, and it
is measured in watts

APPARENT POWER
The combination of reactive power and Real power is called apparent power, and it is the
product of a circuit's voltage and current, without reference to phase angle. Apparent
power is measured in the unit of Volt-Amps (VA)

FREQUENCY
Another important parameter that appears quite often in electrical quantities is Frequency,
measured in HERTZ (Hz).It is the number of cycles that a waveform completes in one second.
Note: The typical frequency of distributed electricity in Pakistan is 50 Hz.

RMS or root-mean-square value is the effective or average value of a quantity such as

current or voltage. It is obtained by squaring the desired quantity over a given time interval,
taking its average and then taking its square root.
So we define the effective or RMS value of a periodic current as a constant or dc value,
which as current would deliver the same average power to a given load.

23

POWER FACTOR
Power factor is best described as the ratio of the active power to the total power in the
circuit. As shown in the figure below, total power is a vector sum of active and reactive
power. Power factor is mathematically equal to the cosine of phase angle o between the
voltage and the current wave forms. The power factor relationship and terms are
summarized below.

The following formulas are derived from the vector relationships shown in the diagram
above:

(kVA)2 = (kW)2 + (kVAr)2

There are three phases coming out of the generator and going into the distribution box.
These are the Live, Neutral and the Earth phase.
Power is transmitted through these three phases and a fourth wire along these is also used
which is the ground wire, relative to which all measurements are taken.
The color codes as used in Pakistan are:
Red: Live
Blue: Neutral
Yellow/Green: Earth
Black: Ground

Figure 3-2 the wires coming out of the generator

24

PARTS OF THE POWER CLAMP METER

Clamping Jaws
Current A

Voltage V
LED
Back-lit
Display
Off position
W-Single phase
power reading

Press to open and

release to close jaws

W3- three phase

power reading for
balanced load
Terminal to insert black
lead

Figure 3-3 Parts of Clamp Meter

Terminal to insert red

lead

25

PRELIMINARY SETTING OF THE CLAMP METER

1. The power clamp meter is a simple instrument to operate. As shown in Fig. 3-4, use
the red button located on the left side of the meter to open and close the clamping
jaws.
2. To clamp the meter around a wire, press the button till the jaws open and then place
the open jaws around the wire. Release the button to close the jaws.
3. To take out the meter, again press the button till the jaws open and then carefully
remove the meter from around the wire. Releasing the button will again close the
jaws.

Figure 3-4: Press button to open and depress to close jaws

There are two leads provided with the power clamp meter, one red and one black.
4. The red lead is for positive and the black one is for common or ground.
5. Insert the red lead into the slot with the symbol V or
, as shown in Fig. 3.5.This is
used to measure positive voltage.
6. Insert the black lead into the slot with the symbol
, also shown in the Fig. 3-5.
This is used as a reference voltage or ground potential.
7. These leads when placed on metallic contacts will read the voltage across the two
points. This will be explained in detail later.
8. The picture below shows the correct method of inserting the leads into the meter

.
Figure 3-5 Insert red lead in the voltage slot and black lead in the ground slot

26

PROCEDURE FOR TAKING POWER READINGS

USING SINGLE PHASE TO MEASURE POWER
1. Set the knob on the dial to W to read single phase power, as shown in Fig. 3-6. The

meter display will be identical to that of Fig. 3-5.

Figure 3-6 reading single phase power

2. Clamp the jaws of the meter around the phase (wire) whose power is to be

measured and then using the probes; place the read lead on the metallic contact of that
particular phase and the black lead on the metallic contact of the black (ground) wire
[Fig 3-7].

Figure 3-7 Measuring power of the red phase

3. This will display the power readings on the screen.

4. Follow the same procedure for the other two phases by clamping the meter around
the wire whose power is to be measured and then using the probes to put the red
lead on that phase and the black lead on the other phase. Complete readings of
power measurement for all these phases in this way.
5. To find the total power being consumed by the load, simply add up the kW readings
for all three phases i.e.
Total Power = kW red + kW blue + kW yellow
6. To find the total power output of the generator, add up all the kVA readings (kVA is
the measure of apparent power of the system).
27

USING THREE PHASES TO MEASURE POWER

Power can also be measured using the three-phase option of the power clamp
meter. This can only be done for the case when the power on the three phases is
balanced.
1. Switch the knob to W3 mode of the power clamp meter. Switch the meter to this
mode as shown in the Fig. 3-8.

Figure 3-8 Knob setting for 3-phase

2. Clamp the meter to any one phase, lets say the red phase and put the probes on the
metallic contacts of the other two phases. This is shown in the diagram below. The
meter will display the total power being consumed by the load in kW and the total
power being supplied by the generator in kVA.

Figure 3-9: Measuring three phase power

28

USING THE POWER QUALITY CLAMP METER TO TAKE

READINGS
First read off the maximum power that the generator can produce. This is the upper limit
and the first reading has to be taken at this value. This is referred to a full load.

Figure 3-10: Generator specification plate

All readings following this have to be taken at 10% decreasing load by turning the guide
vane of the turbine to decrease the flow. This will in turn reduce the frequency but the
frequency has to be adjusted back to 50Hz. This value of frequency should be used when
taking all the readings.
The frequency can be adjusted using the Electronic Load Controller (if installed) or by using
the hydraulic governors. There are special knobs on the load controller which can be used to
regulate the frequency.

Figure 3-11 Electronic Load Controller

29