Electrical Engineering Lab – Energy measurement technology: power quality analyser, THD, cosφ and three-phase vector diagram

Complete electrical measurements: voltage/current, P/Q/S, cosφ/λ, frequency and three-phase vector diagram with TRMS analysers and "oscilloscope" functions. Power quality: detection of harmonics (THD/TDD), phase shifts, imbalances, distortion and transients; comparison of real loads (LED, halogen, energy-saving) and electric motors. Instrumentation & reporting: use of three-phase network analysers with web server/TCP-IP, data logging and software to document and interpret results. Transferable skills: applied electrical metrology, energy diagnostics for residential/industrial installations and maintenance focused on efficiency and regulatory compliance.

MePA code: ABX-TP556

About this solution

Learning Objectives

Measuring important electrical quantities such as active, reactive and apparent power, for example of lamps.
Measuring loads on the grid through harmonics (three-phase diagram)
Measuring the power factor lambda and cos phi
Measuring the electrical quantities of electric motors
Use and application of energy meters
Energy assessment of various loads
Vector diagram of the three-phase system

Lab Objectives

“Energy measurement technology and power quality analysis”

Acquire practical skills in using three-phase network analysers and instruments for professional energy measurement in single-phase and three-phase AC installations.
Measure fundamental electrical quantities such as voltage, current, active, reactive and apparent power, frequency, power factor and phase angle.
Analyse phenomena related to power quality: harmonics, phase shifts, imbalances, distortion and transients.
Experimentally verify the behaviour of different types of electrical load (LED, halogen and energy-saving lamps) and their impact on measurements.
Become familiar with modern instrumentation featuring an integrated web server, TCP/IP interface and oscilloscope functions for advanced signal display.

Educational Aims

Introduce students to the principles of electrical metrology, with a focus on true RMS measurement (TRMS) and the graphical representation of signals.
Learn to interpret and document electrical quantities measured with professional measuring instruments and dedicated software.
Understand the effect of harmonic distortion (THD, TDD) and its influence on the efficiency and safety of installations.
Link theory to practice through experimental activities with adapters, lamps and real loads, simulating industrial and residential installation scenarios.
Develop awareness of the importance of efficient, stable power distribution, in line with European power quality standards.
Promote the ability to critically analyse electrical data, improving autonomy in diagnosing and maintaining installations.

Conclusion

The “Energy measurement technology” lab is a meeting point between theory and industrial reality, offering a complete experience in the measurement and quality of electrical power. Through hands-on activities and the use of advanced analysers, students learn how to monitor and interpret the energy behaviour of real installations, identifying phenomena such as phase imbalances, harmonic distortion and phase shifts. The training package allows students to tackle issues related to energy efficiency and grid stability with technical rigour, developing skills essential for the electrical power technicians of the future. It thus promotes modern, career-oriented training that meets the demands of the electrical, building services and maintenance sectors. This solution includes technology systems that support inclusion and equal opportunities through the use of innovative teaching methods. It is designed to promote active and collaborative learning.