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Power question

Lateralus

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I'm working on a design so I can build my own watt meter and I want it to be as accurate as possible. My question is, do power companies charge you for only real power? Or do you get charged for reactive power as well?
 

BlueScreen

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I'm working on a design so I can build my own watt meter and I want it to be as accurate as possible. My question is, do power companies charge you for only real power? Or do you get charged for reactive power as well?

At first I thought it sounded a little evil to charge for reactive power but I read up on it, and some power companies do charge for it, just to penalise people for using large induction motors and other things that cause problems on the network.

Maybe check the power company's web site or details on whoever supplies you.
 

Maabus1999

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They charge for reactive power because it is considered "unused" power that is a pain to put back in. They want you to use it and not put it back into the grid.
 

Prototype

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Why?
Have you looked into getting a windmill? I heard somewhere that they are as cheap as maybe 10 grand or some junk like that. I was thinking of looking into permits for one here in Canada.
 

BlueScreen

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I wanted to try to build one a while ago to make power. But then I read the height it needs to be to avoid turbulence and work well, and thought people in the suburbs may not approve.

I downloaded a thing a while ago on how to make your own solar cells that didn't look too bad. Was some dangerous chemicals involved though.

Would be nice if there was a way to become greener and produce your own power without going out and buying expensive commercial stuff.
 

Lateralus

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Hmmm, I suppose I could just store measurements of the voltage, current, and phase shift.
 
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