A Current-Comparator-Based System for Calibrating Active/Reactive Power and Energy Meters

A system for calibrating active/reactive power and energy meters under sinusoidal conditions using a current comparator bridge is described. Measurement can be made at any power factor from zero lag through unity to zero lead, positive or negative power, at 100 to 120 V, 1 to 5 A, and 50 or 60 Hz. The system features a digital oscillator, a thermal rms ac/dc voltage comparator, an automatically compensated capacitor for producing an accurate and stable reactive component, and a microcomputer for control and data reduction. The systematic uncertainty of the calibration system is estimated to be not more than 15 parts per million (ppm).