Industrial motor drives account for a large percentage of the energy consumed worldwide. Thus, the ability to assess the power consumption of such systems has become of vital importance. This power consumption is measured using commercially available power analyzers. This paper presents a discussion of the selection criteria for modern power measurement instruments. The body of the paper includes several testing and characterization methods and criteria that would prove to be highly beneficial to the user. Measurements are carried out on various adjustable-speed drives to corroborate the discussion presented throughout the text. Such knowledge is essential to the adjustable-speed drive and power converter engineer that aims at producing cost-effective and energy-efficient systems.

Units: Dual