Absolute power factor of air capacitors

In this investigation seven air capacitors of different types of construction were studied. In the preliminary tests it was determined that the power factor was independent of the voltage stress and that it varied with the separation of the plates. The results of these studies led to the development of a method of determining the absolute power factor of an air capacitor. In addition, data are presented on the effects produced by the degree of polish of the electrode surfaces, by the width of the gap between the measuring electrode and its guard ring, and by the presence of water films on the plates.