1. What is Power Factor?

Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (P) flowing to the load to the apparent power (S) in the circuit. It is a dimensionless number between -1 and 1, representing how effectively electrical power is being used.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Power Factor formula:

Where:

• \( PF \) — Power Factor (unitless)
• \( P \) — Real Power (kW)
• \( S \) — Apparent Power (kVA)

Explanation: The equation calculates the ratio between the actual power being used (real power) and the power that appears to be flowing in the circuit (apparent power).

3. Importance of Power Factor Calculation

Details: Power factor is crucial in electrical systems as it indicates how efficiently electrical power is being used. A low power factor indicates poor utilization of electrical power, which can result in higher electricity costs and reduced system capacity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter real power in kW and apparent power in kVA. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: A power factor of 1.0 is ideal, indicating all power is being used effectively. Most utilities require power factors of 0.9 or higher.

Q2: What causes low power factor?
A: Low power factor is typically caused by inductive loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting that require reactive power.

Q3: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor can be improved by adding capacitors or synchronous condensers to offset the reactive power demand.

Q4: What's the difference between real, reactive and apparent power?
A: Real power (kW) does useful work, reactive power (kVAR) sustains electromagnetic fields, and apparent power (kVA) is the vector sum of both.

Q5: Why is power factor important for industrial customers?
A: Many utilities charge penalties for low power factor as it requires them to supply more current for the same real power, increasing system losses.