1. What is Power Factor?

Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (P) to apparent power (S) in an AC electrical system. It represents the efficiency with which electrical power is converted into useful work output.

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 formula calculates the ratio between the actual power doing work (real power) and the total power flowing in the circuit (apparent power).

3. Importance of Power Factor Calculation

Details: Power factor calculation is crucial for electrical system efficiency, energy cost management, and proper sizing of electrical equipment. A low power factor indicates poor electrical efficiency and may result in utility penalties.

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 close to 1.0 (unity) is ideal. Most utilities require industrial customers to maintain a power factor of 0.9 or higher.

Q2: What causes low power factor?
A: Low power factor is typically caused by inductive loads such as 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 (power factor correction), using synchronous motors, or reducing idle running of inductive equipment.

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

Q5: Why is power factor important for energy billing?
A: Many utilities charge penalties for low power factor because it increases current flow and requires larger infrastructure to deliver the same real power.