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Power Factor Formula:
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Power factor (PF) is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being used in an AC circuit. It represents the ratio of real power (P) flowing to the load to the apparent power (S) in the circuit, indicating the efficiency of power usage.
The calculator uses the power factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The power factor ranges from 0 to 1, where 1 indicates perfect efficiency with all power being used effectively, and lower values indicate inefficiency due to reactive power.
Details: Calculating power factor is essential for optimizing electrical system efficiency, reducing energy costs, preventing equipment overload, and improving voltage regulation in AC power systems.
Tips: Enter real power in kilowatts (kW) and apparent power in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: A power factor close to 1 (0.95 or higher) is generally considered good, indicating efficient power usage with minimal reactive power.
Q2: What causes low power factor?
A: Low power factor is typically caused by inductive loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting that create reactive power demands.
Q3: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor can be improved by adding power factor correction capacitors, using synchronous condensers, or optimizing motor loads to reduce reactive power.
Q4: What's the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (P) is the actual power consumed by equipment to perform work, measured in kW. Apparent power (S) is the combination of real power and reactive power, measured in kVA.
Q5: Why do utilities charge for poor power factor?
A: Utilities often charge penalties for low power factor because it increases current flow in distribution systems, requiring larger equipment and causing greater energy losses.