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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 (measured in watts) to apparent power (measured in volt-amperes), indicating the efficiency of power utilization.
The calculator uses the power factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio between the actual power being used (real power) and the total power flowing in the circuit (apparent power).
Details: Power factor calculation is crucial for optimizing electrical system efficiency, reducing energy costs, preventing equipment damage, and ensuring compliance with utility company requirements. A low power factor indicates poor electrical efficiency.
Tips: Enter real power in watts, voltage in volts, and current in amperes. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero. Ensure measurements are taken under stable operating conditions.
Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: A power factor of 1.0 is ideal, but values above 0.95 are generally considered good. Values below 0.85 may incur penalties from utility companies.
Q2: What causes low power factor?
A: Low power factor is typically caused by inductive loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting that create phase differences between voltage and current.
Q3: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor can be improved by adding power factor correction capacitors, using synchronous motors, or optimizing motor loads to reduce reactive power.
Q4: What's the difference between leading and lagging power factor?
A: Lagging power factor occurs when current lags voltage (inductive loads), while leading power factor occurs when current leads voltage (capacitive loads).
Q5: Why do utilities charge for low power factor?
A: Utilities charge penalties for low power factor because it requires them to supply more current for the same real power, increasing transmission losses and requiring larger infrastructure.