1. What is AC Power Calculation?

AC power calculation determines the real power consumed in an alternating current circuit. Unlike DC circuits, AC power depends on both voltage/current magnitudes and the phase relationship between them, represented by the power factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AC power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Real power (watts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (dimensionless, 0 to 1)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power, which is the actual power consumed by the load and converted into useful work.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the efficiency of power usage. A low power factor indicates poor electrical efficiency and may result in higher electricity costs due to reactive power consumption.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor as a decimal between 0 and 1. All values must be positive, with power factor between 0 and 1 inclusive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (P) is the actual power consumed, while apparent power (S) is the product of voltage and current. Apparent power is measured in VA (volt-amps).

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 capacitors to counteract inductive reactance, bringing the phase angle closer to zero.

Q4: What is a good power factor value?
A: A power factor of 0.95 or higher is generally considered good. Values below 0.85 may incur penalties from utility companies.

Q5: Does this formula work for three-phase systems?
A: For three-phase systems, the formula becomes \( P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \) for balanced systems.