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Power Factor Formula:
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Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (P) to apparent power (V×I) in an AC circuit. It represents the efficiency of power usage and indicates how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output.
The calculator uses the power factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The power factor ranges from 0 to 1, where 1 indicates perfect efficiency (all power is real power) and lower values indicate poor power quality with more reactive power.
Details: Power factor calculation is crucial for electrical system design, energy efficiency optimization, reducing electricity costs, and preventing penalties from utility companies for poor power factor.
Tips: Enter real power in watts, voltage in volts, and current in amps. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: 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 result in utility penalties in commercial and industrial settings.
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.
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.
Q4: What's The Difference Between Real Power And Apparent Power?
A: Real power (P) does useful work, while apparent power (V×I) is the total power supplied. The ratio between them is the power factor.
Q5: Does Power Factor Affect Residential Electricity Bills?
A: Most residential customers are not charged for poor power factor, but commercial and industrial customers often face power factor penalties.