Home
Back
Power Factor Formula:
| From: | To: |
Power Factor (PF) is a dimensionless number between 0 and 1 that represents the ratio of real power (P) to apparent power (S) in an AC electrical system. It indicates how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output.
The calculator uses the Power Factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the efficiency of power usage in electrical systems. A higher power factor indicates more efficient power utilization.
Details: Power factor calculation is crucial for electrical system design, energy efficiency optimization, reducing power losses, and avoiding utility penalties for low power factor in industrial settings.
Tips: Enter real power in kilowatts (kW) and apparent power in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
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 indicate inefficiency and could result in utility penalties.
Q2: What causes low power factor?
A: Low power factor is typically caused by inductive loads such as 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 motors, or reducing idle running of inductive equipment.
Q4: What's the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (kW) is the actual power consumed doing useful work, while apparent power (kVA) is the combination of real power and reactive power.
Q5: Why is power factor important for electrical systems?
A: Poor power factor increases current flow, causes voltage drops, reduces system capacity, increases energy losses, and may result in higher electricity bills.