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Single-Phase Real Power Formula:
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AC power calculation involves determining the real power consumed in an alternating current circuit. The formula accounts for voltage, current, and the phase difference between them represented by the power factor.
The calculator uses the single-phase real power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the actual power consumed by a load in an AC circuit, taking into account the phase relationship between voltage and current.
Details: Power factor represents the efficiency of power usage in AC systems. A power factor of 1 indicates perfect efficiency, while lower values indicate poor utilization of electrical power and increased reactive power.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor as a decimal between 0 and 1. All values must be positive numbers with appropriate ranges.
Q1: What is the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (P) is the actual power consumed by the load, while apparent power (S) is the product of voltage and current without considering power factor.
Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Power factor typically ranges from 0 to 1. Industrial loads often have power factors between 0.7-0.9, while residential loads may vary more widely.
Q3: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor can be improved by adding capacitors to the circuit (power factor correction) or using synchronous motors that can supply reactive power.
Q4: Why is low power factor undesirable?
A: Low power factor results in higher current for the same real power, leading to increased energy losses, larger conductors, and potential utility penalties.
Q5: Does this formula work for three-phase systems?
A: For three-phase systems, the formula becomes \( P = \sqrt{3} \times V_{LL} \times I \times \cos \phi \) where \( V_{LL} \) is line-to-line voltage.