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Power Formula:
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Power consumption refers to the electrical energy used by a device or system over time. It is calculated using the formula P = V × I × PF, where P is power in watts, V is voltage in volts, I is current in amperes, and PF is the power factor.
The calculator uses the power consumption formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the real power consumed by an electrical device, taking into account the phase relationship between voltage and current through the power factor.
Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for electrical system design, energy efficiency analysis, circuit protection sizing, and cost estimation for electrical consumption.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (between 0 and 1). For purely resistive loads, power factor is 1. For inductive or capacitive loads, power factor is less than 1.
Q1: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor represents the efficiency of power usage. A lower power factor means more current is required to deliver the same amount of real power, leading to higher energy losses.
Q2: What's the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (P) is the actual power consumed and measured in watts. Apparent power (S = V × I) is measured in VA and represents the total power in the circuit.
Q3: When is power factor correction needed?
A: Power factor correction is typically needed when power factor drops below 0.9 in industrial or commercial settings to reduce energy costs and improve system efficiency.
Q4: How does power factor affect energy bills?
A: Many utilities charge penalties for low power factor because it requires larger infrastructure to deliver the same amount of useful power.
Q5: What are typical power factor values?
A: Resistive loads: 1.0, Fluorescent lights: 0.9-0.95, Induction motors: 0.8-0.9, Small transformers: 0.7-0.85.