Power Factor using Area of X-Section (1-Phase 2-Wire US) Calculator

Power Factor Formula:

\[ PF = \sqrt{\frac{(4) \times (P^2) \times \rho \times L}{A \times P_{\text{loss}} \times (V_m^2)}} \]

Power Transmitted (P):

Watt

Resistivity (ρ):

Ω·m

Length of Underground AC Wire (L):

Meter

Area of Underground AC Wire (A):

m²

Line Losses (P_loss):

Watt

Maximum Voltage Underground AC (V_m):

Volt

Power Factor (PF):

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1. What is Power Factor?

The power factor of an AC electrical power system is defined as the ratio of the real power absorbed by the load to the apparent power flowing in the circuit. It indicates how effectively electrical power is being used.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power factor formula:

\[ PF = \sqrt{\frac{(4) \times (P^2) \times \rho \times L}{A \times P_{\text{loss}} \times (V_m^2)}} \]

Where:

\( P \) — Power Transmitted (Watt)
\( \rho \) — Resistivity (Ω·m)
\( L \) — Length of Underground AC Wire (Meter)
\( A \) — Area of Underground AC Wire (m²)
\( P_{\text{loss}} \) — Line Losses (Watt)
\( V_m \) — Maximum Voltage Underground AC (Volt)

Explanation: This formula calculates the power factor based on the relationship between transmitted power, line characteristics, and system losses in a 1-phase 2-wire underground AC system.

3. Importance of Power Factor Calculation

Details: Power factor calculation is crucial for determining the efficiency of power transmission, optimizing energy usage, reducing losses, and ensuring proper system design in electrical distribution networks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units. Ensure all inputs are positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power factor based on the provided parameters for a 1-phase 2-wire underground AC system.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: A power factor close to 1 (unity) is ideal, indicating efficient power usage. Values below 0.9 typically indicate poor power factor that may require correction.

Q2: How does power factor affect electrical systems?
A: Low power factor increases current flow, causes higher losses, reduces system capacity, and may result in utility penalties for industrial consumers.

Q3: Can power factor be greater than 1?
A: No, power factor ranges from 0 to 1. A value of 1 represents perfect efficiency where all power is used effectively.

Q4: What causes low power factor?
A: Inductive loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting typically cause low power factor by creating reactive power demand.

Q5: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor correction capacitors, synchronous condensers, or active power factor correction systems can be used to improve power factor.