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 is a dimensionless number between -1 and 1.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Power Transmitted — Amount of power transferred (Watt)
• Resistance Underground AC — Property of the wire that opposes current flow (Ohm)
• Line Losses — Total losses occurring in the Underground AC line (Watt)
• Maximum Voltage Underground AC — Peak amplitude of the AC voltage (Volt)

Explanation: This formula calculates the power factor based on the relationship between transmitted power, line resistance, power losses, and maximum voltage in a 2-phase 4-wire underground AC system.

3. Importance of Power Factor Calculation

Details: Power factor calculation is crucial for optimizing electrical system efficiency, reducing energy costs, and ensuring proper equipment sizing and operation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in their respective units. Ensure all values are positive and non-zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: A power factor close to 1 is ideal, indicating efficient power usage. Values below 0.9 may indicate inefficiency.

Q2: Why is power factor important in electrical systems?
A: Low power factor increases line losses, reduces system capacity, and may result in utility penalties.

Q3: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor can be improved through capacitor banks, synchronous condensers, or proper motor sizing.

Q4: What causes low power factor?
A: Low power factor is typically caused by inductive loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting.

Q5: Is power factor the same for single-phase and three-phase systems?
A: The concept is the same, but calculation methods may differ between single-phase and three-phase systems.