Power Factor Using Load Current (Single-Phase Three-Wire OS) Calculator

Power Factor Formula:

\[ \text{Power Factor} = \frac{\text{Power Transmitted}}{\sqrt{\text{Phase Difference}} \times \text{Maximum Voltage Overhead AC} \times \text{Current Overhead AC}} \]

Power Transmitted:

Watt

Phase Difference:

Radian

Maximum Voltage Overhead AC:

Volt

Current Overhead AC:

Ampere

Power Factor:

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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:

\[ \text{Power Factor} = \frac{\text{Power Transmitted}}{\sqrt{\text{Phase Difference}} \times \text{Maximum Voltage Overhead AC} \times \text{Current Overhead AC}} \]

Where:

Power Transmitted — Real power delivered (Watt)
Phase Difference — Difference between voltage and current phases (Radian)
Maximum Voltage Overhead AC — Peak AC voltage (Volt)
Current Overhead AC — Current flowing through the wire (Ampere)

Explanation: The formula calculates the power factor by dividing the real power by the product of square root of phase difference, maximum voltage, and current.

3. Importance of Power Factor Calculation

Details: Power factor calculation is crucial for determining the efficiency of electrical power usage, optimizing energy consumption, and reducing power losses in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power transmitted in Watt, phase difference in Radian, maximum voltage in Volt, and current in Ampere. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is an ideal power factor value?
A: An ideal power factor is 1.0, indicating that all the power is being used effectively. Values below 1.0 indicate inefficiency in the system.

Q2: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor can be improved by using capacitors to correct phase differences, reducing reactive power, and optimizing electrical load distribution.

Q3: Why is low power factor problematic?
A: Low power factor causes higher current flow, increased energy losses, reduced system capacity, and potential penalties from utility companies.

Q4: What affects power factor in electrical systems?
A: Power factor is affected by inductive loads (motors, transformers), capacitive loads, and the phase relationship between voltage and current.

Q5: Is power factor the same in single-phase and three-phase systems?
A: The concept is the same, but calculation methods may differ. This calculator is specifically designed for single-phase three-wire overhead systems.