3 Phase Power Calculation Formula

3-Phase Power Equation:

\[ P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \]

3-Phase Power (P):

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1. What is 3-Phase Power Calculation?

The 3-phase power calculation determines the real power in a three-phase electrical system. It accounts for the line-to-line voltage, current, and power factor in balanced three-phase circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase power equation:

\[ P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \]

Where:

\( P \) — Real power in watts (W)
\( V \) — Line-to-line voltage in volts (V)
\( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
\( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The equation calculates the actual power being used in the system, accounting for the phase difference between voltage and current.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A PF of 1 means all power is real power (resistive load), while lower PF indicates reactive components (inductive or capacitive loads).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (0 to 1). Typical power factors are 0.8-0.95 for industrial loads.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage?
A: In 3-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage (e.g., 400V line-to-line = 230V line-to-neutral).

Q2: How does power factor affect power calculation?
A: Lower power factor means more current is required to deliver the same real power, increasing losses in the system.

Q3: When is this calculation most accurate?
A: For balanced three-phase systems with sinusoidal waveforms. Unbalanced or non-linear loads require more complex calculations.

Q4: What's the difference between real, apparent, and reactive power?
A: Real power (W) does actual work, apparent power (VA) is the product of V and I, and reactive power (VAR) is stored in magnetic/electric fields.

Q5: How can power factor be improved?
A: Through power factor correction capacitors, synchronous condensers, or using more efficient motors and transformers.