3 Phase Power Consumption Calculator

3 Phase Power Formula:

\[ kWh = \frac{\sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \times h}{1000} \]

Voltage (V):

Current (I):

Power Factor (PF):

(0 to 1)

Time (h):

hours

Power Consumption:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is 3-Phase Power Consumption?

Three-phase power is a common method of alternating-current electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. This calculator helps determine the energy consumption (in kilowatt-hours) of three-phase electrical systems, which are widely used in industrial and commercial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the three-phase power formula:

\[ kWh = \frac{\sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \times h}{1000} \]

Where:

\( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
\( I \) — Current (amperes)
\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
\( h \) — Time in hours
\( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power consumption by accounting for both the apparent power (voltage × current) and the power factor, which represents the phase difference between voltage and current.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor (PF) is crucial in AC circuits as it represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A low power factor indicates poor utilization of electrical power, resulting in higher currents and increased energy losses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, power factor (typically between 0.8 and 1 for most industrial loads), and operating time in hours. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage?
A: In three-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is between any two phases, while line-to-neutral is between one phase and neutral. Line-to-line is √3 times line-to-neutral voltage.

Q2: Why is power factor important?
A: Low power factor means you're drawing more current than necessary to do the same work, leading to higher energy costs and potential equipment overload.

Q3: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Induction motors typically have 0.85 PF, fluorescent lights 0.5-0.9, and resistive loads 1.0. Power factor correction can improve values to near 1.0.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, for single-phase systems use: kWh = (V × I × PF × h) / 1000 (without the √3 factor).

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical consumption. Actual consumption may vary due to voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortions, and changing load conditions.