1. What is AC Power Calculation?

AC power calculation determines the real power consumed in an alternating current circuit, accounting for voltage, current, and the phase difference between them (power factor). Unlike DC circuits, AC power calculations must consider this phase relationship.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AC power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Real power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power by accounting for the phase difference between voltage and current waveforms in AC circuits.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the efficiency of power usage in an AC circuit. A PF of 1 means all power is real power (resistive loads), while lower PF indicates reactive power (inductive or capacitive loads).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (0 to 1). For purely resistive loads (like heaters), use PF=1. For motors or transformers, check specifications for PF.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between real, apparent, and reactive power?
A: Real power (W) does actual work, apparent power (VA) is voltage × current, and reactive power (VAR) is stored in magnetic/ electric fields.

Q2: Why is power factor important?
A: Low PF means more current is needed for the same real power, increasing energy losses and infrastructure costs.

Q3: What's a typical power factor for household appliances?
A: Resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights) have PF≈1. Motors may have PF=0.7-0.9. Electronics with switching power supplies often have PF=0.5-0.7.

Q4: How can power factor be improved?
A: Using power factor correction capacitors for inductive loads or active PFC circuits in power supplies.

Q5: Does this calculation work for three-phase power?
A: For balanced three-phase, multiply by √3 (use \( P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \)).