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3-Phase Power Formula:
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The 3-phase power calculation determines the real power in a three-phase electrical system. It accounts for the voltage, current, and power factor in a balanced three-phase circuit, providing the actual power being consumed or delivered.
The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the real power by accounting for the phase relationship in three-phase systems and the power factor which represents the ratio of real power to apparent power.
Details: Power factor is crucial in AC circuits as it indicates how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work. A power factor of 1 means all power is real power doing useful work, while lower values indicate reactive power is present.
Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (between 0 and 1). All values must be positive numbers with power factor between 0 and 1.
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. The calculator uses line-to-line voltage.
Q2: How does power factor affect the calculation?
A: Lower power factor means more apparent power is needed to deliver the same real power, increasing current requirements and system losses.
Q3: Is this formula valid for unbalanced loads?
A: No, this formula assumes a balanced three-phase system. Unbalanced systems require more complex calculations.
Q4: What are typical power factor values?
A: Industrial motors: 0.8-0.9, Incandescent lights: 1.0, Fluorescent lights: 0.5-0.9, Induction motors at full load: 0.85.
Q5: How can I improve power factor?
A: Power factor correction capacitors can be added to counteract inductive loads and bring power factor closer to 1.