1. What is 3 Phase kVA?

kVA (kilovolt-amperes) is a unit of apparent power in an electrical circuit. In three-phase systems, it represents the total power that is being supplied to the system, combining both real and reactive power components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)
• 1000 — Conversion factor from VA to kVA

Explanation: The formula calculates the total apparent power in a balanced three-phase system by accounting for the phase difference between the three phases.

3. Importance of kVA Calculation

Details: kVA calculation is essential for sizing electrical equipment, determining power requirements, and ensuring proper power distribution in three-phase systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts and current in amperes. The calculator will compute the apparent power in kilovolt-amperes (kVA).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between kVA and kW?
A: kVA measures apparent power (total power), while kW measures real power (usable power). The ratio between them is the power factor.

Q2: Is this formula valid for both star and delta connections?
A: Yes, but ensure you're using the correct voltage (line-to-line voltage for both configurations).

Q3: What if my system is unbalanced?
A: For unbalanced systems, you would need to calculate each phase separately and sum the results.

Q4: Why use kVA instead of kW for sizing equipment?
A: Electrical equipment is rated in kVA because it must handle the total apparent power, not just the real power component.

Q5: How does power factor affect this calculation?
A: Power factor doesn't affect the kVA calculation but is needed to determine the real power (kW = kVA × power factor).