1. What is Three Phase Power Factor?

The power factor (PF) in a three-phase system is the ratio of real power (P) to apparent power (S). It indicates how effectively electrical power is being used, with values ranging from 0 to 1 (or 0% to 100%).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the three-phase power factor formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates how much of the apparent power is actually doing real work in the system.

3. Importance of Power Factor Calculation

Details: Power factor is crucial for assessing electrical system efficiency. Low power factor indicates poor utilization of electrical power and may result in penalties from utility companies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter real power in watts, line-to-line voltage in volts, and current in amperes. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: Typically, power factors above 0.95 are considered good. Many utilities require industrial customers to maintain power factors above 0.9.

Q2: What causes low power factor?
A: Inductive loads like motors and transformers are the main causes. The more inductive the load, the lower the power factor.

Q3: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor correction capacitors can be added to counteract inductive loads and bring the power factor closer to 1.

Q4: What's the difference between single-phase and three-phase power factor?
A: Single-phase uses P/(V×I) while three-phase uses P/(√3×V×I). Three-phase systems are more efficient for high-power applications.

Q5: Why is the √3 factor used in three-phase calculations?
A: The √3 accounts for the phase difference (120°) between the three phases in a balanced three-phase system.