1. What is kW to kVA Conversion?

kW (kilowatts) represents real power, while kVA (kilovolt-amperes) represents apparent power in an AC electrical system. The conversion between them depends on the power factor (PF), which represents the efficiency of power usage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power conversion formula:

Where:

• \( kW \) — Real power in kilowatts
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)
• \( kVA \) — Apparent power in kilovolt-amperes

Explanation: The power factor accounts for the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits. A lower PF means more apparent power (kVA) is needed to deliver the same real power (kW).

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor is crucial in electrical systems because:

• Utilities often charge penalties for low power factor
• It affects the sizing of electrical equipment
• It impacts system efficiency and energy costs

Typical power factors range from 0.8 to 0.95 for industrial equipment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter the real power in kW (must be positive)
• Enter power factor between 0.01 and 1.00
• Specify how many steps you want in the conversion table
• The calculator will show both single conversion and a stepped table

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between kW and kVA?
A: kW measures real usable power, while kVA measures the total power (real + reactive) in the system.

Q2: What is a good power factor?
A: Generally 0.95 or higher is excellent, 0.8-0.95 is acceptable, and below 0.8 may incur penalties.

Q3: Can power factor be greater than 1?
A: No, power factor ranges from 0 to 1 in normal operating conditions.

Q4: Why does my generator have both kW and kVA ratings?
A: The kW rating shows usable power capacity, while kVA shows the total apparent power the generator can supply.

Q5: How can I improve power factor?
A: Power factor correction capacitors or synchronous condensers can be installed to improve PF.