Home
Back
Power Formula:
| From: | To: |
The Power Consumed in AC Circuit Formula calculates the real power in an alternating current circuit. It accounts for the phase difference between voltage and current through the power factor (cosφ), providing the actual power consumed by the load.
The calculator uses the power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the actual power consumed in an AC circuit, where the power factor represents the efficiency of power usage.
Details: Power factor indicates how effectively electrical power is being used. A higher power factor (closer to 1) means more efficient power usage, while a lower power factor indicates poor efficiency and may result in higher electricity costs.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor as a decimal between 0 and 1. All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, power factor between 0-1).
Q1: What is the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (P) is the actual power consumed by the load, while apparent power (S) is the product of voltage and current. Real power = apparent power × power factor.
Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Power factor typically ranges from 0 to 1. Industrial loads often have power factors around 0.8-0.9, while resistive loads like incandescent lights have power factors close to 1.
Q3: Why is power factor correction important?
A: Power factor correction reduces reactive power, improves system efficiency, reduces energy costs, and prevents utility penalties for low power factor.
Q4: How does power factor affect electrical bills?
A: Many utilities charge higher rates for customers with low power factors because it requires more current to deliver the same real power, increasing infrastructure costs.
Q5: Can power factor be greater than 1?
A: No, power factor is always between 0 and 1. A value of 1 indicates perfect efficiency with no phase difference between voltage and current.