Power Loss Formula AC

Power Loss Formula:

\[ \text{Loss} = I^2 R \text{ (per phase)} \] \[ \text{Total Loss (3-phase)} = 3 I^2 R \]

Power Loss:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Power Loss Formula?

The Power Loss Formula calculates electrical power loss in conductors due to resistance. For AC systems, this represents the real power dissipated as heat in the conductors, known as I²R losses or Joule heating.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power loss formula:

\[ \text{Loss} = I^2 R \text{ (per phase)} \] \[ \text{Total Loss (3-phase)} = 3 I^2 R \]

Where:

\( \text{Loss} \) — Power loss in watts (W)
\( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
\( R \) — Resistance in ohms (Ω)
\( 3 \) — Multiplier for three-phase systems

Explanation: The formula calculates power dissipation due to conductor resistance, which is proportional to the square of the current and directly proportional to the resistance.

3. Importance of Power Loss Calculation

Details: Calculating power losses is essential for electrical system design, efficiency analysis, cable sizing, and determining energy costs in power transmission and distribution systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes, resistance in ohms, and select the system type (single phase or three phase). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is power loss proportional to I²?
A: Power loss is proportional to the square of current because both voltage drop (V=IR) and power (P=VI) depend on current, resulting in P=I²R.

Q2: What is the difference between single phase and three phase calculation?
A: Single phase calculates loss for one conductor, while three phase multiplies by 3 to account for all three phases in a balanced system.

Q3: Does this formula account for AC effects?
A: This is the fundamental I²R loss. For complete AC analysis, skin effect and proximity effect may require using AC resistance rather than DC resistance.

Q4: How can power losses be reduced?
A: Power losses can be reduced by using conductors with lower resistance, increasing conductor size, reducing current, or using higher voltage transmission.

Q5: Is this formula applicable to DC systems?
A: Yes, the I²R formula applies to both AC and DC systems for calculating resistive power losses.