AC Power Calculator 3-Phase

3-Phase AC Power Formula:

\[ P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \]

Power (P):

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1. What is 3-Phase AC Power?

Three-phase AC power is a common method of alternating current electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. It is used for power delivery in industrial and commercial applications due to its efficiency and power density.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase AC power formula:

\[ P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \]

Where:

\( P \) — Power in watts (W)
\( V \) — Line-to-line voltage in volts (V)
\( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
\( \sqrt{3} \) — Mathematical constant (approximately 1.732)

Explanation: The formula calculates the real power in a balanced three-phase AC system, accounting for the phase relationship between voltage and current.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A power factor of 1 indicates all power is real power, while lower values indicate reactive power consumption, which can lead to energy inefficiencies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (between 0 and 1). All values must be positive numbers with power factor ranging from 0 to 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase power?
A: Single-phase uses two wires (one phase), while three-phase uses three or four wires (three phases), providing more consistent power delivery and higher efficiency for large loads.

Q2: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: √3 represents the relationship between line-to-line voltage and phase voltage in a balanced three-phase system, where line voltage = √3 × phase voltage.

Q3: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Power factor typically ranges from 0.8 to 0.95 for industrial loads. Values below 0.8 may incur penalties from utility companies.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for unbalanced three-phase systems?
A: No, this calculator assumes a balanced three-phase system. For unbalanced systems, calculations must be performed for each phase separately.

Q5: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor can be improved by adding power factor correction capacitors, using synchronous motors, or optimizing motor loads to reduce reactive power consumption.