Power Factor Calculator
Calculate power factor, reactive power, and apparent power for AC circuits. Determine power factor correction capacitor values to improve efficiency.
About Power Factor
Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power in AC circuits. It indicates how effectively electrical power is being used.
Types of Power:
- Real Power (P): Actual power consumed (Watts)
- Reactive Power (Q): Power stored/released by reactive components (VAR)
- Apparent Power (S): Total power supplied by source (VA)
Causes of Poor Power Factor:
- Inductive loads (motors, transformers)
- Fluorescent lighting with magnetic ballasts
- Arc furnaces and welding equipment
- Unloaded or lightly loaded motors
Power Factor Correction Methods:
- Capacitor banks (most common)
- Synchronous condensers
- Active power factor correction
- Proper motor sizing and loading