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Real Power Formula:
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Real power (also known as true power or active power) is the actual power consumed by a circuit to perform useful work. It is measured in watts (W) and represents the energy converted into useful output like heat, light, or mechanical work.
The calculator uses the real power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the actual power consumed in an AC circuit by accounting for the phase difference between voltage and current waveforms.
Details: Accurate real power calculation is essential for determining actual energy consumption, designing efficient electrical systems, calculating electricity costs, and ensuring proper sizing of electrical components.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amps, and phase angle in degrees. All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0).
Q1: What is the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power is the actual power consumed, while apparent power (V×I) is the product of voltage and current. The ratio of real power to apparent power is the power factor.
Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Power factor ranges from 0 to 1. Industrial facilities typically aim for 0.95 or higher. Resistive loads have a power factor of 1, while inductive loads have lower power factors.
Q3: Why is power factor important?
A: Low power factor means more current is required to deliver the same real power, leading to increased energy losses, larger equipment sizes, and potential utility penalties.
Q4: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor can be improved by adding capacitors to counteract inductive loads, using synchronous motors, or employing power factor correction equipment.
Q5: When is real power equal to apparent power?
A: Real power equals apparent power only when the power factor is 1, which occurs in purely resistive circuits where voltage and current are in phase (θ = 0°).