3-Phase Power Formula:
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The 3-phase motor power calculation determines the electrical power consumption of a three-phase motor using voltage, current, and power factor measurements. This calculation is essential for electrical system design and energy efficiency analysis.
The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the three-phase system by including the √3 factor, which represents the phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.
Details: Accurate power calculation is crucial for proper motor sizing, electrical system design, energy consumption analysis, and determining operational costs of industrial equipment.
Tips: Enter line voltage in volts, line current in amperes, and power factor (between 0 and 1). All values must be positive numbers with power factor not exceeding 1.0.
Q1: Why is the √3 factor used in 3-phase calculations?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the 120-degree phase difference between the three phases in a balanced 3-phase system, converting line-to-line measurements to equivalent single-phase values.
Q2: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. It indicates how effectively electrical power is being used. Lower power factors mean more current is required for the same real power.
Q3: What are typical power factor values for motors?
A: Induction motors typically have power factors between 0.8-0.9 at full load, which decreases at lighter loads. Synchronous motors can maintain unity power factor (1.0).
Q4: Does this formula work for both delta and wye connections?
A: Yes, the formula \( P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \) works for both delta and wye connections when using line voltage and line current values.
Q5: How does motor efficiency affect power calculation?
A: This formula calculates electrical input power. Mechanical output power would be input power multiplied by motor efficiency. Efficiency accounts for losses in the motor.