Definition of Power Factor: Difference between revisions

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The Power Factor is an indicator of the quality of design and management of an electrical installation. It relies on two very basic notions: active and apparent power.
The Power Factor is an indicator of the quality of design and management of an electrical installation. It relies on two very basic notions: active and apparent power.


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The '''Power Factor''' λ is the ratio of the active power P (kW) to the apparent power S (kVA):
The '''Power Factor''' λ is the ratio of the active power P (kW) to the apparent power S (kVA):


<math> \lambda = \frac {P(kW)}{S(kVA)}</math>
<math> \lambda = \frac {P(kW)}{S(kVA)}</math>
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The value of power factor will range from 0 to 1.
The value of power factor will range from 0 to 1.
[[ru:Коэффициент мощности]]
[[zh:功率因数]]

Latest revision as of 09:48, 22 June 2022

The Power Factor is an indicator of the quality of design and management of an electrical installation. It relies on two very basic notions: active and apparent power.

The active power P (kW) is the real power transmitted to loads such as motors, lamps, heaters, and computers. The electrical active power is transformed into mechanical power, heat or light.

In a circuit where the applied r.m.s. voltage is Vrms and the circulating r.m.s. current is Irms, the apparent power S (kVA) is the product: Vrms x Irms.

The apparent power is the basis for electrical equipment rating.

The Power Factor λ is the ratio of the active power P (kW) to the apparent power S (kVA):

[math]\displaystyle{ \lambda = \frac {P(kW)}{S(kVA)} }[/math]

The load may be a single power-consuming item, or a number of items (for example an entire installation).

The value of power factor will range from 0 to 1.

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