1. What is 3-Phase Power Calculation?

The 3-phase power calculation determines the real power output of a three-phase motor by accounting for voltage, current, power factor, and efficiency. It's essential for sizing hydraulic pump motors and understanding their energy consumption.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)
• \( Voltage \) — Line-to-line voltage (V)
• \( Current \) — Phase current (A)
• \( Power\ Factor \) — Ratio of real power to apparent power (0-1)
• \( Efficiency \) — Motor efficiency (0-1)
• 1000 — Conversion factor to kilowatts

Explanation: The formula calculates real power output in kilowatts by considering all electrical parameters and motor efficiency.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is crucial for proper motor sizing, energy efficiency assessment, and hydraulic system design. It helps prevent underpowered or overpowered motor selection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amps, power factor (typically 0.8-0.95), and motor efficiency (typically 0.85-0.95). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (kW) is actual work output, while apparent power (kVA) includes reactive power. The ratio is the power factor.

Q2: Why do we divide by 1000?
A: This converts the result from watts to kilowatts (1 kW = 1000 W) for more practical units.

Q3: What's a typical power factor for hydraulic motors?
A: Most induction motors operate at 0.8-0.9 power factor when fully loaded, but it drops at partial loads.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical power output. Actual power may vary due to operating conditions and motor characteristics.

Q5: Can I use this for single-phase motors?
A: No, single-phase motors use a different formula without the √3 factor.