1. What is Motor Power Calculation?

The motor power calculation determines the actual power consumption of a three-phase electric motor in kilowatts (kW). It considers voltage, current, and power factor to provide an accurate measurement of the motor's power output.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the three-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
• \( V \) — Line voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the three-phase power relationship, converting the product of voltage, current, and power factor into kilowatts.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for motor sizing, energy efficiency analysis, electrical system design, and troubleshooting motor performance issues.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A higher PF (closer to 1) indicates more efficient power usage.

Q2: What's the difference between kW and kVA?
A: kW is real power (what does work), while kVA is apparent power (volts × amps). kW = kVA × power factor.

Q3: How do I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter for voltage and a clamp meter for current. Measure under normal operating conditions.

Q4: What's a typical power factor for motors?
A: Induction motors typically have 0.85 PF at full load, dropping at lower loads. Synchronous motors can achieve 1.0 PF.

Q5: Can I use this for single-phase motors?
A: No, single-phase motors use P = V × I × PF / 1000 (without the √3 factor).