1. What is Motor Power Calculation?

The motor power calculation determines the electrical power consumed by a single-phase AC motor based on voltage, current, and power factor. This helps in sizing motors, calculating energy consumption, and assessing electrical system requirements.

2. How Does the Formula Work?

The calculator uses the single-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts
• \( I \) — Current in amps
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0-1)

Explanation: The formula accounts for both the real power (V×I) and the efficiency factor (PF) in AC systems where current and voltage may be out of phase.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is crucial for proper motor selection, circuit design, energy efficiency assessment, and electrical safety compliance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (typically 0.8-0.95 for motors). All values must be positive (voltage > 0, current > 0, 0 < PF ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, representing how effectively current is being converted into useful work (typically 0.8-0.95 for motors).

Q2: How does this differ for three-phase motors?
A: Three-phase power calculation includes a √3 factor: \( P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \).

Q3: Why measure motor power?
A: To determine energy consumption, size electrical components correctly, and assess motor efficiency and operating costs.

Q4: What are typical power factors for motors?
A: Induction motors typically have PF of 0.85 at full load, lower at partial loads. Synchronous motors can achieve unity (1.0) power factor.

Q5: How to improve power factor?
A: Use power factor correction capacitors, avoid motor oversizing, and use high-efficiency motors.