Home
Back
True Power Formula:
| From: | To: |
True power (also known as real power) is the actual power consumed by a circuit that performs useful work. It is measured in watts (W) and represents the energy converted into useful output such as heat, light, or mechanical work.
The calculator uses the true power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the actual power consumed by accounting for the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits.
Details: Accurate true power calculation is essential for determining actual energy consumption, sizing electrical components, calculating efficiency, and optimizing power systems. It helps distinguish between useful power and reactive power that doesn't perform actual work.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amps, and phase angle in degrees. All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, phase angle between -180 and 180 degrees).
Q1: What is the difference between true power and apparent power?
A: True power is the actual power consumed, while apparent power is the product of voltage and current. Apparent power is measured in volt-amperes (VA) and is always equal to or greater than true power.
Q2: What does the power factor (cosθ) represent?
A: The power factor represents the ratio of true power to apparent power. It indicates how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output.
Q3: When is the power factor equal to 1?
A: The power factor equals 1 when the voltage and current are in phase (θ = 0°), which occurs in purely resistive circuits.
Q4: How does phase angle affect true power?
A: As the phase angle increases from 0°, the power factor decreases, resulting in less true power for the same voltage and current values.
Q5: Why is true power important in electrical systems?
A: True power determines the actual energy consumption and cost, helps in proper equipment sizing, and is crucial for efficiency calculations and power quality assessment.