Skip to main content

What is Power Factor and Why is it Important?

Power factor is the ratio between the KW(Kilo-Watts) and the KVA(Kilo-Volt Amperes) drawn by an electrical load where the KW is the actual load power and the KVA is the apparent load power. 

It is a measure of how effectively the current is being converted into useful work output and more particularly is a good indicator of the effect of the load current on the efficiency of the supply system. 

Power Factor = True Power/Apparent Power

All current flow will cause losses in the supply and distribution system. A load with a power factor of 1.0 results in the most efficient loading of the supply and a load with a power factor of 0.5 will result in much higher losses in the supply system. 

Power Factor Formula:

1). The Cosine of angle between Current and Voltage is called Power Factor.

P = VI Cosθ                OR
Cosθ = P / V I             OR
Cosθ = kW / kVA        OR
Cosθ = True Power/ Apparent Power

Where,
P = Power in Watts
V = Voltages in Volts
I = Current in Amperes
W = Real Power in Watts
VA = Apparent Power in Volt-Amperes or Watts
Cosθ = Power factor

2). The ratio between resistance and Impedance is Called Power Factor.

Cosθ = R/Z

Where,
R = Resistance in Ohms (Ω)
Z = Impedance (Resistance in AC circuits i.e. XL, XC and R known as Inductive reactance, capacitive reactance and resistance respectively) in Ohms (Ω)
Cosθ = Power factor

3). The ratio between Actual Power and Apparent Power is called power factor.

Cosθ = kW / kVA

Where,
kW = Real Power in Watts
kVA = Apparent Power in Volt-Amperes or Watts
Cosθ = Power factor


Comments

  1. There are lots of users who get confused with the name Packaged type sewage Treatment plant . I suggest them to read this post as every sentence and information is clearly written and will definitely help you out.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I found this blog informative or very useful for me. I suggest everyone, once you should go through this.

    Typhoid

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Difference Between A, B & C-Class Divisions?

IMO Symbol A Class Division  IMO Symbol B Class Division  SOLAS has tables for structural fire protection requirement of bulkheads and decks. The requirements depend on the spaces in question and are different for passenger ships and cargo ships. The Administration has required a test of a prototype bulkhead or deck in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code to ensure that it meets the above requirements for integrity and temperature rise. Types of Divisions: "A" Class "B" Class "C" Class "A" Class: "A" class divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads and decks which comply with the following criteria: They are constructed of steel or equivalent material They are suitably stiffened They are constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the end of the one-hour standard fire test. they are insulated with approved non-combustible materials such that the average tempera

Why do we blow through engine before starting ?

The engine is blown through on air before starting it : a) To Blow out through indicator cock any residual exhaust gas or     other products of combustion trapped inside the cylinder after     shutting the engine. b) To check if any jacket cooling water from cylinder head or     turbocharger or any other source, has leaked while the engine          was shut and collected on top of piston. If while blowing                  through, water comes out of indicator cock or relief valve, we          need to investigate and rectify the fault before starting the                engine. It is imperative that the engine is blown through before        starting. There have been cases where the generator engine has        been started from control room without bothering to blow     through first, and water collected on top of piston has resulted in      a bent connecting rod and broken piston.( Reason – water can          not be compressed )

Load Line & Why it is Important

Merchant ships have a marking on their hull know as the Plimsoll line or the Plimsoll mark, which indicates the limit until which ships can be loaded with enough cargo, internationally, the Plimsoll line on a ship is officially referred to as the international load line. Every type of ship has a different level of floating and the Plimsoll line on a ship generally varies from one vessel to another.  All vessels of 24 meters and more are required to have this Load line marking at the centre position of the length of summer load water line. There are two types of Load line markings:- Standard Load Line marking – This is applicable to all types of vessels. Timber Load Line Markings – This is applicable to vessels carrying timber cargo. These marks shall be punched on the surface of the hull making it visible even if the ship side paint fades out. The marks shall again be painted with white or yellow colour on a dark background/black on a light background.  The comp