Idea04 said:
Power factor is the ratio of real power (or working power) to apparent power (or total power). It indicates the efficiency of a circuit in converting electrical energy into useful work. A high power factor is important because it reduces energy waste and can lower electricity costs for consumers.
Power factor is calculated by dividing the real power by the apparent power. The formula is: Power Factor = Real Power/Apparent Power. Real power is measured in watts (W) and apparent power is measured in volt-amperes (VA).
A power factor value of 1 (or 100%) is considered ideal, as it means that all the energy supplied to the circuit is being used efficiently. Power factor values less than 1 indicate a portion of wasted energy, with lower values indicating higher waste.
Power factor can be improved by installing power factor correction devices, such as capacitors, which can reduce the amount of reactive power in the circuit. Regular maintenance and upgrades of electrical equipment can also help improve power factor.
A low power factor can result in higher energy costs for consumers, as electricity suppliers may charge a penalty for low power factor. It can also cause voltage drops, overheating of electrical equipment, and reduced lifespan of equipment.