The power factor is the ratio of the apparent power flowing in a circuit to the real power consumed by the load in an AC power system. It means the efficiency of AC power.
When a device such as a motor is operated, the power required during operation (real power) is smaller than the product of the Root Mean Square (RMS) voltage and RMS current as the apparent power. This is due to the coils (inductive loads) and capacitors (capacitive loads) built into the equipment. It is caused by reactive power that is not consumed simply because of the round trip between the load and the AC power source.
In other words, the higher the power factor, the more efficient the equipment. The power factor is measured by a power factor meter or similar devices. The power factor in an ordinary household is considered as about 85%. As of high-voltage power receiving facilities (cubicles), etc., the rate will be 90% to 99%.
Information on related articles in Technical Knowledge
- What is a Power Supply? Types and Applications
- What is a Power Supply? (Basic Knowledge)
- Safety and Usage of High Voltage Power Supply
- What is DC power supply? (Basic Knowledge)
- What is a Bipolar Power Supply? (Basic Knowledge)
- Fundamentals of Electronic Loads: Types, Principles, Usage, and Configuration
- What is an AC Power Source (Basic Knowledge)
- Linear vs. Switching Power Supplies: Key Differences Explained
- Types of X-ray tubes and high-voltage power supplies
- High Voltage Measurement Method
- How to choose the DC power supply? Explanation of the points.
- Difference between DC power and AC power
- For New Electronics Engineers, How to Use the Power Supply Safely
- Installation of DC Power Supply and remote sensing correctly and safely
- How to Select a High Voltage Power Supply for Laboratory Analyzers
- Basics of amplifiers, how to use the amplifier and precautions
- Method of Generating Direct Current (DC) Power