Technical Explanation: AC Power in Single and Three-Phase Systems
In alternating-current circuits the power is divided into three components: active (real) power that performs useful work, reactive power that oscillates between source and load, and apparent power that is the vector sum of the two.
The power factor (cos φ) indicates how effectively the current is being converted into useful work. A low power factor increases current for the same active power and therefore increases losses and voltage drop.
How to Use This Calculator
- System Type: Select Single-phase or Three-phase.
- Voltage: Enter line-to-line voltage for three-phase or phase voltage for single-phase (V).
- Current: Enter the line current (A).
- Power Factor: Enter the power factor (0 to 1) or the phase angle.
Key Formulas
- Single-phase: P = V × I × cos φ | S = V × I | Q = V × I × sin φ
- Three-phase: P = √3 × VL × IL × cos φ | S = √3 × VL × IL
Power Triangle
Active power P, reactive power Q and apparent power S form a right triangle: S² = P² + Q². The angle of the triangle is the phase angle φ between voltage and current.