Motor kW, current, efficiency and power factor: keep the quantities straight
A three-phase example distinguishes shaft output, real input power, apparent power and running current, with the limits of a simple estimate.
Power factor
The ratio of real electrical power to apparent power at a defined AC operating point.
In a balanced sinusoidal three-phase estimate, real input power equals √3 × line-to-line voltage × line current × power factor. Efficiency then relates that real input to shaft output. Power factor is not motor efficiency and does not by itself describe energy savings. See the motor calculator and quantity guide.
See also: Motor efficiency · Harmonics
Use the concept: Industrial energy cost calculator · Motor running current calculator · MTBF, MTTR & availability calculator
In depth
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