KVAR Formula:
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The 3-phase KVAR calculation determines the reactive power in a three-phase electrical system. KVAR (kilovolt-ampere reactive) represents the non-working power that oscillates between the source and load, essential for maintaining voltage levels and power factor correction.
The calculator uses the KVAR formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the reactive power in a balanced three-phase system, where √3 accounts for the phase relationship in three-phase circuits.
Details: Accurate KVAR calculation is crucial for power factor correction, system efficiency optimization, voltage regulation, and proper sizing of capacitors in electrical systems.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and sin θ value (between -1 and 1). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0).
Q1: What is reactive power (KVAR)?
A: Reactive power is the portion of electricity that establishes and sustains the electromagnetic fields in motors and transformers, measured in kilovolt-amperes reactive.
Q2: Why is power factor important?
A: Power factor indicates how effectively electrical power is being used. Low power factor results in higher currents, increased losses, and reduced system capacity.
Q3: How can I improve power factor?
A: Power factor can be improved by adding capacitors (which supply KVAR) to offset the inductive reactive power demand of motors and transformers.
Q4: What are typical sin θ values?
A: sin θ typically ranges from 0 to 1, with lower values indicating poorer power factor. For a power factor of 0.8, sin θ is approximately 0.6.
Q5: When is this calculation most useful?
A: This calculation is essential for electrical engineers designing power systems, maintenance personnel troubleshooting power quality issues, and facilities managers optimizing energy consumption.