Power Factor Explained

Understand active, reactive, and apparent power, power factor calculation, the power triangle, lagging and leading power factor, power factor correction, and true power factor.

power
factor
online
video
course
training
e-learning
engineering

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Course Duration

10 Minutes
Course Level

Beginner to Intermediate
Language

English
Subtittle Language

English
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power
factor
online
video
course
training
e-learning
engineering

Description

This course explains power factor and its relationship with active power, reactive power, and apparent power in AC electrical systems. It introduces the beer analogy to help visualize these concepts and explains why power factor is different from electrical efficiency.

The course covers power factor calculation, the power triangle, phase angle, lagging and leading power factor, and the effects of low power factor on electrical current, losses, voltage drop, and equipment capacity. It also explains power factor correction using capacitors and introduces harmonics, displacement power factor, and true power factor.

What you will learn in this course

Understand the meaning of power factor
Distinguish between active, reactive, and apparent power
Calculate power factor using active and apparent power
Understand why low power factor increases supply current
Understand the effects of higher current on losses and electrical equipment capacity
Explain power factor correction using capacitors and capacitor banks
Understand how harmonics affect true power factor