1. What is an Electric Motor Power Usage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the power consumption of an electric motor based on voltage, current, efficiency, and power factor.

Purpose: It helps engineers, technicians, and energy auditors determine the actual power consumption of electric motors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_w \) — Power consumption (watts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( \eta \) — Motor efficiency (0-1)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (0-1)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power consumption by accounting for both the motor's efficiency and the phase difference between voltage and current.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation helps in energy management, system design, and cost estimation for electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts, current in amps, efficiency (default 0.9), and power factor (default 0.85). Efficiency and power factor must be between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is motor efficiency?
A: Efficiency (η) is the ratio of mechanical power output to electrical power input, typically 0.7-0.95 for most motors.

Q2: What is power factor?
A: Power factor (PF) is the ratio of real power to apparent power, representing phase difference between voltage and current.

Q3: How do I measure motor current?
A: Use a clamp meter to measure current while the motor is operating under normal load.

Q4: Why is my calculated power lower than nameplate rating?
A: Motors rarely operate at full load. Actual power depends on the mechanical load applied.

Q5: Can I use this for three-phase motors?
A: For three-phase, multiply the result by √3 (approximately 1.732).