1. What is a 3-Phase kWh Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for three-phase electrical systems.

Purpose: It helps engineers, electricians, and facility managers determine energy usage for three-phase equipment and systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E_{kWh} \) — Energy consumption (kilowatt-hours)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (0 to 1)
• \( t \) — Time (hours)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power consumption by accounting for all three phases and the power factor.

3. Importance of 3-Phase Energy Calculation

Details: Accurate energy calculations help in load management, cost estimation, and energy efficiency improvements for industrial and commercial electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the system voltage, current, power factor (default 0.8), and operating time in hours. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems (120° between phases).

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Most industrial equipment has PF between 0.8-0.95. Motors at full load typically have PF around 0.85.

Q3: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, for single-phase use \( E_{kWh} = (V \times I \times PF \times t) / 1000 \) (without √3).

Q4: How do I find the current if I only know power?
A: For three-phase: \( I = P / (V \times PF \times \sqrt{3}) \), where P is in watts.

Q5: Does this include transmission losses?
A: No, this calculates consumption at the point of measurement. For total system energy, add distribution losses.