Convert apparent power to real power
| Load | PF |
|---|---|
| Resistive | 1.0 |
| Motors | 0.8-0.9 |
| Computers | 0.6-0.7 |
To convert VA (apparent power) to kW (real power), you need the power factor. This accounts for reactive power that doesn't do useful work.
kW = (VA × Power Factor) / 1000. A 10,000 VA system at PF 0.8 delivers 8 kW of real power.
kW = (VA × PF) / 1000. Multiply VA by power factor, then divide by 1000 to convert to kilowatts.
Depends on power factor. At PF 1.0: 1 kW. At PF 0.8: 0.8 kW. At PF 0.6: 0.6 kW.
VA measures apparent power (total power flowing). kW measures real power (power doing useful work). The difference is reactive power used by inductors/capacitors.
Power factor indicates what portion of apparent power does real work. In AC circuits with reactive loads, current and voltage aren't in phase, creating reactive power that doesn't do work.