What does power factor represent?

Power factor represents the ratio of actual power (real power) consumed by a load to the apparent power flowing in the circuit. It is a crucial measurement in electrical systems because it indicates how effectively the electrical power is being converted into useful work output. A power factor of 1 (or 100%) signifies that all the energy supplied by the source is being used effectively for work.

In practical terms, the power factor can be less than 1 due to the presence of reactive power in the system, which does not perform any useful work but is necessary for creating magnetic fields in equipment such as motors and transformers. A low power factor implies poor efficiency, with more apparent power required to achieve a certain level of actual power, leading to increased costs and potential issues in the electrical system.

Understanding this concept is essential for engineers, as improving the power factor can lead to more efficient energy use and reduced charges from utility companies.