Calculation of AC Motor Power

A

Thread Starter

Anonymous

Hi!

I have a three phase 460Vac, 115A, 235lbs-ft and with a speed of 1800RPM, but the power isn't indicated on the nameplate.

If we calculate the power with the formula P=V*I*1.732, we got 91.6KVa or 122.8HP and, if we calculate with the formula P(T*N)/5250, we
got 80.5HP. So, why we don't get the same result? Is it the power factor that make the
difference?

Thanks for your answers.
 
Hi there,

I read thorough your question. I found that your equation of P=V*I*1.732 was incomplete. You should consider both power factor and motor efficiency. As you know, you should able to find the motor power factor on the motor name plate, but most kinds of motors don't indicate the motor efficiency value. Thus, let's assume your motor efficiency value to be 88% & power factor of 0.8.

P=(V*I*1.732)*0.80*0.88
= 64.4kW

This is all because the equation of P(T*N)/5250
was based on torque (motor output). In fact, it's already included the motor efficiency.

motor efficiency = (motor output/motor input)* 100%

by
KAy
Electrical engineering
DMR
 
K
When estimating the power input to the motor, use the formula involving voltage and current. When estimating the power output from the motor, use the formula involving torque and rotational speed. The difference is wasted energy, which manifests itself as heat produced by the motor. Be careful with the nameplate ratings on the motor. They are probably maximum ratings. Be aware that motors of this type generally accept 150% overload. To get an accurate estimate you must measure the power-in versus the power-out for your given application.

Ken
 
AC motors have a component of the total current, called the magnetizing current. This is non-torque-producing current. Thus, the reason you cannot equate AC motor kVA to HP.
 
You were right, normally in AC motor will produce
30% of magnetizing current, which has the opposite direction of vector to the input current. Thus
producing heat loss through motor body frame.

KAy
Electrical Engineer
DMR
 
P

Phil Corso, PE

Responding to Anonymous' 24-Mar-07 (12:46) query:

1) ELECTRICAL POWER.
The first P, for which you used the equation sqrt(3)*V*I/1,000 = 91.6 kVA, is not 'real' electrical power but Apparent Power. A more correct representation is 'S' and its units are VA or kVA. Then, real power, Pi, is the product of Apparent Power times Power Factor, or S*PF! In-turn, real input-power, Pi = Po/Eff'y, where Po = 0.746*Hp/Eff'y. (CAVEAT: metric Hp and English HP are not equal!)

2) MECHANICAL POWER.
The 2nd P, for which you used the equation, 5250*RPM/Torque or 5252*1800/115 =lb(f)-ft, is shaft horsepower, or Hp, a mechanical term. In addition, you used the synchronous speed to make the calculation. Instead, output Hp is more correctly rated at the motor's as is normally shown on its nameplate, not at its synchronous speed.

3) RULE-of-THUMB.
In countries that rate motor output in shaft Hp, a rule-of-thumb value often used is: input kVA is approximately equal to output Hp. Note the term approximately because the real kVA/HP ratio does vary. Also note, in countries using metric units then output shaft-power is expressed in electrical units or kW.

4) MATCHING MOTOR.
Of course, in the absence of other performance data, like pf and efficiency, then you will never know its exact rating. However, using typical manufactuter's data, then the 115-A value you mentioned would yield a 3-ph, 460-V motor of 100-Hp.

Regards, Phil Corso, PE ([email protected])
 
T

Teddy nugroho

if we measure electric power in various load from induction motor. How we determine pf and eff? I think this is the biggest problem when we try to find the input power.
 
N

Neville Ellens

1.732 is Root 3 of the voltage in a 3 phase power supply.

Formula

Reactive Power = VxIx1.1732X PF
 
I think the formula gives true power. If PF is cosine theta as it was when I went to school.

Bill Code
 
>if we measure electric power in various load from induction motor. How we determine pf and eff? I think this is the biggest problem when we try to find the input power. <

hi there,

have you got the answers for your query?
 
E
what if we know data from nameplate

V=945V, I=39A, eff=0.76, pf=0.82, rpm 2820, 2 pole

and i want to find out how they got nameplate data with pf motor=0.82? though we know the pf from nameplate? or efficiency motor??
thanks,
alex
 
Electrical Alex... you did not mention nameplate values for output kW or Hp. Thus, based on the data you provided:

kVAi = Sqrt (3) x Vi x Ai
kWi = kVAi x Pf
kWo = Eff x kWi
Hp (Imp Units) = kWo / 0.746,
where subscripts (i) and (o) represent Input and Output parameters, respectively.

Substituting the values given yields:
kVAi = 63.8
kWi = 52.3
kWo = 39.8.
Hp (Imperial Units) = 53.4
Hp (In Metric Units = 54.1

Let me know if I misunderstood your question. Regards, Phil Corso (epsicon [at] aol [dot] com)
 
C

curt wuollet

I'm fairly sure that they loaded the motor to the rated HP and took readings. Phase angle gives you PF, mechanical power /electrical power gives you efficiency, etc. Easy except for the mechanical power which requires a torque sensor, a brake of some sort, a tachometer and math.

Regards
cww
 
>Formula
>
>True Power = VxIx1.732X PF

I have question regarding the power shown on motor nameplate, is it the the output power n the shaft or the input power???
 
> Nicolas... Depending on country of manufacture, OUTPUT-shaft power is given
> in Hp or the equivalent kW!

I am wondering if I need to size a motor, what %age losses should be considered. I need guaranteed 772Kw shaft power output from the motor. What will be appropriate size of motor to deliver 772kw shaft power? Am I too conservative if I consider 20% losses?

Regards,
Baig
 
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