Amps to Kilowatts (kW) Calculator

How to Convert Amps to Kilowatts (kW)

Converting amperes (amps) to kilowatts (kW) is a common task in electrical engineering and power system analysis. This process involves understanding the relationship between electrical current, voltage, and power.

Conversion Formula

The formula to convert amps to kW depends on whether the system is DC, single-phase AC, or three-phase AC:

DC and Single-Phase AC:

\[kW = \frac{I \times V \times PF}{1000}\]

Three-Phase AC:

\[kW = \frac{I \times V \times PF \times \sqrt{3}}{1000}\]

Where:

• kW is the power in kilowatts
• I is the current in amperes (A)
• V is the voltage in volts (V)
• PF is the power factor (for DC, PF = 1)

Calculation Steps

1. Determine if the system is DC, single-phase AC, or three-phase AC
2. Measure or obtain the current (I) in amperes
3. Identify the voltage (V) of the system
4. Determine the power factor (PF) if applicable
5. Apply the appropriate formula based on the system type
6. Perform the calculation to get the result in kW

Example Calculation

Let's convert 50 amps to kW for a three-phase AC system at 480 volts with a power factor of 0.9:

• Current (I): 50 A
• Voltage (V): 480 V
• Power Factor (PF): 0.9
• System: Three-phase AC

1. Apply the three-phase AC formula: \[kW = \frac{I \times V \times PF \times \sqrt{3}}{1000}\]
2. Substitute the values: \[kW = \frac{50 \text{ A} \times 480 \text{ V} \times 0.9 \times \sqrt{3}}{1000}\]
3. Calculate: \[kW = \frac{50 \times 480 \times 0.9 \times 1.732}{1000} \approx 37.41 \text{ kW}\]

Therefore, 50 amps in this three-phase AC system at 480 volts with a power factor of 0.9 is equivalent to approximately 37.41 kW.

Conversion Visualization

This bar chart visually compares 50 A to its equivalent of 37.41 kW. The chart illustrates how electrical current (amps) relates to power (kW) in this specific three-phase AC system example.