How is the BHP of a 3-phase motor calculated?

The calculation of brake horsepower (BHP) for a 3-phase motor is indeed best represented by a formula that incorporates amps, volts, power factor, efficiency, and a constant, which reflects the technical intricacies involved in understanding motor performance.

When determining the BHP of a 3-phase motor, it is necessary to account for the three-phase power supplied to the motor. The formula typically used is:

[ \text{BHP} = \frac{\sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times P.F. \times \eta}{746} ]

Where:

• ( V ) is the voltage,

• ( I ) is the current (amps),

• ( P.F. ) is the power factor,

• ( \eta ) is the efficiency,

• The constant 746 is used to convert watts to horsepower since 1 horsepower is equal to 746 watts.

This formula provides a comprehensive view of how effectively the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, taking into account the intrinsic losses incurred in the process (indicated by efficiency), as well as the phase relationships determined by the power factor. It accurately reflects how real-world conditions impact motor performance, which is essential for proper assessment and application