Energy Formula:
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The total energy formula calculates the energy consumed by an electrical device or system over a period of time. It is based on the fundamental relationship between power, time, and energy.
The calculator uses the energy formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates energy consumed over a specific duration by multiplying power consumption by time. Energy can be expressed in joules (when time is in seconds) or watt-hours (when time is in hours).
Details: Accurate energy calculation is crucial for electrical system design, energy consumption monitoring, cost estimation, and environmental impact assessment. It helps in optimizing energy usage and reducing electricity costs.
Tips: Enter power in watts, time in hours, and select the desired output unit (joules or watt-hours). All values must be positive numbers. For joules calculation, the calculator automatically converts time from hours to seconds.
Q1: What is the difference between joules and watt-hours?
A: Joules are the SI unit of energy (1 watt-second), while watt-hours are commonly used for electrical energy billing (1 watt-hour = 3600 joules).
Q2: How do I convert between different energy units?
A: Common conversions: 1 watt-hour = 3600 joules, 1 kilowatt-hour = 1000 watt-hours = 3,600,000 joules.
Q3: Can this calculator be used for DC and AC circuits?
A: Yes, for resistive loads. For AC circuits with reactive components, apparent power calculations may be needed.
Q4: What if my power varies over time?
A: For variable power, calculate energy for each time segment separately and sum the results, or use average power over the period.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: The formula provides theoretical energy consumption. Actual consumption may vary due to efficiency losses, power factor, and other real-world factors.