1. What is Demand Factor?

The Demand Factor (DF) is the ratio of the sum of the individual maximum demands of a system to the total maximum demand of the complete system. It helps in determining the actual load on the system compared to the total possible load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Demand Factor equation:

Where:

• \( \sum \text{Individual Max} \) — Sum of individual maximum demands (kW)
• \( \text{Total Max} \) — Total maximum demand of the system (kW)

Explanation: The equation calculates how much of the total possible load is actually being used at peak times.

3. Importance of Demand Factor

Details: Demand Factor is crucial for electrical system design, helping engineers properly size equipment and understand the relationship between connected load and actual usage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the sum of individual maximum demands and the total maximum demand of the system. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical Demand Factor value?
A: DF typically ranges between 0 and 1. Values closer to 1 indicate that most connected loads operate simultaneously at peak.

Q2: How is Demand Factor different from Diversity Factor?
A: Demand Factor compares individual max to total max, while Diversity Factor compares the sum of individual max to the system peak demand.

Q3: Why is Demand Factor important in electrical design?
A: It helps prevent over-sizing of equipment by accounting for the fact that not all loads operate at maximum simultaneously.

Q4: What industries use Demand Factor calculations?
A: Primarily used in electrical engineering for power distribution systems, building electrical design, and industrial power systems.

Q5: Can Demand Factor be greater than 1?
A: Normally no, as it represents a ratio of actual to potential maximum demand. Values >1 would indicate an error in measurement or calculation.