1. What Is Diversity Factor Formula?

The Diversity Factor represents the ratio of the sum of individual maximum demands to the overall maximum system demand for load diversity. It indicates how much the peak demands of individual loads occur at different times, allowing for more efficient system design.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Diversity Factor formula:

Where:

• \( Sum\ of\ Max\ Demands \) — Total of individual maximum demands (kW)
• \( Max\ System\ Demand \) — Overall maximum system demand (kW)

Explanation: The diversity factor quantifies how much the peak demands of individual loads are staggered in time, allowing for smaller system capacity than the sum of individual peaks.

3. Importance Of Diversity Factor Calculation

Details: Accurate diversity factor calculation is crucial for electrical system design, transformer sizing, cable selection, and overall system efficiency. It helps optimize infrastructure costs while maintaining reliability.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the sum of individual maximum demands and the overall maximum system demand in kilowatts (kW). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a high diversity factor indicate?
A: A high diversity factor (greater than 1) indicates that individual loads peak at different times, allowing for more efficient system design with lower overall capacity requirements.

Q2: What are typical diversity factor values?
A: Diversity factors typically range from 1.0 to 3.0 or higher, depending on the type of loads and their usage patterns. Residential areas often have higher diversity factors than industrial settings.

Q3: How is diversity factor different from demand factor?
A: Diversity factor relates sum of individual maxima to system maximum, while demand factor relates maximum demand to connected load. Diversity factor is always ≥1, while demand factor is ≤1.

Q4: Why is diversity factor important in electrical design?
A: It allows designers to size equipment (transformers, cables, switchgear) for less than the sum of individual maximum demands, reducing costs while maintaining service reliability.

Q5: Can diversity factor be less than 1?
A: No, diversity factor cannot be less than 1 because the sum of individual maximum demands cannot be less than the system maximum demand.