Power
In physics, power is the rate at which physical work of some kind is done, or the amount of energy that is transferred per unit of time. It involves a physical system changing over a specified time.
The equation for power is often written as:
Power = work/time
According to the International System of Units (SI), the unit of power is the joule per second (J/s), which is also known as a ‘watt’ (named after James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine condenser). Another measurement is horsepower, in which power is compared to the power of a notional horse.
Mechanical power is typically described as the time derivative of work, and is the combination of forces and movement.
Power can also relate to electricity; specifically, electrical power is the rate per unit time at which an electric circuit transfers electrical energy. The term 'power generation' describes the process of generating electrical power, and electric generators, or sources such as electric batteries, are commonly used to provide electrical power.
See also: Electrical power.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Alternating current and direct current
- Ampere.
- Battery storage.
- Combined heat and power.
- Electrical power.
- Electricity supply.
- Energy.
- Energy consumption.
- Energy storage.
- Hydroelectricity.
- Horsepower.
- Kilowatt hour.
- Micro-grids.
- Microgeneration.
- On-site generation of heat and power.
- Power factor for lamps.
- Power generation.
- Power over ethernet.
- Power over USB.
- Renewable energy.
- Tidal lagoon power.
- Uninterrupted power supply for buildings.
- Voltage.
- Watt.
Featured articles and news
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.