On the definition of power factor and apparent power in unbalancedpolyphase circuits with sinusoidal voltage and currents

Definition for the apparent power S and for the power factor PF in unbalanced polyphase circuits with sinusoidal waveforms are presented. It is proved that the definition S²=(V_a²+V _b²+V_c²) (I _a²+I_b²+I _c²) has a definite physical meaning, leading itself to a convenient resolution in positive, negative and zero sequence, nonactive and active power. It is suggested that the power factor be represented with the help of the ratio P⁺/ S, where P⁺ is the positive sequence active powers