Voimantarve

Voimantarve is a term used to describe the amount of power required by a device, system, or process to operate. It refers to the electrical or mechanical load that must be supplied, and can describe either the instantaneous demand or the expected demand over a period of time. In energy engineering, the concept is most often applied to electrical power.

In electrical engineering, voimantarve is expressed as real power, typically measured in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW). It can also be described in terms of apparent power (kVA) and reactive power (kVAr), and is commonly illustrated with load curves that show how the demand varies over time. The instantaneous voimantarve depends on the operating state of connected equipment and, for planning purposes, is often reduced by a simultaneity factor to reflect that not all loads reach maximum at the same moment.

Determining voimantarve is essential for designing electrical systems and choosing equipment such as transformers, cables, and switchgear. It also affects contractual arrangements with utilities, including the required installed capacity and peak demand charges. Accurate estimation supports reliable operation and cost-effective energy supply.

Measurement and management involve real-time metering and load forecasting. Historical consumption, weather, occupancy, and production schedules feed models that predict future demand. Demand-side management strategies, such as shifting non-critical loads, energy storage, or demand response, aim to reduce peak voimantarve and improve system efficiency.

In some contexts, the term may be used interchangeably with tehotarve to denote required power, and in mechanical settings it may refer to the torque or force needed by a machine. Overall, voimantarve is a fundamental concept in planning and operating energy systems.