Duty cycle energy calculator

Use this calculator when a load cycles on and off and the user wants the energy consequence of that cycle. Common Australian work situations include compressors, pumps, sump systems, small process loads, ventilation loads, duty-standby equipment and controls reviews where observed cycle timing is easier to explain than a broad duty factor.

The calculator turns on-time, off-time and cycles per day into run-hours, kWh and an optional cost handoff. It does not decide whether the equipment duty is acceptable, whether starts per hour are suitable, whether maintenance action is needed or whether a retailer bill will match the estimate.

Field Use Cases

The most useful records are named: "Compressor cycling load" is better than "duty cycle" because the reviewer can connect the timing to an actual plant item.

Duty Cycle Boundary

The result is useful because it keeps cycle timing visible. It is not useful if the cycle timing is guessed or if the load is so variable that one repeated cycle does not represent the operating period.

Input Checklist

If the cycle creates more than 24 run-hours per day, the calculator flags the record. That usually means the timing, cycle count or interpretation needs review.

Review Workflow

1. Identify the cycling load and the operating condition being reviewed.
2. Confirm the entered kW is the electrical input during on-time.
3. Enter on-time and off-time for one representative cycle.
4. Enter the average number of cycles per day.
5. Enter the number of days in the estimate period.
6. Enter a tariff only when a cost handoff is needed and the source is documented.
7. Check duty cycle, daily run-hours and period kWh.
8. If duty is high or run-hours exceed a practical day, review whether the load should be modelled as continuous or as a load profile.
9. Export the record only when the cycle basis and source are clear.

This workflow makes the operating assumption visible before the result moves into cost, maintenance or design discussion.

Worked Australian Examples

These examples are energy worksheets only. They do not approve motor starting frequency, pump controls, compressor maintenance or equipment thermal duty.

Related Tools

Use energy cost when the load is better represented as a fixed number of operating hours and a duty factor. Use load profile kWh when several operating blocks need to be combined. Use load current when the same kW value needs to become current for cable or switchboard review. Use motors tools when the question is motor full-load current, starting current or voltage dip.

Stop Points

• The entered kW is not an electrical input basis.
• The cycle timing was observed once and may not represent normal operation.
• Cycles per day create more than 24 run-hours.
• The load has highly variable power during the on period.
• The result is being used to approve motor duty, starts per hour or equipment thermal limits.
• The cost output is being treated as a full bill comparison.

Keep load reference, cycle timing, cycle count, days, tariff source and reviewer notes with the export. The output is a duty-cycle energy record, not an equipment or tariff decision.