What Is Reactive Power?
The word "Active Power" probably rang a bell with you; it means the power that accomplishes the actual work. Now, Reactive Power is something else entirely. Power is what makes active power possible. Having this resource at your disposal is like having your assistant. "Reactive Power" refers to the energy exchanged between the AC circuit's source and load. This energy doesn't accomplish anything useful but keeps the circuit's voltage stable. See, a magnetic field is produced whenever an induction motor or transformer is used. It also takes energy to keep this magnetic field going. Reactive power is the name for this type of energy. The exciting element is that the direction of Reactive Power is reversed whenever the voltage waveform is reversed. Therefore, the voltage and magnetic field engage in a tango. It's a push-and-pull relationship between the voltage and the magnetic field. Why, then, should we care about Reactive Power? Since the gadget could malfunction or be damaged if the voltage drops too low, maintaining a steady supply is essential. And if the voltage is too high, there's a good chance something bad will happen. The problem is that Reactive Power isn't power at all. It's present but largely ineffective, like a mirage in the desert. Because of this, "Wattless Power" is a common name. However, real expenses are involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of Reactive Power. To generate and regulate Reactive Power, power companies need to purchase equipment that is both physically large and energy intensive. As a result, it is crucial to restrict the system's consumption of Reactive Power. An analogy between Reactive Power and the invisible force that permeates our universe can be drawn. Active power relies on this energy to perform its function of maintaining stable voltage levels. It's not actual power, yet it's crucial to AC power grids. Just remember to mention Reactive Power the next time you discuss electrical energy!
Related Terms by Consumer Electronics Technology
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