The spelling of "reactive power" is unique in that it includes the prefix "re-" which means "again" or "backward." The word "reactive" is pronounced as [riˈæktɪv], with the stressed syllable being "ac." The "power" part is spelled phonetically as [ˈpaʊər]. Reactive power refers to the power used by AC circuits to maintain the required voltage and current levels. It's worth noting that reactive power plays a critical role in power system operation and is essential to maintaining voltage stability.
Reactive power, also referred to as imaginary power, is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering that relates to the behavior of alternating current (AC) circuits. It represents the power that is consumed or supplied by reactive components, such as capacitors or inductors, in an AC circuit.
In an AC circuit, the flow of current and voltage continually changes direction and magnitude. Reactive components store and release electrical energy periodically as the voltage and current oscillate. Reactive power is the component of power that oscillates between the source and the components due to the energy exchange with these reactive elements.
Reactive power is measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR) and is denoted with a unit similar to apparent power (volt-amperes or VA), with the addition of the "reactive" term. It is different from real power, which is the actual active power consumed by resistive components.
Reactive power, in combination with real power, determines the apparent power in an AC circuit. Apparent power is the vector sum of real and reactive power. It is critical to consider reactive power in power systems as it affects the overall power factor, which measures the efficiency of power utilization. A low power factor indicates a larger amount of reactive power in a circuit, which can result in increased losses, decreased voltage levels, and an inefficient use of electrical power.
The word "reactive" comes from the Latin word "re-" meaning "back" or "again", and "āctus", the past participle of the verb "agere", meaning "to do" or "to act". In this context, "reactive" refers to the power that is associated with the electrical elements that react or respond to changes in voltage and current in an AC (alternating current) electrical system. The term "reactive power" was coined to describe this type of power that is alternately absorbed and returned in circuits with inductive or capacitive components.