Real power is the actual representative of the real work being done by an electric current. It is usually given as the product of current and voltage. Electrical systems typically have reactive components which comprises of capacitors and inductors. These components give reactive power which is measured in VAR or Volt-Amps-Reactive ( Herman & Sparkman 2009 ) . They are present everywhere including w here I live, but I never knew about them before beginning this course. The vector combination of the reactive and real or active power gives apparent power which is measured in VA or Volts-Amps The ratio of the real power to the apparent power is defined as the power factor, and practically, it is either one for active loads or less than one for reactive loads.
Importance of Reactive and Apparent Power Control in Power Companies
Power production companies must keep the apparent power and reactive power under control because the two have direct effect on the power factor. The higher the reactive power, the lower the power factor. Inductive components lead to low power factor which is a good indication of low operating efficiency of a power plant. Consequently, low power factor correction enhances the economic importance in utilization, distribution and generation of alternating current power. Some of the advantages of improved control of the apparent and reactive power include: improved voltage distribution, increased plant capacity and lower losses in distribution equipment, feeders and transformers. All these lead to improved voltage stability limits and improved capability of active power handling in transmission lines ( Herman & Sparkman 2009 ) .
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Importance of Reactive and Apparent Power Control in Power Companies
Use of capacitors is the most commonly used technique for controlling the reactive power and apparent power. This technique is considered as the best approach because poor power factor is usually caused by inductive loads such as the induction motors whose power factor varies with the load. Use of capacitors is inexpensive and flexible because capacitors can be installed easily at any point of an electrical system to improve power factor. The installed capacitor produces an effect opposite to that inductive load ( Herman & Sparkman 2009 ).
Reference
Herman, S. L., & Sparkman, B. L. (2009). Electricity & controls for HVAC/R . Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
