Reactive power

Reactive power is the alternating-current power exchanged between sources and electric or magnetic fields in circuit components. It sustains changing fields but does not produce net work over a cycle.

Phase angle: The angular difference between two periodic signals of the same frequency. The voltage–current phase angle sets the reactive component of AC power.
Alternating current: Electric current that periodically reverses direction. Reactive power arises from voltage and current relationships in alternating-current systems.
Power factor correction: Methods for reducing the reactive power drawn by an electrical load. Correction offsets a load’s reactive demand to improve power factor.
Electric power transmission: The bulk transfer of electrical energy from generating sources to distribution networks. Reactive power must be managed along transmission paths to maintain usable voltage.
Inductor: A circuit component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. An ideal inductor alternately absorbs and returns magnetic-field energy.
Real power: The average rate at which electrical energy is transferred into work, heat, or other net energy uses. Unlike reactive power, real power represents net energy conversion over time.
Shunt capacitor: A capacitor connected in parallel with a circuit or power-system bus. Shunt capacitors supply capacitive reactive power near inductive loads.
Voltage stability: The ability of a power system to maintain acceptable voltages after disturbances or load changes. Insufficient reactive support can cause voltage decline and instability.
Capacitor: A circuit component that stores energy in an electric field between conductors. An ideal capacitor alternately absorbs and returns electric-field energy.
Apparent power: The product of RMS voltage and RMS current in an AC circuit, measured in volt-amperes. Reactive power combines with real power to determine apparent power.

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