When buying electrical equipment, we come across the electrical power parameter specified in watts (W) or (kW). One of the exceptions are power generators and UPS, where the power value is given to VA or kVA (kilovolt-amperes).

Let's try to take a closer look at what this means?

Active power

The power determined in W, kW (watt, kilowatt) is the power actually consumed by devices powered by the generator or UPS. It is commonly referred to as rated power.

Reactive power

Reactive power describes the pulsation of electricity between the elements of the electrical circuit. The unit of reactive power is 1 var. In justified cases, reactive power compensators based on an asynchronous generator are used.

Apparent power

Apparent power is active power plus reactive power. The unit of apparent power is VA, kVA (volt-ampere, kilovolt-ampere)

The element connecting the active power to apparent power ratio is the power factor specified on the nameplate as cos phi. It is usually 0.8 and 1 for a three-phase AC alternator and a single-phase generator, respectively. For UPS, it can range from 0.55 to 1.

For example:

            A three-phase power generator of 10 kVA(apparent power) produces 8 kW of active power for the user.

  

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