How does reactive power oscillate back and forth?

In summary, active power is the actual power consumed by a load, while reactive power is the power that is continuously oscillating back and forth between the source and the load due to the phase difference between voltage and current in inductive and capacitive loads. This is because of the opposing EMF in inductors and the stored charge in capacitors, which are not simultaneously available to the load. Therefore, even though the power consumed by a pure inductive load may be calculated as 0, there is still reactive power being exchanged between the source and the load.
  • #1
Mo
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Hello, i am trying to understand the concept of active /reactive /complex power and am having some trouble understanding how the reactive powere 'oscillates back and forth between inductor and source'.

Ok, let's say i have a pure inductive load, i know that the power consumed is 0, and i understand the mathematics which prove this. But i also know its not 'actaully' 0, the power, reactive power, is continuously traveling back and forth between source and load. But how?

Is it because of the voltage across the inductor causing a magnetic field to be created and when there is no more voltage drop across the inductor, the magnetic field collapses releasing this power it consumed in the first place? If so how does it release this power? is it due to the change of magnetic field (it collapsing) which induces current in the circuit?

help please! :smile:
 
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  • #2
The voltage and current are out of phase in inductors and capacitors. When the current changes in an inductor, there is a opposing EMF which is proportional to the change in current. Similar, there is a change in potential across a capacitor with is proportional to the stored charge, which changes with current flow.

The power stored in the inductor and capacitor is not simultaneously available to the load. Motors (inductive loads) will alway store some of the electrical energy in their windings, and that power is not then available to the motor shaft.
 
  • #3


Reactive power oscillates back and forth because of the nature of inductors. Inductors store energy in the form of a magnetic field when current flows through them. When the current stops flowing, the magnetic field collapses and releases this stored energy back into the circuit. This back and forth exchange of energy between the inductor and the source is what causes the oscillation of reactive power.

To understand this concept better, let's break down the components of power. Active power is the power that is actually consumed by the load and converted into useful work, such as lighting a bulb or running a motor. Reactive power, on the other hand, is the power that is required to maintain the magnetic field in the inductor. It is not consumed by the load, but it is necessary for the proper functioning of the circuit.

When a pure inductive load is connected to a source, the voltage across the inductor causes a magnetic field to be created. This magnetic field stores energy, which is then released back into the circuit when the current stops flowing. This is what causes the oscillation of reactive power - the continuous exchange of energy between the inductor and the source.

To answer your question about how the inductor releases this stored energy, it is due to the change in magnetic field. When the current stops flowing, the magnetic field collapses, and this change in magnetic field induces a voltage in the circuit. This induced voltage causes a current to flow, effectively releasing the stored energy back into the circuit.

I hope this helps clarify the concept of reactive power and how it oscillates back and forth between the inductor and the source. Remember, reactive power is necessary for the proper functioning of circuits, and understanding its behavior is crucial in designing and maintaining efficient power systems.
 

What is reactive power?

Reactive power is the portion of electricity that does not contribute to the actual work done by an electrical system, but is necessary for the proper functioning of inductive devices such as motors and transformers.

How does reactive power oscillate back and forth?

Reactive power oscillates back and forth because it is constantly being exchanged between the inductive and capacitive elements of an electrical system. This back-and-forth flow of reactive power is known as reactive power oscillation.

What causes reactive power oscillation?

Reactive power oscillation is caused by the interaction between inductive and capacitive elements in an electrical system. When there is an imbalance between the two, reactive power will flow back and forth in an attempt to reach equilibrium.

Why is reactive power important?

Reactive power is important because it helps maintain the voltage and stability of an electrical system. It also helps improve the power factor, which is a measure of how efficiently an electrical system uses power.

How can reactive power oscillation be controlled?

Reactive power oscillation can be controlled by using devices such as capacitors and inductors to balance the reactive power in an electrical system. Additionally, proper system design and maintenance can help prevent excessive reactive power oscillation.

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