What is reactive in the unit VAR?

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Reactive power, measured in VAR (volt-amperes reactive), refers to the complex component of voltage or current in an electrical system. It is often described as "phantom" power, which can be confusing due to its imaginary nature. Reactive power is essential for maintaining voltage levels and is involved in power transmission, where it can lead to inefficiencies if the system is unmatched. In the power industry, VARs are measured using transducers that account for phase shifts, similar to how real power is measured. Understanding reactive power is crucial for optimizing transmission efficiency and system performance.
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what is "reactive" in the unit VAR?

what is "reactive" in the unit VAR?
 
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Reactive refers to the complex part of voltage or current.

It is a bit confusing for most to think in terms of "imaginary", but one way to think of it is "phantom" power. :rolleyes:

See this discussion with respect to real, reactive and apparent power -
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_11/2.html
 
thank you very much! :)
 
I think you can think of it, in power transmission terms, as power being sent back to the source due to an unmatched system. Thus reducing the transmission efficiency. In the power industry, one measures Vars with transducers much like Watt transducers with some phase shifting.

Regards
 
thank you again! :)
 

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