How does reactive power oscillate back and forth?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the oscillation of reactive power in inductive loads, specifically how it travels back and forth between the source and the load. It clarifies that in a pure inductive load, the power consumed is zero, yet reactive power continuously oscillates due to the magnetic field created by the voltage across the inductor. When the voltage drops, the magnetic field collapses, releasing the stored energy back into the circuit, which induces current. The conversation emphasizes the phase difference between voltage and current in inductors and capacitors, highlighting that stored power is not simultaneously available to the load.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of active, reactive, and complex power
  • Knowledge of inductive and capacitive loads
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic fields and their behavior
  • Basic principles of AC circuit theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of power factor in AC circuits
  • Learn about the behavior of capacitors in reactive power scenarios
  • Study the relationship between voltage, current, and phase angle in inductive circuits
  • Explore the implications of reactive power on electrical system efficiency
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students studying power systems, and professionals involved in designing or analyzing AC circuits will benefit from this discussion.

Mo
Messages
81
Reaction score
0
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:
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
11K
Replies
4
Views
3K