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POWER TRIANGLE

In AC analysis especially during our college days, we always encounter the term "Power Triangle". During those days, specifically during class, the textbooks tends to effectively  define the power triangle in a very confusing manner. Thus, instead of clearly understanding the true meaning of the term, we tends to cling more to the verbatim definition given to us. So, to refresh our memories, allow us to define this in the simpliest possible way.

power triangle;Power Triangle, as the name implies, consists of three components namely; True Power, Reactive Power and the Apparent Power. I think most of us are familiar with the reactive loads such as capacitive and inductive types of loads. This loads do not dissipate power but nevertheless, they still draw current and drops down voltage. Since they consume voltage and power, that is why we have the perception that they do consume power.


The REACTIVE POWER is sometimes defined as the "phantom" power which has a unit of VAR or Volt-ampere reactive. Reactive power is represented by the letter Q.

The TRUE POWER (real power) on the other hand, is the one that utilizes the actual power and has a unit of watts. Another term for this is the useful power. So, as the word describes, it is the power that we use to operate devices and machineries. Also, True power is represented by the letter P.

The third component, which is the APPARENT POWER is the power required or drawn from the source. This is the combination of the reactive and true power and has a unit of VA or Volt-Ampere. Apparent Power can be computed by simply multiplying the circuit's voltage and current. Apparent Power is represented by the letter S.

Lastly, another term that is always related to the power triangle is the Power Factor. It is simply the cosine of the angle difference between the true power and the apparent power.


Since this is only a brief review of the topic, we will no longer expound the discussion regarding the topic of power triangle. However, if you wish to be more specific in reviewing, you can refer to this web link.
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