Difference between Active and Reactive Power

Main Difference between Active and Reactive Power

The main difference between active and reactive power is that Active Power is actual or
real power which is used in the circuit while Reactive power bounce back and forth between load
and source which is theoretically useless.
The following power triangle shows the relation between Active, Reactive and Apparent
Power. These all powers only induced in AC circuits when current is leading or lagging behind
the voltage i.e. there is a phase difference (phase angle (Φ) between voltage and current.

What is Active Power?

The Power which is really utilized and consumed for useful works in AC or DC circuit is
known as Active Power. It is also called True Power, Real Power, Useful Power or Watt-full
Power. It is denoted by “P” and measured in Watts, kW or MW. The average value of active
power can be calculated by the following formulas.
Formulas for Active Power
P = V x I … (DC circuits)
P = V x I x Cosθ … (Single phase AC Circuits)
P = √3 x VL x IL x Cosθ … (Three Phase AC Circuits)
P = √3 x VL x IL x Cosθ … (Three Phase AC Circuits)
kW = √ (kVA2 – kVAR2)

What is Reactive Power?

The power which moves and back (bounces back and forth) between source and load in the
circuit is known as Reactive Power. It is also called, Useless Power or Watt-less Power. Reactive
Power is denoted by “Q” and measured in VAR (Volt Ampere Reactive), kVAR or MVARs.
Reactive Power is useful too i.e. it helps to produce magnetic and electric field and stores
in the circuits and discharge by transformers, solenoid, and induction motors etc.
Formulas for Reactive Power
Q = V x I x Sinθ
VAR = √ (VA2 – P2)
kVAR = √ (kVA2 – kW2)
Reactive Power = √ (Apparent Power2 – True power2)
 Comparison between Active Power and Reactive Power.
The following table shows the main differences between Active and Reactive Powers.

Characteristics Active Power Reactive Power

The True or Real or ActualPower dissipated in the A Power which continuously bounces
circuit is known as Active Power which is back and forth between source and
Definition actually utilized or consumed. load is known as Reactive Power.
(Also known as useless or watt-
less Power)
Represented by P Q
Units Watts,  kW, MW VAr,  kVAr, MVAr
 P = V x I (DC circuits)
 P = V x I x Cosθ  (Single phase AC Circuits)  Q = V x I x Sinθ
 P = √3 x VLx IL x Cosθ (Three Phase AC  Reactive Power = √(Apparent
Formulas Circuits) Power2 –True power2)
 P = 3 x VPh x IPhx Cosθ  VAR = √ (VA2 – P2)
 P = √ (S2 – Q2)or  kVAR = √ (kVA2 – kW2)
 P =√ (VA2 – VAR2) or
Measuring
Watt meter VAr meter
Instrument
Active Power is equal to the Reactive Power i.e. There is no Reactive Power in DC
Role in DC Circuits there is no VAr in DC Circuits. Only Active circuits due to the zero phase angle (Φ)
Power exists. between current and voltage.
Active power is important to produce heat and Reactive Power plays an important
Role in AC Circuits utilize the electric and magnetic field generated role in AC circuits to produce
by Reactive Power. magnetic and electric fields.
Behavior in Pure All circuit Power is dissipated by the resistors No Reactive Power in pure resistive
Resistive Circuit which is Active Power circuit.
Leading Vars. In pure capacitive load
circuit, Voltage and current are 90° out
Active Power is Zero (0) i.e. all power is of phase with each other (current is
Behavior in Pure
alternately absorbed from and returned to the AC leading by 90° degree from voltage ( in
Capacitive Circuit
source continuously. other words, Voltage is lagging 90°
Degree from current). I.e. Leading
Reactive Power.
Lagging Vars. In pure inductive or
Active Power is Zero (0) reactive load circuit, Voltage and
P= V I Cos φ current are 90° out of phase with each
Behavior in Pure
When: Cos ( 90°) = 0 other (current is lagging by 90° degree
Inductive Circuit
Power P = V I (0) = 0 from voltage (in other words, Voltage
Then Total Active Power is = 0 Watts. is leading 90° Degree from current).
I.e. Leading Reactive Power.
Reactive Power is useful too which is
used to measure the power factor and
Active Power is used to produce heat, light, generate magnetic flux, electric flux,
Applications
torque etc in electrical appliances and machines. electric and magnetic filed in motors,
transformers, ballasts and induction
heating equipment etc.