Energy Fundamentals
Power Factor Explained: Real Power (kWh) vs Reactive Power (kVARh)
Why utilities penalize industrial customers for poor power factor and how capacitor banks reduce apparent energy demand.
Elena Vance, Power Systems Engineer
• The Power Triangle: Real, Reactive, and Apparent Power
Real energy performing useful mechanical work is measured in kWh and MWh, while reactive magnetic field sustaining energy is measured in kVARh and MVARh.