The Beer Vs Power Factor analogy

Electronics and Automation
1

I’ve always liked the Beer Vs Power Factor analogy.
It is an intuitive way to visualize a non-intuitive concept.

Let’s start with some basics:

KW is Working Power (also called Actual Power or Active Power or Real Power).
It is the power that actually powers the equipment and performs useful work.

KVAR is Reactive Power.
It is the power that magnetic equipment (transformer, motor and relay) needs to produce the magnetizing flux.

KVA is Apparent Power.
It is the “vectoral summation” of KVAR and KW.

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5 Likes
2

That’s indeed an intuitive way to visualize a non-intuitive concept. Now the power factor analogy will be the first thing to think when drinking a beer. Thanks for sharing this @Oswald.Alving