What does apparent power refer to?

Apparent power refers to the total power in an electrical circuit, which is a combination of both real power and reactive power. It is expressed in Volt-Amps (VA) and is calculated as the product of voltage and current in the circuit without considering the phase angle between them.

While real power is the actual power consumed by electrical devices and is measured in watts, apparent power encompasses both the usable power and the power that oscillates back and forth (reactive power). This is crucial in understanding power efficiency and the performance of electrical systems, especially in alternating current (AC) circuits.

Understanding apparent power is important for technicians, as it helps assess the capacity and performance of generators, transformers, and other electrical components in aviation technology. Being aware of the distinction between apparent power and real power informs decisions regarding system design and troubleshooting within aircraft electrical systems.