Apparent Power Converter

Convert between different units of apparent power including Volt-Ampere (VA), Millivolt-Ampere (mVA), Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA), Megavolt-Ampere (MVA), and Gigavolt-Ampere (GVA)

Power Conversion

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Reference Guide

What is Apparent Power?

Apparent power is the product of the root-mean-square (RMS) voltage and RMS current in an alternating current (AC) circuit. It is measured in volt-amperes (VA) and represents the total power in an AC circuit, combining both real power (which performs work) and reactive power (which sustains electromagnetic fields).

S = V × I

Where S is apparent power (VA), V is RMS voltage (volts), and I is RMS current (amperes)

Units of Measurement

Unit	Symbol	Equivalent in VA
Millivolt-Ampere	mVA	0.001 VA
Volt-Ampere	VA	1 VA
Kilovolt-Ampere	kVA	1,000 VA
Megavolt-Ampere	MVA	1,000,000 VA
Gigavolt-Ampere	GVA	1,000,000,000 VA

Practical Applications

Electrical Engineering

Apparent power is crucial for sizing electrical equipment such as transformers, generators, and circuit breakers. Engineers use apparent power calculations to ensure that electrical systems can handle the total power demand without overheating or failing.

Power Systems

In power distribution systems, apparent power determines the capacity requirements for transmission lines and substations. Utility companies bill large industrial customers based on apparent power consumption to account for the strain on the electrical grid.

Residential Use

While residential customers are typically billed based on real power (kWh), understanding apparent power helps in sizing backup generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for home use, ensuring they can handle the startup currents of appliances.

Renewable Energy

In solar and wind power systems, apparent power calculations help determine the inverter sizing needed to handle both real and reactive power components, optimizing energy conversion efficiency.