Resolving the reactive power question

Harold Kirkham, Alexander Emanuel, Mihaela Albu, David Laverty

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The definition and measurement of reactive power has been the subject of a sometimes acrimonious debate. In this paper, a number of factors leading to the present situation are exposed by reviewing the history of the matter. The contributions of Poynting (1884), Steinmetz (1892), Lyon (1920) and Budeanu (1927) are examined. It is shown that much of the debate about reactive power is founded on two fundamental and yet unrecognized mistakes made over a hundred years ago. Further debate is unwarranted because of those early mistakes, and because in the light of modern measurement theory, the character and meaning of the measurement is changed. Reactive power has been and continues to be a useful concept, its definition matters: the automation of the power system demands a solution. Some suggestions are offered.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationI2MTC 2019 - 2019 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference: Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781538634608
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09 Sep 2019
Event2019 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, I2MTC 2019 - Auckland, New Zealand
Duration: 20 May 201923 May 2019

Publication series

NameIEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference: Proceedings
PublisherIEEE
ISSN (Print)2642-2077

Conference

Conference2019 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, I2MTC 2019
Country/TerritoryNew Zealand
CityAuckland
Period20/05/201923/05/2019

Keywords

  • Budeanu
  • Definitions
  • Measurement
  • Measurement theory
  • Mistakes
  • Power factor
  • Reactive power

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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