Below is a short summary and detailed review of this video written by FutureFactual:
Power Factor Explained: Distinguishing Real, Apparent, and Reactive Power in AC Systems
Summary
This video explains why reactive power and power factor matter in AC electrical systems, especially in large industrial sites. It covers how voltage and current in AC are not always in sync, creating reactive power that does not do useful work and can trigger penalties for poor power factor. Viewers learn the difference between real power (watts), apparent power (volt-amperes), and reactive power (volt-amperes reactive), and how to compute power factor from the phase angle between voltage and current. The presenter demonstrates how a motor's PF can be improved by adding a capacitor, reducing current and apparent power while keeping real power nearly constant. The video also compares measurement tools and highlights the broader industry impact of PF correction.
