AC Theory: True Power vs. Apparent Power

AC Theory: True Power vs. Apparent Power

In this video we begin to discuss the differences in DC and AC circuits. We examine how purely resistive loads result in true power calculations but capacitive and inductive loads have to be considered as reactive power.

FAQ:
Me: Paul, 49 from USA
Education: United States Navy, University of California at San Diego B.S. E.E., University of Pittsburgh M.S. E.E.
Experience: United States Navy STS, Bayer Intnl Process Engineer, C.C.A.C AP of EE
Current: Retired
Health: BAD (Congestive Heart Failure)
Hobbies: Electronics, flying, amateur radio, music (classic rock)

[isoguy.]

Now that we have smart merers it looks like a good way for corporare power companies to charge us more for the power we use, usual scenario, pay more for less. Thankyou for the really intresting video. There are too many channels out there that dont explain the theory. Awsome.

[michaelpadovani]

Paul, thanks again for the kudos, I'm glad I made the video. This is a great topic (one that I am a bit familiar with) and your presentation was spot on and simple. You built it up toward the end (w/ the right triangle) but never mentioned power factor! (part 2 video tomorrow?) You also brought up a good point about power companies (PC) charging for True Pwr vs Apparent. This is why PC make industrial buildings (with heavy inductive loads..ie motors) have huge capacitors right next to them. Easier on their grid. Big Clive is also da man, nice you gave a shoutout to him.

[martingonzalez]

Good job, well done! Excellent information 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[gartmorn]

Takes me back to my college days as an apprentice electrical fitter. This stuff is important in the electrical supply industry for power factor correction etc, etc!

[MrJohnnaz]

The reason why an amp meter is next to useless for measuring electric consumption
in AC electric motors. This drove me nuts, finally got a big clamp on watt meter.

[MrJohnnaz]

Power companies already charge for apparent power, just that it's usually large factories.
Most companies use some form of power factor correction, mostly big capacitors.

[impactodelsurenterprise]

Wait how did you get 119.365, 119.998 and 169.254? Can you show the calculation?

[bandittwothree]

Paul, I've watched your videos several times, as they always tend to come up in searches when I need a quick refresher on a topic. Much thanks!

I noticed in this one you mentioned in the doobley doo that you were in the Navy. I was in the Military also, and have had my share of health issues, but cutting weight helped me immensely. Could I help ya with a program to shed some weight? If so, just shoot me a message.

I remember in one video I saw a while back, you made a comment about your hands and "it's gonna kill me one day", it was actually something that scared me back towards healthier habits. I also see on this page you wrote that you have CHF. As a fellow Veteran, we want you around as long as possible.

[georgechambers]

Ohms law for AC! I like that. And if you think the short term is bad now just boy. Thanks for a video on stuff I haven't needed in more years than I care to think about, a good one!

[jimb]

Hi Paul...thanks for doing this. Great job explaining. Always learn something new from you!

[brentlocher]

At 5.37 you said LE.... I think you meant IE? Good video..thanks

[bblod]

Mike's video was cool.
More math! 😫

[dallasdominguez]

Hey just read your description man! I just transferred to UCSD for EE! Im finishing my first quarter analog circuits course this coming week! Im taking prof Curt Schurgers if youve heard of him. Anyway, Small world!!

[carldavis]

Enjoyed, next do all three capacitive reactance, inductive reactance, resistance to show final circuit impedance for 50 and 60 Hz

[MitzpatrickFitzsimmons]

Hey Paul, In have a question for you if you have a moment...
I have a piece of equipment (an old atari 830 acoustic modem) that requires an AC power supply of 20V AC @ 400ma....

Is there any good method to create a 24V dc to 20V ac converter to power this device? I was hoping to use 18650's to make it portable. Im thinking maybe an H-bridge inverter circuit might be the answer...but I'm just not that familiar with them.

[mikeoliver]

Great video Paul. Now I get why people get upset over smart meters.
What a day my soldering iron decided to break and I have know idea how it happened. One of The contacts for the ceramic heating elements broke free. I was going to try gluing it back together, but then all I could think of was the fact that it uses mains power through a triac. So if my thinking is correct it could be live at 120v on the metal section which I have touched accidentally many times (I have the burns that we all get). I don't have money to replace it for well awhile, so my question is, is there a safe way to fix it or am I stuck with breadboards for awhile?

[mikeburton]

very cool...but its apparent...it's way over my head but thanks anyway!