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Phase Angle, (φ): It is denoted by “φ” and species the angle in degrees by which the
current vector leads or lags the voltage vector in a sinusoidal voltage. In a purely induc-
φ
φ
a purely resistive load, the current vector is in phase with the voltage vector and hence,
φ-
φ
and may lag or lead the voltage vector.
Resistance (R), Ohm, :-
rent when a voltage is applied across it. In a resistance, the current is in phase with the
Inductive Reactance (XL), Capacitive Reactance (XC) and Reactance (X): Reactance is the
opposition of a circuit element to a change of electric current or voltage due to that
XL
of wire in resisting any change of electric current through the coil. It is proportional to
frequency and inductance and causes the current vector to lag the voltage vector by
φXC
oppose changes in voltage. XCis inversely proportional to the frequency and capacitance
φ
unit of both XLand XC-
tance XL-
tance XC
effect is a tendency to cancel each other. Hence, in a circuit containing both inductances
and capacitances, the net Reactance (X) will be equal to the difference between the
values of the inductive and capacitive reactances. The net Reactance (X) will be inductive
if XL> XCand capacitive if XC> XL.
Impedance, Z: It is the vectorial sum of Resistance and Reactance vectors in a circuit.
Active Power (P), Watts: It is denoted as “P” and the unit is “Watt”. It is the power that
is consumed in the resistive elements of the load. A load will require additional Reactive
Power for powering the inductive and capacitive elements. The effective power required
would be the Apparent Power that is a vectorial sum of the Active and Reactive Powers.
Reactive Power (Q), VAR: Is denoted as “Q” and the unit is VAR. Over a cycle, this power
is alternatively stored and returned by the inductive and capacitive elements of the load.
It is not consumed by the inductive and capacitive elements in the load but a certain
of one cycle, the net value of this power is 0. However, on an instantaneous basis, this
power has to be provided by the AC source. Hence, the inverter, AC wiring and over cur-
rent protection devices have to be sized based on the combined effect of the Active and
Reactive Powers that is called the Apparent Power.
SECTION 2 | General Information