Understanding what kVA is can be considered one of the most important aspects when sizing any temporary power source. kVA is the acronym for kilovoltampere and has a specific meaning that sets it apart from other measurements like Volts and Watts. It’s important to understand how to apply kVA measurement to find the solution that will best meet your needs.
In other words, knowledge of this type of calculation is crucial, as incorrect calculations can jeopardize the entire project.
Want to know more about what kVA is and the difference between Volts, Watts, and kVA? Keep following our post to learn more!
SO, WHAT IS kVA?
The magnitude of kVA may often not be as important in the daily life of a typical consumer using simple appliances and electronics.
However, having an accurate measure of kVA is essential for the correct sizing of projects and electrical systems.
kVA is the measure equivalent to 1000 volt-amperes – 1kVA = 1000VA.
This is the apparent power of the system, which can also be considered theoretical, and is given by the vector sum of the system’s active power (or Watts) and the system’s reactive power (or Var).
All this stems from the general concept of how electric motors operate, which essentially require two types of energy for proper functioning: active and reactive.
These two energies act in different parts of the system and make the energy supply calculation for an electrical system the relationship between the voltage and the current supplied.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE CALCULATION TO UNDERSTAND WHAT kVA IS
An accurate kVA calculation is essential to ensure that a particular electrical system meets the requested demand, even during peak times.
Even though it may not be essential for the end consumer to know this type of calculation, when using a generator or power transformer, it is crucial that these calculations are well-defined.
Energy supply agencies require large consumers like industries and large businesses to calculate both the apparent power of the electrical system and the active power that will be used.
An important point is that with technological advancements and improved measurement capabilities, generators and other components of the electrical system have become increasingly efficient.
But even knowing what kVA is and its correct calculation, it’s important to understand a bit more about how to differentiate kVA measurement from Volts and Watts – all important indicators in the world of electrical systems.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN kVA, WATTS, AND VOLTS?
These terms are widely used in the market and the electrical energy sector to demonstrate characteristics of electronic products present in daily life.
Understanding the meaning of each is relevant to use each term at the right time, without confusing what each one is.
WATTS, A MEASURE LINKED TO POWER
Starting with Watts. The measure is also represented by the symbol “W” and corresponds to a unit of power, which can also be related to the Joule – 1 Watt is equivalent to 1 Joule per second.
Its name also honors the mathematician and engineer responsible for the evolution of steam engines, the Scotsman James Watts.
Another important point about this measure is that it is directly linked to the power of electrical equipment and the capacity to transform electrical energy to perform some work.
Watts also receive the prefix “kilo,” becoming kW, and thus can reach MW, or Mega Watt.
VOLTS, A MEASURE RELATED TO ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE
Volt is related to electrical voltage, which is the difference in electrical potential of a given system.
A technical explanation: Volt is equivalent to the potential of electrical energy transmission measured in Joules, divided by the electrical charge measured in Coulombs between two distinct points.
A simpler way to understand is to imagine two distinct points where some electrical voltage occurs between them. 1 Volt means that each Coulomb electrical charge moving from one point to another transmits exactly 1 Joule of electrical energy.
Its name honors Alessandro Volta, who invented the voltaic pile.
It’s worth remembering that many people refer to this measure as Voltage – and that’s incorrect. The correct term is tension!
kVA AND THE KILOVOLTAMPERES
Understanding what kVA is already part of the daily life of those working with generators or transformers.
This unit is used to correctly size the electrical system and the equipment that should be used in that location.
VA is the acronym for volt-ampere, and its correct meaning is the apparent power of a temporary power generation source.
The kilo is also used to determine VA magnitudes, with one kVA = 1000VA.
Besides VA, the system’s active power, measured in Watts, and reactive power, measured in Var, also come into play.
There is a calculation for kVA, which also requires the Power Factor and precisely defines the power the system can use from that generator.
LEARN MORE
In addition to knowing what kVA is, other factors are important when correctly sizing the electrical system and directly impacting the best decision for the right generator for your application.
A trusted company can be decisive for the success of the use and rental of the generator, as well as ensuring the quality of the equipment as a whole. Contact us to find the best solution in temporary power.
