Reactive Energy Converter
Easily convert between reactive energy units like VARh, kVARh, and MVARh.
Why Use This Tool? ✅
Fast & Accurate
Provides precise, real-time conversions based on standard metric prefixes.
Supports All Common Units
Easily convert between Volt-Ampere Reactive Hours (VARh), kVARh, and MVARh.
Perfect for Professionals
An essential tool for electrical engineers, power system analysts, and electricians.
User-Friendly Interface
A simple, clean interface that makes converting any reactive energy unit quick and easy.
The "Other" Energy: A Guide to Reactive Energy ⚡
In alternating current (AC) power systems, energy is not a single, simple value. It's composed of different components. While "active energy" (measured in watt-hours) is the energy that performs useful work like creating light or heat, reactive energy is another crucial component.
What is Reactive Energy?
Reactive energy is the energy that is stored and then discharged by reactive components in an AC circuit, such as motors and capacitors. Think of it as the energy that "sloshes" back and forth in the system to create the necessary magnetic and electric fields for certain equipment to function. It doesn't get "used up" to do work, but its presence is vital for the operation of many types of electrical loads.
The Unit of Reactive Energy: VARh
The unit for reactive energy is the volt-ampere reactive hour (VARh). It is the integral of reactive power (measured in VAR) over a period of one hour. Just like with reactive power, this unit is often used with metric prefixes for measuring larger quantities in power grids and industrial facilities:
- Kilovolt-Ampere Reactive Hour (kVARh): 1,000 VARh.
- Megavolt-Ampere Reactive Hour (MVARh): 1,000,000 VARh.
Why is Reactive Energy Measured?
Electric utilities measure reactive energy consumption because while it doesn't do "work," it still requires the power grid to have the capacity to handle it. High reactive energy consumption can lead to lower system efficiency and voltage drops. Because of this, large industrial customers are often billed not just for their active energy (in kWh) but also for their reactive energy consumption (in kVARh) as an incentive to maintain a good "power factor." This converter is a key tool for engineers and technicians who need to analyze and manage these energy components.