A New Definition of Non-Active Power

Abstract

There is no unique definition of non-active power for nonsinusoidal systems. A new definition of non-active power is proposed in this paper. This definition is based on energy transfer and provides a unique solution for non-active power of single-phase systems under both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal conditions. An example is used to illustrate the use of this new definition. Energy transfer calculated using the new definition provides the same energy transfer determined from the non-sinusoidal non-active instantaneous power. This is consistent with the existing definition of active power that is also based on energy transfer.