Instantaneous active and reactive powers in electrical network theory: A review of some properties

摘要

Research into electric power has been on-going since the end of the 19th century. The concepts of instantaneous active and reactive power are the result of the work carried out in the last few decades. In particular, they are used in the optimization of power systems, but they also form part of the general theory of electrical networks. Nevertheless, instantaneous active and reactive powers show noteworthy differences with other electrical powers. Here we review some of their properties and attempt to draw some conclusions that should be taken into account for their correct use. In particular we show the ambiguity of expressions such as "the branches of a network" or "the branches of a multi-terminal network" when these powers are involved.