Reaalteho

Reaalteho is a term used in economics and engineering to describe the concept of actual power consumption or expenditure. It contrasts with apparent power, which is the total power delivered in an alternating current (AC) circuit, regardless of its usefulness. Reaalteho represents the power that is actually converted into useful work, such as heat, light, or mechanical motion.

In AC circuits, the difference between apparent power and reaalteho arises due to reactive components like inductors and capacitors. These components store and release energy without dissipating it, leading to a phase difference between voltage and current. Apparent power is the product of the root-mean-square (RMS) voltage and current. Reaalteho, on the other hand, is the component of apparent power that performs work and is measured in watts (W).

The ratio of reaalteho to apparent power is known as the power factor. A power factor close to one indicates that most of the apparent power is being used effectively as reaalteho, while a low power factor suggests significant reactive power is present, leading to inefficiencies. Industries often strive to improve their power factor to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs. Understanding reaalteho is crucial for designing efficient electrical systems and managing energy consumption effectively.