megavoltamperes

Megavoltampere, often abbreviated as MVA, is a unit of apparent power in the International System of Units (SI). It is equal to one million volt-amperes. Apparent power is the product of the root-mean-square voltage and the root-mean-square current in an electrical circuit. It represents the total power that is delivered to a circuit, regardless of the power factor.

Volt-amperes (VA) are the base unit, and MVA is a derived unit, indicating a significant scale of power. This unit is commonly used in the context of electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution. For instance, the capacity of large transformers, generators, and substations is often expressed in megavolt-amperes. A transformer with a rating of 100 MVA can handle a maximum apparent power flow of 100 million volt-amperes.

Understanding MVA is crucial for engineers and professionals working with high-power electrical systems. It helps in designing and managing the capacity and load-handling capabilities of electrical infrastructure. While apparent power is measured in VA or MVA, the actual power consumed by a load is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), which is the real power component of the apparent power. The relationship between apparent power, real power, and reactive power is defined by the power factor.