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KW and KVA together are described as units for measuring power within the international units system. Although both of them are used for measuring power, there is a significant difference between the two. In simple words, they are used for representing the electric current. The units of KVA and KW are essentially power ratings that are used in different measuring instruments to measure the characteristics of the current. Both the KVA and KW are used for expressing power. However, KVA is the abbreviation for kilovolt amperes whereas KW is the abbreviation for kilowatts.
KVA Definition
KVA is the abbreviation for kilovolt amperes. In other words, it represents 1000 volt-amperes. Essentially it is the unit of apparent power. It can also be defined as the product of the RMS value of current and voltage. In this context, the concept of apparent power is important which is defined as the actual quantity of power taken from the source. It involves both reactive powers as well as true power. If DC is considered then the apparent power has no relevance. However, considering AC, for reactive loads, the voltage and current are not in phase. Thus the true power is dependent on the power factor and is always less than the power factor.
KW Definition
KW is the abbreviation of kilowatt. In other words, it represents 1000 watts. It is the measure of power that is often converted in the form of usable output. Hence, in simple words, kilowatts are defined as the power that an individual can work with. There is a specific relationship between a kilowatt and kilovolt ampere. To convert KW and KVA we must know the system’s electrical efficiency. Electrical efficiency is sometimes called the power factor, which is between the range 0 and 1.
Difference between KW and KVA
A basic difference between KW and KVA is the factor of power. KVA is used for measuring apparent power and KW is used for measuring the actual power of the given electrical system. Further, their usages differ in the electrical circuits. This is due to differences in DC and AC circuits. When the circuit is DC, the KVA, as well as KW, are equal. This happens as the current is not seen to come out of their respective phase. However, when the AC circuit is considered, several differences between the two measurements of power can be obtained. While calculating real power, a vague value is needed which varies based on the electrical appliance. This is known as the power factor and its value is provided as 0 or 1 or in the form of some percentage. If the factor of power of a device is close to unity then the device in terms of electrical usage is highly efficient. Although both KVA and KW are units of power there is a specific relationship between them. Both of them are related to the power factor. Mathematically KVA = KW ÷ power factor. In the circuit of DC, KVA = KW as the factor of power is 1. Some major differences between the two in the case of the AC circuit have been outlined in the following.
| KW | KVA |
| The full form of KW is kilowatts | The form of KVA is kilovolt amperes |
| KW is used for representing actual power | KVA is used for representing apparent power |
| KW represents the actual power which in turn performs the valid work | For performing work, a part of KVA is used and the rest is taken as excess current |
Conclusion
The article has been carried out on the main topic of the difference between KVA and KW. Both KVA, as well as KW, are used to measure power, but there is a significant difference between the two. No difference can be seen in the case of the DC circuit. However, if the AC circuit is considered, a significant difference can be seen between KVA and KW. The relation between KVA and KW is KVA = KW/Power factor.
