Energy flow and power phenomena in electrical circuits: Illusions and reality

Common notions respective to the nature of the reactive power, energy flow and oscillations, and the apparent power in single- and three-phase systems are discussed. Some interpretations of powers and energy flow in linear, single-phase circuits are often generalized for more complex situations. This leads to misinterpretation of power phenomena in electrical systems, particularly the reactive power in three-phase systems without energy oscillation between the supply source and the load, and in time-variant systems without energy storage capability. Additionally, the arithmetic and geometric apparent powers, commonly used in three-phase systems, do not characterize the supply loading correctly when the load is unbalanced