Although there is no direct conversion of kVA to kWh, it is indirectly converted by multiplying the power by the power factor. Both kVA and kWh are power units, but kVA measures the apparent power, and kWh measures the real power. The formula used to convert apparent power (kVA) to real power (kWh) is:
P(kW) = S(kVA) × PF
Let’s say the power factor of equipment is 0.6 and the apparent power is 30kVA; the real power will be:
P(kW) = S(kVA) × PF = 30 x 0.6 = 18kW.
Generally, it is recommended to use a battery with a higher kWh capacity, and the Jackery Portable Power Stations are battery-powered portable power systems with a high kW capacity to charge your appliances for smooth and efficient performance.
Key Takeaways
- A system's energy efficiency is represented as a power factor in percentage.
- Kilowatts is the real power, and kVA is the apparent power, and both are equal in a DC circuit.
- The energy flowing back and forth in a circuit is the reactive power, often imaginary.
- Reactive load or power is opposite to the actual work done by the device.
What Are kW, kWh, kVA?
Kilowatts (kW) measure one thousand watts of electric power, and power is the rate at which a device produces energy. A 30W bulb will have a lower power rate than a 100W bulb. Watts and kilowatts measure the electricity produced by a solar power system. When a solar power system with an array of 300W monocrystalline solar panels is set up on the roof, around mid-day, it will peak its power output, and the system will be rated. These values can be used in a cost calculator to measure the peak hours and solar panel system output. This value also helps size the solar system and know how much power you generate.
The power generated or used over some time is known as kilowatt-hours (kWh). Kilowatts and kilowatt-hours often need clarification, but both can be converted once distinguished. Kilowatt is the energy required to run a 1000-watt appliance for one hour. For example, a 100-watt bulb would take 10 hours to use 1kWh of energy. One kWh can power a dishwasher, LED TV, oven, refrigerator, PS4, etc. To calculate what 1kWh can power, you can find out the wattage used by the device, convert the wattage to kWh by dividing by 1000, and lastly, divide the kWh by one to know the number of hours used by the device to use 1kWh.
Kilowatt-ampere measures the apparent power on an electric circuit and is equivalent to 1000W. The amount of electrical energy a meter can provide to a site or house is kVA. In DC circuits, kVA and kW are equivalent, where the current and voltage are never out of phase. In this case, kilowatt-ampere represents a portion of power, the remaining amount represents the current, and kilowatts represent the actual power performing the work.
What Is Power? What Is Energy?
Power is the rate of doing work, which is expressed as the amount of energy transferred (W) divided by the time interval (t) and W/t. This means that a low-power machine can do a given amount of work in more time, and a high-power machine can do it in less time. The unit of power is work or energy per unit of time, such as joules/second or watts, ergs per second, etc. The product of force applied to move the object and its speed in the direction of the force is expressed as power.
A system's energy efficiency is represented as a power factor, usually in percentage. It is the working power (kW) ratio to apparent power (kVA). The amount of power required to run an appliance during a specific period is its apparent power or demand, expressed in kVA. The power used in a circuit is actual power, and one delivered to the circuit is the obvious power, and the power factor represents their ratio. An improvement in power factor can improve the voltage required by the equipment, maximize current-carrying capacity, and reduce electricity bills and power loss. You can improve the power factor by adding PF correction capacitors to the electric circuit.
Another relative power term is apparent power, which describes the apparent power in an AC system. It is made up of the power that is used, or active power, and the power that is not used, or reactive power. Apparent power is measured in volt-ampere (VA) and is calculated as the square root of the addition of the squares of reactive and active power.
In an AC circuit, the electrical energy consumed is known as active power, represented by watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Another term for active power is accurate or absolute power, and it does valuable work in heating lights, bulbs, and other appliances. Meanwhile, the current flowing back and forth in an AC circuit is the reactive power measured in volt-ampere reactive (VAR).
Reactive components like inductors and capacitors in an electric circuit release wattless or imaginary power while the current flows. Although reactive power is invalid, it should be maintained for current and voltage levels. Reactive power increases the apparent power and can create inefficiencies, enhancing a greater current flow.
Energy
Energy exists in various forms, such as kinetic, thermal, nuclear, and electrical, and it is referred to as the capacity for doing work. Heat and work are energy in the transfer process from one body to another and are designated according to their nature.
The energy caused by moving charges or electrons is known as electrical energy. It is directly proportional to the speed of the charge, which means the more the speed of charges, the more electrical energy they carry. Electrical energy is also a form of kinetic energy because the charges are in a moving state while creating energy. The unit of electrical energy is joule or watt-second.
When an object or particle is in motion, the form of energy is kinetic energy. When work is done by an object by applying a net force, it gains kinetic energy. Kinetic energy depends not only on the motion, such as translation (rolling of a ball), rotation about an axis (centrifuge), or vibration, but also on the mass of the object.
Introduced by physicist William Rankine, potential energy is the energy by an object’s position relative to other objects. For example, the bow stores some potential energy when drawn in the bow and arrow case. Another example is a spring displaced from its equilibrium position, gaining some energy, which you can view as stress. All energies have the same unit, kg m2 / s2, and are measured using Joule.
Although energy and power are closely related, they have different types of physical quantities. Here are some differences between energy and power:
Definition And Unit
Energy is the capacity to do work, and the power is fused over time. It is measured in joules, ergs, or calories. Power is the rate at which the energy is transmitted, or specific work is done. It is measured in watts or joules per second.
Symbol
Energy is denoted by the symbol “E,” and power is denoted by the symbol “P”.
Quality
Energy can be changed from one form to another and stored for use in the future. Power cannot be changed from one type to another and is not storable.
Quantity
Energy is a time quantity, and power is an instantaneous quantity.
Types
Energy types include kinetic, potential, heat, electrical, gravitational, sound, and light. Power types are optical and electric.
Applications
Energy is used in vehicle driving, sky lighting, rotor, etc. Power is used for heating, charging batteries, operating appliances, manufacturing, etc.
Is It Possible to Convert kVA to kWh?
kVA cannot be directly converted to kWh; however, you can multiply the power in kVA by the power factor. The power factor represents the fraction of the load power dissipated as absolute power and is a unitless number between 0 and 1.
Kilovolt-amps and kilowatts are power units but differ due to equipment power factor. KVA measures apparent power, whereas kW measures real power. The power factor is the amount of power used to do the actual work and is represented as the ratio between apparent and absolute power. Remainder power is known as reactive power and is expressed in kVAR and stored in inductors and capacitors. The formula used to convert kVA to kW is:
P(kW) = S(kVA) × PF, the real power in kW equal to the apparent power in kVA multiplied by the power factor.
For example, the real power of equipment with 40kVA and apparent power and power factor of 0.4 will be:
P(kW) = 40kVA × 0.4
P(kW) = 16kW
Here is a kVA to kW conversion chart:
|
kVA |
kW |
|
6.3kVA |
5kW |
|
9.4kVA |
7.5kW |
|
12.5kVA |
10kW |
|
18.7kVA |
15kW |
|
25kVA |
20kW |
|
31.3kVA |
25kW |
|
37.5kVA |
30kW |
|
50kVA |
40kW |
|
62.5kVA |
50kW |
|
75kVA |
60kW |
How to Convert kW to kVA?
Real power (P) and apparent power (S) are not often equal in generators, transformers, or electrical equipment with inductive characteristics. As mentioned earlier, absolute power does the actual work and is equal to or less than the apparent power. Meanwhile, the voltage and current magnitude determine the apparent power transmitted to the device.
For reactive loads such as inductive or capacitive loads, the device stores the electrical energy and pushes it back to the power supply, which is opposite to the real work. This is the reactive power, which is measured in kVAR or kilovolt-amps-reactive. Therefore, it is considered to minimize the reactive power and maximize the real power.
Kilowatts can be converted to kilo-volt-amperes by using the formula:
S(kVA) = P(kW) ÷ PF
S is the apparent power, P is the real power, and PF is the power factor.
For example, for a 20kW electric motor with a power factor of 0.4, the apparent power will be,
S(kVA) = 20 kW ÷ 0.4
S(kVA) = 50kVA
Here, 20kW with a power factor of 0.4 is equal to 50kVA.
The chart below shows kW to kVA conversion:
|
kW |
kVA |
|
5kW |
6.3kVA |
|
7.5kW |
9.4kVA |
|
10kW |
12.5kVA |
|
15kW |
18.7kVA |
|
50kW |
62.5kVA |
|
60kW |
75kVA |
|
75kW |
93.8kVA |
|
80kW |
100kVA |
|
100kW |
125kVA |
|
125kW |
156kVA |
What Are The Differences Between kVA and kWh?
Even though kVA and kW represent electric power, there is a difference between them. These units are used for measuring current traits, and both express power. kVA represents the apparent power in an electric circuit, while kWh represents the true power. Because of the difference between DC and AC circuits, the usage of kVA and kWh differs. For example, while considering a DC circuit, both are equal, but in an AC circuit, there are several differences.
KVA and kWh broadly differentiate in what they measure as kVA measures the power at an instantaneous level, and kWh measures the actual power or the size of a BES unit. A nebulous value known as the power factor is 0,1 or percentage. The efficiency of any device is higher regarding electricity usage when the power factor is closer to unity. For example, a DC circuit is kW=kVA because the power factor is unity. You can use solar power systems like Jackery Portable Power Stations with higher kWh, which directly impacts your device efficiency and performance.
Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained
Jackery is a leading brand of sustainable and eco-friendly Jackery Portable Power Stations, Jackery Solar Generators, and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, which is on a mission to bring green energy to all. The battery-powered inverter generator, Jackery Portable Power Station, can be used during camping, RV living, and home backup. When the Jackery SolarSaga Solar panels are placed in direct sunlight, they absorb solar radiation, convert it into electrical energy, and store it in the battery. The power station has a built-in inverter that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) to charge the appliances. The portable power stations are designed with an ergonomic handle and can power 99% of your devices.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station
Whether you go through an extended blackout or live off the grid, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station can charge 99% off appliances for a relatively long time. It is also an ideal power supply for RV, glamping, and camping. Unlike traditional gas generators, the portable power station produces no noise while charging. It has a portable suitcase design with a sturdy handle and wheels, and it can be carried anywhere as it is lightweight.
Appliance Working Hours
- Mobile Phone (29W): 88.6H
- Laptop (70W): 36.7H
- Heater (1800W): 1.4H
- Microwave (960W): 2.6H
Customer Review
“My wife and I have used our 240ws to charge our cell phones and other things like my electric razor. We use our 1500w's on appliances such as our coffee maker and CPAP machine. After this last 19-hour power outage, we added the 3000w Pro's to handle our upright freezer and fridge to protect our cold food storage.” -- Brian Law
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station is a sustainable next-generation power station that is fumes-free, cost-effective, and easy to operate. Due to its expandable capacity, it is a reliable choice for the power supply during blackouts, power outages, and off-grid living. However, the applications are unlimited here, as you can use it to charge medium- and heavy-duty devices during outdoor adventures. It supports additional battery packs and solar panels and is compatible with a day camping, supplying power during professional work or weeks of home backup.
Appliance Working Hours
- Portable Air Conditioner (1000W): 1.7H
- Electric Oven (800W): 2.1H
- Hand Drill (400W): 4.3H
- Electric Pressure Cooker (1080W): 0.9H
Customer Review
“I bought this unit to tide me over during hurricane power outages. I tested it on the fridge and microwave, and it worked fine. I hope I rarely have to use it, but it's good to know it's ready when needed.” -- Julia
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station has a fast charging capacity, comes with a bifacial high-efficiency solar panel, and can run high-power essential appliances smoothly. It is ideal for reliable camping adventures and emergency backup power sources. With multiple charging methods, it features a compact foldable handle and can even fit into the rear compartment, ensuring you are never out of power.
Appliance Working Hours
- Weeder (1100W): 0.8H
- Portable Refrigerator (60W): 15.1H
- Projector (100W): 9.0H
- Camera (8.4W): 108.2H
Customer Review
“I haven’t had it on a real trip yet, but in the initial test at 75 degrees, it ran in a single zone at 35 degrees for 24 hrs., then switched to a dual zone set at 0 and 34 degrees, and it ran for another 26 hrs., and it still had 30% left. I’m very impressed!” --Bryan Peterson
kVA to kWh FAQs
How big of a portable power station do I need?
Portable power stations are reliable solar power systems that use renewable, clean energy to charge your essential devices. To select the right size of the portable power station, you must consider the number of devices you want to charge frequently and for how long you want to charge them.
For example, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station can charge a heater (1800W) and a microwave (560W):
Working Time = Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station Capacity in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances
So, Working time = 3024Wh × 0.85 / 2360W = 1.08H
Note: While charging the devices, some power loss occurs; hence, multiplied by 0.85.
How many kWh is in 1 kVA?
1kVA is equal to 0.8kWh.
How to convert kWh into kVA?
You can calculate kWh to kVA by dividing energy quantity by time value.
How does kVA relate to kWh?
In an electrical system, kVA measures the apparent power, and kWh measures the energy consumption over time.
What is 20 kVA in kW?
In a single-phase system, the power factor is one, which means kVA is the same as kW. In a three-phase system, the power factor is 0.8, which means the appliance will have a true power of 16kW.
KVA To KWh Conclusion
Kilowatts or kW represent the actual capacity of a battery to do the amount of work, whereas kilo-volt-ampere represents the apparent power, which might not be true sometimes. The battery capacity impacts the device directly; therefore, it is suitable to have a battery with higher kWh. Kilo-volt-ampere can tell you how much power is in the system as none of the electrical systems are 100% efficient. By using the power factor, you can convert kVA to kWh. Jackery Portable Power Stations are battery-powered solar power systems with high kWh capacity that can enhance your electrical appliances' efficiency and performance.
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