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Single conversion
To convert from Millivolt-Ampere Reactive (mVAR) to Gigavolt-Ampere Reactive (GVAR), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Millivolt-Ampere Reactive (mVAR) to Gigavolt-Ampere Reactive (GVAR).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Millivolt-Ampere Reactive (mVAR) is equal to Gigavolt-Ampere Reactive (GVAR).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Millivolt-Ampere Reactive (mVAR) to Gigavolt-Ampere Reactive (GVAR):
| Millivolt-Amperes Reactive | Gigavolt-Amperes Reactive |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 mVAR | GVAR |
| 0.001 mVAR | GVAR |
| 0.1 mVAR | GVAR |
| 1 mVAR | GVAR |
| 2 mVAR | GVAR |
| 3 mVAR | GVAR |
| 4 mVAR | GVAR |
| 5 mVAR | GVAR |
| 6 mVAR | GVAR |
| 7 mVAR | GVAR |
| 8 mVAR | GVAR |
| 9 mVAR | GVAR |
| 10 mVAR | GVAR |
| 20 mVAR | GVAR |
| 30 mVAR | GVAR |
| 40 mVAR | GVAR |
| 50 mVAR | GVAR |
| 100 mVAR | GVAR |
| 1000 mVAR | GVAR |
| 10000 mVAR | GVAR |
For all Reactive Power converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
A Millivolt-Ampere Reactive (mVAR) is a small unit used to measure reactive power.
Think of reactive power as the "helper" power in an electrical circuit. It doesn't do the actual work (like lighting a bulb), but it's essential for components like motors and transformers to function.
An mVAR is tiny: it's equal to one-thousandth of a single Volt-Ampere Reactive (VAR).
In an AC circuit, you have two types of power. Real power (measured in milliwatts, mW) does the actual work, like spinning a motor. Reactive power (measured in mVAR) is the "non-working" power that builds magnetic and electric fields to help the motor spin.
The problem is that too much reactive power leads to a poor power factor. This is a sign of inefficiency—it means your system is drawing more total power than it's actually using for work.
Managing reactive power, even at the small mVAR scale, is key to improving energy efficiency and keeping voltage levels stable in sensitive electronics.
The power triangle is a simple diagram that shows how these three types of power relate. Imagine a right-angle triangle:
This relationship is shown by the formula (mVA)2 = (mW)2 + (mVAR)2.
For engineers, the goal is to make the reactive power (mVAR) side as small as possible. This makes the total power (mVA) and the real power (mW) almost equal, which means the circuit is very efficient.
You won't hear about mVAR when discussing a city's power grid (they use much larger units like kVAR or MVAR).
Instead, the Millivolt-Ampere Reactive is crucial for low-power electronics.
Engineers use mVAR measurements in labs when designing or testing individual components like:
Precise mVAR readings help them understand the "reactive properties" of these tiny parts, ensuring that a final product (like your smartphone or computer) runs as efficiently as possible.
A Gigavolt-Ampere Reactive (GVAR) is a unit used to measure reactive power.
It is a very large unit, equal to one billion Volt-Amperes Reactive (VARs).
Think of it as a massive measuring cup used for a specific type of power on the electrical grid.
Because the GVAR unit is so large, it's used to measure reactive power in massive, high-voltage electrical systems.
You'll see it used in:
For the engineers operating the power grid, using GVAR simplifies the huge numbers involved in their calculations, making it easier to manage and stabilize the system.
Reactive power (GVAR) is a key part of the "power triangle," which also includes real power (Gigawatts, GW) and apparent power (Gigavolt-Amperes, GVA).
Here's a simple breakdown:
Managing GVAR levels is essential for power factor correction. A poor power factor means there's too much reactive power on the grid.
By balancing this, utility companies improve the grid's overall efficiency, reduce energy loss in power lines, and free up more capacity to deliver the "real power" you actually use.
Maintaining the right amount of reactive power is critical for voltage stability across the power grid.
If there isn't enough reactive power, voltage levels can drop dangerously low. This can trigger a cascading failure known as voltage collapse, which often results in widespread blackouts.
Grid operators constantly work to prevent this. They use large-scale equipment (like capacitor banks and reactors) to inject or absorb GVARs as needed.
This active management fine-tunes the grid's voltage and ensures a reliable, secure supply of electricity to your home.