active power active power /ˈæktɪv ˈpaʊər/

noun

1. The portion of power that, averaged over a complete cycle of the AC waveform, results in net transfer of energy in one direction.  ( active power , real power )
   the portion of power that, averaged over a complete cycle of the AC waveform, results in net transfer of energy in one direction.
    For two systems transmitting the same amount of active power, the system with the lower power factor will have higher circulating currents due to energy that returns to the source from energy storage in the load.
   For two systems transmitting the same amount of active power, the system with the lower power factor will have higher circulating currents due to energy that returns to the source from energy storage in the load.