How is "theoretical power" defined?

The definition of "theoretical power" refers to the power output that is calculated under ideal conditions, assuming there are no losses in the system. This concept is pivotal in electrical engineering, where various factors—such as resistance, inefficiency, and environmental impacts—can cause deviations from the ideal calculations.

In real-world applications, actual systems encounter various losses due to heat generation, component limitations, and other inefficiencies, meaning the output power will always be less than theoretical power under practical conditions. By understanding theoretical power, engineers and technicians can design and optimize systems, knowing the optimal performance levels that can be aimed for, before accounting for the real-world inefficiencies.

The other definitions presented do not align with the established understanding of theoretical power. The actual output of a functioning system reflects real-world performance affected by losses, while maximum power output pertains to peak performance often influenced by various factors. Average power output during peak usage refers to how power demand may fluctuate over time, neither of which captures the essence of theoretical power.