The Georgian Technical University

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics

Simon Nemsadze

BASIC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Theory and Practice

TBILISI 2014
 A course in basic electrical engineering is among the key subjects in the syllabus of many
engineering colleges and Universities. In fact, it is the basis of the subjects in which some of
these colleges and Universities specialize.
It covers of electric circuits and its elements, main definitions, methods of calculation of
direct current (d.c) and alternating current (a.c) circuits, d.c. and a.c. generators and motors,
electrical measurement and some electronic elements and devises.
This textbook is meant mainly for students of power engineering and information as well
as for other faculties of technical universities.

Dedicated to my lovely daughter Nino and granddaughter Qeti who are far away but
always deep in my heart

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 CONTENTS

1. Introduction 6

1.1. The Field of Electrical Engineering

1.2. Basic Concepts; A. Charge. The force Between two
Charges. B. Conductors and Insulators C. Current
(Charge in motion) D. Energy. Potential. Voltage
Electromotive Force. E. Power System of Units. Notation 6-12

2. Electric Circuit. Laws of Electric circuit.

2.1 Electric Circuit 12

2.2 Ideal Circuit Elements 13
2.3 Ohm’s Law. Joules Law of Electric Heating 14
2.4 Series and Parallel Connection of Resistors 16
2.5 Voltage and Current Divider 17
2.6 Star (Wye)-Delta Transformation 18
2.7 Kirchhoff’s Law 19

3. Direct Current Circuits

3.1 Mesh-Current Method 20

3.2 Node-Voltage Method 23
3.3 Thevenin’s Theorem 25

4. Alternating Current Circuits

4.1 Equation of the Alternating Voltages and Current 29

4.2 Phase and Phase Difference 31
4.3 The Root-Mean Square (R.M.S) Value. 32
4.4 Average Value 33
4.5 Vector Representation of Alternating Quantities 33
4.6 Vector Diagrams of Sine Waves of Time Quantities. 34
4.7 Addition of Two Alternating Quantities. 35
4.8 A.C. Through Pure Resistance Only 35
4.9 A.C. Through Inductance Only 37
4.10 A.C. Through Pure Capacitor 38
4.11 Resistance, Inductance and Capacitance in Series 40
4.12 Instantaneous, Active, Reactive and
Apparent Power of an A.C. Circuit 42
4.13 Parallel (GLC) Circuit 43
4.14 Transformation of a Series Circuit into a Parallel Circuit 45
4.15 A.C. Series-Parallel Circuit 46
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 4.16 Three-Phase Circuits. Generation of Three-Phase Voltages 48
4.17 Interconnection of Three Phases 49
4.18 Star or Wye ( Y ) connection 50
4.19 Voltage and current in Y- Connection 50
4.20 Delta (Δ) or Mesh Connection 52
4.21 Comparison: Star and Delta Connection 54
4.22 Comparison Between Single and 3-phase Supply System 55

5. Mutual Inductance. Transformers

5.1 Mutual Inductance in a Circuit 55

5.2 Mutual Inductance in Series. Connection of Coils 56
5.3 Working Principle of a Transformer 57
5.4 Elementary Theory of an Ideal Transformer 58
5.5 E.M.F. Equation of a Transformer 59
5.6 Transformer on Load 60
5.7 Transformer Construction 60
5.8 Measuring (Instrument) Transformers 61
6. Induction Motor
6.1 General Principle 62
6.2 Construction 63
6.3 Production of a Rotating Field 64
6.4 Principle of Operation 65
6.5 Slip. Frequency of Rotor Current 65
6.6 Relation between Torque and Slip 66

7. Alternators and Synchronous Motors

7.1 Basic Principle and Construction 67
7.2 Principle of Operation 68
7.3 Synchronous Motor. Construction and Application 68
7.4 Comparison Between Synchronous and Induction
Motors 69

8. Direct Current Generators

8.1 Generator Principle. Simple Loop Generator 69

8.2 Practical Generator 71
8.3 Types of Generators 73
8.4 Characteristics of D.C. Generators 74
8.5 External Characteristics of D.C. Generator 75

9. Direct Current (d.c.) Motors

9.1 Motor Principle 76

9.2 The Back E.M.F. 77
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 9.3 Motor Characteristics 78
9.4 Speed Control of D.C. Motors 79
9.5 Speed Controls of Shunt Motors 79
9.6 Speed Control of Series Motors 80

10. Electrical Measurements

10.1. General 83
10.2. The Moving Coil Instrument 83
10.2.1 The Moving Coil Instrument as a Voltmeter 84
10.2.2The Moving Coil Instrument as an Ammeter 84
10.2.3 The Measurement of Alternating Current and Voltage
Using a Moving Coil Instrument 85
10.3. The Moving-Iron Instrument 85
10.4 The Electrodynamic Instrument 86
10.5 Digital Instruments 88
10.6 The oscilloscope 88
11. Electronics 91
12. Problems and solutions. 95
Appendix A 202
Appendix B 209
Literature 230

5
 Introduction

1.1 The Field of Electrical Engineering

The field of electrical engineering involves the application of electricity to meet the needs
of society. There are two primary uses of electricity: first, as a means to transfer electrical energy
or power from one location to another; and second, to carry or transfer information.
For simplicity, one might assume that the traditional core of electrical engineering study
could be divided into seven major specialty areas. They are:
1. Rower engineering
2. Electromagnetic
3. Communications
4. Computer engineering
5. Electronics
6. Systems
7. Controls.
Power engineering deals with the generation of electric power, its transmission over what
are often very large distances, and the conversion of that power into forms that can do useful
work. The generation of electric power most often is accomplished by the conversion of
mechanical energy from a rotating shaft to electric energy in a generator. Many large power
generating stations use some form of fuel to generate heat which produces steam. The steam is
routed to a turbine which has blades on a shaft, which rotates by the action of the steam. This
rotating shaft couples the energy to the generator. Hydroelectric power generating stations use
the energy of water falling by gravity to turn the turbine blades. Often the water is backed up in a
river by a dam in order to create a convenient site for a water to fall a large distance. Nuclear
power generating stations use the heat generated by nuclear fission to produce steam to turn the
turbine blades.
More recently, solar and wind energy has become a usable means of generating electric
energy. Solar cells are carefully prepared slices of special materials fabricated in precise patterns
and layers that directly convert the light from the sun into an electric current. Silicon solar cells
as well as solar cells made from other materials are becoming more common as a source of
electric power, particularly in remote locations.
Batteries are sources of electric power which derive their energy from a chemical reaction
within the battery. Rechargeable batteries, such as the battery in your car, allow the chemical
reaction to be reversed so that electric energy can be stored in the battery and then extracted at a
later time.
Power in transmission lines, where it is distributed at a various substations to the users of
the power. This power is used for heating, generation of electric light, driving various types of
electric motors and many other applications.
The discipline of electromagnetism bridges the gap between applications of electricity for
energy transfer and the remaining disciplines, which are primarily associated with information
transfer. Electromagnetism deals with the interaction between magnetic fields, electric fields,
and the flow of current. A coil of wire carrying an electric current generates a magnetic field; a
piece of iron brought in proximity to this “electromagnet” will experience a force on it which

6
can be made quite strong. This is the origin of the force used to turn electric motors and cause
motion of other electromagnetic devices.
At direct current (d.c.) and low-frequency alternating current (a.c.) the electric and
magnetic interactions remain relatively localized around the current-carrying wire. As frequency
is increased, energy begins to radiate from the wire and propagate through the atmosphere as
electromagnetic waves. These are waves that make possible radio communications, television,
satellite communications, radar, and so on.
Electromagnetic waves propagating through space travel at the speed of light c=3x10 8
meters per second or 186,000 miles per second. Light is an electromagnetic waves within a
particular range of frequencies; the exact frequency determines the color.
The field of communications focuses on the engineering and science required to transmit
information from one place to another. Electronic communications systems often utilize
unconfined electromagnetic waves for information transfer; however, it is also common for data
to be transmitted by telephone wired, various cables, or optical fibers. One important question in
the area of communications deals with the ways in which information is encoded on an electrical
signal. The process of putting information on a carrier signal is called modulation or encoding
and the process of extracting that information at the receiving end is called demodulation or
decoding.
Computer engineering is one of the fastest-growing specialties within electrical
engineering, and includes the design and development of computer hardware systems and the
computer programs or “software” that control them. Computer systems range in size from the
large “mainframes”, which are generally used for highly complex computing tasks, to special-
purpose computers for engineering, business, accounting, banking, finance and many other
purposes. Personal computers and workstations are being used at a rapidly increasing rate in
industry, as well as for individual use. Engineering and science students in all disciplines will
make use of the computer hardware and software developed by computer engineers in their
specific field.
Electronics refers to the utilization of various materials in special configuration or
structures to make devices which can valve “on” or “off” the flow of current. These devices can
be interconnected to form circuits. Such electronic circuits may simultaneously control the flow
of many different electric currents and be able to perform complex functions, such as the
electronic computer just described.
The specialty of system engineering utilizes mathematical principles to model and
describe complex systems and predict their performance based on engineering analyses. With
such a mathematical description of the problem the engineer can optimize the system for a given
set of conditions. System engineering principles can be applied to quantitatively address a wide
variety of society’s problems.
Control systems are a very important class of systems, and the field of “controls” is
widely studied within electrical engineering departments. Control systems are often electronic
systems designed to provide fast and accurate “control” of electrical systems, chemical systems,
hydraulic systems and others.
The field of electrical engineering is constantly in a state of change due to technology
innovations which rapidly and continuously occur. There is, however, also a set of fundamental
concepts and principles in electrical engineering forming a core body of knowledge and which
make some understanding of all the innovations possible.
7
 1.2. Basic Concepts

A. Charge. The force Between Two Charges

Electrical engineers deal primarily with charge, its motion, and the effects of that motion.
Electricity is a word most often used in a nontechnical context to describe the presence of
charge; the term electricity is used both to describe charge in motion (for example, through a
wire, as an electric current) and stationary charge, static electricity.
Charge is a fundamental property of a matter and is said to be conserved-that is, it can
neither be created nor destroyed. This means that if the charge moves away from one location, it
must appear at another. There are two types of charge, positive charge and negative charge.
Charge is the substance of which electric currents are made.
Charges near each other will attract each other or repel from each other according to the
following rule: like charges repel each other; opposite charges attract each other.
The basic structure of an atom is held together by the attractive force between unlike
charges.
Charge is designated by the symbol q (or Q- constant charge), and is measured in units of
coulombs (C). The negative charge carried by a single individual electron is – 1.602x10-19
coulombs, and this is the smallest unit of charges that exists.
The force between two small clusters of charge (each one small enough to be considered a
point) has been found to be described by the following
equation:
q q 
F = k 1 22 (1.1)
d
Where q1 is the charge at position 1 in coulombs, q2 is the charge at position 2 in coulombs, d is
the distance between the charges in meters and k is a constant of 8.99x109 Newton meter2/C2.

B. Conductors and Insulators

In order to put charge in motion so that it becomes an electric current, we must provide a
path through which it can flow easily. In the vast majority of applications, charge will be carried
by moving electrons along a path through which they can move easily. Materials through which
charge flows readily are called conductors. Most metals, such as copper, are excellent
conductors, and therefore are used for fabrication of electrical wires and the conductive path on
electric circuit boards.
Insulators are materials which do not allow charge to move easily. Therefore, electric
current cannot be made to flow through an insulator. Charge placed on an insulating material,
such as the rubber comb, just stays there as static electricity, charge has great difficulty moving
through it. Insulating materials are often wrapped around the center conducting core of a wire to
prevent the charge from flowing off to some undesired place if the wire inadvertently touches
some other object.Resistance will be defined quantitatively later; however, qualitatively a
conductor has a low resistance to the flow of charge.
Semiconductors fall in the middle between conductors and insulators, and have a moderate
resistance to the flow of charge
8
 Table1.
Conductors Semiconductors Insulators
Silver Silicon Glass
Gold Germanium Plastic
Copper Gallium Arsenide Ceramic
Aluminum Rubber

C. Current (charge in motion)

Electric current implies “charge in motion”; the term current is simply a measure of how
much charge is moved per unit of time. Current is measured in Amperes, frequently called the
Amp and abbreviated as A; one ampere is defined as the transfer of one coulomb in one second
(that is, one ampere is equal to one coulomb/second).
Charge can be transported by various mechanisms. The most common is the movement of
electrons through a conductor; however, positive ions flowing the opposite direction can transfer
charge, as in the case in electrochemical reactions in battery or in electroplating. In addition,
solid state electronic devices use semiconductors in which charge can be moved by electrons
carrying negative charge, and “holes” carrying positive charge. The total current through any
particular plane is the total net charge transferred divided by the time interval.
dq
i= = ( d q  + d  )/dt, (1.2)
dt q

where d q  is the incremental positive charge transferred and d q  is the incremental negative
charge transferred.
Current, a scalar quantity, requires a sign convention; if we assume that the direction we
call “positive current” flow is the direction positive charge moves, then the above equation
reveals that the total current is the sum of the rate of flow of positive charge in one direction and
negative charge in the opposite direction.
The sign convention, which we will adopt here, is the following: Positive current will be
defined as the net rate of flow of positive charge. Therefore, a wire conducting electrons to the
left will be described as having positive current to the right.
In our world we encounter currents over many orders of magnitude. Lightning strikes
consist of bursts of current that can be tens of thousands of amperes, while the current in a nerve
pulse may be only picoamperes. In between is a wide range of currents. For example, typical
household appliances require from 0.5 to 10 amperes; individual electronic circuits may require
microamperes to milliamperes, and large industrial motors may require hundreds of amperes.

D. Energy. Potential. Voltage. Electromotive Force

Energy (w) is defined as the ability to do work. The unit of energy is joule (J).
As is known, potential at a point in an electrical field may be defined as numerically equal
to the work done in bringing positive charge of one coulomb from infinity (where the force on a
charge is zero) to that point against the electric field.
Voltage (potential difference) between two points is defined as the work required to move
a unit charge from one point to the other:
9
 dw
v= , (1.3)
dq
where w is the energy in joules, and q- the electric charge in coulombs.
The unit of voltage is the volt (V):
j
1V=1
c
It is important to note that sometimes to characterize a source of electrical energy (battery
or generator) the term “electromotive force” (emf) is used.
By electromotive force (emf) is meant the total potential difference established within the
source between the two terminals when the source is not supplying any current (so that there is
no internal voltage drop). The e.m.f. can be measured by connecting a suitable voltmeter across
the terminals. But the potential difference is equal to the emf minus the internal voltage drop. In
other words the terminal potential difference is not, as it depends on load current supplied by the
source.
Also, the term e.m.f. has local significance i.e. it is spoken of with reference to the
generator (battery) itself, but potential difference is distributive. For example, we cannot say that
an e.m.f. 220 v exists across an electric bulb. It is the potential difference of 220 volts. In other
words potential difference can be distributed away from its source of generation.

E. Power

Power is defined as the time rate at which energy w is produced or consumed, depending
on whether the element is a source of power or a user of power, respectively. That is

dw
P= (1.4)
dt
which can be rewritten as
dw dw dq
P= = =vi (1.5)
dt dq dt
The above equation shows that power can be computed by product of the voltage across a
circuit element and the current through it. Since both voltage and current can vary with time, the
power p, is also a time varying quantity, and can be expressed as p (t).
Therefore, the change in energy from time t1 to time t2 can be found by integrating above
equation, that is
t 21 t2
w= 
t1
pdt =  vidt
t1
(1.6)

Calculation of power requires the use of a consistent sign convention. The variable for the
voltage v(t) is defined as the voltage across the element with the positive reference at the same
terminal that the current variable i(t) is entering. The product of v and i, with their attendant
signs, while determine the magnitude and sign of the power. If the sign of the power is positive,
power is being absorbed by the element; if the sign is negative, power is being supplied by the
element.
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 1.3. System of Units

The system of units used in this text is international system of units, which is normally
referred to as SI standard system.
The abbreviations and symbols used to represent the various quantities studied in this text
follow standard practice. Table 2 may be a useful reference if you encounter unfamiliar symbols.

Table 2
Standard Abbreviations and Symbols
ac Alternating current
A Ampere
C Coulomb
db Decibel
dc Direct current
F Farad
H Henry
Hz Hertz
j Joule
m meter
N Newton
N-m Newton-meter
 Ohm
PF Power factor
rad Radian
RLC Resistance-inductance-capacitance
rms Root-mean-square
s Second
S Siemens
V Volt
VA Volt ampere
W Watt
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The standard prefixes which are employed in SI and, therefore, throughout our study of electrical
engineering are shown in Fig.1.1.

10-12 10-9 10-6 10-3 1 103 106 109 1012

I I I I I I I I I
Pico(p) Nano(n) Micro(μ) Milli(m) Kilo(K) Mega(M) Giga(G) Tera(T)

Fig.1.1

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 1.4. Notation

Three of the most commonly used symbols in the study of electrical engineering are those
for voltage (V,v), current (I,i), and electromotive force (E,e).
Small letters v,i,e indicate the instantaneous values as a function of time: v=v(t), i=i(t),
e=e(t).
Capital letters V,I,E indicate constant values (for the dc circuits) or rms values (for
alternating current circuits), correspondingly.
Vm, Im or Em are the maximum values (amplitudes) of a sinusoidally variable voltage,
current or emf, respectively.

2. Electric Circuit. Laws of Electric circuit

2.1. Electric Circuit

A complete path which carries the electric current from the source of supply to the power-
consuming apparatus and back again is called electric circuit. Electro-magnetic processes in an
electric circuit can be described by means of such physical terms as electric current, voltage
(potential differences) and electromotive force (e.m.f.)
In general case an electric circuit contains a power source ( or sources), some kind of
consumers, collectively called load, instruments, switches, and connecting lines or wires.
Ammeter

Load
A

Energy
source
voltmeter

(battery)

swich

Fig.2.1

A power source converts energy in some non-electric form into electric energy. For
example, generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy; batteries convert energy of
chemical processes into electricity, whereas thermocouples transform thermal into electrical
energy.
The load that dissipates the energy converts electric energy into, say, mechanical (such as
by d.c. or a.c. motors), thermal (such as be electric furnaces), or chemical (such as in electrolysis
cells).
The switches, connecting wires, and instruments serve to convey electricity from the power
supply to distribute it among the loads, and give indications about the status of the circuit as a
whole and its elements.
A schematic of a simple d.c. circuit is shown in Fig.2.1.
The configuration of a circuit is specified by the geometrical (topological) concepts of a
branch, a node (or junction), and a loop (or mesh).

12
 A branch consists of one or several series-connected elements trough which the same
current flows.
A node is a point where three or more branches meet.
A loop (or mesh) is a closed path passing over several branches so that any brunch or any
node is encountered only once.
The equivalent circuit in Fig.2.2 has two nodes, and three branches of which the two
contain one element each, and the third contains three elements.

node node
LOOP
o o
brunch

brunch
LOOP

Fig.2.2.

2.2 . Ideal Circuit Elements

To make the analysis of electrical circuits simpler, we have defined some idealized circuit
elements. These elements can be completely described by knowing the mathematical relation
between the voltage across and the current through the element. Idealized active elements consist
of sources. There are two types of sources, the voltage source and the current source. The voltage
between the terminals of the ideal voltage source is determined be the value of the voltage
source, regardless of the current passing through it, and regardless of any other circuit
parameters. An ideal current source maintains a specified current through it, independent of the
voltage developed across its terminals.
There are three ideal passive circuit elements: the resistor, the inductor, and the capacitor.
All of these will be discussed in detail in later chapters; however, a brief introduction is provided
here.
These three passive circuit elements differ electrically in the way in which the voltage
across is related to the current through each of the elements. As you will see if v is the voltage
across each element and I is the current through each element the relationship and the commonly
used symbols are given in Fig.2.3. The constants, R, L and C, are known as the resistance (in
ohms, Ω), inductance (in henries, H) and capacitance (in farads, F), respectively.

13
 Symbol:
Resistor Inductor Capacitor

R L C
-
+i - + i + i -
o o o o o o
V V V
Relationship

di 1
v=Ri v=L
dt
v=
C  idt
1 1 dv
i=
R
v i=
L  vdt i=C
dt

Fig.2.3.

The resistor represents the part of a circuit component in which energy entering the
element by the flow of current it is transformed to heat. Light can be emitted also if the resistive
element becomes hot enough to glow.
The inductor represents a two-terminal electric element in which energy is stored in a
magnetic field. Coils of wire such as those used to make an electromagnet, or the windings of
wire in an electric motor, must be modeled using inductances.
The third passive circuit-element, the capacitor, stores energy in an electric field. The
capacitor is often fabricated by two parallel conducting plates separated by an insulating layer.
These three circuit elements, combined with the active elements (sources), can be used to
represent model, and study a wide range of electrical and electronic systems.

2.3. Ohm’s Law. Joules Law of Electric Heating

Ohm’s law is named for the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm, who is credited with
establishing the voltage-current relationship for resistance.
Ohm’s law states that the voltage across a resistance is directly proportional to the
current flowing through it. The resistance, measured in ohms, is the constant of proportionality
between the voltage and current.
A circuit element whose electrical characteristic is primarily resistive is called a resistor
and is represented by the symbol shown in Fig.2.4. A resistor is a physical device that can be
fabricated in many ways.
i(t)

V(t) R

Fig.2.4.

14
 The resistors, which find wide use in a variety of electrical applications, are normally
carbon composition or wire wound. In addition, resistors can be fabricated using thick or thin
films for use in hybrid circuits.
The mathematical relationship of Ohm’s law is illustrated by the equation where R  0.
v(t)=Ri(t) ( 2.1)
In network calculations the true direction of currents in the circuit elements are not known in
general case. Therefore, one has adopt an assumed positive direction of current flow in all circuit
elements, which is chosen arbitrarily and is indicated by an arrow. In a load (of resistance R) the
positive directions are usually assumed the same for both current and voltages (Fig.2.4.). In
addition, note that we have assumed that resistor has a constant value and therefore that voltage-
current characteristic is linear.
The symbol  is used to represent ohms, and therefore 1  = 1 V/A.
It should be noted that the resistance offered by a conductor can be calculated by the
formula
l
R=  , ( 2.2)
A
where l is the length of a conductor (in m), A-its cross-section (in mm2), and  - the specific
mm 2
resistance or resistivity (in ) Although we will assume here that the resistors are linear, it
m
is important to realize that some very useful and practical elements to exist that exhibit a
nonlinear resistance characteristic.
The power supplied to the terminals is absorbed by the resistor. Note that the charge moves from
the higher (+) to the lower (-) potential as it passes through the resistor and the energy absorbed
is dissipated by the resistor in the form of heat. The rate of energy dissipation is the
instantaneous power, and therefore
p(t)=v(t) i(t) ( 2.3)
which using Eq.(2.1), can be written as
v 2 (t )
p(t)=R i(t)= ( 2.4)
R
This equation, called Joules law of electric heating, illustrates that the power dissipated in a
resistor is a nonlinear function of either current or voltage and that is always a positive quantity.
The basic SI unit of power is the watt (w)
1 w = 1 j s-1= 1 V A
The basic SI unit of energy (or work) is joule (J)
1 J= 1 VAs,
however, it is too small for practical use. The practical unit of energy is the kilowatt hour (kWh).
It is equal to the work done at a constant power of 1kW over 1h. Since 1Ws=1 J,
1Wh= 3600 Ws= 3600J and
1 kWh= 3600000 J.
Conductance, represented by the symbol G, is another quantity with wide application in
circuit analysis. By definition, conductance is the reciprocal of resistance: that is
1
G= ( 2.5)
R
The unit of conductance is the Siemens and the relationship between units is

15
 A
1 S= 1
V
Using Eq.(2.5), we can write two additional expressions
i(t)=Gv(t) (2.6)
i 2 (t )
p(t)= =Gv2(t) (2.7)
G
Equation (2.6) is another expression of Ohm’s law, and Eq.(2.7) that of Joules law.
Two specific values of resistance, and therefore conductance, are very important: R=0 (G=
 ) and R=  (G=0). If the resistance R=0, we have what is called a short circuit. From Ohm’s
law
v(t)= R i(t)=0.
Therefore, v(t)=0, although the current could theoretically be any value. If the resistance R=  ,
as would be the case with a broken wire, we have what is called an open circuit, and from Ohm’s
v(t )
law i(t)= = 0.
R
Therefore, the current is zero regardless of the value of the voltage across the open terminals.

2.4 Series and Parallel Connection of Resistors

A series circuit, such as shown in Fig. 2.5 is a closed loop of driver and resistors having
the same current through every component in the loop.
R1 R 2
Rn

Fig.2.5

According to Kirchhoff’s voltage law

E  IR1  IR2  ....  IRn  IReq ,
Where the equivalent resistance of the series connected resistors is
n
Req   Rk If several resistors are connected in parallel as shown in Fig.2.6, they also may be
k 1 .
replaced by the equivalent resistor. I

I 1 I2 In

E G1 G2 Gn

Fig.2.6

16
 According to Kirchhoff’s current law
I  I 1  I 2  .....  I n  EG1  EG 2  ...  EG n  EG eq
where the equivalent conductance of the parallel-connected resistors is
n
Geq   G k
k 1

The equivalent resistance is

Req  1 Geq
If two resistors are connected in parallel
1 RR
Req   1 2
G1  G 2 R1  R2

2.5. Voltage and Current Divider

A voltage divider, also called a potential divider, is a device used to provide an output
voltage that is lower than the input or driving voltage. A fixed voltage divider with two series-
connected resistors is shown in Fig.2.7.
I

V in

V out

Fig.2.7

The output voltage is

R2
Vout  IR2  Vin
R1  R2
A simple current divider is shown in Fig. 2.8, which consists of two resistors.
I
I1 I2

G1 G2
V

Fig2.8
Currents in the resistors are
I G1
I 1  VG1  I
Geq G1  G 2

G2
I2  I
G1  G 2

17
 2.6. Star (Wye)-Delta Trabsformation

The arrangement of the three branches in network of Fig. 2.9a is known as a star
connection and the one in Fig. 2.9b as a delta connection

1
1

R1

R 31 R 12

R3 R2

R 23

3 2 3 2

(a) (b)
Fig.2.9

The delta connection of the resistors may be replaced by the equivalent star connection or
vice-versa, only on condition that the operation of the unconverted part of the network remains
the same as before. It means that the currents, voltages and power in this part of the network do
not change.
In the case of star circuit resistors R and R are connected in series between nodes 1 and 2. In the
1 2
case of delta connection between the same nodes are in parallel resistors R and (R +R ).
12 23 31
Consequently, the resistance between nodes 1 and 2 will also be the same for both circuits
R ( R  R31 )
R1  R2  12 23
R12  R23  R31
In the same way the resistance between nodes 2 and 3 is
R ( R  R12 )
R2  R3  23 31
R12  R23  R31
and the resistance between nodes 3 and 1 is
R23 ( R31  R12 )
R 2  R3 
R12  R23  R31
Solution of these three equations gives the formulae by which the resistances of the star
circuit can be found from the known resistors of the delta circuit

R23 ( R31  R12 ) R23 ( R31  R12 ) R12 ( R23  R31 )

R1  R2  R3 
R12  R23  R31 R12  R23  R31 R12  R23  R31

Solution of the above three equations connection with R , R , R gives the formulae by
12 23 31
which the resistors of the delta circuit can be found from the known resistors of the star circuit

18
 R1 R2 R 2 R3 R3 R1
R12  R1  R2  R23  R2  R3  R31  R3  R1 
R3 R1 R2

2.7 Kirchhoff’s Laws

Kirchhoff’s laws, named after the German scientist Gustav Robert Kirchhoff, are the basic
laws governing the analysis of all electric circuits.
By Kirchhoff’s first (or current) law, the algebraic sum of the currents at any node in an
electric circuit is zero
k n

i
k 1
k =0 (2.8)

Or stated differently, the sum of the currents entering a node is equal to the sum of currents
leaving the node. As an example, for the circuit shown in Fig.2.10

i1+i2+ i4=i3+i5 or
i1+i2+i4-i3-i5 =0

Note that we have assumed that the algebraic signs of the currents entering the node are
positive and therefore that the signs of the currents leaving the node are negative.

i4 d . R4 i4 a.i
1
i5
e R1
3

i3 i3
i1 e
R3 e 1
2
i2
c .i R 2
.
b
2

Fig.2.10 Fig.2.11

If we multiply the foregoing equation by -1, we obtain the expression

- i1-i2-i4+i3+i5 =0,
where, the leaving currents are positive and the entering currents are negative.
By Kirchhoff’s second (voltage) law, in any closed loop of an electric circuit the algebraic
sum of the voltages across the branches forming the loop is equal to the algebraic sum of the
e.m.f’s in that loop.
k n k n

e
k 1
k
= v
k 1
k ( 2.9)

If the brunches consist of the resistive elements having the resistances of R k, then
according to the Ohm’s law vk=Rkik , and Kirchhoff’s second law can be represented as follows:
k n k n

 e k =  Rk i k
k 1 k 1
(2.10)

19
 The currents and e.m.f’s enter Eq.2.10 with a “+” sign if their directions are the same as
that arbitrarily chosen for passing around the loop. As an example, for loop shown in Fig.2.11
and for the direction of passing around the loop indicated by the arrow, we have
-e1+e2+e3=-R1i1+R2i2+R3i3-R4i4.

3.Direct Current Circuits

In the previous chapter, we looked at the movement of charges, showing that a net charge
creates an electric field with differences in electric potential energy at different points in the
field. When two points in a field with a potential difference are connected by a conducting
material, electrons will flow spontaneously from one point to another. For instance, when the
two terminals of a battery (a source of potential difference) are connected by a copper wire (a
conducting material), electrons flow spontaneously from the negative terminal of the battery
toward the positive terminal. This mass flow of electrons in a particular direction creates a
current, which is the source of the circuits that we will examine in this chapter.

3.1 Mesh current method

The Mesh Current Method, also known as the Loop Current Method, is quite similar to
the Branch Current method in that it uses simultaneous equations, Kirchhoff's Voltage Law, and
Ohm's Law to determine unknown currents in a network. It differs from the Branch Current
method in that it does not use Kirchhoff's Current Law, and it is usually able to solve a circuit
with less unknown variables and less simultaneous equations, which is especially nice if you're
forced to solve without a calculator. Let's see how this method works on the same example
problem:

Fig.3.1

The first step in the Mesh Current method is to identify “loops” within the circuit
encompassing all components. In our example circuit, the loop formed by B1, R1, and R2 will be
the first while the loop formed by B2, R2, and R3 will be the second. The strangest part of the
Mesh Current method is envisioning circulating currents in each of the loops. In fact, this method
gets its name from the idea of these currents meshing together between loops like sets of
spinning gears: The choice of each current's direction is entirely arbitrary, just as in the Branch
Current method, but the resulting equations are easier to solve if the currents are going the same
direction through intersecting components (note how currents I1 and I2 are both going “up”
through resistor R2, where they “mesh,” or intersect). If the assumed direction of a mesh current
is wrong, the answer for that current will have a negative value.
20
 Fig.3.2

The next step is to label all voltage drop polarities across resistors according to the
assumed directions of the mesh currents. Remember that the “upstream” end of a resistor will
always be negative, and the “downstream” end of a resistor positive with respect to each other,
since electrons are negatively charged. The battery polarities, of course, are dictated by their
symbol orientations in the diagram, and may or may not “agree” with the resistor polarities
(assumed current directions):

Fig.3.3

Using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law, we can now step around each of these loops, generating
equations representative of the component voltage drops and polarities. As with the Branch
Current method, we will denote a resistor's voltage drop as the product of the resistance (in
ohms) and its respective mesh current (that quantity being unknown at this point). Where two
currents mesh together, we will write that term in the equation with resistor current being the
sum of the two meshing currents. Tracing the left loop of the circuit, starting from the upper-left
corner and moving counter-clockwise (the choice of starting points and directions is ultimately
irrelevant), counting polarity as if we had a voltmeter in hand, red lead on the point ahead and
black lead on the point behind, we get this equation:

(3.1)

Notice that the middle term of the equation uses the sum of mesh currents I1 and I2 as the current
through resistor R2. This is because mesh currents I1 and I2 are going the same direction through
R2, and thus complement each other. Distributing the coefficient of 2 to the I1 and I2 terms, and
then combining I1 terms in the equation, we can simplify as such:

21
 At this time we have one equation with two unknowns. To be able to solve for two
unknown mesh currents, we must have two equations. If we trace the other loop of the circuit,
we can obtain another KVL equation and have enough data to solve for the two currents.
Creature of habit that I am, I'll start at the upper-left hand corner of the right loop and trace
counter-clockwise:

(3.2)

Simplifying the equation as before, we end up with: Now, with two

equations, we can use one of several methods to mathematically solve for the unknown currents
I1 and I2:

Knowing that these solutions are values for mesh currents, not branch currents, we must
go back to our diagram to see how they fit together to give currents through all components:

Fig.3.4

The solution of -1 amp for I2 means that our initially assumed direction of current was incorrect.
In actuality, I2 is flowing in a counter-clockwise direction at a value of (positive) 1 amp:

22
 Fig.3.5

This change of current direction from what was first assumed will alter the polarity of the
voltage drops across R2 and R3 due to current I2. From here, we can say that the current through
R1 is 5 amps, with the voltage drop across R1 being the product of current and resistance (E=IR),
20 volts (positive on the left and negative on the right). Also, we can safely say that the current
through R3 is 1 amp, with a voltage drop of 1 volt (E=IR), positive on the left and negative on
the right. But what is happening at R2? Mesh current I1 is going “up” through R2, while mesh
current I2 is going “down” through R2. To determine the actual current through R2, we must see
how mesh currents I1 and I2 interact (in this case they're in opposition), and algebraically add
them to arrive at a final value. Since I1 is going “up” at 5 amps, and I2 is going “down” at 1 amp,
the real current through R2 must be a value of 4 amps, going “up:”

Fig.3.6

A current of 4 amps through R2's resistance of 2 Ω gives us a voltage drop of 8 volts

(E=IR), positive on the top and negative on the bottom. The primary advantage of Mesh Current
analysis is that it generally allows for the solution of a large network with fewer unknown values
and fewer simultaneous equations. Our example problem took three equations to solve the
Branch Current method and only two equations using the Mesh Current method.

3.2 Node-Voltage Method

The node voltage method of analysis solves for unknown voltages at circuit nodes in terms
of a system of KCL equations. This analysis looks strange because it involves replacing voltage
sources with equivalent current sources. Also, resistor values in ohms are replaced by equivalent
conductance in Siemens, G = 1/R. The Siemens (S) is the unit of conductance, having replaced
the mho unit. In any event S = Ω-1. And S = mho (obsolete). We start with a circuit having
conventional voltage sources (Fig.3,7). A common node E0 is chosen as a reference point. The
node voltages E1 and E2 are calculated with respect to this point.
23
 Fig.3.7

A voltage source in series with a resistance (Fig.3.8a) must be replaced by an equivalent

current source in parallel with the resistance (Fig.3.8b). We will write KCL equations for each
node. The right hand side of the equation is the value of the current source feeding the node.

Fig.3.8

Replacing voltage sources and associated series resistors with equivalent current sources
and parallel resistors yields the modified circuit (Fig.3.9). Substitute resistor conductance in
Siemens for resistance in ohms.

I1 = E1/R1 = 10/2 = 5 A
I2 = E2/R5 = 4/1 = 4 A
G1 = 1/R1 = 1/2 Ω = 0.5 S
G2 = 1/R2 = 1/4 Ω = 0.25 S
G3 = 1/R3 = 1/2.5 Ω = 0.4 S
G4 = 1/R4 = 1/5 Ω = 0.2 S
G5 = 1/R5 = 1/1 Ω = 1.0 S

Fig.3.9

24
 The Parallel conductance’s (resistors) may be combined by addition of the conductance’s.
Though, we will not redraw the circuit. The circuit is ready for application of the node voltage
method.

GA = G1 + G2 = 0.5 S + 0.25 S = 0.75 S

GB = G4 + G5 = 0.2 S + 1 S = 1.2 S

Deriving a general node voltage method, we write a pair of KCL equations in terms of unknown
node voltages V1 and V2 this one time. We do this to illustrate a pattern for writing equations by
inspection.

GAE1 + G3(E1 - E2) = I1 (3.3)

GBE2 - G3(E1 - E2) = I2 (3.4)
(GA + G3 )E1 -G3E2 = I1 (3.3)
-G3E1 + (GB + G3)E2 = I2 (3.4)

The coefficients of the last pair of equations above have been rearranged to show a pattern.
The sum of conductance’s connected to the first node is the positive coefficient of the first
voltage in equation (3.3). The sum of conductance’s connected to the second node is the positive
coefficient of the second voltage in equation (3.4). The other coefficients are negative,
representing conductance’s between nodes. For both equations, the right hand side is equal to the
respective current source connected to the node. This pattern allows us to quickly write the
equations by inspection. This leads to a set of rules for the node voltage method of analysis.

3.3. Thevenin's Theorem

Thevenin's Theorem states that it is possible to simplify any linear circuit, no matter how
complex, to an equivalent circuit with just a single voltage source and series resistance connected
to a load. The qualification of “linear” is identical to that found in the Superposition Theorem,
where all the underlying equations must be linear (no exponents or roots). If we're dealing with
passive components (such as resistors, and later, inductors and capacitors), this is true. However,
there are some components (especially certain gas-discharge and semiconductor components)
which are nonlinear: that is, their opposition to current changes with voltage and/or current. As
such, we would call circuits containing these types of components, nonlinear circuits.

Thevenin's Theorem is especially useful in analyzing power systems and other circuits where
one particular resistor in the circuit (called the “load” resistor) is subject to change, and re-
calculation of the circuit is necessary with each

trial value of load resistance, to determine voltage across it and current through it. Let's take
another look at our example circuit:

25
 Fig.3.10

Let's suppose that we decide to designate R2 as the “load” resistor in this circuit. We
already have four methods of analysis at our disposal (Branch Current, Mesh Current, Millman's
Theorem, and Superposition Theorem) to use in determining voltage across R2 and current
through R2, but each of these methods are time-consuming. Imagine repeating any of these
methods over and over again to find what would happen if the load resistance changed (changing
load resistance is very common in power systems, as multiple loads get switched on and off as
needed. the total resistance of their parallel connections changing depending on how many are
connected at a time). This could potentially involve a lot of work! Thevenin's Theorem makes
this easy by temporarily removing the load resistance from the original circuit and reducing
what's left to an equivalent circuit composed of a single voltage source and series resistance. The
load resistance can then be re-connected to this “Thevenin equivalent circuit” and calculations
carried out as if the whole network were nothing but a simple series circuit:

Fig.3.11

. . . after Thevenin conversion . . .

Fig.3.12

26
 The “Thevenin Equivalent Circuit” is the electrical equivalent of B1, R1, R3, and B2 as seen
from the two points where our load resistor (R2) connects. The Thevenin equivalent circuit, if
correctly derived, will behave exactly the same as the original circuit formed by B1, R1, R3, and
B2. In other words, the load resistor (R2) voltage and current should be exactly the same for the
same value of load resistance in the two circuits. The load resistor R2 cannot “tell the difference”
between the original network of B1, R1, R3, and B2, and the Thevenin equivalent circuit of
EThevenin, and RThevenin, provided that the values for EThevenin and RThevenin have been calculated
correctly. The advantage in performing the “Thevenin conversion” to the simpler circuit, of
course, is that it makes load voltage and load current so much easier to solve than in the original
network. Calculating the equivalent Thevenin source voltage and series resistance is actually
quite easy. First, the chosen load resistor is removed from the original circuit, replaced with a
break (open circuit):

Fig.3.13

Next, the voltage between the two points where the load resistor used to be attached is
determined. Use whatever analysis methods are at your disposal to do this. In this case, the
original circuit with the load resistor removed is nothing more than a simple series circuit with
opposing batteries, and so we can determine the voltage across the open load terminals by
applying the rules of series circuits, Ohm's Law, and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law:

Fig.3.14

The voltage between the two load connection points can be figured from the one of the battery's
voltage and one of the resistor's voltage drops, and comes out to 11.2 volts. This is our
“Thevenin voltage” (EThevenin) in the equivalent circuit:

Fig.3.15
27
To find the Thevenin series resistance for our equivalent circuit, we need to take the original
circuit (with the load resistor still removed), remove the power sources (in the same style as we
did with the Superposition Theorem: voltage sources replaced with wires and current sources
replaced with breaks), and figure the resistance from one load terminal to the other:

Fig.3.16

With the removal of the two batteries, the total resistance measured at this location is equal to R1
and R3 in parallel: 0.8 Ω. This is our “Thevenin resistance” (RThevenin) for the equivalent circuit:

Fig.3.17

With the load resistor (2 Ω) attached between the connection points, we can determine
voltage across it and current through it as though the whole network were nothing more than a
simple series circuit:

Notice that the voltage and current figures for R2 (8 volts, 4 amps) are identical to those
found using other methods of analysis. Also notice that the voltage and current figures for the
Thevenin series resistance and the Thevenin source (total) do not apply to any component in the
original, complex circuit. Thevenin's Theorem is only useful for determining what happens to a
single resistor in a network: the load.

The advantage, of course, is that you can quickly determine what would happen to that
single resistor if it were of a value other than 2 Ω without having to go through a lot of analysis
again. Just plug in that other value for the load resistor into the Thevenin equivalent circuit and a
little bit of series circuit calculation will give you the result.

28
 4.Alternating Current Circuits

4.1. Equation of the Alternating Voltages and Currents

In general, an alternating current or voltage is one, the circuit direction of which reverses
at regularly recurring intervals.
The shape of the curve obtained by plotting the instantaneous of voltage or current as
ordinate against time as abscissa is called its waveform or wave shape.
An alternating current or voltage may not always take the form of symmetrical or smooth
wave. But while it is possible for the manufacturers to produce sine-wave generators or
alternators yet sine-wave is the ideal form thought by the designer and is the accepted standard.
The waves deviating from the standard sine wave are termed as distorted waves. (Fig.4.1).
Consider a rectangular coil having N turns
rotating in a uniform magnetic field with an
angular velocity  radian/second, as shown
in Fig.4.2. Let time be measured from x-axis.
Maximum flux Фм is linked with the coil
when its plane coincides with x-axis. In time
t seconds this coil rotates through an angle
 =  t. In this deflected position, the compo-
nent of the flux which is perpendicular to
Fig.4.1 the plane of the coil is Ф=Фм cos  t. Hence
y flux linkages” of the coil in this deflection
position are NФ= NФмCos  t.
Φm According to Faraday’s law of Electro-
magnetic Induction, the e.m.f. induced in the
Φmcosθ θ=ωt x x coil is given by the rate of change of flux-
linkages of the coil. Hence, the value of the
ω ? induced e.m.f. at this instant (i.e. when
 =  t) or the instantaneous value of the
induced e.m.f. is
Fig.4.2

d d
e=-(NФ)=-N (Фmcos  t)=-  N Фm (-sin  t)=
dt dt
=  N Фm sin  t=  N Фmsin  (4.1)
When the coil has turned through 90 i.e. when  =90 , then sin  =1, hence “e” has
o o

maximum value, say Em. Therefore we get

Em=  N Фm =  N Bm A=2  fNBm A, (volt) (4.2)

where Bm – maximum flux density in wb/m2,

A – area of the coil in m2,
f – frequency of rotation of the coil in rev/s.
Substituting this value of Em in Eq. (4.1) we get
e=Emsin  =Emsin  t (4.3)
29
 Similarly, the equation of the induced alternating current is
i=Imsin  t (4.4)
provided the coil circuit has been closed through a resistive load.
Since  =2  f, where f is the frequency of rotation of the coil, the above equations of the
voltage and current can be written as
2
e= Emsin 2  ft= Emsin( ) t, (4.5)
T
2
i= Imsin 2  ft= Imsin( ) t, (4.6)
T
where T time-period of the alternating current or voltage is
1
T= (4.7)
f

It is clearly seen that induced e.m.f. is sine function of the time angle  t and when e.m.f.
is plotted against time, a curve similar to one shown in Fig.4.3 is obtained.

Fig.4.3

This curve is known as sine curve and the e.m.f. which varies in this manner is known as
sinusoidal e.m.f.
The main characteristics of a sinusoidal quantity are as follows:
Cycle. – One complete set of positive and negative values of an alternating quantity is
known as a cycle.
A cycle may also be sometimes specified in terms of angular measure. In that case, one
complete cycle is said to spread over 360o or 2  radians.
Time period. The time taken by an alternating quantity to complete one cycle is called its
1
time period T. For example, a 50 Hz alternating current has a time period of =0.002 sec.
50
Frequency. The number of cycles/second is called the frequency of the alternating
quantity.
In fact, the frequency of the alternating voltage produced is a function of the speed and the
number of the poles of the alternator. The relation connecting the above three quantities is given
by
pN
f  , (4.8)
120
where N is revolution in r.p.m.
p is number of poles.
30
 Amplitude. The maximum value, positive or negative, of an alternating quantity is known as its
amplitude.

4.2. Phase and Phase Difference

By phase of alternating current is meant the fraction of the time period of that a.c. that had
elapsed since it last passed through the zero position of reference. For example the phase of
T
current at a point A is second, where T is the time period or expressed in terms of angle, it is
4

radian (Fig.4.3). In electrical engineering, we are however more concerned with relative
2
phases i.e. phase differences between different alternating quantities rather than with their
absolute phases.

Fig. 4.4 Fig.4.5

The three sinusoidal waves are shown in Fig.4.5. It is clearly seen that curves B and C are
displaced from curve A by angles  and (    ) respectively.
Hence, it means that phase difference between A and B is  and between B and C is  ,
but between A and C is (    ). The statement, however, does not give indication as to which
e.m.f. reaches its maximum value first. This deficiency is supplied by using the term “lag” or
“lead”.
A leading alternating quantity is one which reaches its maximum (or zero) value earlier as
compared with the other quantity.
Similarly a lagging alternating quantity is one which reaches its maximum or zero value
later than the other quantity.
For example, in Fig.4.5 B lags behind A by  and C lags behind A by (    ).
The three equations for the instantaneous e.m.f.s in the Fig.4.5 are
eA = Emsin  t
eB = Emsin(  t-  )
eC = Emsin   t-(  -  ) 
In Fig.4.6 quantity B leads A by an angle Ф. Hence their equations are:
vA = Vmsin  t
vB = Vmsin(  t+ Ф)

31
 Fig.4.6 Fig.4.7

A plus (+) sign when used in connection phase difference denotes “lead”, whereas a minus (-)
sign denotes “lag”.
If the two alternating (sinusoidal) quantities reach their maximum and zero values at the same
time (i.e. they have equal phases) as shown in Fig.4.7 such quantities are said to be in phase with
each other.

4.3. Root-Mean Square (R.M.S) Value

The r.m.s. value of an alternating current is given by that steady current (d.c) which when
flowing through a given circuit for a given time produces the same heat as produced by the
alternating current when flowing through the same circuit for the same time.
It is also known as the effective or virtual value of a.c.
The standard form of a sinusoidal alternating current is
i = Imsin  t = Imsin 
The mean of squares of the instantaneous values of current over one cycle is
2
1
i d (integral of i squared with respect to  )
2

2 0

The square root of this value is

2
1

2 0
i 2 d

Hence, the r.m.s. value of the alternating current is

2
I m 2 2
2
1
2 0

2 0
sin d (putting i=I m sin  )
2
I= i d =
1
Now sin   2 (1  cos 2 ) and
2

2 2
sin 2
2 2 2
Im Im Im Im I
 (1  cos 2 )d 
2
I=   2   m
4 4 4
0
0
2 2 2

or I=0.707 Im (4.9)

32
 Hence, we find that for a symmetrical sinusoidal current r.m.s. value of current is equal to
0.707 multiply by a maximum value of current.
The r.m.s. value of an alternating current is of considerable importance in practice, because the
ammeters and voltmeters record the r.m.s. values of alternating current and voltages respectively.
In electrical engineering work, unless indicated otherwise, the values of the given current and
voltage are always taken as the r.m.s. values.
It should be noted that average heating produced during one cycle is
I 1 2
RI 2  ( m ) 2 R  I m (4.10)
2 2

4.4. Average Value

The average value Iav of alternating current is expressed by that steady current which transfers
across one circuit the same charge as is transferred by that alternating current.
In any case of symmetrical alternating current (i.e. one whose two half-cycles are exactly
similar, whether sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal), the average value over a complete cycle is zero.
Hence, in their case, the average value is obtained by integrating the instantaneous value of
current over half- cycle only. But in the case of unsymmetrical alternating current (like half-
wave rectified current) the average value must always be taken over the whole cycle.
The standard equation of an alternating current is
i=ImsinA

1 Im  I Im 2I m
 

Iav= id  sin dA  m  cos    1 1
 0 0  0   
0

Iav= twice the max.current/  or

Iav=0.638 Im (4.11)

4.5. Vector Representation of Alternating Quantities

It has already been pointed out that an attempt is made to obtain alternating voltages and
currents having sine wave forms. It is, however, cumbersome continuously to handle the
instantaneous values in the form of equations of waves like e=Emsin(  t+ e ), etc.
A conventional method is to employ vector method of representing these sine waves. These
vectors may then manipulated instead of the sine functions to achieve the desired result.
In fact vectors are a short-hand for the representation of sinusoidal voltages and currents and
their use greatly simplifies the problems in a.c. work. A vector quantity is a principal quantity
which has both magnitude and direction. Such
vector quantity is completely known only
when particulars of its magnitude, direction
and since in which it acts, are given. They are
graphically represented by straight lines
called vectors. The length of the line
represents the magnitude of the alternating
Fig.4.8

33
quantity, the inclination of the line with respect to some axis of reference gives the direction of
that quantity and than arrow-head placed at one end indicates the direction in which the quantity
acts.
The alternating voltages and currents are represented by such vectors rotating counter-
clockwise with the same frequency as that of alternating quantity.
In Fig.4.8 OP is such a vector which represents the maximum value of the a.c. and its angle
with x-axis gives its phase. Let the a.c. be represented by the equation i = Imsin t . It will be
seen that the projection of OP on y-axis at any instant gives the instantaneous value of that
alternating current.
or OM = OP sin t
I = OP sin t = Im sin t
In will be noted that a line OP can be made to represent an alternating current or voltage only if
it satisfies the following conditions:
(1) Its length should be equal to that maximum value of the sinusoidal alternating
quantity to a suitable scale.
(2) It should be in the horizontal position at the same instant as the alternating
quantity is zero and increasing positively.
(3) Its angular velocity should be such that it completes one revolution in the same
time as taken by the alternating quantity to complete one cycle.
Instead of using maximum value as above it is more common practice to draw vector diagrams
using r.m.s. values of alternating quantities. But it should be understood that in that case, the
projection of the rotating vector on the y-axis does not give the instantaneous value of that
alternating quantity.

4.6. Vector Diagrams of Sine Waves of Time Quantities

Two or more sine waves of the same frequency can be shown on the same vector diagram
because the various vectors representing different waves all rotate counter-clockwise at the same
frequency and so maintain a fixed position relative to each other. This is illustrated in Fig.9.9,
where a voltage Em and current I of the same frequency are shown. The current wave is supposed
to pass upward through zero at the instant when t=0 while at the same time the voltage wave has
already advanced by the angle  from its zero value. Hence, their equations can be written as
i = Imsin t , e = Emsin( t +  ).
Sine waves of different frequencies cannot be represented on the same vector diagram in a
still picture because due to difference in speed of different vectors, the phase angles between
them will be continuously changing.

(a) ( b)
Fig.4.9
34
 4.7 Addition of Two Alternating Quantities

In Fig.4.10 are shown two rotating vectors representing the maximum values of two
sinusoidal voltage waves represented by
e1=E m1 sin t and e 2 =e m2 sin( t - e ).
It is seen that the sum of the two waves of the same frequency is another sine wave of the same
frequency but of a different maximum value and phase. the value of the instantaneous resultant
voltage v at any instant is obtained by algebraically adding the projections of the two vectors on
the y-axis. If these projections are v1 and v2 than v=v1 + v2 at that time.
The resultant curve has been drawn in this way by adding the ordinates. It is found that the
resultant wave is a sine wave of the same frequency as the component waves but lagging behind
Em1 by an angle . The vector diagram of Fig.4.10 can be very easily drawn: Lay off Em2
lagging  e behind Em1 and than complete the parallelogram. So Em is obtained.

a) b)
Fig.4.10

4.8. A.C. Through Pure Resistance Only

The circuit is shown in Fig.4.11. Let now consider that the circuit contains a resistance
only and the applied voltage be given by the equation
v=Vmsin t . (4.12)
Let R- is the ohmic resistance
i- is an instantaneous current
Obviously, the applied voltage has to overcame ohmic voltage drop only. Hence for
equilibrium
v=Ri
Putting the value of v from above, we get Vmsin t =Ri
V
or i= m sin t (4.13)
R
R

i
v

Fig.4.11

35
Current I is maximum when sin t is unity.
Vm
Im  (4.14)
R
or, for r.m.s. values of the current and voltage
V
I (4.15)
R
Hence, equation (4.13) becomes
i  I m sin t (4.16)
Comparing Eq. (4.16) and (4. 12), we find that the alternating voltage and current in the circuit
with pure resistance are in phase with each other, as shown in Fig.4.12.a. It is shown by phasors
V and I Fig.4.12.b.

I V

a) b)
Fig.4.12

Power. Instantaneous power

Vm I m
p  vi  Vm I m sin 2 t  (1  cos 2t ) ,
2
or, substituting Vm  2V and I m  2 I , we get
p  V I (1  cos 2t ) (4.17)
Power consists in a constant part VI and fluctuating part  VI cos 2t of frequency doubly
that of voltage and current waves. For a complete cycle, the average value of VI cos 2t is zero.
Hence, power for whole cycle is
T
1 Vm I m V2
P   pdt   VI  RI 
2
(4.18)
T0 2 R
It is seen from Eq. (4.17) that no part of the power cycle becomes negative at any time.
This is because the instantaneous values of voltage and current are always either both positive or
negative and hence the product is always positive. In other words, the power supplied to the
terminals is always absorbed by the resistor and the energy absorbed is dissipated by the resistor
in the form of heat.
36
 4.9. A.C. Through Inductance Only

Whenever an alternating voltage is applied to a pure inductive coil a back e.m.f. is

produced due to the self-inductance of coil.
(By pure inductance is meant one has no ohmic resistance and hence no RI2 loss. Pure
inductance is actually not attainable through it is very nearly approached by a coil wound with
such thick wire that its resistance is negligible. If it has some actual resistance then it is
represented by a separate equivalent resistance joined in series with it).

i
v

Fig.4.13

This back e.m.f., at every step, opposes the rise or fall of current through the coil. As there
is no ohmic voltage drop, the applied voltage has to overcome this self-induced e.m.f. only. So,
at every step
t
di 1
vL and i   vdt  i(0) (4.19)
dt L0
Now
v  Vm sin t ,
and, supposing i (0) =0, the current flowing through the inductance will be
1
t
Vm t V V 
i   vdt   sin tdt  m ( cos t )  m sin(t  ) (4.20)
L0 L 0 L L 2
The maximum value of i is
Vm
Im  (4.21)
L
or, dividing both sides by 2 , for the r.m.s. values of the current an the voltage we get
V
I (4.22)
L
Here x L  L (ohm) (4.23)
plays the part of resistance. It is called the inductive reactance of the coil.
Hence, equation of the current becomes

i  I m sin(t  ) (4.24)
2
So, we find that the current flowing through a pure inductive coil lags the applied voltage

by a quarter cycles or phase difference between the two is with voltage leading. (Fig.4.14.,
2
a,b).
37
 V
90

(a) (b)
Fig.4.14

Power. Instantaneous power

 V I
p=vi= Vm I m sin t sin(t  )  Vm I m sin t cos t   m m sin 2t  VI sin 2t (4.25)
2 2
Here, again it is seen that power wave is a sinewave of frequency double that of voltage
Vm I m
and current waves. The maximum value of the instantaneous power is  VI
2
During the quarters of a period when the current and voltage have the same signs, the
instantaneous power is positive and energy is stored in the magnetic field of the inductive
element. However, during the quarters of a period when v and I have different signs the
instantaneous power is negative, which means that instead of drawing energy from the source,
the inductor supplies to the source.
Power for the whole cycle is zero
T
P  VI  sin 2tdt  0 (4.26)
0

which means that the average demand of power from the supply for a complete cycle is zero.

4.10. A.C Through Pure Capacitor

By a pure capacitor or capacitance is meant one that has neither resistance nor dielectric
loss. If there is loss in capacitor then it may be represented by loss in comparatively high
resistance joined in parallel with the pure capacitor. Let v(t ) be the voltage across the capacitor
at any instant and q(t ) - the charge at that instant.
C
i
q

V(t)

Fig.4.15

Then, according to the equation

dq(t ) dv(t )
i (t )  C (4.27)
dt dt
putting the value of v  Vm sin t , we get
38
 dv d
iC  C (Vm sin t )  C cos t
dt dt
Vm  
or i sin(t  )  I m sin(t  ) (4.28)
1 2 2
Vm C V
Im  I
Obviously 1 (4.29)and 1 (4.30)
C C
The denominator is known as capacitive reactance in ohms, if C is in farads and  in
rad/sec. It is denoted
1
Xc  (4.31)
C
It is seen that if applied voltage is given by v  Vm sin t , then current is given by

i  I m sin(t  )
2 I

90 v
0
b)
a)

Fig.4.16

Hence, we find that the current in pure capacitor leads its voltage by a quarter cycle or

phase difference between its voltage and current is with current leading (Fig.4.16.a). Vector
2
representation is given in Fig.4.16., b.
Power. Instantaneous power is
 V I
p  vi  Vm I m sin t sin(t  )  Vm I m sin t cos t  m m sin 2t  VI sin 2t (3.32)
2 2
Power for the whole cycle
T
P  VI  sin 2tdt  0 (3.33)
0

We find that in purely capacitive circuit, the average demand of power from supply is zero
(as in purely inductive circuit). Again it is seen that power wave is a sine wave of frequency
double that of the voltage and current waves. The maximum value of the instantaneous power is
Vm I m
 VI . In capacitive element, the instantaneous power is positive during the interval when
2
the applied voltage is increasing in magnitude (irrespective its direction). During this interval,
the capacitor is being charged, and its electric field is storing energy. When the applied voltage is
decreasing in magnitude, the instantaneous power is negative. Now the capacitor is discharging,
and the energy stored up in its electric field is returned to the source.

39
 4.11. Resistance, Inductance and Capacitance in Series

A pure resistance R (  ), a pure inductance of L (Hn) and pure capacitance of C (F)

connected in series are shown in Fig.4.17.

R
. .

VR V
V VC
L
L

.
C

Fig.4.17

Let V be r.m.s. value of applied voltage, I- r.m.s. value of resultant current,

VR=RI – voltage drop across R (in phase with I),

VL=XLI – voltage drop across coil L (leading I by ),
2

VC=XCI – voltage drop across C (lagging I by ).
2
These voltage drops are shown in phasor diagram of Fig.4.18. It is seen that VL and VC
are 180o out of phase with each other, i.e. they are in direct
opposition to each other. Moreover, it has been assumed that VL is greater than VC in magnitude.

VL
V
A

V -VC V
L
 I
B
O
VR
VC
Fig.4.18

Subtracting VC from V L we get the net reactive drop

VL – VC = (XL- XC) I
The applied voltage V is represented by the phasor sum of V R and VL  VC .
Hence,
V  VR  (VL  VC ) 2 =
2
( RI ) 2  ( X L I  X C I ) 2 = R 2

 ( X L  X C )2 I 2 =

= R 2  ( X L  X C ) 2 I = ZI (4.34)

40
or
V V V
I   (4.35)
R  (X L  XC )
2
1 2 Z
R  (L 
2
)
C
The term
1 2
Z  R 2  ( X L  X C ) 2  R 2  (L  ) (4.36)
C
is known as the impedance of the a.c. circuit and the Eq. (4.35) represents Ohm’s law for such
circuit.
1
X  X L  X C  L  (4.37)
C
is the net reactance.
Phase angle is given by
1
L 
VL  VC X L  X C C  X
tan     (4.38)
VR R R R
Hence, if applied voltage is given by
v  Vm sin t ,
then current equation is
i  I m sin(t   ) (see Fig.4.19)
1
Remember that X C  is taken as negative. Therefore, when X L  X C , then X  0,   0
C
and a circuit is inductive in its effect, the current I lags behind the voltage in phase. When
X L  X C , then X  0,   0 , and the circuit is capacitive in its effect, the current in the circuit
leads the voltage in phase. On the phasor diagram the positive value of the phase angle  are
counted counterclockwise from the current phasor I ; its negative value are counted clockwise.
1
When inductive reactance is equal to the capacitive reactance X L  X C or L  , the
C
phase displacement   0 ; the impedance of the circuit is a minimum Z  R , and the r.m.s.
V
current is maximum: I  .
R
The condition in a single-loop circuit containing an inductive element L , a capacitive
element C and a resistive element R (Fig.4.17) such that   0 ( u   i ), that is when the
current and the voltage are in phase is called series (or voltage) resonance. The angular
1
frequency at which the above condition ( L  ) is observed is called the resonant frequency
C
1
of the circuit  res  .
LC
From the phasor diagram of Fig.4.18 we can also obtain the following relationships:
R
cos   ; R  Z cos  (4.39)
Z

41
 X
sin   ; X  Z sin  (4.40)
Z
X
tan   ; X  R tan  (4.41)
R
where Z  R 2  X 2 .

Fig.4.19

4.12. Instantaneous, Active, Reactive and Apparent Power

of an A.C. Circuit

Assume that the voltage across and the current in a circuit (i.e. the passive one-port) are
given by
v  Vm sin t and i  I m sin(t   )
and find the instantaneous power in the circuit:

p  vi  Vm I m sin t sin(t   )  m m cos   cos(2t   )  VI cos   cos(2t   )

V I
(4.42)
2
Obviously, this power consists of two parts: a constant part VI cos  and a pulsating
component VI cos(2t   ) , which has a frequency twice that of voltage and current.
Hence, the average power in a passive one-port over a period is given by
T T
pdt   VI cos   cos(2t   )dt  VI cos  ,
1 1
P
T0 T0
(4.43)

T
as  VI cos(2t   )dt  0
0

Equation (4.43) defines the active (or true) power in a circuit. It is seen to be proportional
to the r.m.s. values of voltage and current, and cos  is called the power factor. It should be
noted that the active (or true) power is always positive and is independent of the sign of phase
difference  . It determines the energy conditions in a passive circuit in general, that is, the
average rate of the irreversible conversion of energy in all resistive element of the passive
circuit.
As was mentioned above
R X
cos   (or tan   ) (4.44)
Z R
42
 On substituting for cos  in Eq. (4.44), we obtain one more expression for the active (true)
power
VIR
P  VI cos    RI 2
Z
(4.45)
It should be noted that the product of the r.m.s. values of the voltage between the source
terminals V  E , and the source current I defines apparent power of the source
S  VI  EI  ZI 2 (4.46)
Active (true power is measured in watts, and apparent power in volt-amperes (VA). In
power engineering, it is usual to measure apparent power in kilovolt-amperes, KVA.
Apparent power defines the service capabilities of many pieces of electric equipments
(generators, transformers, electric machines and the like). As an example, for a generator the
apparent power is equal to its maximum active (true) power that could be developed at cos   1 .
For most loads, however, cos   1 . Therefore, the capacity of a source is not fully utilized.
For a proper analysis of power and energy relations in a circuit we introduce the concept of
the reactive power of the source:
Q  EI sin   VI sin  (4.46)
By introducing reactive power, we can represent all the physical processes occur in all the
X
inductive and capacitive elements of a passive circuit. Since sin   , we get
Z
Q  VI sin   XI 2
(4.47)
The reactive power may be positive or negative, depending on the sign of the angle  .
( Q  0, when  0 ) and ( Q  0, if  0 ).
By comparing Eqs. (4.43) through (4.47), it is easy to see the following relation between
the active, reactive and apparent power
S 2  V 2 I 2  (VI cos  ) 2  (VI sin  ) 2  P 2  Q 2
or S  P2  Q2 (4.48)

4.13. Parallel (G,L,C) Circuit

Fig. 4.20 shows an electric circuit which is a parallel combination of a resistive element, an
inductive element and a capacitive element. Let the applied voltage be
v  Vm sin t  2V sin t ,
where V is the r.m.s. value of this voltage.
I
IR IL IC

V R I L C

Fig.4.20

43
 The r.m.s. values of the currents flowing through the branches can be represented as
follows:
V
I R   GV - current in R (in phase with V ),
R
V 
IL   BLV - current in L (lagging V by ),
L 2
V 
IC   BCV - current in C (leading V by ),
1 2
C
where
1
G is the conductance of the resistive element,
R
1
BL  - inductive susceptance, and
L
Bc  C - capacitive susceptance
These currents are shown in phasor diagram of Fig.4.21, assuming that I L  I C .

IC
IR V
I L- I C 

IC I

IL
Fig.4.21

It is seen that I L and I C are 180 0 out of phase with each other, i.e. they are in direct
opposition to each other.
Subtracting I C from I L we get the net reactive current
I L  I C  ( BL  BC )V
The total circuit current is represented by the sum I R and ( I L  I C ) .
Hence,
I  I R  ( I L  I C ) 2  (GV ) 2  ( BLV  BCV ) 2  G 2  ( BL  BC ) 2 V  yV
2
(4.49)
The term
1
y  G 2  ( BL  BC ) 2  G 2  (  C ) 2 (4.50)
L
is known as the admitance of the a.c. circuit and the Eq.3.49 represents Ohm’s law for such
circuit.
1
B  BL  BC   C (4.51)
L

44
is the net susceptance.
The phase difference is given by
1
 C
I L  I C L B
tan     (4.52)
IR G G
Hence, if the applied voltage is given by
v  Vm sin t
then the current will be
i  I msin(t   )  yVm sin(t   )
Remember that BC  C is taken as negative.
Therefore, when BL  BC , i.e. B  0,   0 , and, a current is inductive in its effect, the
voltage leads the current in phase. When BL  BC , i.e. B  0,   0 , the current is capacitive in
its effect, the voltage lags behind the current in phase.
When the inductive susceptance BL and capacitive susceptance BC are equal to
1
each other BL  BC , (  C ) , the phase difference   0 ; the admittance of the circuit is a
L
minimum y  G and the r.m.s. current is minimum: I  GV .
The condition in a parallel ( R, L, C ) circuit containing an inductive element L , a
capacitive element C and a resistive element R ,(Fig.4.20) such that   0( BL  BC ) , that is
when the current and the voltage are in phase, is called parallel (or current) resonance.
1
Obviously, the resonant frequency is  0  , as in the case of the voltage resonance.
LC
From the phasor diagram of Fig.3.20, we can also obtain the following relationships:
G
cos   , G  Y cos  (4.53)
Y
B
sin   , B  Y sin  (4.54)
Y
B
tan   , B  G tan 
G
(4.55)

4.14. Transformation of a Series Circuit into a Parallel Circuit

The analysis of electric circuit can sometimes be markedly simplified by transforming a

series connection into an equivalent parallel connection or vice versa. (Fig.4.22,a and b).
Two circuits are said to be equivalent if the input current I an the phase displacement 
between the voltage V and the current I are the same for both circuits, provided the voltage V
across the terminals of the both circuits is the same.

45
 R
I
I

0
V X == V B G

R
I
a) I

 0
V X == V B G

b)
Fig.4.22

Comparing the expressions (4.39) and (4.40) (§ 4.11) to the expressions (4.53) and (4.54)
(§4.13), respectively, and taking into account the obvious relationship between the impedance Z
and admittance Y
V 1 I 1
 Z  , Y  (4.56)
I Y V Z
R G
we get cos    (4.57)
Z Y
X B
sin    (4.58)
Z Y
From Eqs.(4.57) and (4.58) it follows that conductance’s and susceptances of the elements
connected in parallel can be expressed in terms of the resistances of the elements connected in
series in the following manner
R R
G 2  2 , (4.59)
Z R X2
X X
B 2  2 (4.60)
Z R X2
Similarly, we can convert a parallel circuit into an equivalent series circuit with the help of
the expressions given below:
G G
R 2  2 (4.61)
Y G  B2
B B
X  2  2 (4.62)
Y G  B2

4.15. A.C. Series-Parallel Circuit

An example of the a.c. series-parallel circuit to be calculated is shown in Fig.4.23,a.

The procedure leading to the impedance of the circuit is as follows.
The first step is to find the equivalent conductance’s and susceptances of the parallel
branches connected between points a and b by formulas:
46
 R2 X C2
G2  , B2  ,
R2  X C 2 R2  X C 2
2 2 2 2

R3 X L3
G3  , B3  .
R3  X L 3 R3  X L 3
2 2 2 2

The circuit obtained after transformation is shown in Fig.4.23,b.

The second step: calculation of the equivalent conductance Gab , susceptance Bab
and admittance Yab of the parallel part:
I R1 X L! I R1 X L!
1 a I3 1 a

I I 2 I3
2

V1 R2 R3 V 1
B
C2
G
2
V G B
V L3
3

X X
C1 L3 V ab
V ab

b
b

(a) (b)
I R1 X L! I R 1 X L!
1 a 1 a

I 2 R ab
V 1 V 1

G Vab
ab B
V ab V
B
ab
V ab

b b

(c) (d)
I R
1

V1

I2
V
X 0
V
I
1

I V ab
3

(e) (f)

Fig.4.23

Bab   BC 2  BL3 , Yab  Gab  Bab

2 2
G ab  G 2  G3 , (supposing BC 2  BL3 )
The corresponding circuit is shown in Fig.4.23,c.
The third step: now the branch ab, containing conductance Gab and susceptance Bab in
parallel must be converted into the equivalent branch containing element Rab and X ab ,
connected in series:
Gab Bab
Rab  2
, X ab  2
Yab Yab

Z ab  Rab  X ab
2 2

(see Fig.4.23,d)
47
 The fourth step: calculating of the equivalent parameters of the given circuit (Fig.4.23,a):
R  R1  Rab , X  X L1  X ab , Z  R 2  X 2 (supposing X L1  X ab ).
The equivalent circuit is represented in Fig.4.23,e.
The r.m.s. values of the currents, voltages and phase differences between them can be
calculated by Ohm’s law:
V X
I1  , tan   ;
Z R
X
V1  Z1 I1  R1  X L1 I1 , tan 1  L1 ;
2 2

R1
I1 X ab
Vab  Z ab I 1  , tan  ab  ;
Yab Rab
Vab Vab X C2
I2   , tan  2  ;
Z2 R2  X C 2 R2
2 2

Vab Vab X L3
I3   , tan  3  .
Z3 R3  X L 3 R3
2 2

A current and voltage phasor diagram for the circuit in question is shown in Fig.4.23,f.

4.16. Three Phase Circuits. Generation of Three-phase Voltages

The kind of alternating currents and voltages discussed in previous chapter are known as
single-phase voltages and current; because they consist of a single alternating current and
voltage wave.
Three-phase e.m.f.’s are generated by means of the three-phase alternator, which as distinct
from a singl-phase generator consists of the three independent armature windings, which are
120 o electrical degrees apart (Fig.4.24). Hence, the e.m.f.’s induced in the three windings are
120 o apart in time phase.(as is represented in Fig.5.24,a). Each wave is assumed to be sinusoidal
and having maximum value of E m .
Equations of these waves are

ea  Em sin t (4.63)
eb  Em sin(t  120 o ) (4.64)
ec  Em sin(t  240 o ) (4.65)

Fig.4.24 Fig.4.24,a
48
 In the Fig.4.25 are shown the three vectors representing the r.m.s. voltages of the three
phases: Ea , Eb , Ec . In present case Ea  Eb  Ec  E .
It can be shown by adding of the corresponding three vectors, that the sum of the three-
phase e.m.f.’s is zero (Fig.4.25).

Ec

120 Ea

120
120

Eb

Fig.4.25

The three phases may be numbered 1,2,3, or a,b,c, or as is customary, they may be given
three colours. The colours used commercially are red, yellow and blue. In that case sequence is
R,Y,B. Obviously, in any three phase system there are two possible sequences in which three
coil or phase voltages may pass through their maximum value i.e. 1, 2, 3 (or a,b,c; R,Y,B) or
1,3,2 (a,c,b; R,B,Y). By convention a,b,c is regarded as positive sequence and a,c,b as negative
sequence.

4.17 Interconnection of Three Phases

If the three armature coils of the 3-phase alternator are not interconnected but are kept
separate as shown in Fig.4.26, then each phase or circuit would need two conductors, the total
number in that case being six. It means that each transmission cable would contain six
conductors which will make the whole system complicated and expensive. Hence, the three
phases are, generally, interconnected which results in substantial saving of copper. The general
methods of interconnection are :
(a) Star or Wye( Y ) connection and (b) Mesh or Delta (  ) connection.
1
FIN

E L1
R

2
ST
3
FIN

L2
E
Y

4
ST 5
FIN

EY

6
ST

Fig.4.26
49
 4.18. Star connection

In this method of interconnection, the similar ends, say, “start” ends of three coils ( it could
be “finishing” ends also) are joned together at point N as shown in Fig.4.28.
The point N is known as star point or “neutral” point. The three conductors meeting at
point N are replaced by a single conductor known as neutral conductor as shown in Fig.3.28.
Such an interconnected system is known as four-wire 3-phase system and is diagrammatically
shown in fig.4.28.
IR IR
f f

E
R

IR IN
S IB N I
S
S IY

E f IY
E Y
f IY f B
f IB
IB

Fig.4.27 Fig.4.28

The point N is known as star point or “neutral” point. The three conductors meeting at
point N are replaced by a single conductor known as neutral conductor as shown in Fig.3.28.
Such an interconnected system is known as four-wire 3-phase system and is diagrammatically
shown in fig.4.28.
If this 3-phase voltage is applied across a balanced symmetrical load, the neutral wire will
be carrying three currents which are exactly equal in magnitude but are 120 o out of phase with
each other. Hence, their vector sum is zero, i.e.
I R  IY  I B  0
The neutral wire, in that case may be omitted. The p.d. between any terminal (or line)
neutral (or star) point gives the phase or star voltage. But the p.d. between any two lines gives
the line voltage.

4.19 . Voltage and Currents in Star Connection

The voltage induced in each winding is called the “phase” voltage and current in each
winding is likewise known as “phase” current. However, the voltage available between any pair
of terminals (or outers) is called line voltage ( V L ) and the current flowing in each line is called
line current ( I L ).
As seen from Fig.4.29, in this form of interconnection, there are two phase windings
between each pair of terminals, but since their ends have been joined together, they are in
opposition. Obviously, the instantaneous value of p.d. between any two terminals is difference of
the two phase e.m.f.’s concerned. However, the r.m.s. value of this p.d. is given by the vector
difference of two phase e.m.f’s. The vector diagram for phase voltages and currents in a star
connection is shown in Fig.4.30, where a balanced system has been assumed.
50
 LINE 1 ER

IR
ER


LINE 2
IB


E E
Y
B


LINE 3 EB IY
E
Y

Fig.4.29 Fig.4.30

A 3-phase balanced load is that in which the loads connected across three phases are
identical in magnitude and phase).
It means that E R  EY  E ph
Line voltage V RY between line 1 and line 2 is vector difference of E R and E Y
VRY  E R  EY (3.66)
Similarly VYB  EY  E B (3.67)
VBR  E B  E R (3.68)
Hence V RY is found by compounding E R and E Y reversed and its value is given by the
diagonal of the parallelogram of Fig.4.31.
Obviously, the angle between ER and EY reversed is 60 o . Hence if
E R  EY  E B  E ph , then
60 3
VRY  2 E ph cos  2 E ph  3E ph (4.69)
2 2

Similarly VYB  EY  E B  3E ph (4.70)

VBR  E B  E R  3E ph (4.71)
Now VRY  VYB  VBR  3E ph (4.72)
E RY

ER

-E B
- EY
30
120
E BR
120

120

EB
E
Y

-ER

E
YB

Fig.4.31
51
 From Fig.4.31 it should be noted that
(a) Line voltages are 120 o apart,
(b) Line voltages are 30 o ahead of their respective phase voltages,
(c) The angle between the line current and the corresponding line
voltages is (30 o   ) with current lagging.
From Fig.4.28 it is seen that each line is in series with its individual phase winding, hence,
the line current in each line is the same as the current in the phase winding to which it is
connected.
Current in line 1= I R , current in line 2= I Y , current in line 3= I B . Since
I R  I Y  I B  I ph line current I L  I ph .
Power. The total power in the circuit is the sum of three phase power. hence
P  3Pph  3E ph I ph cos  (4.73)
If we take into account that
VL
E ph 
and I ph  I L
3
Hence, in terms of line values the above expression becomes
V
P  3 L I L cos   3VL I L cos  (4.74)
3
It should be noted that  is angle between phase voltage and line (phase) current.

4.20. Delta (  ) or Mesh Connection

In this form of interconnection, the dissimilar ends of the three-phase windings are joined
together i.e. the “starting” end of one phase is joined to the “finishing” end of the other phase
and so on as shown in Fig.4.32a,b. In other words, the three windings are joined in series to form
a closed mesh as shown in Fig.4.32,a.
Three leads are taken out from the three junctions as shown in Fig.4.32,b and outward
directions are taken as positive.

S
IR - I B
R

IB f IB
IR
I R V
RY
IY VBR
S
S f IY - I R
f B
V YB
IY
IB- IY
Y

(a) (b)
Fig.4.32
It might look as if this sort of interconnection results in short circuiting the three windings.
However, if the system is balanced, then the sum of three voltages around the closed mesh is
zero, hence, no current of fundamental frequency can flow around the mesh when the terminals
are open. It should be clearly understood that at any instant, the e.m.f. in one phase is equal and
opposite to the resultant of those in the other two phases.
52
 This type of connection is also referred to as 3-phase, 3-wire system.
From Fig.4.32, b it is seen that there is only one phase winding completely included
between any pair of terminals. Hence, in  - connection, the voltage between any pair of lines is
equal to the phase voltage of the phase winding connected between the two lines considered.
Since phase sequence is RYB ( a, b, c or 1,2,3 ), hence the voltage having its positive direction
from R to Y leads by 120 o on that having its positive direction from Y to B . Calling the
voltage between lines 1 and 2 as VRY and that between lines 2 and 3 as VYB , we find that VRY leads
VYB by 120 o . Similarly, VYB leads VBR by 120 o as shown in Fig.4.33.

V RY

I - IY
B
I
R
IR -IB

I
B

VBR V
YB
I
Y

I - IR
Y

Fig.4.33

Let, VRY = VYB = VBR = V L (line voltage), than it is seen that V L = V ph From Fig.4.33 it will be
seen that current in each line is the difference of the two phase currents flowing through that line.
For example, current in line 1 is:
I1  I R  IY , (4.75)
That in line 2
I2  IY  I B (4.76)
And in line 3
I3  IB  IR (4.78)
Current in line 1 is found by compounding I R with I B reversed and its value is given by
diagonal of the parallelogram of Fig.4.33. The angle between I R and I B reversed (i.e. - I B ) is
60 o . If I A  I B  I C  I ph (phase currents) then currents in the line No.1 is

60 o 3
I 1  2 I ph cos  2 I ph  3I ph (4.79)
2 2
Similarly I 2  3I ph I 3  3I ph
Since all the line currents are equal in magnitude, i.e.
I1  I 2  I 3  I L  3I ph
(4.80)
With reference to Fig.3.33 it should be noted that
(a) line currents are 120 o apart
53
 (b) line currents are 30 o behind the respective phase current,
(c) The angle between the line current and the corresponding line voltage is (30 o   )
with the current lagging.
Power. Phase power
Pph  V ph I ph cos  (4.81)
Total power
P  3V ph I ph cos  (4.82)
IL
So as V ph  VL , but I ph  in terms of line values the above expression for power
3
becomes
IL
P  3VL cos   3VL I L cos  (4.83)
3
where  is the power factor angle.

4.21 Comparison : Star and Delta Connection

(a) Star connection:
1
1. Alternators are usually star-wound for the reason that phase voltage has to be only
3
of the line voltage, whereas for a delta-winding, the phase voltage has to be equal to the line
voltage. Now, the number of conductors per phase in the windings of an alternator or motor, for
a given frequency and flux, is directly proportional to the phase voltage. Hence, for a given line
voltage fewer turns /phase are required with Y-connection than with a delta-connection.
2. With star connection, the system of distribution mains can be arranged to suit both
lighting and power circuit without using transformers. Heating and lighting circuits are put
across neutral and any line wire, whereas the 3-phase motors, running at higher voltages can be
joined across the lines directly.
3. Another advantage of y-connection is that the neutral point of the alternators can be
(and usually is) earthed. In that case, the potential drop between each line and earth is equal to
1
the phase voltage, i.e. of the line voltage. Hence, if through fault, line conductor is earthed,
3
1
the insulators will have to bear of the line voltage (i.e. 57.7%) only. But in the case of a
3
delta connection, if any line conductor is earthed, the insulators will have to bear full line
voltage. Hence, there would be produced a correspondingly higher stress in the insulators with
greater liability to break down.

(b) Delta Connection

1. The advantage of this connection is that transformers, in general, work more

satisfactorily.
2. It is the only connection suitable for such machines as rotary converters.

54
 3. This connection is much used for comparatively small low-voltage three-phase motors.

4.22. Comparison Between Single-and 3-phase Supply Systems

1. Power in a single phase system is pulsating (at twice the frequency of voltage). This is
not objectionable for lighting or for small motors. But with large motors, pulsating power supply
causes excessive vibration.
2. Single-phase motors (except commutator type) have no starting torque, hence they need
ancillary apparatus for self-starting. This is unnecessary in the case of 3-phase motors working
on 3-phase supply.
3. Power factor of a single-phase motor is lower than that of a 3-phase motor the same
output and speed.
4. For a given size of frame the output of a 3-phase machine is greater than that of a single-
phase motor.
5. To transmit a given amount of power at a given voltage at a given distance, 3-phase
3
transmission requires th weight of copper of a single-phase system.
4
6. Three-phase currents can produce rotating magnetic fields when passed through
stationary coils (as in the case of induction and synchronous motors).

5. Mutual Inductance. Transformer

5.1 . Mutual Inductance in a Circuit

The study of inductance presents a very challenging but rewarding segment of electricity.
It is challenging in the sense that, at first, it will seem that new concepts are being introduced.
You will realize as this chapter progresses that these "new concepts" are merely extensions and
enlargements of fundamental principles that you learned previously in the study of magnetism
and electron physics. The study of inductance is rewarding in the sense that a thorough
understanding of it will enable you to acquire a working knowledge of electrical circuits more
rapidly.
Inductance is the characteristic of an electrical circuit that opposes the starting, stopping,
or a change in value of current. The above statement is of such importance to the study of
inductance that it bears repeating. Inductance is the characteristic of an electrical conductor that
opposes change in current. The symbol for inductance is L and the basic unit of inductance is the
Henry (H). One Henry is equal to the inductance required to induce one volt in an inductor by a
change of current of one ampere per second. You do not have to look far to find a physical
analogy of inductance. Anyone who has ever had to push a heavy load (wheelbarrow, car, etc.) is
aware that it takes more work to start the load moving than it does to keep it moving. Once the
load is moving, it is easier to keep the load moving than to stop it again. This is because the load
possesses the property of inertia. Inertia is the characteristic of mass which opposes a change in
55
velocity. Inductance has the same effect on current in an electrical circuit as inertia has on the
movement of a mechanical object. It requires more energy to start or stop current than it does to
keep it flowing.
If an electric circuit contains magnetically coupled coils the flux due to one links the other, and
there is an e.m.f. of mutual inductance in each coil that must be taken into account.
When writing equations for a circuit with a mutual inductance we have to take into account
the relative directions of the fluxes of self and mutual inductance. These directions can be
ascertained if one knows the direction in which the coils are wound on their cores and the
positive direction of the current through them.

5.2. Mutual Inductance in Series. Connection of Coils .

Fig.5.1 and Fig.5.3a shows two coils connected in series aiding and Fig.5.2 and Fig.5.3b -
two coils connected in series opposition.
According to Kirchhoff`s voltage law for series aiding connection

Fig.5.1 Fig.5.2

Fig.5.3

di di di di
iR1  L1  M  L2  M  iR 2  v
dt dt dt dt
In complex notation
I R 1  R2  j ( L1  L2  2M )  E
. .

.
Fig.5.4 shows a vector diagram for series aiding connection, where V1 the complex voltage
.
is across the first coil, and V 2 is the complex voltage across the second coil.

56
 Fig.5.4 Fig.5.5

5.3. Working Principle of a Transformer

A transformer is a static (or stationary) piece of apparatus, by means of which, an electric

power in one circuit is transformed to electric power (with the same frequency) in another
circuit. It can raise or lower the voltage in a circuit but with a corresponding decrease or increase
in current. The physical basis of a transformer is mutual induction between two circuits linked by
a common magnetic flux. In its simplest form, it consists of two inductive coils which are
electrically separate but magnetically linked through a path of low reluctance as shown in
Fig.4.1. The two coils posse’s high mutual inductance. If one coil is connected to a source of
alternating voltage, an alternating flux is set up in the laminated core, most of which is linked
with the other coil in which it produces mutually-induced e.m.f. ( according to the Faraday’s
di
Laws of Electromagnetic Induction i.e. e   M ).
dt
If the second coil circuit is closed, a current flows in it and so electric energy is transferred
from the first coil to the second coil.
The first coil, in which electric energy is fed from the a.c. supply mains, is called primary
winding and the other, from which energy is drawn out, is called secondary winding.

Fig.5.1

57
 In brief, a transformer is a device that
(a) transformers electric power from one circuit to another,
(b) it does so without change of frequency,
(c) it accomplishes this by electromagnetic induction and
(d) where two electric circuits are in mutual inductive influence with each other.

5.4. Elementary Theory of an Ideal Transformer

An ideal transformer is one which has no losses i.e. whose windings have no ohmic
resistance, so there is no RI 2 loss and no core loss and in which there is no magnetic
leakage.(for example superconductive transformers). In other words, an ideal transformer
consists of two purely inductive coils wound on a loss-free core. It may, however, be noted that
it is impossible to realize such a transformer in practice, yet for convenience, we will start with
such a transformer and step by step approach an actual transformer.
Consider an ideal transformer (Fig.5.1) who’s secondary is open and whose primary is
connected to a sinusoidal alternating voltage v1 . This potential difference causes the flow of an
alternating current in primary winding. Since primary winding is purely inductive and there is no
output (secondary is open), the primary draws the magnetizing current I  only. The function of
this current is merely to magnetic the core, it is small in magnitude and lags v1 by 90 o . This a.c.
I  produces an alternating flux  which is, at all times, proportional to the current (assuming
permeability of the magnetic circuit to be constant) and hence is in phase with it. This changing
flux is linked both with the primary and secondary windings. Therefore it produces self-induced
e.m.f. in the primary. This self-induced e.m.f. E1 is at every time, equal to and in opposition to v1
. It is also known as counter e.m.f. or back e.m.f. of the primary.
Similarly, there is produced in secondary an induced e.m.f. E 2 which is known as
mutually-induced e.m.f. This e.m.f. is anti-phase with v1 and its magnitude is proportional to the
rate of change of flux and the number of secondary turns.
The instantaneous values of applied voltage, induced e.m.f’s, flux and magnetizing current
are shown by sinusoidal waves in Fig.5.2,a. Fig.5.2,b shows the vector representation of the
effective values of the above quantities.

(b)
(a)
Fig.5.2

58
 5.5. E.M.F. Equations of a Transformer

Let N1 is a number of turns in primary, N 2 - the number of turns in secondary,  m -

maximum flux in the core (in Webbers) and is equal to ( Bm A) , f - frequency of an a.c. input (in
Hz).
As shown in Fig.5.3 the core flux increases from its zero value to maximum value  m in
1 1 
one quarter of the cycle i.e. T second. Average value of flux is m  4 f m .
4 4f 1
4f

Fig.5.3

Now, rate of change of flux per turn means induced e.m.f. in volts.
Average e.m.f. induced over turn is 4 f m volt. If flux  varies sinusoidally, then r.m.s.
value of induced e.m.f. is obtained by multiplying the average value with form actor
r.m.s.value E E 2E 
Kf    m: m   1.11
averagevalue Eav 2  2 2
R.m.s. value of e.m.f./ turn is:
E1
 K f 4 f m  4.44 f m volt
N1
Now, r.m.s. value of induced e.m.f. in the whole of primary winding
E
E1  1 N1  4.44 fN 1 Bm A
N1
Similarly, r.m.s. value of e.m.f. induced in secondary is
E2  4.44 fN 2  m  4.44 fN 2 Bm A
In an ideal transformer on no load
V1  E1 and V2  E2
where V2 is the terminal voltage.
From the above equations we get
E 2 V2 N 2
  K
E1 V1 N1
This constant K is known as voltage transformation ratio.
If N 2  N1 , i.e., K  1, then transformer is called step-up transformer.
If N 2  N1 , i.e., K  1, then transformer is known as step-down transformer.
Again for an ideal transformer:
Input VA = Output VA ( S1  S )

59
 V1 I1  V2 I 2 or
I 2 V1 1
 
I 1 V2 K
Hence, currents are in the inverse ratio of the (voltage) transformation ratio.

5.6. Transformer on Load

When the secondary is loaded, secondary current I 2 is set up. The magnitude and phase of
I 2 with respect to V2 are determined by the characteristics of the load. Current I 2 is in phase
with V2 if load is noninductive, it lags if load is inductive and it leads if load is capacitive.
The secondary current sets up its own m.m.f. (magnetomotive force) and hence its own
flux  2 which is in opposition to the main no load primary flux which is due to I 0  I  . The
secondary ampere-turns N 2 I 2 are known as demagnetizing ampere turns. The opposing
secondary flux  2 weakens the primary flux  0 momentarily, hence primary back e.m.f. E1
tends to be reduced. For a moment , V1 gains the upper hand over E1 and hence causes more
current to flow in primary.
'
Let the additional primary current be I 2 . It is known as load component of primary
'
current. This current is antiphase with I 2 . The additional primary m.m.f. N1 I 2 sets up its own
flux  2 which is in opposition to  2 (but has same direction as  0 ) and is equal to it in
'

magnitude. Hence,  2 and  2 cancel each other out, leaving the flux  0 in the core only. So
'

we find that the magnetic effects of secondary current I 2 are immediately neutralized by the
'
additional primary current I 2 which is brought into existence exactly at the same instant as I 2 .
Hence, whatever the load condition, the net flux passing through the core is approximately
the same as at no load.
Therefore, we can conclude, that under full-load conditions the ratio of primary and
secondary currents is constant.

5.7. Transformer Construction

The simple elements of a transformer consists of two coils having mutual inductance and a
laminated steel core. The two coils are insolated from each other and from the steel core. Other
necessary parts are: some suitable container for the assembled core and windings, a suitable
medium for insulating the core and its windings from its conteiner, suitable bushings (either of
porcelain, oil-filled or capacitor-type) for insulating and bringing out the terminals of windings
from the tank.
In all types of transformers, the core is constructed of transformer sheet steel laminations
assembled to provide a continuous magnetic path with minimum of air gap included. The steel
used is of high silicon content, sometimes heat treated to produce a high permeability and a low
60
hysteresis loss at the usual operating flux densities. The eddy current loss is minimised by
laminating the core, the laminations being insulated from each other by a light coat of core-plate
vanish or by an oxide layer on the surfface. The thickness of laminations varies from 0.35 mm
for a frequency of 50 Hz to 0.5 mm for a frequency of 25 Hz.

Fig.5.4 Fig.5.5 Fig.5.6

Core-type transformer Shell-type transformer Three-phase power transformer

5.8. Measuring (Instrument) Transformers

There are two types of measuring transformers: 1. voltage or shunt-type transformer and 2.
current or series transformer. Usually they are used to extend the range of a.c. instruments (i.e.
voltmeters, ammeters, wattmeters, etc.) line multipliers and shunts in d.c. circuits.
1. Voltage (sunt-type) transformer. It is used in the high-voltage circuits for connection of
parallel windings of voltmeters, wattmeters, energy-meters etc. The construction of the voltage
transformer (Fig.5.7.,a,b) is similar to that of the low-power transformer. The primary winding
consisting of many turns is connected across the high voltage supply in parallel. Secondary
winding having small numbers of turns is joined to the parallel winding of the instrument.

(a) (b)
Fig.5.7

The primary voltage of the voltage transformer is equal to the nominal voltage of the
supply, and secondary voltage usually equals to 100 v.
The ratio of nominal voltages of the primary and secondary windings is called the
transformation ratio of the voltage transformer
V N
KV .T  1N  1
V2 N N 2
61
 2. Current (series) transformer. It is used in the high voltage devices for connecting of
current (series) coils of ammeters, wattmeters, energy-meters etc. (Fig.5.8).
The primary of the current transformer is joined to measuring circuits in series. Terminals
of the secondary winding are connected with current coils in series so that through them flows
the same current.
The number of turns of the secondary winding of the current transformer usually is much
more than that of primary.
The ratio of the current transformer is given as
I
K C .T  1N ,
I 2N
where I 1N is a nominal value of the primary current, and I 2 N is a nominal value of the
secondary current.

(b)

(a)
Fig.5.8

It must be noted that in current transformers the independent value is not the primary
voltage (as in case of voltage transformers) but the current to be measured.
Usually the nominal value of the secondary current is equal to 5 A.
In order to receive the real quantity of the measured current the ammeter reading must be
multiplied by the ratio K C .T .

6. Induction Motor
6.1. General Principle

Of all the a.c. motors, the 3-phase induction motor is the one which is extensively used for
various kinds of industrial drives. It has following main advantages as well as disadvantages.
Advantages
(1) It has very simple and extremly rugged, almost unbreakable construction.
(2) It cost is low and is very reliable.
(3) It has sufficiently high efficiency and a reasonable good power factor.
(4) It requires minimum of maintenance.

62
 (5) It starts up from rest and needs no extra starting motor and has not to be synchronized.
Its starting arrangement is simple, especially for squirrel-cage rotor type motor.
Disadvantages
(1) Its speed can’t be varied without sacrificing some of its efficiency.
(2) Gust like direct current shunt motor its speed decreases somewhat with increase in load.
(3) Its starting torque is somewhat inferior to that of a d.c. shunt motor.

6.2. Construction

An induction motor consists of two main parts: (a) a stator and (b) a rotor.
a) The stator of an induction motor (Fig.6.1) is in principle made up of a number of
stampings which are slotted to receive the windings. The stator Carrie, a 3-phase winding and is
fed from a 3-phase supply. It is wound for a definite number of poles, the exact number of poles
being determined by the requirements of speed. Greater the number of poles, lesser the speed and
vice versa.

Fig.6.1

Squirrel-cage rotor (Fig.6.2). Almost 90% of induction motors are squirrel-cage type,
because this type of rotor has the simplest and most rugged construction imaginable and is
almost indestructible. The rotor consists of a cylindrical laminated core with parallel slots for
carrying the rotor conductors, which, it should be noted clearly, are not wires but consists of
heavy bars of copper or aluminum. One bar is placed in each slot, rather the bars are inserted
from the end when semi closed slots are used. The rotor bars are brazed or electrically welded to
two heavy and stout short-circuiting end-rings, thus giving, what picturesquely called a squirrel-
cage construction.

Fig.6.2

It should be noted that the rotor bars are permanently short circuited on themselves; hence
it is not possible to add any external resistance in series with the rotor for starting purposes.
Phase Wound Rotor (Fig.6.3)

63
 This type of rotor is provided with 3-phase, double-layer, distributed winding consisting of
coils as used in alternators. The rotor is wound for as many poles as the number of stator poles
and is always wound 3-phase.
The three phases are starred internally. The other three winding terminals are brought out
and connected to three insulated slip-rings (Fig.5.3) mounted on the shaft with brushes resting on
them. These three brushes are further externally connected to a 3-phase star-connected rheostat.
This makes possible the introduction of additional resistance in the rotor circuit during the
starting period for increasing the starting torque of the motor and for changing its
speed/torque/current characteristics. When running under normal conditions, the slip-rings are
automatically short-circuited by means of a metal collar

Fig.6.3

which is pushed along the shaft and connects all the rings together. Next, the brushes are
automatically lifted from the slip-rings to reduce the frictional losses and wear and tear. Hence, it
is seen that under normal running conditions, the wound rotor is short-circuited on itself just like
squirrel-cage rotor.

Fig.6.4

General view of a dismantled squirrel-cage induction motor is shown in Fig.6.4.

6.3. Production of a Rotating Field

It can be shown that when a 3-phase winding is energized by a 3-phase supply then the
resultant flux produced rotates in space around the stator as though actual magnetic poles were
being rotated.
The magnitude of the resultant flux is 1.5  m , where  m is the maximum value of the
flux due to any phase. It rotates round the stator synchronously i.e. with synchronous speed
N s  120 f / p , where p is the number of motor poles and f the frequency of the a.c. supply.

64
 6.4. Principle of Operation

The reason why the rotor of an induction motor is set up into rotation is as follows: when
the 3-phase stator windings are fed by 3-phase supply, then as said above a magnetic flux of
constant magnitude but rotating at synchronous speed is set up. The flux passes through the air-
gap, past the rotor surface and so cuts the rotor conductors which, as yet, are stationary. Due to
the relative speed between the rotating flux and the stationary conductors, an e.m.f. is induced in
the later, according to Faraday’s Law of Electro-magnetic Induction. The frequency of the
induced e.m.f. is the same as the supply frequency. Its magnetude is proportional to the relative
velocity between the flux and the conductors and its direction given by Flemings Right-hand
Rule. Since, The rotor bars or conductors form a closed circuit, rotor current is produced, whose
direction, as iven by Lenz’s Law, is such as to oppose the very cause producing it. In this case,
the cause which produces the rotor current is the relative velocity between the rotating flux of the
stator and stationary rotor conductors. Hence, to reduce the relative speed, the rotor starts
running in the same direction as that of the flux and tries to catch up with the rotating flux.

6.5. Slip. Frequency of Rotor Current

In practice, the rotor never succeeds in “catching-up” with the stator flux. If it really did so,
then there would be no relative speed between the two, hence no current, and no torque to
maintain rotation. That is why the rotor runs at a speed which is always less then the speed of the
stator field. The difference in speed depends upon the load on the motor.
The difference between the synchronous speed N s and the actual speed N of the rotor is
known as slip.
Actually, the term “slip” is descriptive of the way in which the rotor “slips back” from
synchronism
N N
% slip s = s 100
Ns
Sometimes, N s  N is called the slip speed.
When the motor is stationary, the frequency of rotor current is the same as the supply
frequency. But when the rotor starts revolving, then the frequency depends upon the relative
speed or on slip-speed. Let at any slip-speed the frequency of the rotor current is f ' . Then
120 f '
Ns  N = ,
p
Also
120 f
Ns =
p
Dividing one by other, we get
f ' Ns  N
= = s, f '  sf .
f Ns

65
 6.6. Relation between Torque and Slip

It can be proved, that at normal speeds, close to synchronism the torque aproximatively
will be
s
T ,
Rr
where Rr - rotor resistance/phase.
or if Rr = const , then
T s
Hence, for low values of slip, the torque/slip curve is approximately a straight line. As slip
increases (for increasing load of the motor) the torque also increases and becomes maximum
R
when s  r ( X r - rotor reactance/phase). This torque is known as “pull out” or “break-down”
Xr
torque.
As the slip further increases (i.e. motor speed falls), then
s 1
T 2

( sX r ) s
Hence, the torque/slip curve is a rectangular hyperbola. So we see that beyond the point of
maximum torque, any further increase in motor load results in decrease of torque developed by
the motor.
The result is that the motor slows down and eventually stops. The circuit – breakers will be
tripped open if the circuit has been so protected. In fact, the stable operation of motor lies
between the values of s  0 and that corresponding to maximum torque. The operating range is
shown shaded in Fig.6.5.
It is seen that although maximum torque does not depend on Rr yet the exact location of
Tmax is dependent on it. Greater the Rr greater is the value of slip at which maximum torque
occurs.

Fig.6.5

66
 7. Alternators and Synchronous Motors

7.1 Basic Principle and Construction

A.C. generators or alternators (as they are usually called) operate on the same fundamental
principle of electromagnetic induction as d.c. generators. They also consist of an armature
winding and a magnetic field. But there is one important difference between the two. Whereas in
d.c. generators, the armature rotates and the field system is stationary, the arrangement in
alternators is just the reverse. In their case, standard construction consists of armature windings
mounted on a stationary element called “stator” and field windings on a rotating element called
“rotor”. The details of construction are shown in Fig.7.1.

Fig7.1
(a) Stator

It consists of a cast-iron frame which supports the laminated armature core having slots
on its periphery for housing the 3-phase winding.

(b) Rotor
There are two types of rotor:
(1) Salient (or projecting) pole type
It is like a flywheel which has a large number of alternate North and South poles bolted to it.
The magnetic wheel is made of cast iron or steel of good magnetic quality. The magnetic poles
are excited by a small d.c. generator mounted on the shaft of alternator itself.
Such rotors are used in low and medium-speed alternators which are characterised by their
large diameters and short axial lengths.
(2) Smooth Cylindrical Type
It consists of a smooth solid forged-steel cylinder having a number of lots milled out at
intervals along the outer periphery for accommodating field coils. Two or four regions
corresponding to the control polar areas are surrounded by the field windings placed in slots.
Obviously, in this case, the poles are non-salient i.e. they do not project out from the surface of
the rotor.
Such rotors are used in steam-turbine driven alternators i.e. turbo-alternators or turbo-
generators which run at very high speed and are characterized by their small diameters and very
long axial lengths.
67
 7.2. Principle of Operation

When the rotor is rotated by the prime-motor, the stator winding or conductors are cut by
the magnetic flux of the rotor poles. Hence, an e.m.f. is induced in the rotor conductors. The
PN
frequency of this induced e.m.f. is given by f  (where P is the total number of the
120
magnetic poles, N is the rotative speed of the rotor in r.p.m., f is the frequency of generated
e.m.f. in Hz.
N is known as the synchronous speed, because it is the speed at which an alternator must
run in order to generate an e.m.f of the required frequency.
In fact, for a given frequency and given number of poles, the alternator will have to run at
the following speeds.

Number of
Poles
2 4 6 12 24 30
Speed (r.p.m.) 3000 1500 1000 500 250 200

120 f
P
Referring to the above equation we get N

It is clear from the above equation, that because of slow rotative speeds of engine-driven
alternators, their number of poles is much greater as compared to that of the turbo-generators
which run at very high speed.
It can be found that R.m.s. value of e.m.f./phase will be
E  4.44 fT
where f is the frequency of induced e.m.f. in Hz.,  - flux/pole in webers, T is the number of
coils or turns per phase.
If the alternator is star connected ,then the line voltage is 3 times the phase voltage (as found
from the above formula).

7.3. Synchronous Motor. Construction and Application.

A synchronous motor is electrically identical with an alternator. A synchronous machine

may be used, at least theoretically, as an alternator when driven mechanically or as a motor when
driven electrically, just as in case of d.c. machines.
Essential mechanical elements of such a motor are the same as those of an alternator. The
rotor poles are excited by a small d.c. shunt generator mounted on the rotor shaft.
Synchronous motors are rarely used in practice. The synchronous motors are applicable in the
following cases:
1. In view of their high efficiency, these motors can be advantageously employed for loads
where constant speeds are desirable.
2. Since these motors have high efficiency and can be built in low speeds, they are well
suited for direct connection to reciprocating compressors.
68
 3. Over-excited synchronous motors are most commonly used for power factor
improvement of lagging industrial loads. When employed in such a role, they are referred to as
synchronous capacitors.
4. They are generally used for improving voltage regulation of the long transmission lines.

7.4. Comparison Between Synchronous and Induction Motors

1. Whereas synchronous motor runs only at synchronous speed, an induction motor never
runs with synchronous speed.
2. Synchronous motor can be operated under a wide range of power factors both lagging
and leading. But induction motors always run with lagging power factor.
3. A synchronous motor is not inherently self-starting whereas induction motor is.
4. The torque of a synchronous motor is much less affected by changes in applied voltage
than that of an induction motor.
5. A d.c. excitation is required by a synchronous motor but not by an induction motor.
6. Synchronous motors are usually more costly and complicated than induction motors.

8. Direct Current (D.C) Generators

8.1. Generator. Principle. Simple loop Generator

An electrical generator is a machine which converts mechanical energy or power into

electrical energy or power.
This energy conversion is based on the principle of production of the induced e.m.f. As is
known, whenever a conductor cuts magnetic flux induced e.m.f. is produced in it according to
Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction. This alternating e.m.f will cause an alternating
current to flow if conductor circuit is closed. But it (a.c.) is, obviously, different from a direct
current (d.c.), which continuously flows in one and the same direction. It should be noted that
a.c. not only reverses its direction, it does not even keep its magnitude constant while flowing in
any one direction. The two half-cycles may be called positive and negative half-cycles
respectively (Fig.8.1.b).

(a) (b)

Fig.8.1.

69
 For making the flow of current unidirectional in the external circuit, the slip-rings are
replaced by slip-ring (Fig8.2.) which are made out of a conducting cylinder. The cylinder is cut
into two halves or segments insulated from each other by a thin sheet of mica or some other
insulating material.

Fig.8.2.

As before, the coil ends are joined to these segments on which rest carbon brushes. It is
seen (Fig.8.8.a) that in first half revolution, current flows along ABLMCD i.e. brush number 1,
which is in contact with segment “a”, acts as positive end of the supply and brush number 2 and
“b” as the negative end. D A

A D

C B

C
B
+ - + -
a b b a
1 2 1 2

L M L M

(a) (b)
Fig.8.3.

In the next half revolution (Fig.8.3.b) the direction of the induced current in the coil is
reversed. But at the same time, the positions of segments “a” and “b” are also reversed with the
result that that brush number 1 comes in touch with that segment which is positive, i.e. segment
“b”. Hence, the current in the load resistance again flows from L to M. The wave form of the
current through the external circuit is as shown in Fig.8.4. This current is unidirectional but not
continues like pure direct current.

Fig.8.4

70
 It should be noted that the position of brushes is so arranged that the change over of
segments “a” and “b” from one brush to the other takes place when the plane of the rotating coil
is at right angles to the plane of the lines of flux because in that position the induced e.m.f. in
the coil is zero.
another important point to remember is that even now the current induced in the coil sides
is alternating as before. It is only due to rectifying action of the split rings (also called
commutator) that it becomes unidirectional in the external circuit. Hence, it should be clearly
understood that even in the armature of a direct current generator the induced current is
alternating.

8.2. Practical Generator

As was shown above the basic essential part of an electrical generator are: 1. magnets
causing magnetic field and 2. a conductor or conductors which can move so as to cut the flux.
But the construction of an actual generator is more complex and consists of the following main
parts:
Yoke (Fig.8.5). The outer frame or yoke serves double purpose: 1. it produces mechanical
support for the poles and acts as a protecting cover for the whole machine. 2. it carries the
magnetic flux produced by poles.
In small generators where cheapness rather the weight is the main consideration, yokes are
made of cast iron. But for large machines usually cast steel or rolled steel is employed.

Fig.8.5.

Pole cores and Pole shoes. The fields magnets (Fig.8.5) consists of pole cores and pole
shoes. The pole shoes serve two purposes: (1) the spreaad out the flux in the air gaps and also
being of larger cross-section reduce the reluctance of the magnetic path and (2) they support the
exciting coils.
Pole Coils. The field coils or pole coils which consists of copper wire or strip, are former
wound for the correct dimension. Then the former is removed and the wound coil put into place
over the core.
When current is passed through these coils, they electromagnetise the poles which produce
the necessary flux that is cut by the revolving armature conductors.
Armarure core. It houses the armature conductors or coils and causes them to rotate and
hence cut the magnetic flux of the field magnets (Fig.8.6 and Fig.8.7) . In addition to this, its
imoirtannt
71
 Fig.8.7

function is to provide a path of very low resistance to the flux passing through the armature from
a N -pole to a S -pole.
It is cylindrical or drumshaped and is built up of usually circular sheet discs or laminations
approximately 0.064 mm thick. (Fig.8.6,c)
The purpose of using laminations is to reduce the loss due to eddy currents. Thinner the
laminations, greater is the resistance offered to the induced e.m.f., smaleer the current and hence
2
less the RI loss in the core.
Armature Windings (Fig.8.6.b). The armature windings are usually former wound. These
are first wound in the form of flat rectangular coils and are then pulled into their proper shape in
a coil puller. Karions conductors of the coils are insulated from each other. The conductors are
placed in the armature slots which are lined with tough insulating material. This slot insulators
placed in the slot and secured in place by special hard wooden of fibre wedge.
Commutator. The function of the commutator is to facilitate the collection of current from
armature conductors. As Shown in previous Art.8.1 it rectifies i.e. converts the alternating
current induced in the armature into unidirectional current. It is of cylindrical structure (Fig.8.1)
and is built up of wedge-shaped segments of high-conductivity hard-drown or drop-forged
copper. These segments are insulated from each other by thin layers of mika.

Fig.8.8.

Brushes and Bearings. The brushes (Fig.7.7), whose function is to collect current from
commutator, are usually made of carbon and are in the shape of rectangular block. These brushes
are housed in brush-holders. Becouse of their reliability, ball bearings are frequently employed
through for heavy duties, roller bearings are preferable.

72
 8.3. Types of Generators

Generators are usually classified according to the way in which their fields are excited.
Generators may be divided into

Fig.8.9 Fig.8.10

(a) separately-excited and (b) self-excited generators.

(a) Separately-excited generators are those whose field magnets are energised from
independent external source of direct current. It is shown diagrammatically in Fig.8.11.

LOAD

Fig.8.11

(a) Self-excited generators are those whose field-magnets are energised by the current
produced by the generators themselves. Due to residual magnetism there is always present some
flux in the poles. When the armature is rotated, some e.m.f. and hence some induced current is
produced which is partly or fully passed through field coils thereby strengthening the residual
pole flux further.
There are three types of self-excited generators named according to the manner in which
their field coils (or windings) are connected to the armature.
1. Shunt Wound. The field windings are connected across or parallel with the armature
conductors, and have full voltage of generator applied across them. (Fig.8.12)
LOAD
SHUNT
FIELD

Fig.8.12

73
 The field copil cosists of many turns of fine gauge. Such generators are in much common
use.
2. Series Wound. In this case, the field windings are joined in series with the armature
conductors(Fig.8.13). As they carry full load current,they consists of relatively few turns of thick
wire or strip. Such generators are rarely used exept for special purposes.

SERIES
SERIES
SERIES
FIELD

SHUNT

LOAD
+

LOAD
+

SHUNT
+
LOAD

_
_
_

Fig.8.13 Fig8.14 Fig.8.15

3. Compound Wound. It is a combination of a few series and a few shunt windings and
can be either short-shunt or long-shunt as shown in Fig.8.14 and Fig.8.15 respectively.

8.4 Characteristics of D.C. Generators.

Following are the most important characteristics or curves of a D.C. Generator:

1. Open Circuit Characteristic (O.C.C)
It is also known as Magnetic Characteristic or No-load Saturation characteristic. It shows
the relation between the no-load generated e.m.f. in the armature Eo and the field or exciting
current If at a given fixed speed. In fact, it is just the magnetization curve for the material of the
electromagnets. Its shape is practically the same for all generators whether separately or excited
or self-excited ( Fig.7.16).

E0
O.O.C

I1
0

Fig.8.16.

1. Internal or Total Characteristic E(Ia ).

74
 It gives the relation between e.m.f. E actually induced in the armature and the armature
current Ia . This characteristic is of interest mainly to the designer.

2. External Characteristic V(I).

It also is referred to as a performance characteristic or sometimes voltage regulation curve.

It gives relation between the terminal voltage V and the load current I. This curve lies below the
internal characteristic because it takes into account the voltage drop over the armature circuit
resistance. The values of V are obtained by subtracting Ra Ia from corresponding values of E.
This characteristic is of great importance in judging the suitability of a generator for a particular
purpose. It may be obtained by simultaneous measurements with a suitable voltmeter and
ammeter on a loaded generator.

8.5. External Characteristics of D.C. Generators

1. Series generators . Since in this generator the field windings are in series with the
armature, hence they carry the full armature current Ia =I which is also the load current. Because
of that a series generator is a variable voltage generator, i.e. its voltage increases with load
current. Series generators are rarely used in practice except for same special purposes (Fig.8.17,
curve 1).
2. Shunt Generator. On no-load the shunt generator gives its full open circuit voltage
V=Eo. Then due to armature reaction, especially at higher loads, and ohmic voltage drop the
characteristic drops down (Fig.8.17,curve 2). If load resistance is decreased, then armature
current increases up to a certain value. After that any decrease in load resistance is not
accompanied by any increase in load current as might be expected. Rather, The load current is
decreased and the curve turns back as shown in Fig.7.17,curve 3.

Fig.8.17

If the load resistance is too small,than the generator is short circuited and hence there is no
generated e.m.f. due to heavy demagnetization of the main poles.
It will be seen from Fig.8.17 ,curve2, that a shunt generator gives its greater voltage at no
load, the voltage V falling off as output current is increased. However, the fall in voltage from no
load to full-load is small and the terminal potential differance (p.d) can always be maintained
constant by adjusting the shunt field regulator.
75
 3. Compound Generator. The form of external characteristic depends on the method of the
field coils connection. If the series and shunt windings are so joined that their flaxes are additive
i.e. in the same direction, then the magnetic flux increases with the load current. Hence, the
e.m.f. increases as well.
9. Direct Current (d.c) Motors

9.1. Motor Principle

An electric motor is a machine, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Its action is based on the principle that when a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic
field it experiences a mechanical force whose direction is given by left hand rule (it states that if
the left hand is so placed in a magnetic field that lines of flux leaving N-pole enter the palm
perpendicularly and the four fingers are in the direction of flow of the current in the conductor,
then thumb gives the direction of the force, see Fig9.1)

Fig.9.1

If l is the length of the conductor lying within the field and I ampere the current carried
by it, then the magnitude of the force exerted on the conductor is
F  BlI
(where F-the force in newtons , B-magnetic flux density, in tesla, l- the length of the
conductor,m). In general ,when the conductor lies at an angle θ with a field of flux density B
then.
F  BIl sin  Newton
Constructional, there is no basic difference between a d,c. generator and a d. .c motor .
In fact the same d. c. machine can be used interchangeably as a generator, or as a motor. When
operating as a generator, it is driven by a mechanical machine and it develops voltage which in
turn produces a current flow in an electric circuit. When operating as a motor ,it is supplied by
electric current and it develops torque which in turn produces mechanical rotation . D. C. motors
are also, like generators ,shunt-wound or series wound or compound wound.

Fig.9.2
In Fig 9.2 is shown a part of a multipolar d.c motor. When its field magnets are excited
and its armature conductors are supplied with current from the supply mains, they expiries a

76
force tending to rotate the armature. Armature conductors under N-pole are assumed to carry
current downwards (crosses) and those under S – poles to carry current upwards (dots).
By applying Fleming’s left-hand rule, the direction of the force in each conductor can be
found. It is shown
F  BIl sin  Newton
Constructional, there is no basic difference between a d.c. generator and d.c. motor. In fact
the same d.c. machine can be used interchangeably as a generator or as a motor. When operating
as a generator, it is driven by a mechanical machine and it develops voltage which in turn
produces a current flow in an electric circuit. When operating as a motor, it is supplied by
electric current and it develops torque which in turn produces mechanical rotation. D.C. motors
are also like generators, shunt-wound or series wound or compound-wound.
In Fig.9.2 is shown a part of a multipolar d.c. Motor. When its field magnets are excited
and its armature conductors are supplied with current from the supply mains, they expiries a
force tending to rotate the armature. Armature conductors under N-pole are assumed to carry
current downwards (crosses) and shoes under S-poles to carry current upwards (dots). By
applying left hand rule, the direction of the force in each conductor can be found. It is shown by
small arrows placed above each conductor. It will be seen that each conductor experiences a
force F which tends to rotate the armature in only –clockwise direction. Those forces collectively
produce a driving torque which sets the armature rotating. It should be noted that the function of
the commutation in the motor is the same as in generator.
By reversing current in each conductor as it passes from one pole to another, it helps to
develop a continuous and unidirectional torque.

9.2 The Back E.M.F

When the motor armature rotates, the conductors also rotate and fence cut the flux. In
accordance with the law of electromagnetic induction, e.m.f. is induced in them whose direction
, as found by Flemings right-hand rule is in opposition to the applied voltage (Fig.9.3).
Because of its opposing direction, it is Referred to as back e.m.f E . The Equivalent circuit
of a motor In shown in Fig.8,3 b. The rotating armature generating the back e.m.f E b Is like a
battery of e.m.f E, a battery e.m.f. Ebat put across a supply mains of V volts. Obviously, V
has to drive Ia against the opposition Eb. The power required to overcame this opposition is Eb
Ia watts.

Ia

E bat
V Eb
V

Fig.9.3

77
 Back e.m.f depends, among other factors ,upon the armature speed. If speed is high, Eb is
large, hence, armature current Ia is small. If the speed is less, then Eb is less, hence more
current flows which develops more torque. So we find that Eb acts like a generator, i.e. it
makes a motor. Sift- regulating so that it draws as much current as is just necessary.

9.3. Motor Characteristics

The characteristic curves of motor are those curves which show relation between the
following quantities: (1) Torque and armature current, i.e T=f1 (Ia) characteristic, (2) Speed
and armature current, i. e N=f2 (Ia) characteristic, (3) speed and torque i.e . N=f3 (T)
characteristic, which can be found from (1) and (2) above.
While discussing motor characteristics the following relations should always be kept in
mind.
(a) T= ΦIa , (b) Ia= (V-Eb)/Ra (c) N= Eb/Φ

Mechanical characteristics of the shunt (1) series (2) and compound (3) motors, having
considerable importance are shown in Fig.9.4.
Analysis of the above characteristics show that (a) speed of a shunt motor is sufficiently
constant, (b) for the same current input, its starting torque is not as high as that of a series motor.
Hence, it is used(1) the speed has to be maintained approximately constant from no-load to
full-load. (2) When it is required to drive the load at various speeds any one spread being kept
constant for a relatively long period. The shunt regulators enable the required speed control to be
obtained easily and economically.
N

(1)

(3)

(2)

0
Ta

Fig.9.4

Therefore the shunt motors are applicated for driving a constant-speed line –shifting,
lathes, centrifugal pumps, machine tools ,blowers, and fans reciprocating fans etc.
The series motors have (1) a relatively huge starting torque, (b) low speed at high load and
dangerously high speed at low loads.
Hence, such motors are used:(a) when a large starting torque is required, (b) when the
motor can be directly coupled to a load such as fan whose torque increases with speed, (c) it
constancy of speed is not essential, then, in fact, the decrease of speed with increase of load, has
advantage that the power absorbed by the motor does not increase as rapid by a torque. For
instance, when torque is doubled the power approximately increases by 50 to 60% only,(d) a

78
series motor should be not used where there is possibility of the load decreasing to a very small
value.
Thus it should not be used for driving centrifugal pumps or for belt drive of any kind.
Because of that the series motors can be used for traction work, i,e electrical locomotives, rapid
transit systems, trolley cars etc, cranes shoats, conveyors.
Since in the compound motors series excitations helps shunt excitation, there mechanical
characteristics lie in between those of shunt and series motors Fig.9.4.
Such machines are used where series characteristics are required and where, in addition,
the load is likely to be removed totally such as in some types of coal cutting machines or for
driving heavy machine tools which have to tune sudden deep cut quite often. Due to shunt
winding, speed will not became excessively high but due to series windings it will be able to
tune heavy load. On conjunction with fly-wheel supplies (functioning as a load equalizer) it is
employed where there are sudden temporary loads in rolling mills. The fly –wheel supplies its
stored kinetic energy when motor slow down due to sudden heavy load. And when removal of a
load, motor speeds up it gathers up its kinetic energy.

9.4. Speed Control of D.C. Motors

It can be shown that the speed of a motor is given by the relation

V  Ra I a
NK r. p.m

Where Ra –armature circuit resistance ( k= const). It is obvious that the speed can be controlled
by varying (a) flux per pole  (flux control) and (b) resistance of armature circuit Ra
(rheostat control).
These methods as applied to shunt and series motors will be discussed below.

9.5 Speed Control of shunt Motors

a. Variation of flux or flux control method.

As seen from above ,by decreasing the flux, the speed can be increased and vice visa. The
flux of a d.c. motor can be changed by changing Ish with the help of a shunt field rheostat (Fig
9.5).

b . Armature or rheostatie control method.

This method is used when speeds below the no- load speed are required. As the supply
voltage is normally constant, the voltage across the armature is varied by inserting a variable
rheostat or resistance (called controller resistance) in series with the armature circuit as shown
in Fig 9.6 . Aa. controller resistances increased, p.d. across the armature is decreased , thereby
decreasing the armature speed.

79
 Ia
N

V Eb
N
0 NO RESISTANCE
IN ARMATURE
V
V RESISTANCE
IN ARMATURE

0 Ia

Fig.9.5 Fig.9.6. Fig.9.7

9.6. Speed Control of series Motor

a. Flux control method .Variations in the flux of series motor can be brought about in
any one of the following ways.
(1) Field divertors . The series windings are shunted by a variable resistance known as
field diverter (Fig 9.8) any desired amount of current can be passed trough the diverter by
adjusting its resistance. Hence , the flux can be decreased and consequently the speed of the
Motor increased .

DIVERTOR

SERIES
FIELD

Ia

Fig.9.8

(2)Armature diverter . a diverter across The armature can be used for giving speed lower
than the normal speed(Fig 9.9)
For a given constant load torque, if Ia is reduced due to armature diverter, then 
must increase. This results in an increase in current taken from the supply (which increases the
flux) and a fall in speed. The variations in speed can be controlled by varying the diverter
resistance.
3. Tapped field control. This method is often used in electric traction and shown in
Fig.9.10. The number of series field turns in the circuit can be changed at will as shown. With
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full field, ,the motor runs at its minimum speed which can be raised in steps by cutting out
some of series turns.

SERIES
DIVERTOR

FIELD

Ia Ia

Fig 9.9 Fig 9.10

4.Parallering field coils. In this method, used for fan motor, several speed can be
obtained by regrouping the field coil as shown in Fig 9.11.

Ia

(a)

Ia

(b)

Ia

(c)

Fig 9.11

It is seen that for a 4 –pole motor three fixed speed can be obtained.

81
 b. Variable resistance in series witch motor armature. By increasing the resistance in
series with the armature (Fig 9.12) the Voltage applied across the armature terminal can be
decreased.

SERIES R
FIELD
Ia

Fig.9.12
SPEED

0
CURRENT

Fig.9.13

Motors convert electromagnetic energy into energy of motion or kinetic energy. Michael
Faraday was the first person to create a device that used an electromagnet with permanent
magnets to apply or create a directed force. The motor principle may be stated follows: when a
current carrying conductor is located in an external magnetic field perpendicular to the
conductor, the conductor experiences a force that is both perpendicular to both itself and the
external magnetic field. In class a demonstration set-up can constructed to show this principle. A
current carrying wire is suspended in a magnetic field and when the circuit is closed the wire
moved out of the field lines of the magnet. If initially the wire moved into the horse magnet,
when the current was reversed the wire moved out of the horseshoe magnet. See as viewed
below.

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 10. Electrical Measurements

10.1. General

In most Colleges and Universities a course of lectures on Electrical Engineering is

accompanied by a program of laboratory work designed to enable the student to apply a
theoretical knowledge of electrical engineering to practical situations.
The student will encounter in the laboratory a range of voltmeters, both analogue and
digital, as well as oscilloscopes, bridges and miscellaneous other instruments. It is important
when making a measurement that one should know
- How the instrument disturbs the conditions in the circuit on, which the measurement is
being made.
- What parameter is actually being measured or indicated, for example is it the mean value,
the root mean square value or the peak value of a current or voltage?
- What effects the waveform an frequency of the current or voltage being measured have
on the instrument indication.
- So that the student can be aware of the limitations of some of the basic measuring
instruments likely to be encountered, a brief review of the principles of operation and
characteristics of some instruments follow. It is not intended to be an introductory course in
Electrical Measurements, but it is hoped that it will encourage the student to ask the questions
“What am I measuring?” and “Am I using the right instrument?”

10.2. The Moving Coil Instrument

The Moving Coil Instrument measures direct current. It is used, in conjunction with
rectifiers for the measurement of alternating current and voltage, as the basis for most multi-
range deflection instruments.
The essential features of a moving coil instrument are shown in Fig.10.1.

(a) (b)
Fig.10.1.

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 A strong U-shaped permanent magnet has soft-iron pole pieces of the shape shown in
Fig.10.1a, so that a soft-iron cylindrical core fits into the space between them. This form of
constructions results in an almost uniform magnetic field in the gap between the pole pieces and
the core.
The moving coil, mounted on a light aluminum frame, moves in the gap, the current being
led in and out of the coil by two hair springs as shown in Fig.9.1b which also provide the
controlling torque. Damping is provided by eddy currents induced in the aluminum former on
which the coil is wound.
The deflecting torque on the coil is given by
Torque= (B I A N) (10.1)
Where B= the flux density in the gap, I= the current flowing in the moving coil, A= the effective
area of the moving coil, N= the number of turns on the moving coil.
The controlling torque provided by the springs is proportional to the angular deflection θ,
so that when the moving coil system is at rest
Θ  (BAN)I (10.2)
From which it may be seen that the deflection is proportional to the current, giving a linear scale
calibration.

10.2.1 The Moving Coil Instrument as a Voltmeter

When the instrument is used as a voltmeter it is connected in series with a resistor R se as

shown in figure 10.2a.
The value of the resistor depends on the current sensitivity of the instrument and the
voltage range required. For example if the meter gives full scale deflection when passing a
current of Im amperes a total resistance (including the meter resistance) of V1 /Im ohms will be
required to produce full scale deflection for V1 volts, that is Rse = (V1 /Im – Rm ) ohms, where Rm
is the resistance of the moving coil. The voltage sensitivity of the meter is normally expressed as
1/Im ohms per volt; thus a 50 µA instrument has a voltage sensitivity of 20000 Ω/V and the value
of (Rse + Rm) for a full scale deflection of 100 V would be 2MΩ.
R se
+ - Im I + - I m

V1
R sh

Fig.10.2

The shunting effect, or loading, on the circuit being measured must be considered when
selecting an instrument for any particular measurement.

10.2.2 The Moving Coil Instrument as an Ammeter

When a moving-coil instrument is used as an ammeter it is usually necessary to connect a

resistor in parallel with the meter as shown in figure 9.2b. If the meter gives full scale deflection
84
for a current Im amperes and the meter resistance is Rm ohms, the value of the shunt resistor Rsh ,
in parallel with the meter, to produce full scale deflection for a current of I amperes is
R I
Rsh  m m Ohms (10.3)
I  Im
The resistance of the shunted instrument is
Rsh Rm
Ohms (10.4)
Rsh  Rm
And, before making a measurement, the effect of this resistance on the circuit conditions should
be checked.

10.2.3 The Measurement of Alternating Current and Voltage Using a

Moving Coil Instrument

A moving-coil meter may be used in conjunction with a rectifier to measure alternating

voltages and currents at power and audio frequencies. An arrangement including a full-wave
rectifier is shown in figure 10.3.

- +

Fig.10.3
The instrument will measure the mean or average value of the rectified current flowing
through it. It is the usual practice for rectifier instruments designed for use with sinusoidal
waveforms to have the scale calibrated in terms of the r.m.s. value.
It is important to realize that the application of nonsinusoidal waveforms will lead to
erroneous results.

10.3. The Moving-Iron Instrument

The Moving-Iron Instrument measures both direct and alternating current. In spite of this
advantage it is not as widely used for light-current work as the moving-coil instrument since the
latter is capable of greater sensitivity and higher accuracy.
There are several types of moving-iron instrument, but the principles of operation are
demonstrated by referring to the repulsion type of instrument shown in figure 10.4. The current
to be measured passes through the coil, along the axis of this coil is the shaft, pivoted at its ends,
and carrying a small iron plate.

85
 Fig.10.4

A second plate is fixed inside the coil adjacent to the moving iron plate. When a current
flows in the coil the iron plates are magnetized in the same direction, there is a force of repulsion
between the plates and the shaft carrying the moving iron plate and the pointer rotates.
The controlling torque is provided by a spring and damping is by means of an air chamber
damper since the moving-iron instrument, unlike the moving-coil instrument, has no in-built
damping.
The deflecting torque is given by
1 dL
Torque  I 2 (10.5)
2 d
Where (dL/dθ) is the rate of change of inductance with angular deflection of the moving iron
plate. Hence the deflection θ  I2 (dL/dθ).
The instantaneous torque is proportional to the square of the instantaneous current, so that
the average torque is a function of the mean square current and the instrument can be calibrated
in terms of the r.m.s. current. In theory the meter will indicate the r.m.s. current regardless of its
waveform; in practice however there may be some waveform errors, but these will not be
considered here.
To obtain high sensitivity a large number of turns is required on the coil; this implies an
appreciable coil resistance resulting in a large voltage drop across the instrument.

10.4 The Electrodynamic Instrument

Wattmeter’s for use at power frequencies are usually of the electro-dynamic air-cored type
in which a moving coil is located in the magnetic field of two series-connected fixed coils. The
arrangement is shown in figure 10.5.
The expression for the torque is
dM
Torque  I 1 I 2 (10.6)
d

Fig.10.5

86
Where I1 and I2 are the currents in the fixed and moving coils respectively and (dM/dθ) is the
rate of change of mutual inductance between the fixed and moving coils with angular deflection
of the moving coil.
If the currents are
i1  I m1 sin t (10.7)
i2  I m 2 sin(t   ) (10.8)
Then the instantaneous torque is
dM
I m1 I m 2 sin t sin(t   ) (10.9)
d
and the average torque is
dM
I m1 I m 2 cos  (10.10)
d
Since the controlling torque is usually provided by a spring, when the moving coil system
is at rest, the deflection is
dM
I 1 I 2 cos  (10.11)
d
Where I1 and I2 are the r.m.s. values of the currents.
When used to measure power, the current in the fixed coils is the load current, or a known
fraction of it if a current transformer is used to change the range of the instrument. The current in
the moving coil is proportional to the voltage across the load, hence the deflection is proportional
to I LVL cos   P where I L and V L are the r.m.s. values of the load current and load voltage
respectively and P is the power dissipated in the load.
A high-value non-inductive resistance is connected in series with the moving or voltage
coil so that the resistance of the voltage coil circuit is very much greater than its reactance, thus
ensuring that the current in the moving coil is very nearly in phase with the voltage across the
load. The high resistance also results in a very small current being taken by the voltage coil
circuit; the significance of this is apparent in the next paragraph.
There are two ways of connecting a wattmeter to a measure power; these are shown in
figure 10.6.
In the connection of Fig.10.6a the current in the current coil is not the load current, but is
the sum of the load current and current in the voltage coil; in the connection of Fig.10.6b the
current in the current coil is the load current but the voltage across the voltage coil circuit is the
sum of the load voltage and the voltage drop across the current coil.
In the connection of Fig.10.6a the current in the current coil is not the load current, but is
the sum of the load current and current in the voltage coil; in the connection of Fig.10.6b the
current in the current coil is the load current but the voltage across the voltage coil circuit is the
sum of the load voltage and the voltage drop across the current coil.
CURRENT (FIXED) COIL CURRENT (FIXED) COIL

VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
LOAD

(MOVING)
(MOVING)
COIL
COIL
LOAD

Fig.10.6

87
 Both methods of connection therefore result in an error. If the load current is large, the
connection shown in figure 10.6a is preferable and if the load current is small the connection
shown in figure 10.6b results in a smaller error.

10.5 Digital Instruments

Instruments incorporating digital electronic systems are now being used in laboratories.
The multimeter type of digital instrument is essentially for the measurement of d.c.; sinusoidal
voltages can be measured by rectification before being applied to the measuring circuit, so that
the average value is measured, but normally the r.m.s. value is presented by the digital read-out.
The instrument is therefore subject to the same type of waveform error as was mentioned in
section 10.2.3.

+) Reading indicates black is

10.6 The oscilloscope

The oscilloscope is the most powerful instrument in our arsenal of electronic instruments.
It is widely used for measurement of time-varying signals. Any time you have a signal that
varies with time - slowly or quickly - you can use an oscilloscope to measure it - to look at it,
and to find any unexpected features in it.
The features you see in a signal when you use an oscilloscope to look at a signal are
features you cannot see otherwise. Here's a photo of a Hewlett-Packard (HP) 54601A

Note the following features of the oscilloscope

 There is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) screen

on which the signals will be presented. That's at the
left.
 There are numerous controls to control things
like:
o The time scale of the presentation
o A vertical scale
 A cable (IEEE-488) to connect the
oscilloscope to a computer. That lets you:
o Take measurements with the scope
o Put the measurements in a computer file
o Analyze the data with MathCAD, Matlab, Excel, etc.
88
  Notice that this oscilloscope has two input channels. The controls for the two channels
are just to the right of the screen.

Now let us explain how we use an oscilloscope:

 Plug it in. That's not facetious.

 Turn it on. There is a push button at the lower right edge of the screen. It says "Line"
and indicates a "0" and a "1" setting. Depress that button.
 Apply a signal to the input terminals.
o Your oscilloscope may have provision for more than one signal input. Choose Channel 1
if that is the case.
 Make sure that the settings match the signal. For example:
o If you have a signal at 1000 Hz, then the period of the signal is 1 millisecond (.001 sec)
and you would not want the time scale set so that you only display a microsecond of data, and
you also probably won't see much if you display 10 seconds worth of data.
o If you have a signal that is 10 millivolts high, you won't see much if you set the
oscilloscope to show you a signal at 20 volts full-scale. Conversely, you won't see much of a 20
volt signal if the scope is set for 10 millivolts full-scale.

Showing a Simple Signal on the Scope

To get familiar with the scope, you can show a sine signal on the scope. We're going to
ask that you show a signal with the following characteristics
 1 volt (2v peak-to-peak) signal. In other words, it has a peak of 1 volt and a negative
"peak" at -1 volt.
 A frequency of 1000 Hz (i.e. 1 KHz).
 A sinusoidal signal. In other words, it looks like a familiar sine wave.
What will the signal look like?
The oscilloscope has an illuminated dot that moves across the screen. With no signal, it
would look like the following.

When a sinusoidal signal is applied, then the vertical position is proportional to the voltage
at any instant. If you applied a low frequency sine signal, you would get a track like the one
below.

89
 If you have a sinusoidal signal that repeats every half millisecond - a frequency of 2 kHz -
you would get a picture like this one. It would appear to be stationary on the oscilloscope
screen, but it really isn't. It's just that it repeats so frequently that you see it as a constant image.

Simulation
In this simulation, a simulated function generator is connected to a simulated oscilloscope.
Both are simplified versions of real instruments. Note the following.

 The function generator can produce a number of signals, including sine and cosine,
square, triangular and sawtooth signals. You can choose which signal the function generator
produces by clicking on the appropriate button.

Notice the following in this simulation.

 An oscilloscope displays a signal, and there is a unique time when the oscilloscope trace
begins to move across the screen. There may be a unique event that triggers the start of the
display - when the oscilloscope trace begins to move across the screen. In the simulation above,
we have given you a button that starts the trace moving across the screen - a trigger
button.Clearly you cannot trigger an oscilloscope by hitting a button every time you want to
observe a new trace on an oscilloscope. Another alternative might be to let the oscilloscope free-
run. In other words, let the oscilloscope start another trace as soon as a trace is finished. Here is
a simulation of that situation.


Simulation - Free Running Oscilloscope

In this simulation, the signal trace begins anew as soon as it reaches the right hand side of
the oscilloscope screen.

Notice the following about this situation.

 The value at which the trace starts is equal to the last value displayed at the end of the
previous trace.
 That implies that the signal is displayed continuously, and that you see ever bit of the
signal.
 If the sweep speed - the speed at which the trace moves across the screen - were much
higher, the display would be a jumble.
 We can't speed up the sweep enough to really show you that. We can, however, speed it
up just a bit, and here is the simulation.
90
 o Use the buttons to change the sweep speed.
o Adjust the frequency so that you don't have an integral number of cycles in one sweep.

Note the following about what happens when the sweep speed changes.
When the sweep speed changes, the horizontal scale - the time scale - changes. Although
this is a simulated oscilloscope and function generator, we have designed things so that it is real-
time. In real oscilloscopes, everything is real time and when you change the time scale you
change the sweep speed accordingly. On an oscilloscope, you can always adjust the sweep speed
to "match" the time-scale of the signal you are displaying.
Example: If you have a 1.0 kilohertz signal, the period is one millisecond and you would
probably want a scale than ran over 2 milliseconds or something like that.
In a real oscilloscope, the trigger signal can be generated when the signal value reaches
some particular level - the trigger level. In most cases you can set the trigger level to a voltage
value of your choosing.

Now that you have had a chance to experiment with the simulations above, it's time to
define a few terms - and these are items you can control on most oscilloscope. You can control
the sweep speed. Sweep speed is usually measured in units of time per distance, like
milliseconds/centimeter. This might also be referred to as the horizontal sensitivity.You can
control the vertical sensitivity. That's the measure of how sensitive the display dot is to voltage
applied to the input terminals. It is usually measured in volts/centimeter.

11. Electronics

11.1. Diodes

Diodes are different and useful electrical components. Diodes are used in many
applications like the following.

 Converting AC power from the 50 (or60) Hz line into DC power for radios, televisions,
telephone answering machines, computers, and many other electronic devices.
 Converting radio frequency signals into audible signals in radios

Diode Properties : Diodes have the following characteristics.

Diodes are two terminal devices like resistors and capacitors. They don't have many terminals
like transistors or integrated circuits.

 In diodes current is directly related to voltage, like in a resistor. They're not like
capacitors where current is related to the time derivative of voltage or inductors where the
derivative of current is related to voltage.
 In diodes the current is not linearly related to voltage, like in a resistor.
 Diodes only consume power. They don't produce power like a battery. They are said to
be passive devices.

91
  Diodes are nonlinear, two terminal, passive electrical devices.
In general, diodes tend to permit current flow in one direction, but tend to inhibit current
flow in the opposite direction. The graph below shows how current can depend upon voltage for
a diode.

Note the following.

When the voltage across the diode is positive, a lot of current can flow once the voltage becomes
large enough.
When the voltage across the diode is negative, virtually no current flows.
The circuit symbol for a diode is designed to remind you that current flows easily through
a diode in one direction. The circuit symbol for a diode is shown below together with common
conventions for current through the diode and voltage across the diode.

11.2 Temperature Sensor - The Thermistor

Thermistors are inexpensive, easily-obtainable

temperature sensors. They are easy to use and
adaptable. Circuits with thermistors can have
reasonable output voltages - not the millivolt outputs
thermocouples have. Because of these qualities,
thermistors are widely used for simple temperature
measurements. They're not used for high
temperatures, but in the temperature ranges where
they work they are widely used. Thermistors are
temperature sensitive resistors. All resistors vary
with temperature, but thermistors are constructed of
semiconductor material with a resistivity that is especially sensitive to temperature. However,
unlike most other resistive devices, the resistance of a thermistor decreases with increasing
temperature. That's due to the properties of the semiconductor material that the thermistor is
made from. For some, that may be counterintuitive, but it is correct. Why Use Thermistors To
Measure Temperature?
They are inexpensive, rugged and reliable.
They respond quickly

o What Does A Thermistor Look Like?

o Here it is.

92
  What Does A Thermistor Do?
o A Thermistor is a temperature dependent resistor. When temperature changes, the
resistance of the thermistor changes in a predictable way.
 How Does A Thermistor's Resistance Depend Upon Temperature?

11.3. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

A light emitting diode - a.k.a. an LED - is precisely what the name implies.
 It emits light. Usually the light is very pure - being pretty much monochromatic - and it
comes in a restricted range of colors. The most common LED color for the light is red.
 It is a diode. That means that current only flows through an LED in one direction. If you
try to make current flow in the reverse direction, no current will flow, and you won't get any
light either because you need current flowing in the LED to get any light.
The circuit symbol for an LED looks much like the symbol for a regular diode.
There's usually an additional little arrow to indicate the light that comes from the
diode. Here's the symbol.
Now, let's take a look at the LED in a simple circuit. Let's imagine that you have the
following situation.
 You have a signal that can change. In one state it is 0 volts - a binary zero, and in the
other state it is 5 volts - a binary one.
 When the signal is a one, you want an LED to light, and when the signal is a zero you
want the LED off.
Here's a circuit that will do what you want when you choose the components correctly.
The 5v source is what you have when the signal is a binary one. At that point, current should
flow through the resistor and the diode should light.

11.4. Temperature Sensor - The Thermocouple

A thermocouple is a junction formed from two
dissimilar metals. Actually, it is a pair of junctions.
One at a reference temperature (like 0 oC) and the
other junction at the temperature to be measured. A
temperature difference will cause a voltage to be
developed that is temperature dependent. (That
voltage is caused by something called the Seebeck
effect.) Thermocouples are widely used for
temperature measurement because they are
inexpensive, rugged and reliable, and they can be

93
used over a wide temperature range. In particular, other temperature sensors (like
thermistors and LM35 sensors) are useful around room temperature, but the thermocouple
can
The Thermocouple ,Why Use thermocouples To Measure Temperature?
o They are inexpensive.
o They are rugged and reliable.
o They can be used over a wide temperature range.
 What Does A Thermocouple Look Like?
o Here it is. Note the two wires (of two different metals) joined in the junction.

 What does a thermocouple do? How does it work?

o The junction of two dissimilar metals produces a temperature dependent voltage.
 How Do You Use A Thermocouple?
o You measure the voltage the thermocouple produces, and convert that voltage to a
temperature reading.
o It may be best to do the conversion digitally because the conversion can be fairly
nonlinear.
 Things You Need To Know About Thermocouples
o A junction between two dissimilar metals produces a voltage.
o In the thermocouple, the sensing junction - produces a voltage that depends upon
temperature.
o Where the thermocouple connects to instrumentation - copper wires? - you have two
more junctions and they also produce a temperature dependent voltage. Those junctions are
shown inside the yellow oval.

 When you use a thermocouple, you need to ensure that the connections are at some
standard temperature, or you need to use an electronically compensated system that takes those
voltages into account. If your thermocouple is connected to a data acquisition system, then
chances are good that you have an electronically compensated system.
 Once we obtain a reading from a voltmeter, the measured voltage has to be converted to
temperature. The temperature is usually expressed as a polynomial function of the measured
voltage. Sometimes it is possible to get a decent linear approximation over a limited temperature
range.
 There are two ways to convert the measured voltage to a temperature reading.
94
 o Measure the voltage and let the operator do the calculations.
o Use the measured voltage as an input to a conversion circuit - either analog or digital.

12. Problems and solutions.

A. WORKED PROBLEMS INVOLVING ELECTRICAL QUANTITES

Problem I. A mass of 5000 g is accelerated at 2m / s 2 by of force. Determine the force needed

2m kgm
Force  mass  accelerati on  5kg  2  10 2  10 N
s s
Problem 2. Find the force acting vertically downwards on a mass of 200 g attached to a wire.
Mass= 200g = 0.2kg; Acceleration due to gravity = 9.81m / s 2
Force acting downwards=weight= mass X acceleration  0.2kg  9.81m / s 2  1.962 N
Problem 3. A portable machine requires a force of 200 N to move it, how much work is done
if the machine is moved 20m and what average power is utilized if the movement takes 25 s?
Work done  force  dis tan ce  200N  20m  4000Nm or4Kj
workdone 4000 J
power     160W
timetaken 25 s
Problem 4. A mass of 1000 kg is raised through a height of 10 m in 20 s.
What is (a) the work done and (b) the power developed?
(a) Work done  force  dis tan ce and force  mass  accelerati on..Hence
Work done  1000kg  9.81m / s 2  10m =
= 98100 Nm  98.1kNm or 98.1kj

Problem 5. What current must flow if 0.24 C is to be transferred in 15 ms?

Since thequantity of electricity Q  It
Q 0.24 240
I  3
  16 A
t 15 10 15
Problem 6. If a current of 10 A flows for 4 minutes, find the quantity of electricity
transferred.
Quantity of electricity Q  It coulombs
I  10 A; t  4  60  240 S
HenceQ  10  240  2400C
Problem 7. Find the conductance of a conductor of resistance (a) 10Ω, (b) 5 kΩ and (c) 100
mΩ.

95
Problem 8. A source emf of 15 V supplies a current of 2 A for 6 minutes.
How much energy is provided in this time?
Energy = power X time and power = voltage X current .Hence
Energy  VIt  15  2  6  60  10800Ws or J  10.8kJ
Problem 9. Electrical equipment in an office takes current of 13 A from a 240 V supply.
Estimate , to the nearest pence, the cost per week of electricity if the equipment is used for
30 hours each week and I k W h of energy costs 0.13 L
Power  VIwatts  240 13  3120W  3.12kW
Energy used per week = Power  time  3.12kW   30h  93.6kWh
Cost at 0.13 L. per kW h 93.6 X 0.13 = 12.16
Hence, weekly cost of electricity =12.16 L.
Problem 10. An electric heater consumes 3.6 MJ when connected to a 250 V, supply for 40
minutes. Find the power rating of the heater and the current taken from the supply.

i.e. Power rating of heater = 1.5 kW

P 1500
Power  P  VI , ThusI    6 A.
V 250
Hence the current taken from the supply is 6 A.

B. FURTHER PROBLEMS INVOLVING ELECTRICAL QUANTITIES

(a) SHORT ANSWER PROBLEMS

1. What does ‘SI units’ mean?
2. Complete the following: Force =…………. X…………………
3. What do you understand by the term ‘potential difference’?
4. Define electric current in terms of charge and time.
5. Name the units used to measure (a) the quantity of electricity, (b) resistance and (c)
conductance.
1. Define the coulomb.
2. Define electrical energy and name its unit.
3. Define electrical power and name its unit.
4. What is electromotive force?
5. Write down three formulae for calculating the power in a dc circuit.
6. Write down the symbols for the following quantities: (a) electrical charge; (b) work;
(c) emf; d pd
7. State to which units the following abbreviations refer to :
96
 (a) A ; (b) C; ( c) J ; (d) N; (e) m.

(b) MULTI –CHOICE PROBLEMS

1. Which of the following formulae for electrical power is incorrect?

2. A resistance of 50 kΩ has a conductance of

(a) 20 S; (b) 0.02 S; (c) 0.02 mS; (d) 20 kS.
3. State which of the following is incorrect;
(a) 1 N= 1kg m/s2; (b) 1V= 1 J/A; (c) 30Ma =0.03 A; (d) 1J =N/m.

4. The power dissipated by a resistor of 4Ω when a current of 5 A passes through it is

(a) W; (b) 20W; (c) 80W; (d) 100 W.
5. 60µs is equivalent to: (a) 0.06s; (b) 0.000 06 s; (c) 1000 minutes: (d) 0.6 s.
6. A mass of 1200 g is accelerated at 200 cm/s2 by a force. The value of the force required
is :
(a) N; (b) 2400 N; (c) 240 kN; (d) 0.24 N.
7. A current of 3 A flows for 50 h through a 6Ω resistor. The energy consumed by the
resistor is:
(a) 0.9 kWh; (b) 2.7 kWh; (c) 9 kWh; (d) 27 kWh.
8. What must be known in order to calculate the energy used by an electrical appliance?
(a) voltage and current; (b) current and time of operation ; (c) power and time of
operation; (d) current and quantity of electricity used.

C. CONVENTIONAL PROBLEMS
(Take g= 9.81 m/s2 where appropriate.)
1. What force is required to give a mass of 20 kg on acceleration of 30 m/s 2?
(600 N)
2. Find the accelerating force when a car having a mass of 1.7 Mg increases its speed
with a constant acceleration of 3 m/s2. (5.1 kN)
3. A force of 40 N accelerates a mass at 5 m/s2. Determine the mass.
(8 kg)
4. Determine the force acting downwards on a mass of 1500 g suspended on a string.
(14.72N)
amount of work is done? (8 J)
6. A force of 2.5 k N is required to lift a load. How much work is done if the load is
lifted through 500 cm? (12.5kJ)
7. An electromagnet exert s a force of 12 N and moves a soft iron armature through a
distance of 1.5 cm in 40 ms . Find the power consumed. (4.5W)

97
 8. A mass of 500 kg is raised to a height of 6 m in 30 s. Find(a) the work done and (b)
the power developed. [(a) 29.43 k N m ; (b)981W]
9. What quantity of electricity is carried by 6.24 X 1021 electrons? (1000C)
10. in what time would a current of 10 A transfer a charge of 50 C?
( 5s)
11. A current of 6 A flows for 10 minutes. What charge is transferred?
(3600C)
12. How long must a current of 100 m A flow so as to transfer a charge of 50 C?
( 8 min 20 s)
13. Find the conductance of a resistor of resistance (a) 10Ω; (b) 2kΩ; (c) 2mΩ.
[ (a) 0.1 S ;(b) 0.5 mS; (c) 500 S]
14. A conductor has a conductance of 50µS .What is its resistance?
(20kΩ)
15. An emf of 250 V is connected across a resistance and the current flowing
through the resistance is 4A.What is the power developed?
( 1 kW)
16. 85.5 J of energy are converted into heat in 9s. What power is dissipated?
(9.5 W)
17. A current of 4 A flows through a conductor and 10 W is dissipated. What pd exists
across the ends of the conductor? (2.5V)
18. Find the power dissipated when:
(a) a current of 5 mA flows through a resistance of 20kΩ;
(a) a voltage of 400 V is applied across a 120 kΩ resistor;
(a) a voltage applied to a resistor is 10 kV and the current flow is 4 mA.
[(a) 0.5 W; (b) 4/3 W; (c) 40 W]
19. A battery of emf 15 V supplies a current of 2 A for 5 minutes. How much energy is
supplied in this time? (9kJ)
20. An electric heater takes 7.5 A from a 250 V supply. Find the annual cost if the heater
is used an average of 25 hours per week for 48 weeks. Assume that 1 kWh of energy
costs 4 p. (£90.00)
21. A dc electric motor consumes 72 MJ when connected to a 400 V supply for 2 h 30
min. Find the power rating of the motor and the current taken from the supply.
(8 kW; 20 A)

D .WORKED PROBLEMS ON DC CIRCUIT THEORY

(a) OHM’S LAW

Problem I. A coil has a current of 50 mA flowing through it when the applied voltage is 12V.
What is the resistance of the coil?

98
 V 12 12 10 3
Resistance, R    240
t 50 10 3 50
Problem 2. An electric kettle has a resistance of 30 Ω. What current will flow when it is
connected to a 240V supply? Find also the power rating of the kettle.

V 240
Current I   8A
R 30
power P  VI  240  8  1920kW  Power rating of kettle

(b) RESISTANCES IN SERIES AND IN PARALLEL

Problem 3. Find the equivalent resistance for the circuit shown in Fig 12.1.
R3 R 4 and R5 are connected in parallel and the equivalent resistance R is given by:
1 1 1 1 6  3  1 10
    
R 3 6 18 18 18
18
HenceR   1.8
10
R3=3 Ohm

R1=1 Ohm R2=2.2 Ohm R6=4 Ohm

R4=6 Ohm

R5=18 Ohm

Fig.12.1

The circuit is now equivalent to four resistors in series and the equivalent circuit resistance
= 1  2.2  1.8  4  9

Problem 4. Calculate the equivalent resistance, between the points A and B for the circuit
shown in Fig 12.2.
3 Ohm 3 Ohm

1,25 Ohm

15 Ohm

10 Ohm
1,5 Ohm

10 Ohm 10 Ohm
2,5 Ohm

1 Ohm

Fig.12.2

99
Combining the two 3Ω resistors in series , the three 10Ω resistors in series and the 2.5Ω , 1Ω
and 1.5Ω resistors in series gives the simplified equivalent circuit of Fig 10. The equivalent
resistance R of 6 Ω , 15Ω and 30 Ω in parallel is given by:
1 1 1 1 5  2 1 8
    
R 6 15 30 30 30
30
Thus, R  3.75
8
6 Ohm

1,25 Ohm B
A
15 Ohm

30 Ohm

5 Ohm

Fig.12.3

The equivalent circuit is now as shown in Fig 12.3 Combining the 3.75 Ω and 1.25Ω is
series gives an equivalent resistance of 5Ω. The equivalent resistance Rt of 5Ω in parallel
with another 5Ω resistor is given by:

(Note that when two resistors having the same value are connected in parallel the
equivalent resistance will always be half value of one of the resistors

A 3,75 Ohm 1,25 Ohm B

5 Ohm

Fig.12.4
The circuit of Fig.12.2 can thus be replaced by a 2.5 Ω Resistor placed between points A
and B.
Problem 5. Determine the equivalent resistance for the series –parallel arrangement shown
in Fig 12.5, correct to 2 decimal places

100
 7,45 Ohm

5 Ohm
2 Ohm

4,2 Ohm 8 Ohm 3 Ohm 2,36 Ohm

A B

4 Ohm

6,25 Ohm
9,34 Ohm

Fig.12.5

5  8 40
The equivalent resistance of 5Ω in parallel with  8is , i.e.3.077
5  8 13
The equivalent resistance R of 2Ω, 3Ω and 4Ω in parallel is given by:

7,45 Ohm

4,2 Ohm 3,077Ohm 0,923 Ohm 2,36 Ohm

A B

4 Ohm

15,59 Ohm

Fig.12.6

12
Hence R   0.923
13
The equivalent resistance of 9.34Ω and 6.25Ω in series is 9.34  6.25  15.59
Thus a simplified circuit diagram is shown in Fig 12.6.
3.077 Ω in series with 0.923 Ω gives an equivalent resistance of 4.00Ω. The
equivalent resistance R x of 7.45 Ω, 4.00Ω and 19.59Ω in parallel is given by :

i.e. conductance Gx = 0.134+0.250+ 0.064 =0.448 Siemens

101
 1 1 1
Since G  thenR x    2.23
Rx G x 0.448
The circuit is now equivalent to three resistors of 4.20Ω, 2.23Ω and 2.36Ω connected in
series , which gives an equivalent resistance of 4.20  2.23  2.36  8.79

(a) CURRENTS AND PD’S IN SERIES–PARALLEL CIRCUIT ARRANGMENTS

Problem 6. Resistance of 10 Ω, 20 Ω and 30 Ω are connected (a) in series and (b) in parallel to
a 240 V supply. Calculate the supply current in each case.
(a) The series circuit is shown in Fig 12.7.
The equivalent resistance
RT  10  20  30  60
V 240
Supply curent I    4A
RT 60
10 Ohm 20 Ohm 30 Ohm

I
240 V

Fig.12.7

(a) The parallel circuit is shown in Fig 12.8. The equivalent resistance RT of 10Ω , 20Ω
and 30Ω resistances connected in parallel is given by:
1 1 1 1 6  3  2 11
    
RT 10 20 30 60 60
60
HenceRT  
11
V 240 240  11
Supply curent I     44 A
RT 60 / 11 60
I1 10 
I2 20 
I3 30 
I
240V
Fig.12.8

ForaparallelcircuitI  I1  I 2  I 3  24  12  8  44 A, asabove
Problem 7. For the series–parallel arrangement shown in Fig 12.9 find (a) the supply current,
(b) the current flowing through each resistor and(c) the pd across each resistor.
102
(a) The equivalent resistance R x OF R2 and R3 in parallel is

The equivalent resistance Rt of R1 , R x and R4 in series is:

R2=6 Ohm

R1=2,5 Ohm R4=4 Ohm

R3=2 Ohm

I 200 V

Fig. 12.9

R4=4 Ohm
R1=2,5 Ohm Rx=1.5 Ohm

V1 Vx V4

I=25 A
200 V

Fig.12.10

(b) The current flowing through R1 and R4 is 25 A

 R3 
 I  
2 
The current flowing through R2 R2   25  6.25 A
 R2  R3  6 2
 R2 
 I  
2 
The current flowing through R3 R3   25  18.75 A
 2
R  R3   6  2 
(Note that the currents flowing through R2 and R3 must add up to the total current flowing
into the parallel arrangement, i.e. 25 A)

(c) The equivalent circuit of Fig 12.9 is shown in Fig 12.10.

103
 pd across R1 ,i.e. V1  IR1  252.5  62.5V
pd across Rx i.e.Vx  IRx  2515  37.5V
pd across , R4 i.e. R4 i.e.V4  IR4  (25)(4)  100V

Hence the pd across R2  pd across R3  37.5V

The Problem 8. For the circuit shown in Fig.12.11 calculate (a) the
value of resistor Rx such that the total power dissipated in the circuit
is 2.5 kW and (b) the current flowing in each of the four resistors.

(a) Power dissipated P  VI watts P  VI

Hence, 2500 = (250)(I)

R1=15 Ohm R3=38 Ohm

I1 I3

R2=10 Ohm Rx
I2 I4

V1 V2

I
250 V

Fig.12.11

2500
I  10 A
250
From Ohm’s law,
V 25
RT    25
I 10
Where RT is the equivalent circuit resistance.
15  10 150
The equivalent resistance of R1 and R2 in parallel is   6
15  10 25
The equivalent resistance of R3 and Rx in parallel is equal to 25  6
i.e. 19
There are three methods whereby Rx may be determined.
Method 1
The voltage V1 =IR, where R is 6Ω from above .
i.e. V1 = (10) (6)= 60 V.
Hence, V2 =250V -60V =190 V =pd across R3=pd across Rx

104
 V2 190
I3    5 A. ThusI 4  5 A, also, sin ceI  10 A
R3 38
V2 190
Thus, R X    38
I4 5
Method 2
Since the equivalent resistance of R3 and Rx in parallel is 19Ω
38R X  product 
Then,19   i.e. 
38  R X  sum 
Hence, 19(38RX )  38RX
722  19RX  38RX
722  38RX  19RX  19RX
722
Thus Rx   38
19

Method 3
When two resistors having the same value are connected in parallel the equivalent is
always half the value of one of the resistors. Thus, in this
case , since RT =19Ω and R3 = 38Ω, then Rx = 38Ω could have been
Deduced on sight.
 R2   10  2
(b)CurrentI 1    I   10   10  4 A
 R1  R2   15  10  5
 R1   15  3
CurrentI 2    I   10   10  6 A
 R1  R2   15  10  5
From part (a), method1. I 3  I 5  5 A

Problem 9. For the arrangement shown in Fig 12.12, find the current Ix

2 Ohm 1.4 Ohm

I I1 Ix

9 Ohm 2 Ohm 8Ohm

17V

Fig.12.12

105
 Commencing at the right hand side of the arrangement shown in Fig 19, the circuit is
gradually reduced in stages as shown in Fig.12.13 (a)-(d)

2 Ohm 1.4 Ohm 2 Ohm

I I1 I I1

2x8
------- = 1.6 Ohm
17V 9 Ohm 2+8 17V 1.4+1.6=3 Ohm
9 Ohm

(a) (b)

2 Ohm
I I

9x3
17V -------- =2.25 Ohm 17V 2+2.25=4.25 Ohm
9+3

(c) (d)
Fig.12.13

From Fig.12.13,d

From Fig.12.13b

From Fig.12.12

106
(d) INTERNAL RESISTANCE

Problem 10. A cell has an internal resistance of 0.03Ω and an emf of 2.20 V. Calculate its
terminal pd if it delivers (a) 1A; (b) 10A; (c) 40 A.

(a) For 1 A, terminal pd, V=E-Ir=2.20-(1)(0.03) =2.17 V

(b) For 1 A, terminal pd, V=E-Ir=2.20-(10)(0.03) =1.90V
(c) For 1 A, terminal pd, V=E-Ir=2.20-(40)(0.03) =1.00 V
(d)

Problem 11. The voltage at the terminals of a battery is 75 When no load is connected and
72 V when a load of 60 A is connected .Find the internal resistance of the battery. What
would be the terminal voltage when a load taking 40A is connected?

When no load is connected E=V Hence, the emf E of the battery is 75 V.

When a load is connected, the terminal voltage, V is given by V=E-Ir
Hence 72= 75 –(60)(r) 60r = 75-72=3
3 1
r   0.05
60 20
When a current of 40 A is flowing then V= 75-(40)(0.05)=75-2=73 V

Problem 12. A battery consists of 10 cells connected in series each cell having
an emf of 2 V and an internal resistance of 0.05 Ω. The battery supplies a load
R taking 4 A. Find the and the value of the load R.
For cells connected in series , total emf= sum of individual emfs=20V. Total internal
resistance =sum of individual internal resistances = 0.5Ω The circuit diagram is shown in
Fig 12.14.
I=4A

E=20V

Load
V R

R=0.5 Ohm

Fig.12.14
107
Voltage at battery terminals V= E-Ir = 20 – (4) (0.
V 18
i.e. V= 18 V Resistance of load R   4.5
I 4

Problem 13. Determine the equivalent resistance of thenetwork shown in Fig.12.15. Hence
determine the current taken from the supply when a battery of emf 12 V and internal
resistance 0.2 Ω is connected across the terminals PQ .Find also the current flowing through
the 2.9 Ω resistor and the pd across the 5.1 Ω resistor.

R2 in series with R3 is equivalent to 5.1Ω+2.9Ω, i.e.8Ω

28
R1 in parallel with 8Ω gives an equivalent resistance of  1.6
28
1.6 Ω in series with 1.2 Ω gives an equivalent resistance of 2.8Ω. Hence the equivalent
resistance of the network shown in Fig.12.15 is 2.8 Ω. Fig.12.16 shows the equivalent
resistance connected to the battery.
1.2 Ohm R2=5.1 Ohm

R1=2 Ohm R3=2.9 Ohm

Fig.12.15

Current , where RT is the total circuit resistance (i.e. including the internal
12 12
resistance r of the battery). Hence I    4A
2.8  0.2 3.0
(Note that in Fig.12.16 the resistances 2.8 Ω and 0.2Ω are connected in series with each
other and not in parallel).
I 1.2 Ohm I1 R2=5.1 Ohm
P I=4A
P

E=12 V
E=12 V
R=0.8 Ohm
R1=2 Ohm R3=2.9 Ohm
r=0.2 Ohm r=0.2 Ohm

Q Q

Fig.12.16 Fig.12.17

108
 From Fig.12.17 , the current flowing through the 2.9Ω resistor , i.e. I1 is given by
 
4  0.8 A
2
I1  
 2  5.1  2.9 
The p.d. across the 5.1Ω resistor is given by
V  I1 5.1  0.85.1  4.08V

(E) SUPERPOSITION THEOREM

E1=4 V

E2=2 V

R=4 Ohm

r1=2 Ohm r2=1Ohm

Fig.12.18

Problem 14. Fig.12.18 shows a circuit with their internal resistances. Deter-
mine the current in each branch of the network by using the superposition
theorem.

Procedure:
1. Redraw the original circuit with source E2 removed, being replaced by r2 only,
as shown in Fig.12.19(a)
2. Label the currents in each branch and their directions as shown in Fig.12.19(a) and
determine their values.(Note that the choice of current directions depends on the battery
polarity , which , by convention is taken as flowing from the positive battery terminal as
4 1
shown.) R in parallel with r2 gives an equivalent resistance of  0.8
4 1
From the equivalent circuit of Fig.12.19(b)
E1 4
I1    1.429 A
r1  0.8 2  0.8

109
 I1
I1 I3

E1=4 V I2 E1=4 V

R=4 Ohm

r1=2 Ohm r2=1Ohm r1=2 Ohm 0.8 Ohm

(a) (b)
Fig.12.19

From Fig.12.19(a)

 1 
 I 1  1.429  0.286 A
1
I2  
 4  1 5
and
 4 
 I 1  1.429  1.143 A
4
I3  
 4  1 5

3. Redraw the original circuit with source E1 removed, being replaced

by r1 only, as shown in Fig.12.20 (a)

I6 I4 I4

I5 E2=2 V
E2=2 V

R=4 Ohm
r1=2 Ohm
1.333 Ohm r2=1 Ohm
r2=1 Ohm

(a) (b)
Fig.12.20

4. Label the currents in each branch and their directions as shown in Fig.12.20(a) and
determine their values. r1 in parallel with R gives an equivalent resistance of
2 4 8
  1.333
24 6
From the equivalent circuit of Fig.12.20b)
E 2
I4    0.857 A
1.333  r2 1.333  1 110
From Fig.12.20a)
 2 
 I 4  0.857   0.286 A
2
I5  
 24 6
 4 
I   I 4  0.857   0.571A
 24

5. Superimpose Fig.12.20(a) on to Fig.12.19(a) as shown in Fig.12.21

I6 I4

0.858 A 0.286 A
I1 I3 I5 E1=4 V
E2=2 V
0.572 A
E1=4 V I2 E2=2 V
R=4 Ohm
r1=2 Ohm R=4 Ohm
R=4 Ohm r1=2 Ohm
r2=1 Ohm
r2=1 Ohm
r1=2 Ohm r2=1Ohm

Fig.12.21 Fig.12.22

6. Determine the algebraic sum of the currents flowing in each branch. Resultant current
flowing through source 1, i.e.
I 1 I 6  1,429  0.571  0.858 A (discharging)
Resultant current flowing through source 2.i.e.
I 4  I 3  0.857  1.143  0.286 A (charging)
Resultant current flowing through resistor R, i.e.
I 2  I 5  0.286  0.286  0.572 A
The resultant currents with their directions are shown in Fig.12.22.

Problem 15. For the circuit shown in Fig.12.23, find, using the superposition theorem,
(a) the current flowing in and the pd across the 18Ω resistor, (b) the current in the 8
V battery and (c) the current in the 3 V battery.

1. Removing source E2 gives the circuit of Fig.12.24 (a)

2. The current directions are labeled as shown in Fig.12.24 (a) , I1 flowing from the positive
terminal of E1.From Fig.12.24(b)
E1 8
I1    1.667 A
3  1.8 4.8
111
 I1
E1=8 V
E2=3 V E1=8 V

2x18
2 Ohm ---------- =1.8 Ohm
3 Ohm 2+18
3 Ohm
18 Ohm

Fig. 12.23 Fig.12.24

From Fig. 12.24 (a)

 18 
I2     I1 
18
1.667  1.500 A
 2  18  20
and

 2 
I2    I1 
18
1.667  0.167 A
 2  18  20

3. Removing source E1 gives the circuit of Fig.12.25(a) (which is the same as Fig
.12.25.(b)).
4. The current directions are labeled as shown in Figs.12.25 (a) and 12.25 (b), I 4
flowing from the positive terminal of E 2

E2=3 V
E2=3 V E2=3 V

3x18
2 Ohm 3 Ohm 18 Ohm -------------- =2.57 Ohm
3 Ohm 2 Ohm 18 Ohm 2 Ohm 3+18

I4
I4
I4
I5 I6 I5 I6

(a) (b) (c)

Fig.12.25

112
 (I1+I5) (I3-I6)

E2=3 V

(I2+I4)

3 Ohm 2 Ohm 18 Ohm

Fig.12.26

From Fig.2.25(c)
E2 3
I4    0.656 A
2  2.572 4.571

From Fig.12.25(b)
 18 
 I 4  0.656  0.562 A
18
I5  
 3  18  21
 3 
  I 4  0.656  0.094 A
3
I6  
 3  18  21
5. Superimposing Fig.12.25(a) on to Fig.12.24(a) gives the circuit shown in Fig.12.26.
6. (a) Resultant current in the 18Ωresistor  I 3  I 6  0.167  0.094  0.073
Pd across the 18Ω resistor = 0.073×18=1.314 V
(d) Resultant current in the 8 V battery= I1  I 5 = 1.667+0.562=2.29 A
(discharging)
(c) Resultant current in the 3 V battery= I 2  I 4 = 1.500 +0.656= 2.156 A
(discharging)

(f ) KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

Problem 16. (a) Find the unknown currents marked in Fig.12.27 (a), (b) Determine the
value of emf E in Fig.12.27(b)

(a) Applying Kirchhoff’s current law:

For junction B: 50= 20+I1.Hence I1 = 30A For junction C: 20+15=I2.Hence
I2=35A For junction D: I1=I3+120. i.e. 30=I3+120 . Hence I3= -90A (i.e. in the opposite
direction to that shown in Fig 34 (a)) For junction E: I4=15-I3
i.e. I4 =15 –(-90). Hence I4 =105 A For junction F: 120= I5 +40. Hence I5 =80 A

113
 I2 A

C E I4
15 A 2 Ohm
20 A
50 A I3 1 Ohm
B 3V
I1 4V
I5
120 A I=2 A 1.5 Ohm 2.5 Ohm
D
F 40 A
E 6V

a) b)
Fig.12.27
(b) Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law and moving clockwise around the loop of
Fig.12.27(b) starting at point A:
3  6  E  4  I 2  I 2.5  I 1.5  I 1  I 2  2.5  1.5  1
i.e. 5+E =2(7) 5  E  27
Hence E  14  5  9V

Problem 17 .Use Kirchhoff’s laws to determine the currents flowing in

each branch of the network shown in Fig.12.28 .
(Note that this is the same problem as Problem 15 and a comparison of methods may
be made.)
Procedure
1. Use Kirchhoff’s current law and label current directions on the original circuit
diagram The directions chosen are arbitrary, but it is usual ,as a starting point, to assume
that current flows from the positive terminals of the batteries. This is shown in Fig.12.29
where the three branch currents are expressed in terms of I1 and I2 only , since the current
through R is I1 + I2 .
I1 I2

E2=2 V E2=2 V
E1=4 V
(I1+I2)

LOOP
1 R=4 Ohm
R=4 Ohm r1=2 Ohm

r1=2 Ohm r2=1 Ohm r2=1 Ohm

LOOP
2

Fig.12.28 Fig.12.29

114
 1. Divide the circuit into two loops and apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law to each. From loop
1 of Fig.12.29, and moving in a clockwise direction as indicated (the direction chosen does
not matter), gives
E1  I1r1  I  I 2 R, i.e.4  2l1  4I1  I 2 i.e.6I1  4I 2  4
(1)
From loop 2 of Fig.12.29, and moving In an anticlockwise direction as indicated (once
again, the choice of direction does not matter ; it does not have to be in the same direction as
that chosen for the first loop), gives
E2  I 2 r2  I1  I 2 R.i.e.2  I 2  4I1  I 2 , i.e.4I1  5I 2  2 (2)

2. Solve equations (1) and (2) for I 1 and I 2

2×(1) gives: 12I1  8I 2  8 (3)
3×(2) gives: 12I1  15I 2  6 (4)
2
(3)-(4) gives  7 I 2  2 I 2   0.286 A
7
(i.e. I2 is flowing in the opposite direction to that shown in Fig .12.29.)
From (1) 6I1  4(0.286)  4
6I1  4  1.144
5.144
Hence I1   0.857 A
6
Current flowing through resistance
R  I1  I1  0.857  (0.286)  0.571A
(The values of the currents in each branch are seen to be the same as in Problem15 when
taken correct to two decimal places.) Note that a third loop is possible , as shown in Fig.12.30
giving a third equation which can be used as a cheek:
E1  E2  I1r1  I 2  r2  4  2  2I1  I 2
2  2I1  I 2 Check: 2I1  I 2  2(0.857)  (0.286)  21
I1 I2

E1=4 v E2=2 V

(I1+I2)
R=4 Ohm

r1=2 Ohm
r2=1 Ohm

Fig.12.30

Problem 18. Determine , using Kirchhoff’s laws , each branch current for the network
shown in Fig.12.31
115
 E1=4 v
E2=12 V

R1=0.5 Ohm R2=2 Ohm

R3=5 Ohm

Fig.12.31

1. Currents, and their directions are shown labeled in Fig.12.32 following Kirchhoff’s
current law. It is usual, although not essential, to follow conventional current flow with
current flowing from the positive terminal of the source.
2. The network is divided into two loops as shown in Fig12.32. Applying Kirchhoff’s
voltage law gives:
For loop 1:
E1  E2  I1 R1  I 2 R2
i.e. 16  0.5I1  2I 2 (1)
For loop 2:
E2  I 2 R2  I1  I 2 R2

I1 (I1-I2)

E1=4 v
E2=12 V

LOOP
2
LOOP
1
R2=2 Ohm R3=5 Ohm

I2

Fig.12.32
Note that since loop 2 is in the opposite direction to current I1  I 2  the volt drop
across R3 (i.e I1  I 2  R3 ) is by convention negative.
Thus
12  2I  5( I1  I 2 )i.e.12  5I1  7 I 2 (2)
3 Solving equations (1) and (2) to find I1 and I2
10  (1) gives 160  5I1  20I 2 (3)
172
(2)+(3) gives 172  27 I 2 I2   6.37 A
27
From (1): 16 = 0.5 I1 +2 (6.37)

116
 16  26.37 
I1   6.52 A
0.5
Current flowing in R3  I1  I 2 =6.52 -6.37= 0.15 A

Problem 19. For the bridge network shown in Fig.12.33 determine the
currents in each of the resistors.
I=8A

14
hm Oh
2O m
32 Ohm
54 V

11
O
hm

hm
O
3
Fig.12.33

Let the current in the 2 Ω resistor be I1, Then by Kirchhoff’s current law, the current in
the 14Ω resistor is (I-I1). Let the current in the 32Ω resistor be I2 as shown in Fig.12.34.Then
the current in the 11Ω resistor is (I1-I2).and that in the 3Ω resistor is I  I1  I 2  Applying
Kirchhoff’s voltage law to loop 1 and moving in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig 41
gives:
54= 2 I1 +11(I1-I2) i.e. 13 I1 - 11 I2 =54 (1)
Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law to loop 2 and moving in a clockwise direction as shown in
Fig.12.34 gives:
0  2I1  32I 2  14I  I1 

I=8A
(I-I1)
I1 14
hm O
hm
2O 2
32 Ohm
54 V
I2
1 (I-I1+I2)
(I1-I2)
11
hm

O
hm
O
3

Fig.12.34

However I  8 A
Hence 0  2I1  32I 2  148  I1  i.e. 16I1  I 2  32I 2  112 (2)
Equations (1) and (2) are simultaneous equations with two unknowns, I1 and I2.
16  1 gives 208I1  176I 2  864 (3)
13 2 gives 208I1  416I 2  1456 (4)
117
 (4)  (3) gives 592I 2  592
I 2  1A
Substituting for I2 in (1) gives:
13I1  11  54
65
I1  5
13
Hence,
the current flowing in the 2Ω resistor= I1  5
the current flowing in the 14Ω resistor= I  I1  8  5  3 A
the current flowing in the 32Ω resistor= I 2  1A
the current flowing in the 11Ω resistor= I1  I 2  5  1  4 A.and
the current flowing in the 3Ω resistor= I  I1  I 2  8  5  1  4 A

C. FURTHER PROBLEMS ON DC CIRCUIT THEORY

(a) SHORT ANSWER PROBLEMS

1. State Ohm ‘s law.
2. What is a passive network?
3. What is an active network?
4. Name three characteristics of a series circuit.
5. Name three characteristics of a parallel circuit.
6. What is a potentiometer?
7. Define internal resistance and terminal pd as applied to a voltage source.
8. State Kirchhoff’s current law.
9. State Kirchhoff’s voltage law.
10. State, in your own words, the superposition theorem.

(a) MULTI-CHOICE PROBLEMS

1. If two 4Ω resistors are placed in series the effective resistance of the circuit is
(a) 8Ω; (b) 4Ω; (c) 2Ω; (d) 1Ω
2. If two 4Ω resistors are placed in parallel the effective resistance of the circuit is
(a) 8Ω; (b) 4Ω; (c) 2Ω; (d) 1Ω
3. With the switch in Fig12.35 closed the ammeter reading will indicate
1 3
a) 108A; (b) A (c) A; (d) 4 A.
3 5

118
4. A 6 Ω resistor is connected in parallel with the three resistors of Fig 12.35 With
the switch closed the ammeter reading will indicate:
3 1
a) A; (b) 4 A; (c) A; (d)1 A.
4 3
5. A 10 Ω resistor is connected in parallel with a 15 Resistor and the combination
is connected in series with a 12 Ω resistor. The equivalent resistance of the circus is
(a) 37Ω; (b) 18Ω; (c) 27Ω; (d) 4Ω

2 Ohm 6 Ohm 10 Ohm

. .
6V

Fig.12.35

6. The terminal voltage of a cell of emf 2 V and internal resistance 0.1 Ω when supplying
a current of 5 A will be (a) 1.5V; (b) 2V; (c) 1.9 V; (d) 2.5V.
7. The effect of connecting an additional parallel load to an electrical supply source is to
iincreas the (a) resistance of the load; (b) voltage of the source; (c) current taken
from source; (d) pd across the load.
8. The equivalent resistance when a resistor of ¼ Ω is connected in parallel with a 1/5 Ω
resistor is ( a) 1/9Ω ; (b) 9Ω.
9. Which of the following statements is true?
For the junction in the network shown in Fig12.36:
(a) I 5  I 4  I 3  I 2  I1
(b) I1  I 2  I 3  I 4  I 5
(c) I 2  I 3  I 5  I1  I 4
(d) I1  I 2  I 3  I 4  I 5  0
10. Which of the following statements is true?
For the circuit shown in Fig.12.37:
(a) E1  E2  E3  Ir1  Ir2  Ir3
(b) E2  E3  E1  I (r1  r2  r3 )  0
(c) I r1  r2  r3   E1  E2  E3
(d) E2  E3  E1  Ir1  Ir2  Ir3

119
 I

r1 r2

E1 E2

I
E3 r3
I

Fig. 2.36 Fig.12.37

(c) CONVENTIONAL PROBLEMS

Ohm’s law
1. Determine what voltage must be applied to a 2 kΩ resistor in order that a
current of 10 mA may flow. [20V]
2. The hot resistance of a 240 V filament lamp is 960 Ω. Find the current taken by the
lamp and its power rating. [0.25A; 60W]
3. Determine the pd across a 240Ω resistance when 12.5 mA is flowing through it. [3V]
4. Find the resistance of an electric fire which takes a maximum current of 13 A from a
240 V supply. Find also the power rating of the fire. [18.46Ω]; 3.12kW]
5. What is the resistance of a coil which draws a current of 80 Ma from a 120 V supply?
1.5kΩ]
6. Find the equivalent resistance when the following resistances are connected in
series, and (b) in parallel.
(i) 3Ω and 2Ω; (ii) 20kΩ and 40kΩ;

(iii) 4Ω, 8Ω and 16Ω; (iv) 800kΩ; 4kΩ and 1500kΩ

(a)(i)5; (ii )60 K; (iii )28; (iv );6.3K 

(b)(i)1.2; (ii )(40 / 3) K; (iii )(16 / 7); (iv )461.5
 

7. if four similar lamps are connected in parallel and the total resistance of the circuit is
150Ω, find the resistance of one lamp. [600Ω]

120
 6 
15 
. 15 

.
A
2 
. . 1.5 
.
B
.
C
15 
. . 15 
. . D

18 

(a)
15 
. (b)
15 

6 5

E .. 18  3
. 0.2 
.. .F G
6.22 
. 3.2 
. 1
. 3.68 
. .
3.91 
H

4
7 

6.42  2.13 
2  4 

(d)
(c)

Fig.12.38
8. An electric circuit has resistances of 2.41 Ω, 3,57Ω and 5.82Ω connected in parallel.
Find (a) the total circuit conductance, and (b) the total circuit resistance.[(a) 0.867S;
(b) 1.154Ω]
9. Find the total resistance between terminals A and B of the circuit shown in the
Fig.12.38 (a) [8Ω]
10. Find the equivalent resistance between terminals C and D of the circuit shown in the
Fig. 12.38 (b) [27.5Ω]
11. Determine the equivalent resistance between terminals E and F of the circuit shown
in the Fig. 12.38 (c) [2Ω]
12. Find the equivalent resistance between terminals G and H of the circuit shown in
the Fig. 12.38 (d) [13.62Ω]
13. State how four 1Ω resistors must be connected to give an overall resistance of:
1 1 1
a  (b) 1  ; (c) 1 ; (d) 2 
4 3 2

Currents and pd’s in series-parallel arrangements

14. Resistors of 20  , 20  and 30  are connected in parallel. What resistance must
be added in series with the combinations to obtain a total resistance of 10  if the
complete circuit expends a power of 0.36 kW, find the total current flowing?
[2.5Ω; 6A]
15. (a)Calculate the current flowing in the 30Ω resistor shown in Fig. 12.39.
121
 (A) What additional value of resistance would have to be placed in parallel with the 20Ω
and 30Ω resistors to change the supply current to 8A, the supply voltage remaining
constant. [(a) 1.6 A; (b) 6Ω]
16. For the circuit shown in Fig.12.40 find (a) V1 ; (B) V2; without calculating the current
flowing. [(a) 30 V; (b) 42 V]
20 

4 
. 30 
.
. 64 V

Fig.12.39
.
5  7

V1 V 2

. 72 V

Fig.12.40
.
17. Determine the currents and voltage indicated in the circuit shown in Fig.12.41.
2 5
I1  5 A; I 2  2.5 A.I 3  1 A, I 4  A
3 6
I 5  3 A, I 6  2 A,V1  20V ,V2  5V ,V3  6V

10 
I2 2
R
2

. . ..
A

. ..
15 
4 I3
3

. ..I5
3
.
4 I5
9
.
.
V1 I 4
6 
. I6

V3
. 30 
. I6

V2
V2 V1

. .. .
I1 I =3 A
31 V 75 V

Fig. 12.41 Fig.12.42

18. Fig.12.42 shows part of an electric circuit. Find the value of resistor R and the
reading on the ammeter and voltmeters. [R=18 Ω; 1.5A; V1=15V; V2=18V]

122
19. A resistor Rx ohms is connected in series with two parallel connected resistors each of
resistance 8Ω. When the combination is connected across a 280 V supply the power
taken by each of the 8Ω resistors is 392 W. Calculate (a) the resistance of Rx and (b)
the single resistance which would take the same power as the series parallel
arrangement. [ (a) 16 Ω; (b) 20Ω] [1.8 A]
20. Find current I in Fig.12.43.

. 1.6 
. 1.5

. 2 
I

6 5 3
24 V

. . .
Fig.12.43

Internal resistance
21. A cell has an internal resistance of 0.06 Ω and emf of 2.18V.Find the terminal
voltage if it delivers (a) 0.5 A, (b) 1A, (c) 20 A. [(a) 2.15 V; (b) 2.12 V; (c) 0.98 V]
22. A battery of emf 18 V and internal resistance 0.8Ω supplies a load of 4 A. Find the
voltage at the battery terminals and the resistance of the load.
[14.8 V; 3.7Ω]

2V 1 

4V 1  5V 2  1 3V

. 2V 1 
.
. P Q . . 2V 1 
.
. .
(a)
2V 1 

. P
(b) .
Q

Fig.12.44

123
23. For the circuit shown Fig.12.44 the resistors represent of the batteries. Find, in each
case ,(a) the total emf across PQ and (b) the total equivalent internal resistances of
the batteries. [(a) (i) 6V, (ii) 2V; (b) (i) 4Ω, (ii)0.25 Ω]
24. The voltage at the terminals of a battery is 52 V when no load is connected and 48.8 V
when a load taking 80A is connected. Find the internal resistance of the battery.
What would be the terminal voltage when a load taking 20 A is connected?
[0.04Ω; 51.2V]
25. A battery of emf 36.9 V and internal resistance 0.6Ω is connected to a circuit
consisting of a resistance of 1.5 Ω in series with two resistors of 3Ω and 6Ω in parallel.
Calculate the total current in the circuit, the current flowing through the 6Ω resistor,
the battery terminal pd and the volt drop across each resistor.
[9A; 3A; 31.5 V ; 13.5V; 18V; 18 V]
26. A battery consists of four cells connected in series , each having an emf of 1.28 V and
an internal resistance of 0.1Ω. Across the terminals of the battery are two parallel
resistors, R1 = 8Ω and R2= 24Ω . Calculate the current taken by each of the resistors
and the energy dissipated in the resistances, in joules , if the current flows for 3
1/2min. [I1 = 0.6 A; I2 = 0.2A; W= 806.4J]
27. In Fig.12.45, find the total resistance measured between the points A and B .If a
battery of emf 80 V and internal resistance 1Ω is connected across AB , find the
current in each resistor and the pd across R3.

A
. R 1 =11
.


R 2=40  R 3=10 

.
B

Fig.12.45
.
19 Ω; I1 = 4A; I2 = 0.8A; I3= 3.2 A; 32V

Superposition theorem
28. Use the superposition theorem to currents I1 , I2 and I3 of Fig.12.46(a).
[I1 = 2A; I2 = 3A; I3= 5A;]
29. Use the superposition theorem to current in the 8Ωresistor of Fig.12.46(b)
[0. 385 A]

124
 4.5 V
I1
. I3
I2

8.5 V 30 V
. 10 V

2

. .
8 1
1 0.5  2 I 1=4A I3

.
(a)
.(b)
I 2 =2A

10 V
. 4V
24 V
. 52 V
V
.
3 2 5 20  6
10 

. . . . . I6

I 5 =1A
I4

(c) (d)

Fig. 12.46 Fig.12.47

30. Use the superposition theorem to find the current in each branch of the network
showin in Fig.12.46(c ) 10V battery discharges at 1. 429 A; 4V battery charges at 0.
857 A; Current through 10Ω resistor is 0.572 A
31. Use the superposition theorem to determine the current in each branch of the
arrangement shown in Fig.12.46(d) . 24 V battery charges at 1. 664A; 4V battery
discharges at 3. 280 A; Current through 20Ω resistor is 1.616A.
Kirchhoff’s laws
32. Find currents I3 I4 and I6 in Fig.12.47
[I3 = 2A; I4 = -1A; I6 =3A]
33. For the networks shown in Fig.12.48, find the values of the currents marked.
(a) I1 = 4A; I2 = -1A; I3=13A.
(b) I1 = 40A; I2 = 60A; I3=120A
I4 = 100A; I5= -80A.

40V 5

. 4

6
.
Fig. 12.48 Fig.12.49

125
 34. Use Kirchhoff’s laws to find the current flowing in the 6Ω resistor of Fig.12.49 and
the power dissipated in the 4 Ω resistor. [2.162 A; 42.07 W]
35. Repeat Problem 28 to 31 using Kirchhoff’s laws instead of the superposition theorem.
36. Find the current flowing in the 3Ω resistor for the network shown in Fig.12.50 (a).
Find also the pd across the 10 Ω and 2Ω resistors.
[2.715A; 7.410 V; 3, 948V]
37. For the network shown in Fig.12.50 (b) find: (a) the current in the battery; (b) the
current in

10 
. 60  90 

6
20V
3 2
. 8V 20 
.
. 4
300
150

(a)
I=2A . I2
(b)

4
3  

6.6V
. I1

I4
I3 5
.I5

2

(c)
. 6

Fig.12.50

the 300Ω resistor; (c ) the current in the 90Ω resistor; (d) the power dissipated in the 150Ω
resistor
(a ) 60.38 mA;(b ) 15.10 mA:
(c) 45.28 mA; (d) 35.20 Mw
38. For the bridge network shown in Fig 57 (c ) , find the current I1 to I5
I1 = 1.25 A; I2 = 0.75 A; I3=0.15 A
I4 =1. 40A; I5 = 0.60A;

126
 3 Capacitors and Capacitance

1. WORKED PROBLEMS ON CAPACITORS AND CAPACITANCE

(a) ELECTRIC FLUX DENSITY AND ELECTRIC FIELD STRENGTH PROBLEMS

Problem 1. two parallel rectangular plates measuring 20cm by 40 cm carry an electric charge of
0.2 µC. Calculate the electric flux density. If the plates are spaced 5mm apart and the voltage
between them is 0.25 kV determine the electric fielded strength

Charge Q= 0.2 µC = 0.2 X 10-6 C;

Area A =20 cm x 40cm =800 cm2= 800 X 10-4 m2
Q 0.2  10 6 0.2  10 4 2000
Electric flux density D   4
   10 6
A 800  10 800  10 6
800
= 2.5 µC/m2
Voltage V = 0.25 kV=250V; Platw spacing , d = 5mm = 5 x m.
V 250
Electric field strength E   = 50Kv / m
d 5  10 3

problem 2. The flux density between two plates separated by mica of relative
permittivity 5 is 2 µC/m2 . Find the voltage gradient between the plates.

Flux density D= 2 µC/m2 = 2x 10-6 µC/m2 ; ε0= 8.85 x 10-12 F/m ;.  r  5

D
  0 r
E
D
Hence voltage gradient E 
 0 r
2  10 6
= V/m = 45.2 kV/m
8.85  10 12  5

problem 3. Two parallel plates having a pd of 200 V between them are spaced 0.8 mm
apart. What is the electric field strength? Find also the flux density when the dielectric
between the plates is (a) air

and (b) polythene of relative permittivity 2.3.

V 200
Electric field strength E   = 250 kV/m
d 0.8  10 3
(a) For air =  r  1

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 D
  0 r
E
Hence electric flux density D  E 0 r
250 103  8.85 10 12 1G / m 2
 2.213G / m 2
(b) For polythene  r  2.3.

electric flux density D  E 0 r 250 103  8.85 10 12  2.3C / m 2

=  2.213G / m 2
Further problems on electric flux density and electric field strength may be found in
section C ( c) , Problems 1 to 6 , page 44
( b) a  cv problems

problem 4 . (a) Determine the pd across a 4µF capacitor when charged with 5 mC . (b)
Find the charge on a 50 pF capacitor when the voltage applied to it is 2 kV.

(a) C  4F  4  10 6 F ; Q  5mC  4  10 3 C

Q Q 5  10 3 5  10 6 5000
Since C  thenV    
V C 4  10 6 4  10 3 4
Hence pd = 1250Vor1.25Kv
C  50 pF  50  10 12 F ;V  2kV  2000V
5 2
Q  CV  50  10 12  2000  8
 0.1  10 6
10
Hence charge = 0.1 µC

Problem 5. A direct current of 4 A flows into a previously uncharged 20 µF

capacitor for 3 ms. Determine the pd between the plates.

I  4 A; G  20F  20  10 6 F ; t  3ms  3  10 3 s
Q  It  4  3  10 3 C
Q 4  3  10 3
 6
 0.6  10 3  600V
C 20  10
Hence, the pd between the plates is 600V

Problem 6. A 5 µF capacitor is charged so that the pd between its plates is 800V.

Calculate how long the capacitor can provide an average discharge current of 2Ma

C  5F  5  10 6 F ;V  800V ; I  2Ma  2  10 3 A

128
Q  CV  5  10 6  800  4  10 3 C
Also,
Q 4  10 3
Q= it Thus, t    2S
I 2  10 3
Hence the capacitor can provide an average discharge current of 2 mA for 2s

(c ) PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR PROBLEMA

Problem 7. (a) A ceramic capacitor has an effective plate area of 4 cm2 separated by 0.1 mm
of ceramic of relative permittivity 100. Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor in
picofarads. (b) If the capacitor in part (a) is given a charge of 1.2 µC what will be the pd
between the plates?

( a) Area A=4 cm2=4 x 10-4m2; d =0.1mm = 0.1 x 10-3m;

 0  8.95  10 12 F / m;  r  100
 0 r A 8.85  10 12  100  4  10 4
Capacitance C   FARADS = F
d 0.1  10 3
8.85  4 8.85  4  1012
F pF  3540 pF
1010 1010
Q 1.2  10 6
(b) Q =CV thus V   V  339V
C 3540  10 12

Problem 8. A waxed paper capacitor has two parall plates

each of effective area 800 cm2 .If the capacitance of the capacitor is 4425 pF determine the
effective thickness of the paper if its relative permittivity is 2.5.

A= 800 cm2= 800 x10-4m2 = 0.08 m2; C= 4425 X 10-12 F;

ε0 =8.85 x 10-12 F/m; εr =2.5.
 0 r A
Since C 
d
 0 r A
Then d 
C
8.85  10 12  2.5  0.08
Hence, d = =0.0004m
4425  10 12
Hence the thickness of the paper IS 0.4 mm

Problem 9. A parallel plate capacitor has nineteen interleaved plates each

75mm by 75mm separated by mica sheets 0.2 mm thick. Assuming the relative
permittivity of the mica is 5

129
calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.

n=19 ; n-1=18; A= 75 x75 = 5625mm2= 5625 x 10-6 m2;

εr = 5; ε0 = 8.85 x 10-12 F/m ; d = 0.2 mm = 0.2 x 10-3m.
 0 r A(n  1) 8.85  10 12  5  5625  10 6  18
Capacitance C   F
d 0.2  10 3

= 0.0224 µF or 22.4 Nf

Problem 10 . A capacitor is to be constructed so that its capacitance is 0.2 µF

and to take a pd of 1.25 kV across its terminals. The dielectric is to be mica which
after allowing a safety factor
has a dielectric strength of 50 MV/m .Find (a) the thickness of the mica needed and (b) meth
area of a plate assuming a two plate construction . ( Assume εr for mica to be 6.)

V V 1.25  10 3
(a) Dilectric strength E  i.e. d =  m =0.025 mm
d E 50  1016
 0 r A
(b) Capacitance C 
d
cd 0.2  10 6  0.025  10 3 2
Hence area A =  m
 0 r 8.85  10 12  6
= 0.094 16 = 941.6

(c) PROBLEMS ON CAPACITORS CONNECTED IN PARALLEL AND IN SERIES

Problem 11. Calculate the equivalent capacitance of two capacitors of 6 µF

and 4 µF connected (a) in parallel and (b) in series.

(a) In parallel , equivalent capacitance C= C1 + C2 = 6 µF+4 µF=10 µF.

1 1 1 C 2  C1
(b) In series , equivalent capacitance C is given by   
C C1 C 2 C1C2
C1C 2 product
i.e. C  i.e.
C1  C 2 sum
This formula is esed for the special case of two capacitors in series ( which is similar to two
resistors in parallel).
6  4 24
Thus C    2.4F
6  4 10

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 Problem 12. what capacitance must be connected in series with a 30 µF capacitor for
the equivalent capacitance to be 12 µF?

Let C= 12 µF(the equivalent capacitance), =30 µF and be the unknown capacitance.

1 1 1
For two capacitors in series  
C C1 C 2

1 1 1 C1  C
Hence   
C2 C C1 CC

CC1 12  30 360
C2     20F
C1  C 30  12 18

Problem 13. Capacitances of 1 F 3 F 5 F and 6 F are connected in parallel to a direct

voltage supply of 100V. Determine (a) the equivalent circuit capacitance(b) the total charge
and (c) the charge on each capacitor.

(a) The equivalent capacitance C for 4 capacitors in parallel is given by:

C  C1  C2  C3  C4
i.e. C  1  3  5  6  15 F
(b) Total charge QT  CV where C is the equivalent circuit capacitance.
i.e. QT  15  10 16  100  1.5  10 3 C  1.5mC

(c) (The charge on the 1 F capacitor Q1  C1V  1 10 6  100  0.1mC

The charge on the 3 F capacitor Q2  C2V  3  10 6  100  0.3mC

The charge on the 5 F capacitor Q3  C3V  5  10 6  100  0.5mC
The charge on the 6 F capacitor Q4  C4V  6  10 6  100  0.6mC
[Check : In a parallel circuit QT  Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4

Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4  0.1  0.3  0.5  0.6  1.5mC  QT

Problem 14. Capacitances of 3 F 6 F and 12 F are connected in a series across a 350 V

supply. Calculate (a) the equivalent circuit capacitance (b) the charge on each capacitor (c)
the pd across each capacitor

The circuit diagram is shown in Fig 12.51

(a) The equivalent circuit capacitance C for three capacitors in series is given by:

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 Fig.12.51

1 1 1 1
  
C C1 C 2 C3

1 1 1 1 4  2 1 7
    
C 3 6 12 12 12
Hence the equivalent circuit capacitance
12 5
C   1 F
7 7

(a) Totan charge QT  CV

12
Hence QT   10 6  350  600C or 0.6mC
7
Since the capacitors are connected in series 0.6mC is the charge on each of them.
Q 0.6  10 3
(b) The voltage across the 3 F capacitor, V1    200V
C1 3  10 6
Q 0.6  10 3
The voltage across the 6 F capacitor, V2    100V
C2 3  10 6
Q 0.6  10 3
The voltage across the 8 F capacitor, V3    50V
C3 12  10 6
[Check : In a series circuit V  V1  V2  V3
V1  V2  V3 200  100  50  350V = supply voltage. ]
In practice , capacitors are rarely connected in series unless they are of the same
capacitance. The reason for this can be seen from the above problem where the lowest
valued capacitor (I.e. 3 µF) has the highest pd across it (i.e. 200V) which means that if all the
capacitors have an identical construction they must all be rated at the highest voltage.

Problem 15. For the arrangement shown in Fig.12.52 find (a) the equivalent capacitance of
the circuit, (b) the voltage across QR and (c ) the charge on each capacitor.

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 i. 2 F in parallel with 3 g F ives an equivalent capacitance of 2 F +3 F =5. F The
circuit is now as shown in Fig.12.53. The equivalent capacitance 0f 5 F in series with 15
F is given by

Fig.12.52 Fig.12.53

5  15 75
F i.e. or 3.75
5  15 20
(b)The charge on each of the capacitors shown in Fig.12.53 will be the same since
they are connected in series. Let this charge be Q coulombs. Then Q  C1  V1  C2V2
i.e 5V1  15 , V1  3V2
Also =240V V1  V2  240V Hence 3V2  V2 
Thus V2  60VandV1  180V
Hence the voltage across QR is 60V (c) The charge on the 15 F capacitor is
C2V2  15  10 6  60  0.9mC . The charge on the 2 F capacitor is 2 10 6 180  0.36mC
The charge on the 3 F capacitor is x x 180= 0.54 m C 3 10 6 180  0..54mC

(e) PROBLEMS ON ENERGY STORED IN CAPACITORS

Problem 16. (a) Determine the energy stored in a 3 F capacitor when charged to
400 V.

(b) Find also the average power developed if this energy is dissipated in a time of
10 µs.
1
(a) Energy stored W  CV 2
2
1 3 2 energy 0.24
  3  10 6  400 2   16  10  0.24 J Power =  W  24kW
2 2 time 10  10 6

Problem 17. A 12 µF capacitor is required to store 4 J of energy . Find the pd to

which the capacitor must be charged
1 2W
Energy stored 2 W  CV hence V 
2 2

2 C

 2W   2 4   2  10 6 
and V V     6 
    816.5
 C   12  10   3 

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 Problem 18. A capacitor is charged with 10 m C. If the energy stored is 1.2 J. Find (a) the
voltage and (b) the capacitance.

1 Q
Energy stored W  CV 2 and C
2 V
1Q 2 1
Hence W  V  QV
2 V  2
2W
from which V
Q
Q  10mC  10  10 3 CandW  1.2 j
2W 2  1.2
Voltage V  0.24kV or240V
Q 10  10 3
3
Q 10  10 10  10
Capacitance C  = F F  41.67 F
V 240 240  10 3

Problem 19. Compare briefly standard types of capacitor.

1.Variable air capacitors. These usually consist of two sets of metal plates (such as
aluminium) one fixed , the other variable . The set of moving plates

Fig.12.54

rotate on a spindle as shown by the end view in Fig.12.54. As the moving plates are rotated
through half a revolution, the meshing , and therefore the capacitance , varies from
minimum to a maximum value. Variable air capacitors are used in radio and electronic
circuits where very low losses are required , or where a variable capacitance is needed.The
maximum value of such capacitors is between 500 pF and 1000 pF.
2.Mica capacitors. A typical older type construction is shown in Fig.12.55.

134
 Fig.12.55

Usually the whole capacitor is Impregnated with wax and placed in a Bakelite case. Mica is
easily obtained in thin sheets and is a good insulator.However , mica is expensive and is not
used in capacitors above about 0.1 µF .A modified form of mica capacitor is the silvered
mica type. The mica is coated on both sides with a thin layer of silver which forms the
plates . Capacitance is stable and less likely to change with age.
Such capacitors have a constant capacitance with change of temperature, a high
working voltage rating and a long service life and are used in high frequency circuits with
fixed values of capacitance up to about 1000 pF.
3.Paper capacitors. Atypical paper capacitor is shown in Fig.12.56 where the length of
the roll corresponds to the capacitance required. The whole is usually impregnated with oil
or wax to exclude moisture, and then placed

Fig.12.56

in a plastic or a luminium container for protection.Paper capacitors are made in

various working voltages up to about 1 µF. Disadvantages of paper capacitor include
variation in capacitance with temperature change and a shorter service life than most other
types of capacitor
4. Ceramic capacitors. These are made in various forms, each type of construction
depending on the value of capacitance required. For high values , a tube of ceramic material
is used as shown in the cross section of Fig.12.57. For smaller values
135
 Fig.12.57 Fig.12.58 Fig.12.59

the cup construction is used as shown in Fig.12.58, and for still smaller values the disc
construction shown in Fig.12.59 is used .Certain ceramic materials have a very high
permittivity and this enables capacitors of high capacitance to be made which are of small
physical size with a high working voltage rating . Ceramic capacitors are available in the
range 1p F to 0.1 µF and may be used in high frequency electronic circuits subject to a wide
range of temperatures.
5 Plastic capacitors. Some Plastic materials such as polystyrene and Teflon can be used
as dielectrics. Construction is similar to the paper capacitor but using a plastic film instead of
paper. Plastic capacitors operate well and conditions of high temperature provide a precise
value of capacitance, Avery long service life and high reliability.
6. Elecrolytic capacitors. Construction is similar to the paper capacitor with aluminums
foil used for the plates and with a thick absorbent material, such as paper, impregnated with
an electrolyte (ammonium borate), separating the plates. The finished capacitor is usually
assembled in an aluminum container and hermetically sealed. Its operation depends on the
formation of a thin aluminum oxide layer on the positive plate by electrolytic action when a
suitable direct potential is maintained between the plates. The oxide layer is very thin and
forms the dielectric.(The absorbent paper between the plates is a conductor and does not act
as a dielectric.) Such capacitors must always be used on dc and must be connected with the
correct polarity; if this is not done the capacitor will be destroyed since the oxide layer will
be destroyed. Electrolytic capacitors are manufactured with working voltage from 6 V to
500 V , although accuracy is generally not very high. These capacitors posses a much larger
capacitance than other types of capacitors of similar dimensions due to the oxide film being
only a few microns thick. The fact that they can be used only on dc supplies limit their
usefulness.

C. FURTHER PROBLEMS ON CAPACITORS AND CAPACITANCE

( a) SHORT ANSWER PROBLEMS

1. Explain the term ,electrostatistic’.

2. Complete the statements : Like charges……………..; unlike charges……….

136
 3. How can an ‘ electric field ‘ be established between two parallel metal plates?
4. What is capacitance?
5. State the unit of capacitance.
6. Complete the statement : Capacitance=
7. Complete the statement: (a) 1 µF = . . . F

(b) 1 p F = . . . F

8. Complete the statement: Electric field strength E=

9. Complete the statement: Electric flux density D=
10. Draw the electrical circuit diagram symbol for a capacitor.
11. Name two practical examples where capacitance is present , although undesirable.
12. The insulating material separating the plates of a capacitor is called the…….
13. 10 volts applied to a capacitor results in a charge of 5 coulombs . What is the
capacitance of the capacitor?
14. There 3 µF capacitors are connected in parallel. The equivalent capacitance is ……
15. There 3 µF capacitors are connected in series. The equivalent capacitance is ……
16. State an advantage of series connected capacitors.
17. Name three factors upon which capacitance depends.
18. What does ,relative permittivity , mean?
19. Define , permittivity of free space’
20. Name five types of capacitor commonly used.
21. Sketch a typical rolled paper capacitor.
22. Explain briefly the construction of a variable air capacitor.
23. State three advantages and one disadvantage of mica capacitors.
24. Name two disadvantages of paper capacitors.
25. Between what values of capacitance are ceramic capacitors normally available.
26. What main advantages to plastic capacitors posses?
27. Explain briefly the construction of an electrolytic capacitor.
28. What in the main disadvantage of electrolytic capacitors?
29. Name an important advantage of electrolytic capacitor.
30. What safety precautions should be taken when a capacitor is disconnected from a
supply?
31. What in the meant by the ,dielectric strength ‘ of a material?
32. State the formula used to determine the energy stored by a capacitor.

(a) MULTI –CHOICE PROBLEMS

1. Electrostatics is a branch of electricity concerned with
(a) energy flowing across a gap between conductors;
137
 (b) charges at rest;
(c) charges in motion
(d) energy in the form of changes.
1. The capacitance of a capacitor is the ratio
(a) charge to pd between plates;
(b) pd between plates to plate spacing;
(c) pd between plates to thickness o dielectric;
(d) pd between plates to charge.
3. The pd across a 10 µF capacitor to charge it with 10 mC is
(a) 100V; (b) 1k V; (c) 1V; (d) 10V.
4. The charge on a 10 µF capacitor when the voltage applied to it is 10 KV is:
(a) 100 µC; (b) 0.1C; (c) 0.1 µC; (d) 0.01 µC.
5. Four 2 µF capacitors are connected in parallel. The equivalent capacitance is
(a) 8 µF; (b) 0.5 µF.
6. Four 2 µF capacitors are connected in series. The equivalent capacitance is
(a) (a)8 µF; (b) 0.5 µF.
7. State which of the following is false.
The capacitance of a capacitor
(a) is proportional to the cross sectional area of the plates;
(b) is proportional to the distance between the plates;
(c) depends on the number of plates;
(d) is proportional to the relative permittivity of the dielectric .
8. State which of the following statements is false.
(a) An air capacitor is normally a variable type.
(b) A paper capacitor generally has a shorter service life than most other types
of capacitor.
(c) An electrolytic capacitor must be used only a,c.suppllies.
(d) Plastic capacitors generally operate satisfactorily under conditions of high
temperature.
9. The energy stored in a 10 µF capacitor when charged to 500 V is
(a) mJ (b) 0.025 µ J; (c) 1.25 J ;(d) 1.25 C.
10. The capacitance of a variable air capacitor is a maximum when
(a) the movable plates half overlap the fixed plates ;
(b) the movable plates are most widely separated from the fixed plates;
(c) both sets of plates are exactly meshed;
(d) the movable plates are closer to one side of the fixed plate than to the
other.

138
(c) CONVETIONAL PROBLEMS
(Where appropriate take ε 0 as 8.85 x 10-12 F/m)
Electric flux density and electric field strength

1. A capacitor uses a dielectric 0.04 mm thick and operates at 30 V . What is the electric
field strength across the dielectric at this voltage?
[750 kV/m].
2. A two plate capacitor has a charge of 25 C. If the effective area of each plate is 5 cm2
find the electric flux density of the electric field.
[50 kC/ m2].
3. A charge of 1.5 µC is carried on two parallel rectangular plates each measuring 60mm
by 80mm. Calculate the electric flux density.If the plates are spaced 10mm apart and the
voltage between them is 0.5 k V Determine the electric field strength.
[312,5 µC/m2; 50 k V/m].
4. Two parallel plates are separated by a dielectric and charged with 10 µC. Given that
the area of each plate is 50 cm2, calculate the electric flux density in the dielectric separating
the plates.
[ 2mC/ m2 ].
5. The flux density between two plates separated by polystyrene of relative permittivity
2.5 is 5 µC/ m2. Find the voltage gradient between the plates.
[226kV/m].
6. Two parallel plates having a pd of 250 V between them are spaced 1 mm apart.
Determine the electric field strength. Find also the density when the dielectric between the
plates is (a) air and (b) mica of relative permittivity 5.

Q=CV problems
7. Find the charge on a 10 µF capacitor when the applied voltage is 250V.
[2.5mC].
8. Determine the voltage across a 1000 pF capacitor to charge it with 2 µC.
[2 kV].
9. The charge on the plates of a capacitor is 6mC when the potential between
them is 2.4 k V .Determine the capacitance of the capacitor.
[2.5 µF].
10. For how long must a charging current of 2 A be fed to a 5 µF capacitor to raise the pd
between its plates by 500V.
[1.25ms].
11. A direct current of A flows into a previously uncharged 5 µF capacitor for 1 ms.
Determine the pd between the plates.
139
 [2kV].
12. A 16 µF capacitor is charged at a constant current of 4 µA for 2 min. Calculate the
final pd across the capacitor and the corresponding charge in coulombs.
[30 V; 480 µC].
13. A steady current of 10 A flows into a previously uncharged capacitor for 1.5 ms when
the pd between the plates is 2 k V. Find the capacitance of the capacitor.
[7.5 µF].

Prallel plate capacitor

14. A capacitor consists of two parallel plates, each of area 0.01 m2, spaced 0.1 mm in air
Calculate the capacitance in picofarads.
[885pF].
15. A waxed paper capacitor has two parallel plates , each of effective area 0.2 m2 .If the
capacitance is 4000 pF determine the effective thickness of the paper if its relative
permittivity is 2.
[0.885mm]
16. Calculate the capacitor of a parallel plate capacitor having 5 plates , each 30 mm by
20 mm and separated by a dielectric 0.75 mm thick having a relative permittivity of 2.3.
[65.14 pF].
17. How many plates has a parallel plate capacitor having a capacitance of 5 nF, if each
plate is 40 mm aquare and each dielectric is 0,10 mm thick with a relative permittivity of 6.
[7].
18. A parallel plate capacitor is made from 25 plates , each 70mm by 120mm interleaved
with mica of relative permittivity 5. If the capacitance of the capacitor is 3000 pF determine
the thickness of the mica sheet.
[2.97mm].
19. A capacitor is constructed with parallel plates and has a value of 50 pF . What would
be the capacitane of the capacitor if the plate area is doubled and the plate spacing is
doubled?
[200 pF].
20. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is 1000 pF. It has 19 plates , each 50mm
by 30mm separated by a dielectric of thickness 0.40 mm. Determine the relative permittivity
of the dielectric.
[1.67].
21. The charge on the square plates of a multiplate capacitor is 80 µC when the potential
between them is 5 kV. If the capacitor has twenty –five plates separated by a dielectric of
thickness 0.102 mm and relative permittivity 4.8, determine the width of a plate.
[40mm].

140
 22. A capacitor is to be constructed so that its capacitance is 4250 pF and to operate at a
pd of 100 V across its terminals. The dielectric is to be polythene (εr= 2.3)which, after
allowing a safety factor , has a dielectric strength of 20 MV/m .Find (a ) the thickness of the
polythene needed, and (c ) the area of a plate.
[( a) 0.005 mm; (b) 10.44cm2].

Capacitors connected in parallel and in series

23. Capacitors of 2 µF and 6 µF are connected (a ) in parallel and (b) in series. Determine
the equivalent capacitance in each case.
[ (a) 8 µF; (b) 1.5 µF].
24. Find the capacitance to be connected in series with a 10 µF capacitor for the
equivalent capacitance to be 6 µF
[15 µF].
25. What value of capacitance would be obtained if capacitors of 0.15 µF and 0.1 µF are
connected (a) in series and (b) in parallel.
[(a) 0.06 µF; (b)0.25 µF].
26. Two 6 µF capacitors are connected in series with one having a capacitance of 12 µF .
Find the total equivalent circuit capacitance. What capacitance must be added in series to
obtain a capacitance of 1.2 µF?
[2.4µF; 2.4µF].
27. Determine the equivalent capacitance when the following capacitors are connected
(a) in parallel and (b) in series:
(i) 2µF,4µF and 8µF
(ii) 0.02µF, 0,05µF and 0.1`µF
(iii) 50 pF and 450 PF
(iv) 0.01µF and 200 PF

28. For the arrangement shown in Fig.12.60 find (a) the equivalent circuit capacitance
and (b) the voltage across a 4.5 capacitor.
[(a) 1.2 (b)100 V].
29. Three 12 capacitors are connected in series across a 750 V supply. Calculate (a) the
equivalent capacitance , (b) the charge on each capacitor and (c) the pd across each capacitor.
[(a) 4 ; (b) 3 mC (c )250
V].
30. If two capacitors having capacitances 3 and 5 respectively are connected in
series across a 240 V supply determine (a) the pd across each capacitor and (b) the charge on
each capacitor.

141
 [ (a)150 V, 90 V;(b) 0.45 mC on each].
31. In Fig.12.61 capacitors P, Q , and R are identical and the total equivalent capacitance
of the circuit is 3 . Determine the values of P, Q , and R.
[4.2 ].
32. Capacitances of 4 ,8 and 16 are connected in parallel across a 200V supply.
Determine (a) the equivalent capacitance, (b) the total charge and (c) the charge on each
capacitor.
[(a) 28 .
33. A circuit consists of two capacitors P and Q in parallel , connected in series with
another capacitor R. The capacitances od P, Q are 4 , 12 respectively. When
the circuit in connected across a 300Vdc supply find (a) the

Fig. 12.60 Fig.12.61

total capacitance of the circuit , (b) the pd across each capacitor and ( c) the charge
on each capacitor.

Energy stored in capacitors

34. When a capacitor is connected across a 200 V supply the charge is 4 . Find (a) the
capacitance and (b) the energy stored.
[(a) 0.02 .
35. Find the energy stored in a 10 capacitor when charged to 2 kV
[20J].
36. A3300 pF capacitor is required to store 0.5 mJ of energy. Find the pd to which the
capacitor must be charged.
[550 V].
37. A capacitor is charged with 8 mC .If the energy stored is 0.4Jfind (a) the voltage and
(b) the capacitance.
[(a) 100V, (b) 80 ]
38. A capacitor ,consisting of two metal plates each of area 50cm2and spaced 0.2 mm apart
I air, is connected across a 120 V supply .Calculate (a) the energy stored, (b) the electric flux
density and (c) the potential gradient.

142
 [ (a) 1.593 2
; (c) 600 kV/m]
39. A bakelite capacitor is to be constructed to have a capacitance of 0.04 and to
have a steady working potential of 1 kV maximum. Allowing a safe value of field stress of
25 MV/m find (a) the thickness of Bakelite required , (b) the area of plate required if the
relative permittivity of Bakelite is 5, (c) the maximum energy stored by the capacitor and
(d) the average power developed if this energy is dissipated in a time of 20 .
[ (a) 0.04 mm; (b) 361 ,6cm2; (c) 0.02 J; (d) 1 kW]

A. FORMULAE AND DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MAGNETIC CIRCUITS

1. A permanent magnet is a piece of ferromagnetic material (such as iron ,nickel or cobalt)

which has properties of attracting other pieces if these materials.
2. The area around a magnet is called the magnetic field and it is in this area that the effect of
the magnetic force produced by the magnet can be detected.
3. Magnetic fields can be established by electric currents as well as by permanent magnets.
4. The magnetic flux φ is the amount of magnetic field (or the number of lines of force )
produced by a magnetic source.
5. The unit of magnetic flux is the weber, Wb
6. magnetic flux density B is the amount of flux passing through a defined area that is
perpendicular to the direction of the flux.
magniflux
7. Magnetic flux density =, i.e. B= φ/A
area
8. The unit of flux density is the tesla T , where 1 T= 1 Wb /m2
9. Magnetomotive force (mmf)
Fm = NI ampere –turns (At)
where N= numbers of conductors (or turns )
I= current in ampers.
Since ‘turns has n units , the SI unit of mmf is the ampere , but to avoid any possible
confusion ampere-turns’, (At), are used in this chapter.
10. Magnetic fields strength, or magnetizing force
NI
H At / m where l mean length of flux path in metres.
l
Hence ,mmf NI= Nl At
11 For air , or any non- magnetic medium ,the ratio of magnetic flux density to magnetizing
force is a constant , i.e. B/H =a constant. This constant is µ0 , the permeability of free space
(or the magnetic space constant) and is equal to
4π x 10-7 H/m.
B
Hence  0
H
12. For ferromagnetic mediums:
143
 B
 0  x
H
where µr is the relative permeability , and is defined as

its value varies with the type of magnetic material and since µr is a ratio of flux densites, it
has no units, From its definition , µr for air is 1.
13. µ0µr =µ , called the absolute permeability.
14. By plotting measured values of flux density B against magnetic field strength H , a
magnetization curve (or B- H curve) is produced. For non- magnetic materials this is a
straight line. Typical curves for four magnetic materials are shown on Fig.12.63.
15. The relative permeability of a ferromagnetic material is proportional to the slope of the
B-H curve and thus varies with magnetic field strength. The approximate range of values of
relative permeability µr for some common magnetic materials are:
Cast iron µr = 100-250; Mild steel µr = 200- 800 Silicon iron µr = 1000- 5000;
Cast steel µr = 300-900 Mumetal µr = 200-5000; Stalloy µr = 500-6000
16. The ,magnetic resistance ‘ of a magnetic circuit to the presence of magnetic flux is called
reluctance. The symbol for reluctance is S (or Rm).
mmf Nl l l
17. Reluctance S    
  B
A
u0ur A
H
18. The unit of reluctance is 1/ H (or H-1)or At /Wb .
19. For a series magnetic circuit having n parts, the total reluctance S is given by:
S= S1+ S2 +… + Sn
(This is similar to resistors connected in series in an electrical circuit)
20. Comparison between electrical and magnetic quantities.

Electric circuit Magnetic circuit

emf E (V) mmf Fm (A)

current I (A) flux φ (Wb)
resistance R (Ω) reluctances (H-1)
E mmf
I 
R S
pl l
R S
A u0ur A

21. Ferromagnetic materials have a low reluctance and can be used as magnetic screens to
prevent magnetic fields affecting materials within the screen.

144
 22. Hysteresis is the ‘lagging ‘effect of flux density B whenever there are changes in the
magnetic field strength H.
23. when an initially unmagnetised ferromagnetic material is subjected to a varying
magnetic field strength H, the flux density B produced in the material varies as shown in Fig
1, the arrows indicating the direction of the cycle .Fig.12.62 is known as a hysteresis loop.

Fig.12.62
OX=residual flux density or remanence
OY=coercive force
PP= saturation flux density.
24. Hysteresis results in a dissipation of energy which appears as a heating of the
magnetic material. The energy loss associated with hysteresis is proportional to the area of
the hysteresis loop.
25. The area of a hysteresis loop varies with the type of material. The area, and thus the
energy loss, is much greater for hard materials than for soft materials.

Fig.12.63

B. WORKED PROBLEMS ON MAGNETIC CIRCUITS

(a) MAGNETIC CIRCUITS QUANTITIES

145
Problem 1. A magnetic pole face has a rectangular section having dimensions 20 cm by
by 10 cm . If the total flux emerging from the pole is 150µWb, calculate the flux density.

flux   150Wb  150  10 6 Wb

4
Cross sectional area A  20 10  200cm  200 10 m
2 2

 150  10 6
Flux density B   =0.0075 T or 7.5 m T
A 200  10 4

Problem 2. A flux density of 1.2 T is produced in a piece of cast steel by a magnetizing force
of 1250 At/m. Find the relative permeability of the steel under these conditions
For magnetic material :

B  0 r H
B 1.2
r    764
0 H  
4  10 7 1250

Problem 3. Determine the magnetic field strength and the mmf required to produce a flux
density of 0.25 T in an air gap of length 12 mm.

For air : B   0 H (since µr = 1 )

B 0.25
Magnetic field strength H    198940 At/m
0 4  10 7
mmf  HI  198940  12  10 3  2387 At

Problem 4. A magnetic force of 8000 At /m is applied to a circular magnetic circuit of mean

diameter 30 cm by passing a current through a coil wound on the circuit. If the coil is
uniformly wound around the circuit and has 750 turns, find the current in the coil.

H  8000 At / m;1  d  30  10 2 m; N  750turns

Nl
Since H 
N
Hl 800  30  10 2
then , I  
N 750
Thus, current I= 10.05 A

Problem 5. A coil of 300 turns is wound uniformly on a ring of non- magnetic material. The
ring has a mean circumference of 40 cm and a uniform cross sectional area 4 cm 2. If the

146
current in the coil is 5A,calculate (a) magnetic field strength ,(b) the flux density and (c) the
total magnetic flux in the ring.
NI 300  5
(a) Magnetic field strength  H  3750 At / m
l 40  10 2
(b) For a non- magnetic material u x  1 , thus flux density B   0 H
4 10 7  3750  4.712mT

(c) Flux   BA  4.712  10 3  
4  10 4  1.885Wb

Problem 6. Determine the reluctance of a piece of mumetal of length 150 mm , cross-

sectional area 1800 mm2 when the relative permeability is 4000. Find also the absolute
permeability of the mumetal.

l 150  10 3
Reluctance S    16580 / H
0 r   
4  10 7 4000 1800  10 6 
Absolute permeability,    0  r 4  10 7 4000  5.027 10 3
H /m

Problem 7. An iron ring of mean diameter 10 cm is uniformly wound with 2000turns of

wire. When a current of 0.25 A is passed through the coil a flux density of 0.4 T is set up in
the iron.
Find (a) the magnetizing force and (b) the relative permeability of the iron under
these conditions.

1= d    10cm    10  10 2 m; N 2000turns; I  0.25 A; B  0.4T .

NI 2000  0.25 5000
(a) H   1592 At/m
l   10  10 2 
B 0.4
  0  r H .Hence r    200
0 H 
4  10 7 1592
Problem 8. A mild steel ring has a radius of 50 mm and a cross – sectional area of 400mm2.
A current of 0.5A flows in a coil wound uniformly around the ring and the flux produced is
0.1 m Wb . If the relative permeability at this value of current is 200 find (a) reluctance of
the mild steel and (b) the number of turns on the coil.

1  2r  2    50  10 3 m; A  400  10 6 m 2 ; I  0,5 A

  0.1 10 3 Wb,  x  2000
(a) Recultance
l 2    50  10 3
S   3.125  10 6 / H
0 r A   
4  10 200 400  10
7 6

mmf
(b) S 

147
 mmf  S 
i.e
NI  S 
S  3.125  10 6  0.1  10 3
Hence N   625turns
I 0.5
Problem 9. A uniform ring of cast iron has a cross sectional area of 10 cm 2 and a mean
circumference of 20 cm . Determine the mmf necessary to produce a flux of 0.3 m Wb in the
ring .The magnetization curve for cast iron is shown on page 00.

A  10cm 2  10  10 4 m 2 ;1  20cm  0.2m;   0.3  10 3 Wb

 0.3  10 3
flux density B    0.3T
A 10  10 4
From the magnetization curve for cast iron on page 50, when B = 0,3 T ,
H = 1000 At/ m
Hence mmf = Hl = 1000 x 0.2 = 20 At
A tabular method could have been used in this problem. Such a solution is shown
below.

part of mmf
circuit Material ϕ Wb A m 2
B= T H from lm Hl At
graph

Ring Cast iron 0.3 x 10-3 10 x 10-4 0.3 1000 0.2 200

Problem 10. From the magnetization curve for cast iron, shown on page 50, derive the
curve of µr against H.
B 1 B 10 7 B
B   0  r H , hence. r     
 0 H  0 H 4 H
A number of co- ordinates are selected from the B-H curve and µr is calculated for each
as shown in the following table.

B(T) 0.04 0.13 0.17 0.30 0.41 0.49 0.60 0. 68 0.73 0.76 0.79
H (At/m) 200 400 500 1000 1500 2000 30000 4000 5000 6000 7000
µr= 159 259 271 239 218 195 159 135 116 101 90

µr is plotted against H as shown in Fig12.64 . The curve demonstrates the change that
occurs in the relative permeability as the magnetizing force increases.

148
 Fig. 12.64 B-H and
µp –H curves for cast iron

(b) COMPOSITE SERIES MAGNETIC CIRCUITS

Problem 11. A closed magnetic circuit of cast steel contains a 6 cm long path of cross
sectional area 1 cm2 and 2 cm path of cross –sectional area 0,5 cm2 .A coil of 200 turns is
wound around the 6 cm length of the circuit and a current of 0.4 A flows. Determine
the flux density in the 2cm path , if the relative permeability of the cast steel is 750.
For the 6 cm long path :
l2 6  10 2
Reluctance S1    6.366  10 5 / H
0 r A   
4  10 750 1  10
7 4

For the 2 cm long path:
l2 2  10 2
Reluctance S 2    4.244  10 5 / H
 0  r A2  
4  10 750 0.5  10
7 4
 
Total circuit reluctance S  S1  S 2  6.366  4.244  105  10.61 105 / H
mmf mmf NI 200  0,4
S ,     7.54  10 5 Wb
 S S 10.61  10 5
 7.45  10 5
Flux density in the 2 cm path , B    1.51T
A 0.5  10 4

Problem 12. A silicon iron ring of cross –sectional area 5 cm2 has a radial air gap of 2
mm cut into it. If the mean length of the silicon iron path is 40 cm , calculate the
magneto motive force to produce a flux of 0.7 m Wb. The magnetization curve for
silicon iron is shown on page 50.

149
 There are two parts to the circuit – the silicon iron and the air gap. The total mmf will
the sum of the mmf’s of each part.
 0.7  10 3
For the silicon iron : B    1,4T
A 5  10 4
From the B-H curve for silicon iron on page , when B  1.4T , H  1650 At / M
Hence the mmf for the iron path  Hl  1650  0.4  660 At
For the air-gap:
The flux density will be the same in the air gap as in the iron , i.e 1.4 T (This assumes
no leakage or fringing occurring.)
B 1.4
For air H    1114000 At / m
 0 4  10 7
Hence the mmf for the air gap = At= Hl  114000 10 3  228
Total mmf to produce a flux of 0.6 m Wb  660  2228  2228 At
A tabular method could have been used as shown below.

part of Material ϕ Wb A m2 BT H At/m lm mmf=Hl At

circuit

Ring Silicon 0.7 x 10-3 5 x 10-4 1.4 1650 (from graph) 0.4 660

Air-gap Air 0.7 x 10-3 5 x 10-4 1.4 2 x 10-3 2228

= 1 114 000

Total: 2888At

Problem 13. Fig.12.65 shows a ring formed with two different materials – cast steel
and mild steel. The dimensions are:

mean length cross sectional

M ild steel 400mm 500mm2
Castel steel 300mm 312.5 mm2
Find the total mmf required tocause a flux of 500 µWb in the magnetic circuit.
Determine also the total circuit reluctance.

150
 Fig.12.65

A tabular solution is shown below.

part of Material ϕ Wb A m2 BT H At/m lm mmf=Hl At

circuit
A Mild steel 500x10-6 500 x 10-6 1.0 1400 400x 10-3 560
B Castel st. 500x10-6 5312.5x 10-6 1.6 4800 300x10-3 1440

Problem 14 . A section trough a magnetic circuit of uniform cross-section area 2 cm2 is

shown in Fig.12.66. The cast steel core has a mean length of 25 cm .The air gap is 1 mm
wide and the coil has 5000 turns. The B-H curve for cast steel is shown on page 50.
Determine the current in the coil to produce a flux density of 0.80 T in the air gap,
assuming that all the flux passes through both parts of the magnetic circuit
For the cast steel core : When B = 0.80 T,H = 750 At/m (Fig.12.63)

Fig.12.66

I1 B  0 r A H
Reluctance S1  and , since
 0  r A1

B S1 
l1

l1 H

 
25  10 2 750
 1172000 / H
 
then
r  B BA 0.8 2  10 4
0 H
0 0 H
151
 I2
For the air-gap : Reluctance S2  (since µ2= 1 for air)
 0  r A2
1  10 3
 3979000 / H
 
4  10 7 2  10 4
Total circuit reluctance S=S1+S2=1172000+3979000  5151000 / H
Flux    0.80  2 10 4  1.6  10 4 Wb
mmf
S

Thus  mmf  S
Hence  NI  S

Hence current I 
S

51510001.6  10 4   0.165 A
 5000
C. FURTHER PROBLEMS ON MAGNETIC CIRCUITS
(a) SHORT ANSWER PROBLEMS

1. Define magnetic flux.

2. The symbol for magnetic flux is …………… and the unit of flux is the………..
3. Define magnetic flux density.
4. The symbol for magnetic flux density is …………… and the unit of flux density is
……
5. The symbol for mmf is …… and the unit of mmf is the ……
6. Another name for the magnetizing force is …….. ; its symbol is ……… and its unit
is…….
fluxdensit y
7. Complete the statement : For magnetic materials = ….
magneticfi eldstrengt h
8. What is absolute permeability?
9. The value of the permeability of free space is…..
10. What is a magnetization curve?
11. The symbol for reluctance flux is …………… and the unit of reluctance is ……
12. Make a comparison between magnetic and electrical quantities.
13. What is hysteresis?
14. Draw a typical hysteresis loop and identify (a) saturation flux density, (b) remanence
and (c) coercive force.
15. State the units of (a) remanence , (b) coercive force.
16. How is magnetic screening achived?
17. Complete the statement :Magnetic materials have a ….. reluctance; non-magnetic
materials have a ……… reluctance.
18. What loss is associated with hysteresis?

152
 (b) MULTI –CHOICE PROBLEMS
1. The unit of magnetic flux density is the:
(a) weber; (b) weber per metre; (c) ampere per metre; (d) tesla
2. The total flux in the core of an electrical machine is 20 m Wb and its flux density is 1
T. The cross- sectional area of the core is (a) 0.05 m2; (b) 0.02 m2 ; (c) 20 m2 ; (d) 50m2.
A coil of 100 turns is wound uniformly on a wooden ring. The ring has a mean
circumference of 1 m a uniform cross- sectional area 10 cm2. The current in the xoil is
1 A.
In problems 3 to 7 select the correct answer for each of the required quantities from
the following list.
(a) 40π mT ; (b) 100 A ; (c) 4  10 1 / H ; (d) 100 At ; (e) 0.01At / m ;
2.5
(g) (f) 40 π T ; 40π m Wb (h)  10 9 / H (i) 100 100 At / m ; (j) 0.04 π Wb .

3. Magnetomotive force.
4. Magnetic field strength.
5. Magnetic flux density.
6. Magnetic flux.
7. Reluctance.
8. Which of the following statements is false?
(a) For non- magnetic materials reluctance is high.
(b) Energy loss due to hysteresis is greater for harder magnetic materials than for softer
magnetic materials.
(c) The remanence of a ferrous material is measured in ampere – turns/metre.
(d) Absolute permeability is measured in henrys per metre.
9. The current flowing in a 500 turn coil wound on an iron ring is 4A. The reluctance
of the circuit is 2 10 6 H . The flux produced is (a) 1 Wb ; (b) 1000 ; Wb (c) 1 m Wb ;
(e) 62.5µ Wb .
10. A comparison can be made between magnetic and electrical quantities. From the
following list, match the magnetic quantities with their equivalent electrical
quantities.
(a) Current ; (b) reluctance; (c) emf ; (d) flux; (e ) mmf; (f) resistance.

(b) CONVENTIONAL PROBLEMS

(Where appropriate, assume  2  4  10 7 H / m )
Magnetic circuit quantities
1.What is the flux density in a magnetic field of cross –sectional area 20 cm2 having a flux
of 3 mWb? [1.5 T]
2.(a) Determine the flux density produced in an air- cored solenoid due to a uniform
magnetic field strength of 8000 At/M.

153
(b) Iron having a relative permeability 150 at 8000 At/m is inserted into the solenoid of
part(a). Find the flux density now in the solenoid.
[(a) 10.05 mT; (b) 1.508 T]
3. Find the relative permeability of a material if the absolute permeability is 4. 084 x 10-4
H/m. [325]
4. Find the relative permeability of a piece of silicon iron if a flux density of 1.3 T is
produced by a magnetic field strength of 700 At / m.
[1478]
5. Determine the total flux emerging from a magnetic pole face having dimensions 5 cm by
6 cm , if the flux density is 0.9 T
[ 2.7 m Wb]
6.The maximum working flux density of a lifting electromagnet is 1.8 T and the effective
area of a pole face is circular in cross-section. If the total magnetic flux produced is 353 mWb
determine the radius of the pole face.
[25cm]
7. A solenoid 20 cm long is wound with 500 turns of wire. Find the current required to
establish a magnetizing force of 2500 At/m inside the solenoid.
[1 A]
8. An electromagnet of square cross-section produces a flux density of 0.45 T. if the
magnetic flux is 720 µWb find the dimensions of the electromagnet cross-section.
[ 4cm by 4cm]
9.Find the magnetic field strength and the magnetomotive force needed to produce a flux
density of 0.33 T in an air-gap of length 15 mm.
[(a) 262 600 At/m; (b) 3939At]
10. An air-gap between two pole pieces is 20 mm in length and thearea of the flux path
across the gap is 5 cm2. If the flux required in the air-gap is 0.75 m Wb find the mmf
necessary. [23870At]
11.Find the magnetic field strength applied to a magnetic circuit of mean length 50 cm
when a coil of 400 turns ia applied to it carrying a current of 1.2 A.
[960At/m]
12. A magnetic field strength of 5000 At/m is applied to a circular magnetic circuit of mean
diameter 250 mm. If the coil has 500 turns find the current in the coil.
[ 7.85A]
13. Part of a magnetic circuit is made from steel of length 120mm, cross-sectional area 15
cm2 and relative permeability 800. Calculate (a) the reluctance and (b) the absolute
permeability of the steel.
[ (a) 79 580 / H ; (b) 1mH/m]

154
14. A steel ring of mean diameter 120 mm is uniformly wound with 1500 turns of wire.
When a current of 0.30 A is passed through the coil a flux density of 1.5 T is set up in the
steel. Find the relative permeability of the steel under these conditions.
[1000]
15. A mild steel closed magnetic circuit has a mean length of 75 mm and a cross- sectional
area of 320.0 mm2.A current of 0.40 A flows in a coil wound uniformly around the circuit
and the flux produced is 200 µ Wb.If the relative permeability of the steel at this value of
current is 400 find (a) the reluctance of the material and (b) the number of turns of the coil.
[(a) 466 000 /H; (b) 233]
16.A uniform ring of cast steel has a cross –sectional area of 5 cm2and a mean circumference
of 15 cm. Find the current required in a coil of 1200 turns wound on the ring to produce a
flux of 0.8 mWb . (Use the magnetization curve for cast steel shown on page 50.)
[ 0.60A]
17. (a) A uniform mild steel ring has a diameter of 50 mm and a cross-sectional area of 1 cm2.
Determine the mmf necessary to produce a flux of 50 µ Wb in the ring. Use the B-H curve
for mild steel shown on page
(b) If a coil of 440 turns is wound uniformly around the ring in part (a) what current
would be required to produce the flux?
[ (a) 110 At ; (b) 0.25 A]
18.From the magnetization curve for mild steel shown on page 50, derive the curve of
relative permeability against magnetic field strength.Fromyour graph determine (a) the value
of  x when the magnetic field strength is 1200 At/m , and (b) the value of the magnetic field
strength when is  x 500. [(a) 590-600; (b) 2000]
Composite series magnetic circuits
1. A magnetic circuit of cross –sectional area 0.4 cm 2 consists of one part 3 cm long of

material having relative permeability 1200, and a second part 2 l cm ongmaterial having
relative permeability 750. With a 100 turn coil carrying 2A , find the value of flux existing in
the circuit.
[0.195 mWb]
2
20. (a) A cast steel ring has a cross –sectional are 600 mm and a radios of 25 mm.Determine
the mmf necessary to establish a flux of 0.8 m Wb in the ring. Use the B-H curve for cast
steel shown on page 50.
(b) If a radial air gap 1.5 mm wide is cut in the ring of part (a) find the mmf now
necessary to maintain the same flux in the ring.
[ (a) 267 At; (b) 1859 At]
21.A closed magnetic circuit made of silicon iron consists of a 40 mm long path of cross
sectional area 90 mm 2 and 15 mm long path of cross sectional area 70 mm 2 .A coil of 50
turns is wound around the 40 mm length of the circuit and a current of 0.39 A flows. Find

155
the flux density in the 15 mm length path if the relative permeability of the silicon iron at
this value of magnetizing force is 3000 .
[ 1.59T]
22. For the magnetic circuit shown in Fig.12.67 find the current I in the coil needed to
produce a flux of 0.45 mWb in the air- gap. The silicon iron magnetic circuit has a uniform
cross- sectional area of 3 cm 2 and its magnetization curve as shown on page 50.

Fig.12.67 Fig.12.68

23. A ring forming a magnetic circuit is made from two materials; one part is mild steel of
mean length 25 cm and cross-sectional area 4 cm 2 , and the remainder is cast iron of mean
length 20 cm and cross- sectional area 7.5 cm 2 .Use a tabular approach to determine the
total mmf required to cause a flux of 0.30 mWb in the magnetic circuit.Find also the total
reluctance of the circuit .Use the magnetization curves shown on page 50.
[ 540 At; 18 x 105/H]
24. Fig.12.68 shows the magnetic circuit of a relay. When each of the air gaps are 1.5 mm
wide find the mmf required to produce a flux density of 0.75 T in the air gaps. Use the B-H
curves shown on page 50.
[2990 At]

Electromagnetic induction
A. FORMULAE AND DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH
ELECTROMAGNETIC INUCTION
1. When a conductor is moved across a magnetic field , an electromotive force (emf) is
produced in the conductor. If the conductor forms part of a closed circuit then the emf
produced causes an electric current to flow round the circuit. Hence an emf(and thus

156
current) is ,,induced’’ in the conductor as a result of its movement across the magnetic field.
This effect is known as, electromagnetic induction’ .
2. Faraday ‘s laws of electromagnetic induction state:

(i )‘ An induced emf is set up whenever the magnetic field linking that circuit changes’.
(ii) ‘ The magnitude of the induced emf in any circuit is proportional to the rate of change
of the magnetic flux linking the circuit’.
3. Lenz’s law states:
‘The direction of an induced emf is always such as to opposite the effect producing it’.
4. An alternative method to Lenz’s law of determining relative directions is given by
Fleming’s Right-hand rule (often called the generator rule) which states:
‘Let the thumb, first finger and second finger of the right hand be extended such that
they are all at right angles to each other, as shown in Fig.12.69. If the first finger points in
the direction of the magnetic field , the thumb points in the direction of motion of thre
conductor relative to the magnetic field , then the second finger will point in the direction
of the induced emf’.
Summarizing: First finger –Field, Thumb_ Motion, Second finger __ Emf.

Fig.12.69
5. In a generator, conductors forming an electric circuit are made to move through a
magnetic field. By Faraday’s law an emf is induced in the conductors and thus a source of
emf is created .A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
6. The induced emf E set between the ends of the conductors shown in Fig.12.70 is
given by : E= Blv volts, where B, the flux density, is measured
in teslas, l , the length of conductor in the magnetic field , is measured in metres , and v ,the
conductor elocity,is measured in metres per second. If the conductor moves at an angle θ⁰ to
the magnetic field (instead of at 90⁰as assumed above) then
E = Blv sin θ

157
 Fig.12.70

7. If B teslas is the magnetic flux density , I amperes the current in the conductor and l
metres the length of conductor in the magnetic field, then the force F on the current
carrying conductor tying at right angles to the direction of the magnetic field is given by:
F  BIl newtons
If the conductor and field are at an angle  0 to each other then:
F  BIl sin  0 newtons
8. The flow of current in a conductor results in a magnetic field around the conductor ,
the direction of the magnetic field being given by the screw rule, which states : ‘If a normal
right-hand thread screw is screwed along the conductor in the direction of the current , the
direction of rotation of the screw is in the direction of the magnetic field’.
This rule is illustrated in Fig.12.71.

Fig.12.71

9. If the current- carrying conductor shown in Fig 3 (a) is placed in the

magnetic field shown in Fig 4(a) then the two fields interact and
cause a force to be exerted on the conductor as shown in Fig.12.72(b).
The field is strengthened above the conductor and weakened below,

158
thus tending to move the conductor downwards. This is the basic principle of operation of the
electric motor. The forces experienced by a number of such conductors can produce motion.
A motor is a device that takes in electrical energy and transfers is into mechanical energy.

Fig.12.72

10. The direction of the force exerted on a conductor can be predetermined by using
Fleming’s left –hand rule (often called the motor rule), which states:
Let the thumb , first finger and second finger of the left-hand be extended such that they are
all at right angles to each other, as shown in Fig 5.If the first finger points in the direction of
the magnetic field, the second finger points in the direction of the current , then the thumb
will point in the direction of the motion of the conductor. Summarising:
First finger- Field, Second finger- Current, Thumb - Motion.

Fig.12.73

11. Inductance is the name given to the property of a circuit whereby there is an emf
induced into the circuit by the change of flux linkages produced by a current change.
(i) When the emf is induced in the same circuit as that in wich the current is changing ,
the property is called self inductance, L.
(ii) When the emf is induced in a circuit in circuit by a change of flux due to current
changing in an adjacent circuit , the property is called mutual Induced emf in a coil
of N turns ,M

159
 12. The unit of inductance is the henry ,H. A circuit has an inductance of one henry
when an emf of one volt is induced in it by a current changing at the rate of one ampere per
second’.
13. ( i) Induced emf in a coil of N turns, E = N(∆φ/t)volts, where ∆φ is the change in flux
, in Webers , and t is the time taken for the flux to change , in seconds.
(ii) Induced emf in a coil of Inductance L henrys, E= L(∆I/t)volts, where ∆I is the change
in current , in amperes , and t is the time taken for the current to change, in seconds.
14. If a current changing from 0 to I amperes , produces a flux change from 0 to φ
Webers. then I  I and    Then, induced emf
N LI
E  from which, inductance of coil, L  N / I henrys.
t t
mmf NI NI
15. Reluctance S   from which  
flux  S
N N NI N 2
Hence, inductance of coil L     i.e.LN 2
I I S S
l1
16. Mutually induced emf in the second coil , E 2  M volts where Miss the mutual
t
inductance between two coils, in henrys, is the change in current in the first coil, in
amperes t is the time the current takes to change in the first coil, in seconds.
17. A transformer is a device which uses the phenomenon of mutual inductance to
change the value of alternating voltages. A transformer is represented in Fig.12.74(a) and its
circuit diagram symbol shown in Fig.12.74(b). When an alternating voltage is applied to the
primary winding , an alternating current is produced in the winding . This current produces
an alternating flux in the core which links with the secondary winding .The Flux induces
an alternating emf in the secondary winding by mutual induction. Since E=
N1 N
then E1  and E 2  2 For an ideal transformer (i.e. no losses),
 
E1 E 2 E N
 i.e. 1  1
N1 N 2 E2 N 2
N1
is called the voltage ratio and the turns ratio.
N2
If N 2 N1 then E2 E2 and the device is termed a step down transformer.
If N 2  N1 then E2 E2 and the device is termed a step up transformer.

160
 Fig.12.74

18. The energy W stored in the magnetic field of an inductor is given by:
1
W  LI 2 joules
2

B. WORKED PROBLEMS ON ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION

(a) DETERMINATION OF THE FORCE AND DIERECTION ON A CURRENT –
CARRYING CONDUCTOR IN A MAGNETIC FIELD

Problem 1. A conductor carries a current of 20 A and is at right angles to a magnetic field

having a flux density of 0.9 T. If the length of the conductor in the field is 30 cm , calculate
the force acting on the conductor. Determine also the value of the force if the conductor is
inclined at an angle 0f 30 to the direction of the field .

B = 0.9 T ; I = 20 A; l = 30 cm= 0.30m

Force F= BIl =(0.9)(20)(0.30) newtons when the conductor is at right angles to the field (as
shown in Fig.12.75 (a) ), I.e. F = 5.4 N When the conductor is inclided at 30 to the field (as
shown in Fig.12.75 (b)) then Force F= BIl sin , i.e. F= =(0.9)(20)(0.30) sin 30 F= 2.7 N

Fig.12.75

161
Problem 2. Determine the current required in a 400 mm length of conductor of an electric
motor, when the conductor is situated at right angles to a magnetic field of flux density 1.2 T
, if a force of 1.92 N is to be exerted on the conductor. If the conductor is vertical, the
current flowing downwards and the direction of the magnetic field is from left to right ,
what is the direction of the force?
F= 1.92 N ; l = 400mm = 0.40 m; B= 1.2 T
F
Since F  BI I 
Bl
1.92
Hence current I   4A
1.20.4
If the current flows downwards, the direction of its magnetic field due to the current
alone will be clockwise when viewed from above. The lines of flux will reinforce (i.e.
strengthen)the main magnetic field at the back of the conductor and will be in opposition in
the front (i.e. weaken the field) .Hence the force on the conductor will be from back to front
(i.e. towards the viewer). This direction may also have been deduced using Fleming’s left-
hand rule.

Problem 3. A conductor 350 mm long carries a current of 10 A and is at right angles to a

magnetic field lying between two circular pole faces each of radii 60 mm. If the total flux
between the pole faces is 0.5 m Wb , calculate the force exerted on the conductor.

1  350mm  0,35m, I  10 A Area of pole face A  r 2   0.06 m

2


  0.5mWb  0.5 10 3 Wb Force F  BIl and B 
A

Hence

F  Il 
0.5 10  100.35N
3
i.e. force = 0.155 N
A  0.062
Problem 4. With reference to Fig.12.76 determine (a) the direction of the force on the
conductor in Fig 8 (a) , (b) the direction of the force on the conductor in Fig.12.76 (b), (c)
the direction of the current in Fig.12.76 (c) and (d ) the polarity of the magnetic system in
Fig 8 (d)

Fig.12.76

162
 Fig.12.77

(a) The direction of the main magnetic field is from north to south, i.e. left to right. The
current is flowing towards the viewer, and using the screw rule , the direction of the field is
anticlockwise .Hence either by Fleming’s left-hand rule , or by sketching the interacting
magnetic field as shown in Fig.12.77(a), the direction of the force on the conductor is seen
to be upwards.
(b) Using a similar method to part (a) it is seen that the force on the conductor is to the
right (see Fig.12.77 (b)).
(c) Using Fleming’s left-hand rule ,or by sketching as in Fig.12.77 ( c ) , it is seen that the
current is towards the viewer , i.e. out of the paper.
(d) Similar to part( c) , the polarity of the magnetic system is as shown in Fig.12.77 (d)

MAGNITUDE AND DIRECTIONS OF INDUCED EMF’S

Problems 5. Determine the emf induced in a coil of 200 turns when there is a change of flux
of 25 m Wb linking with it in 50 ms.

    25  10 3 
Induced emf E  N   200   100V
3 
 t   50  10 

Problem 6. A flux of 400µ Wb passing through a 150 turn coil is reversed in 40 ms. Find the
average emf induced.
163
 Since the flux reverses, the flux changes from + 400 µ Wb to – 400 µ Wb, i.e. a change
of flux of 800 µ Wb.
    800  10 6  800  150  10 3
Induced emf E  N    150 3 

 t   40  10  40  10 6
Hence , the average emf induced E= 3 V

Problem 7. Calculate the emf induced in a coil of inductance 12 H by a currenty changing at

the rate of 4 A/s.
 I 
Induced emf E  L   124  48V
 t 

Problem 8. An emf of 1.5 k V is induced in a coil when a current of 4 A collapses uniformly

to zero in 8 ms.Determine the inductance of the coil.

Change in current I  4  0  4 A; t  8ms  8  10 3 s;

I 4 4000
 3
  500 A / s; E  1.5kV  1500V
t 8  10 8
 I  E 1500
Since E  L then L    3H
 t   M  500
 
 t 
Problem 9. An average emf 0f 40 V is induced in a coil of inductance 150 mH
when a current of 6A is reversed. Calculate the time taken for the current to reverse.

E  40V ; L  150mH  0.15H

Change in current , l  6  (6)  12 A(sin ce the current is reversed
 I  Ll 0.1512
Since E  L then time t    0.045s or 45 ms
 t  E 40

Problem 10. A conductor 300 mm long moves at a uniform speed of 4 m/s at right angles to a
uniform magnetic field of flux density 1.25 T. Determine the current flowing in the
conductor when (a) its ends are open-circuited , and (b) its ends are connected to a load of
20 Ω resistance.

When a conductor moves in a magnetic field it will have an emf induced in it but this
emf can only produce a current if there is a closed circuit.
 300 
Induced emf E  Blv  (1.25) (4)  1.5V
 1000 
(a) If the ends of the conductor are open circuited no current will flow even though 1.5
V has been induced.

164
 E 1.5
(b) From Ohm’s law I    0.075 A or 75mA
R 20

Problem 11. At what velocity must a conductor 75 mm long cut a magnetic field of flux
density 0.6 T if an emf of 9 V is to be induced in it? Assume the conductor , the field and the
direction of motion are mutually perpendicular

Induced emf E  Blv

E
Hence velocity v 
Bl
9 9  10 3
Hence v    200m / s
 
0.6 75  10 3 0.6  75

Problem 12. A conductor moves with a velocity of 15 m/s at an angle of (a) 90⁰, (b)60⁰ and
(c)30⁰ to a magnetic field produced between two square-faced poles of side length 2cm. If the
flux leaving a pole face is 5 µWb find the magnitude of the induced emf in each case.

V= 15m/s; length of conductor in magnetic field , l =2 cm = 0.02 m;

A  2  2cm 2  4  10 4 m 2 ;   5  10 6 Wb.

E90  Blv sin 90  lv 
0 5  10 6  
0.0215  3.75mV
A 4  10 4  
E60  Blv
sin 60 0  E90  sin 60 0  3.75 sin 60 0  3.25mV
30 0  E90  sin 30 0  3.75 sin 30 0  1.875.Mv

Problem 13. The wing span of a metal aeroplane is 36 m. If the aeroplane is flying at 400
km/h, determine the emf induced between the wing tips. Assume the vertical component of
the earth’s magnetic field is 40µ T.

Induced emf across wing tips E= Blv

B  40T 40  10 6 T ; l  36m

v  400
km
 1000
km

1h

4001000  4000 m \ s
h h 60  60s 3600 36

Hence E  40  10 6 36  4000
36
 0.16V

Problem 14. The diagram shown in Fig.12.78 represents the generation of emf’s Determine
(i) the direction in which the conductor has to be moved in Fig.12.78(a),
(ii)the direction of the induced emf in Fig.12.78(b), and
(iii)the polarity of the magnetic system in Fig.12.78( c )
165
 Fig.12.78

The direction of the emf ,and thus the current due to the emf , may be obtained either
by Lenz’s law or by Fleming ‘s Right-hand rule(i.e. GeneRator rule).
(h) Using Lenz’s LAW : The field due to the magnetic and the field due to the current
carrying conductor are shown in Fig.12.79(a) and are seen to reinforce to the left of the
conductor .Hence the force on the conductor is to the right. However Lenz’s law says that
the direction of the induced emf is always such as to oppose the effect producing it. Thus
the conductor will have to be moved to the left.

Fig.12.79

(ii) Using Fleming’s right-hand rule:

First finger - Field, i.e. N→ S i.e. right to left
ThuMb - Motion ,i.e. upwards
Second finger - Emf, i.e. towards the viewer or out of the paper , as shown
in Fig.12.79 (b).
(iii) The polarity of the magnetic system of fig.12.78 ( c) is shown in Fig.12.79 ( c) and is
obtained using Fleming’s right –hand rule.

( c ) INDUCTANCE

166
Problem 15. Calculate the coil inductance when a current of 4A in a coil of 800 turns
produces a flux of 5 mWb linking with the coil

For a coil , inductance L 

N 800 5  10 3

1H

I 4

Problem 16. When a current of 1.5 A flows in a coil the flux linking with the coil is 90 µWb .
If the coil inductance is 0.60 H calculate the number of turns of the coil.

N LI 0.601.5
For a coil L  .ThusN    100turns
I  90  10 6

Problem 17. When carrying a current of 3 A , a coil of 750 turns has a flux of 12 mWb
linking with it.Calculate the coil inductance and the emf induced in the coil when the
current collapses to zero in 18 ms.

Coil inductance L 
N 750 12  10 3

  3H

I 3
 I   3  0 
Induced emf E     3 3 
 500V
 t   18  10 
    12  10 3 
(Alternatively E  N    (750) 3 
  500V
 t   18  10 

Problem 18. A coil has 200 turns and an inductance of 2 m H .How many y\turns would be
needed to produce a 1.28 m H coil(assuming that the same core is used).

inductance LN 2
L1 N1 2
Hence 
L2 N 2 2

i.e.
2  10 3

2002

3
1.28  10 N 22

 2  1.28 
N 2  200    160turns
  2 

(a) MUTAL INDUCTANCE

Problem 19. Calculate the mutual inductance between two coils when a current changing
at 200 A/s in one coil induces an emf of 1.5 V in the other.

167
  l 
Induced emf E 2  m 1  Hence1,5  M 200
 t 
1.5
Thus mutual inductance , M   0.0075Hor7.5mH
200

Problem 20. The mutual inductance between two coils is 18 m H .Calculate the steady rate of
change of current in one coil to induce an emf of 0.72 V in the other.

 l 
Induced E 2  M  1 
 t 
l F 2 0.72
Hence rate of change of current    40 A / s
t M 0.018

Problem 21. Two coils have a mutual inductance of 0.2 H . If the current in one coil is
changed from 10 A to 4A in 10 ms calculate (a) the, average induced emf in the second coil,
and (b) the change of flux linked with the second coil if it is wound with 500 turns.

 l   10  4 
(a) Induced emf E 2  M  1   (0.2)   120V
3 
 t   10  10 
   Et
(b) Induced emf E  N  , Hence 
 t  N

Thus the change of flux  


120 10  10 3 
 2.4mWb
500

(e) THE TRANSFORME

Problem 22. A transformer has 500 primary turns and 3000 secondary turns. If the primary
voltage is 240 V determine the secondary voltage , assuming an ideal transformer.

For an ideal transformer, voltage ratio = turns ratio

E1 N1 240 500
i.e.  Hence 
E2 N 2 E2 3000
(3000)(240)
Hence secondary voltage E2   1440Vor1.44kV
(500) 
Problem 23 An ideal transformer with a turns ratio of 2:7 is fed from a 240 V
supply.Determine its output voltage
A turns ratio 2:7 means that the transformer has 2 tuns on the primary for every 7
turns on the secondary (i.e. a step-up transformer)

168
 N1 2
Thus 
N2 7
N1 E1
For an ideal transformer 
N2 E2
2 240
Hence 
7 E2
(240)(7)
Thus the secondaryvoltage E2   840V
(2)
Further problems on transformers may be found in section C ( c ) ; Problems 31 to 34,
page 77.

(f) ENERGY STORED IN AN INDUCTOR

Problem 24. An 8 H inductor has a current of 3 A flowing through it. How much energy is
stored in the magnetic field of the inductor?

1 2 1
Energy stored , W  LI  (8)(3) 2  36 J
2 2

Problem 25. A flux of 25 m Wb links with a 1500 turn coil when a current of 3 A passes
through the coil. Calculate (a) the inductance of the coil , (b) the energy stored in the
magnetic field , and (c ) the average emf induced if the current falls to zero in 150 ms.

(a) Inductance L  

N 1500 25  10 3 
 12.5H
I 3
1 2 1
(b) Energy stored in field W  LI  (12.5)(3) 2  56.25 J
2 2
    25  10 3 
(c) Induced emf E  N    1500   250
3 
 t   150  10 

C . FURTHER PROBLEMS ON ELECTROMAGNETIC INUCTION

(a) SHORT ANSWER PROBLEMS

1. What is electromagnetic induction?

2. State Faraday’s Laws of electromagnetic induction.
3. State Lenz’s Law.
4. Briefly explain the principle of the generator.
5. The direction of an induced emf in a generator may be determined using Fleming’s
……….rule.

169
 6. To calculate the force on a current –carrying conductor in magnetic field it is
necessary to know the value of three quantities and their units.
7. The direction of the force on a conductor in a magnetic field may be predetermined
using two methods .State each method.
8. Explain briefly the motor principle in terms of the interaction between two magnetic
fields.
9. The direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor is given by
the …… rule.
10. The emf E induced in a moving conductor may be calculated using the formula E=
Blv . Name the quantities represented and their units.
11. What is self inductance ?State its symbol.
12. State and define the the unit of inductance.
13. When a circuit has an inductance L and the current changes at a rate of (∆I/t) then
the induced emf E is given by E = …… volts.
14. If a current of I A flowing in a coil of N turns produces a flux of ϕ Wb , the coil
inductance L is given by L = ………henry’s .
15. What is mutual inductance ?State its symbol.
16. The mutual inductance between two coils is M. The emf induced in one coil by a
current changing at (∆I1/t) in it other is given by = ………. volts.
17. Briefly explain how a voltage is induced in the secondary winding of a transformer.
18. Draw the circuit diagram symbol for a transformer.
19. State the relationship between turns and voltage ratios for a transformer.
20. The energy W stored by an inductor is given by W = ……. joules.

(b) MULTI-CHOICE PROBLEMS

1. A current changing at a rate of 5 A/s in a coil of inductance 5 H induces and emf of

(a) 25 V in the same direction as the applied voltage;
(b) 1 V in the same direction as the applied voltage;
(c) 25 V in the opposite direction to the applied voltage;
(d) 1 V in the opposite direction to the applied voltage.
2. When a magnetic flux of 10 Wb links with a circuit of 20 turns in 2 s, the induced
emf is
(a) 1 V; (b) 4 V; (c) 100 V ; (d) 400 V.
3. A current of 10 A in a coil of 1000 turns produces a flux of 10 m Wb linking with the
coil. The coil inductance is
(a) 106 H; (b)1 H ; ( c) 1µ H (d) 1 mH.

170
 4. A conductor carries a current of 10 A at right angles to a magnetic field having a flux
density of 500 mT . If the length of the conductor in the field is 20 cm the force on the
conductor is
(a) 100 k N; (b) 1 k N; (c)100 N; (d) 1 N.
5. If a conductor is horizontal, the current flowing from left to right and the direction of
the surrounding magnetic field is from above to below, the force exerted on the conductor is
(a) from left to right; (b) from below to above;

(c ) away from the viewer; (d) towards the viewer.

Fig. 12.80 Fig.12.81

6. For the current –carrying conductor lyingin the magnetic field shown in Fig.12.80 (a) the
direction of the force on the conductor is (a) to the left, (b) upwards, (c) to the right, (d)
downwards.
7.For the current-carrying conductor lying in the magnetic field shown in Fig.12.80 (b) the
direction of the current in the conductor is (a) towards the viewer, (b) away from the viewer.
8. An emf of 1V is induced in a conductor moving at 10 cm/s in a magnetic field of 0.5 T.The
effective length of the conductor in the magnetic field is (a) 20 cm;(b) 5 m; ( c) 20 m; (d) 50
m
9.Which of the following statements is false?
(a) Fleming’s left-hand rule or Lenz’s Law may be used to determine the direction of the
induced emf.
(b) An induced emf is set up whenever the magnetic field linking that circuit changes.
( c) The direction of an induced emf is always such as to oppose the effect producing it.
(d) The induced emf in any circuit is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux
linking the circuit.
10. The mutual inductance between two coils , when a current changing at 20 A/s in one
coil induces an emf of 10 mV in the other is
(a)0.5 H; (b) 200 mH; (c) 0.5 m H ; (d) 2 H.

171
11 A transformer has 800 primary turns and 100 secondary turns. To obtain 40 V from the
secondary winding the voltage applied to the primary winding must be:
(a) 5 V ; (b) 320; (c ) 2. 5 V; (d) 20 V.

12. An emf is induced into a conductor in the direction shown in Fig.12.81 when the
conductor is moved at a uniform speed in the field between the two magnets. The polarity of
the system is
(a) North pole on right, South pole on left;
(b) North pole on left , South pole on right.

(C ) CONVENTIONAL PROBLEMS

Determination of the force and direction on a current – carrying conductor in a magnetic

field.
1. A conductor carries a current of 70 A at right angles to a magnetic field having a flux
density of 1.5T. If the length of the conductor in the field is 200 mm calculate the force
acting on the conductor. What is the force when the conductor and field are at an angle of
45⁰?
[21.0 N; 14,8N]
2. Calculate the current required in a 240 mm length of conductor of a dc motor when the
conductor is situated at right angles to the magnetic field of flux density 1.25 T, if a force of
1.20 N is to be exerted on the conductor.
[4.0A]
3. A conductor 30 cm long is situated at right angles to a magnetic field . Calculate the
strength of the magnetic field if a current of 15 A in the conductor produces a force on it of
3.6 N.
[0.80 T]
4. A conductor 300 mm long carries a current of 13 A and is at right angles to a magnetic
field between two circular pole faces , each of diameter 80mm.If the total flux between the
pole faces is 0.75 mWb calculate the force exerted on the conductor.
[0.582N]
5. (a) A 400 mm length of conductor carrying a current of 25 A is situated at right angles to a
magnetic field between two poles of an electric motor . The poles have a circular cross-
section. If the force exerted on the conductor is 80 N and the total flux between the pole
faces is 1.27 mWb determine of a pole face.
(b) If the conductor in part (a) is vertical , the current flowing downwards and the
direction of the magnetic field is from left to right, what is the direction of the 80 N force?
[(a) 14.2 mm; (b) towards the viewer]

172
Magnitude and directions of induced emf’s
6. Find the emf induced in a coil of 200 turns when here is a change of flux of 30 mWb
linking with it in 40 ms.
[150V]
7. An emf of 25 V is induced in a coil of 3000 turns when the flux linking with it changes by
12 mWb . Find the time , in ms, in which the flux makes the change.
[144ms]
8. An ignition coil having 10 000 turns has an emf of 8 k V induced in it. What rate of
change of flux is required for this to happen?
[0.8 Wb/s]
9. A flux of 0.35 mWb passing through a 125 turn coil is reversed in 25 ms. Find the
average emf induced.
[3.5 V]
10. Calculate the emf induced in a coil of inductance 6 H by a current changing at a rate of
15 A/s.
[90V]
11.An emf of 2 kV is induced in a coil when acurrent of 5A collapses uniformly to zero in
ms. Determine the inductance of the coil.
[4 H]
12. An average emf of 50 V is induced in a coil of inductance 160 mH when a current of 7.5
A is reversed. Calculate the time taken for the current to reverse.
[48 ms]
13. A coil of 2500 turns has a flux of 10 mWb linking with it when carrying a current of 2A.
Calculate the coil inductance and the emf induced in the coil when the current collapses to
zer in 20 ms.
[12.5 H;1.25 kV]
14. A conductoer of length 15 cm is moved at 750 mm/s at right angles to uniform flux
density of 1.2. T . Determine the emf induced in the conductor.
[0.135V]
15. Find the speed that a conductor of length 120 mm must be moved at rightangles to a
magnetic field of flux density 0.6 T tu induce in it an emf of 1.8 V.
[25 m/s]
16. A 26 cm long conductor moves at a uniform speed of 8 m/s through a uniform magnetic
field of flux density 1.2 T .Determine the current flowing in the conductor when (a) its ends
are open-circuited , and (b) its ends are connected to A load of 15 Ω resistance.
[(a) 0; (b) 0.16 A]
17. A straight conductor 500 mm long is moved with constant velocity at right angles both to
its length and to a uniform magnetic field. Given that the emf induced in the conductor is 2.
5 V and the velocity is 5 m/s , calculate the flux density of the magnetic field . If the

173
conductor forms part of a closed circuit of total resistance 5 ohms, calculate the force on the
conductor.
[1T; 0,25 N]
18. A car is travelling at 80 km/h .Assuming the back axle of the car is 1.76 m in length and
the vertical component of the earth’s magnetic field is 40µT , find the emf generated in the
axle due to motion.
[1.56 m V]
19. A conductor moves with a velocity of 20 m/s at an angle of (a) 90⁰; (b) 45⁰;(c) 30⁰ to a
magnetic field produced between two square faced poles of side length 2.5 cm. If the flux on
the pole face is 60 m Wb find the magnitude of the induced emf in each case.
[ (a) 48 V; (b) 33. 9 V ;(C) 24 V.]

Inductance
20. Calculate the coil inductance when a current of 5A in a coil of 1000 turns produces a
flux of 8 mWb linking with the coil.
[1.6H]
21. A coil is wound with 600 turns and has a self inductance of 2.5 H. What current must
flow to set up a flux of 20 m Wb?
[4.8A]
22. What a current of 2 A flows in a coil , the flux linking with the coil is 80µ Wb .If the coil
inductance is 0.5 H calculate the number of turns of the coil .
[12 500]
23. A coil of 1200 turns has aflux of 15 mWb linking with it when carrying a current od
4A.Calculate the coil inductance and the emf induced in the coil when the current collapses
to zero in 25 m/s.
[4.5 H; 720 V]
24. A coil has 300 turns and an inductance of 4.5 mH. How many turns would be needed to
produce a 0.72 mH coil assuming the same core is used?
[120 turns]
25. A steady current of 5A when flowing in a coil of 1000 turns produces a magnetic flux of
500µ Wb . Calculate the inductance of the coil. The current of 5A is then reversed in 12. 5
ms. Calculate the emf induced in the coil.
[0.1 H; 80 V]

Mutual inductance
26. The mutual inductance between two coils is 150 mH .Find the emf induced in one coil
when the current in the other is increasing at the rate of 30 A/s.
[4.5 V]

174
27. Determine the mutual inductance between two coils when a current changing at 50 A/s
in one coil induces an emf of 80 mV in the other.
[1.6 mH]
28. Two coils have a mutual inductance of 0.75 H .Calculate the emf induced in one coil
when a current of 2.5 A in the other coil is reversed in 15 ms.
[250 V]
29. The mutual inductance between two coils is 240 mH . If the current in one coil
changes from 15 A to 6 A in 12 ms calculate (a) the average emf induced in the other coil
and (b) the change of flux linked with the other coil if it is wound with 400 turns.
[(a) 180 V; (b) 5.4 m Wb]
30. A mutual inductance of 0.6 H exists between two coils. If a current 6 A in one coil is
reversed in 0.8 s calculate (a) the average emf induced in the other coil and (b) the number of
turns on the other coil if the flux change linking with the other coil is 5 mWb .
[ (a) 0.9 V; (b) 144]
The transformer
31. A transformer has 800 primary turns and 2000 secondary turns. If the primary voltage is
160 V determine the secondary voltage assuming an ideal transformer.
[400 V]
32. An ideal transformer with a turns ratio of 3:8 is fed from a 240 V supply. Determine its
output voltage
[640 V]
33. An ideal transformer with a turns ratio of 12:1 and is supply at 192 V. Calculate the
secondary voltage.
[16 V]
34. A transformer primary winding connected across a 415 V supply has 750 turns.
Determine how many turns must be wound on the secondary side if an output of 1.66 k V is
required.
[3000turns]
Energy stored in an inductor
35. An inductor of 20 H has a current of 2.5 A flowing in it. Find the energy stored in the
magnetic field of the inductor .
[62.5 J]
36. Calculate the value of the energy stored when a current of 30 mA is flowing in a coil of
inductance 400 mH.
[0.18 m J]
37. The energy stored in the magnetic field of an inductor is 80 J when the current flowing
in the inductor is 2A . Calculate the inductance of the coil.
[40 H]

175
38. A flux of 30 mWb links with a 1200 turn coil when a current o5 5A is passing through
the coil. Calculate (a) the inductance of the coil, (b) the energy stored in the magnetic field,
and (c) the average emf induced if the current is reduced to zero in θ. 20 s.
[(a) 7.2 H; (b) 90 J ; (c) 180 V]

Alternating voltages and current

A. FORMULAE AND DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATING VOLTAGES

AND CURRENTS

1. Electricity is produced by generators at power stations and distributed by a vast network

of transmission lines (called the National Grid system) to industry and for domestic use. It is
easier and cheaper to generate alternating current (ac) than direct current (dc) and ac is more
conveniently distributed than dc is needed in preference to ac, devices called rectifiers are
used for conversion .
2. Let a single turn coil be free to rotate at constant angular velocity ω symmetrically
between the poles of a magnetic system as shown in Fig.12.82. An emf is generated in
coil(from Faraday’s Law) which varies in magnitude and reversed its direction at regular
intervals. The reason for this is shown in Fig.12.83. In positions (a), (e) and (i) the
conductors of the loop are effectively moving along the magnetic field , no flux is cut and
hence no emf is induced. In position (c) maximum flux is cut and hence maximum emf is
induced .In position (g), maximum flux is cut and hence maximum emf is again induced.

Fig. 12.82 Fig.12.83

176
 Fig.12.84

However , using Fleming’s right –hand rule, the induced emf is in the opposite direction to
that in position ( c ) and is thus shown as –E . In positions (b), (d) , (f) and (h) some flux is
cut and hence some emf is induced. If all such positions of the coil are considered , in one
revolution of the coil , one cycle of alternating emf is produced as shown. This is the
principle of operation of the ac generator (i.e. the alternator).
3. If values of quantities which vary with time t are plotted to a base of time, the resulting
graph is called a waveform .Some typical waveforms are shown in Fig.12.84 . Waveforms (a)
and (b) are unidirectional waveforms, for, although, they vary considerably with time, they
flow in one direction only (i.e. they do not cross the time axis and become negative).
Waveforms ( c) to (g) are called alternating waveforms ince their quantities are continually
changing in direction (I.e. alternately positive and negative).
4. A waveform on the type shown in Fig12.84(g) is called a since wave. It is the shape of the
waveform of emf produced by an alternator and thus the mains electricity supply is of
sinusoidal’ form.
5. One complete series of values is called a sycle (i.e. from O to P in Fig.12.84 (g)).
6. The time taken for an alternating quantity to complete one cycle is called the period or the
periodic time , T , of the waveform.

177
7. The number of cycles completed in one second is called the frequency, f , of the supply
and is measured in hertz , Hz . The standard frequency of the electricity supply in Great
Britain is 50 H z.
1 1
T f 
f T
8. Instantaneous values are the values of the alternating quantities at any instant of time .
They are represented by small letters. I,v , e etc ., (see Figs 12.84(f) and (g)).
9. The largest value reached in a half cycle is called the peak value or the maximum value or
the crest value or the amplitude of the waveform .Such values are represented by VMAX I MAX
etc.(see Figs 12.84 (f) and (g)). A peak –to – peak value of emf is shown in Fig. 12.84 (g) and is
the difference between the maximum and minimum values in a cycle.
10. The average or mean value of a symmetrical alternating quantity, (such as a sine wave), is
the average value measured over a half cycle , (since over a complete cycle the average value
is zero).
area  under  the  curve
Average or mean value =
length  of  base
The area under the curve is found by approximate methods such as the trapezoidal rule , the
mid- ordinate rule or Simpson’s rule. Average values are represented by, V AV , I AV etc.
For a sine wave, average value = 0.637 X maximum value (i.e. 2/π x maximum value).
11. The effective value of an alternating current is that current which will produce the same
heating effect as an equivalent direct current. the effective value is called the root mean
square (rms) value and whenever an alternating quantity is given , it is assumed to be the rms
value. For example , the domestic mains supply in Great Britain is 240 V and is assumed to
mean ‘240 Vrms’. The symbols used for rms values are I, V , E, etc. For a non – sinusoidal
waveform as shown in Fig 4 the rms value is given by:
 i1  i12  ...in2 
I   
 n 
where n is the number of intervals used
For a sine wave, rms value = 0.707 x maximum value
(i.e. 1 2  max imumvalue)

Fig.12.85

178
 rmsvalue
12. (a) Form factor = . For a sine wave , from factor = 1.11
averagevalue
max imumvalue
(b) Peak factor = For a sine wave , peak factor = 1.41
rmsvalue
The values of form and peak factors give an inductance of the shape of waveforms.
13. In Fig.12.86, OA represents a vector that is free to rotate anticlockwise about 0 at angular
velocity of ω rad/s . A rotating vector is known as a phasor. After time t seconds the vector
OA has turned through an angle ωt. If the line BC is constructed perpendicular to OA as
shown , then
BC
sin t  i.e. = BC  OB sin t
OB

Fig.12.86

if all such vertical components are projected on to a graph of y against angle t (in radians ),
a sine curve results of maximum value OA . A ny quantity which varies sinusoidally can thus
be represented as a phasor.
14. A sine curve may not always start at.   To show this periodic function is represented by
, y  sin(t  ) where  is a phase (or angle ) difference compared

Fig.12.87

179
with y  sin t In Fig.12.87(a) , y 2  sin t    starts radians earlier than
y1  sin t  and is thus said to lead by ϕ radians . Phasors y1 and y 2 are shown in
Fig.12.87 (b) at the time when. t  0 In Fig.12.87 (c ) , y 4  sin(t  ) start  radians later
than y3  sin(t.) and is thus said to lag y 3 by  radians . Phasors y3 and y 4 are shown in
Fig.12.87 (d) at the time when t  0
15. Given the general sinusoidal voltage, v  VMAX (sin  t )
(i)Amplitude of maximum value = VMAX
(ii) peak to peak value = 2VMAX
(i) Angular velocity =  rads / s
(ii) Periodic time,. T  2 /  sec onds
(iii) Frequency , f   / 2Hz( Hence  2f )
(iv)  = angle of lag or lead (compared with VMAX sin t
16. The resultant of the addition (or subtraction) of two sinusoidal quantities may be
determined either:
(a) by plotting the periodic functions graphically (see worked problems 13 and 16 ), or
(b) by resolution of phasors by drawing or calculation ( see worked problems 14 and 15 ),

17. When a sinusoidal voltage is applied to a purely resistive circuit of resistance R, the
voltage and current waveforms are in phase and I  V / R (exactly as in a dc circuit). V and I
are rms values.
18. For an ac resistive circuit , power P  VI  I 2 R  V 2 / R watts (exactly as in a dc circuit).
V and I are rms values.
19. The process of obtaining unidirectional currents and voltage s from alternating currents
and voltages is called rectification. Automatic switching in circuits is carried out by devices
called diodes.
20. Using a single diode ,as shown in Fig.12.88, half-wave rectification is obtained. When P
is sufficiently positive with respect to Q diode D is switched on

Fig.12.88

180
and current I flows. When P is negative with respect to, Q diode D is switched off.
Transformer T isolates the equipment from direct connection with the mains supply and
enables the mains voltage to be changed.
21. Two diodes may be used as shown in Fig.12.89 to obtain full wave rectification. A
centre –tapped transformer T is used. When P is sufficiently positive with respect to Q, diode
D1 conducts and current flows (shown by the broken line in Fig.12.89).When S is positive
with respects to Q , diode D2 conducts and current flows (shown by continuous line in
Fig.12.89 ).The current flowing in R is in the same direction for both half cycles of the input.
The output waveform is thus as shown in Fig.12.89.

Fig. 12.89 Fig.12.90

Fig.12.91

22. Four diodes may be used in a bridge rectifier , circuit ,as shown in Fig.12.90 to obtain
full wave rectification . as for the rectifier shown in Fig.12.89, the current flowing in R is in
the same direction for both half cycles of the input giving the output waveform shown.
23. To smooth the output of the rectifiers described above, capacitors having a large
capacitance may be connected across the load resistors R. The effect of this is shown on
them, output in Fig12.91.

B WORKED PROBLEMS ON ALTERNATING VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS

(a) FREQUENCY AND PERIODIC TIME

Problem 1. Determine the periodic time for frequencies of (a) 50 Hz and (b) 20 kHz

181
 1 1
(a) Periodic Time T    0.02s or 20ms
f 50
1 1
(b) Periodic Time T    0.00005 s or 50ms
f 20000

Problem 2. Determine the frequencies for periodic times of (a) 4 ms, (b) 4 µs

1 1 1 1 1000
(a) Frequency f   3
 Frequency f   3
  250 Hz
T 4  10 T 4  10 4

(b)  250Hz
1 1 100000
(c) Frequency f   6
  250000 Hz or
T 4  10 4
 250KHz or 0.25MHz

Problem 3. An alternating current completes 5 cycles in 8 ms. What is its frequency?

8
Time for 1 cycle ms  1.6ms  periodic time T
5
1 1 1000 10000
Frequency f   3
   625Hz
T 1.6  10 1.6 1.6

(b) AC VALUES OF NON- SINUSOIDAL WAVEFORMS

Problem 4. For the periodic waveforms shown in Fig.12.92 determine for each: ( i )
frequency; ( ii ) average value half a cycle ; ( iii ) rms value; ( iv ) form factor; and ( v ) peak
factor.

(a) Triangular waveform (Fig.12.92(a))

(i) Time for 1 complete cycle = 20 ms = periodic time, T.

1 1 1000
Hence frequency f   3
  50 Hz
T 20  10 20
(ii) Area under the triangular waveform for a half cycle
1 1
 base  heigt   (10  10 3 )  200  1volt sec ond
2 2
Average value of waveform
= = = = 100 V

182
 Fig.12.92

(iii) In Fig 12.92,(a), the first1/4 cycle is divided into 4 intervals.

Thus rms value

 i12  i22  i32  i42    25 2  75 2  125 2  175 2 

      114.6V
 4   4 

(Note that the greater the number of intervals chosen, the greater the accuracy of the result .
For example, if twice the number of ordinates as that chosen above is used, the rms value is
found to be 115. 6 V)

114.6
(iii) From factor = =  1.15
100

200
(iv) Peak factor = =  1.75
114.6

(b) Rectangular waveform (Fig.12.92 (b))

(i) Time for 1 complete cycle = 16 ms = periodic time T.

1 1 1000
f   3
  62.5Hz
Hennce frequency , T 16  10 16

(ii) Average value of over half a cycle =

183
 
10  8  10 3 10 A
8  10 3
 i 2  i22  ......in2 
 1   10 A
(iii) The rms value  n 
however many intervals are chosen , since the waveform is rectangular.
10
(iv)Form factor =  1
10
10
(v) Peak factor =  1
10

Problem 5. The following table gives the corresponding values of current and time for a half
cycle of alternating current.

time t (ms) 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4. 0 4 .5 5.0

current I (A) 0 7 1.4 23 40 56 68 76 60 5 0

Assuming the negative half cycle is identical in shape to the positive half cycle , plot the
waveform and find (a) the frequency of the supply , (b) the instantaneous values of current
after 1.25 ms and 3.8 ms, (c) the peak or maximum value, (d) the mean or average value , and
(e) the rms value of the waveform.
The half cycle of alternating current is shown plotted in Fig.12.93.
(a) Time for a half cycle = 5 ms . Hence the time for 1 cycle , i.e. the periodic time, T = 10
ms or 0.01 s.
1 1
frequency , f    100 Hz
T 0.01
(b) Instantaneous value of current after 1.25 ms is 19 A, from Fig.12.93

Instantaneous value of current after 3.8mis is 70 A, from Fig.12.93

(c ) Peak or maximum value = 76 A

(d) Mean or average value =

Using the mid –ordinate rule with 10 intervals , each of width 0.5 ms gives:
Area under curve (see Fig.12.93)
0.5  10  3  10  19  30  49  63  73  72  30  2  0.5  10 351
3 3

Hence mean or average value 

0.5 10 351  35.13

0.5  10 3

184
 Fig.12.93

 32  10 2  19 2  30 2  49 2  732  72 2  30 2  2 2 
(e) rms value =  
 10 
19157 
    43.8 A
 10 

( c ) AC VALUES OF SINUSOIDAL WAVEFORMS

Problems 6. Calculate the rms value of a sinusoidal current of maximum value 20 A

For a sine vawe,
rms value  0.707  max imum value
 0.707  20  14.14 A

Problems 7. Determine the park and mean values for a 240 V mains supply.
For a sine wave , rms value of voltage V  0.707  VMAX
A 240 V mains supply means that 240 V is the rms value.
7 240
Hence VMAX    339.5V  peak value
0.707 0.707
Mean value VAV  0.637  VMAX  0.637  339.5  216.3V

Problems 8. A supply voltage has a mean value of 150 V. Determine its maximum value and
its rms value.

For a sine wave ,mean falue = 0.637  max imum value

meanvalue 150
Hence maximum value =   166.5V
0.637 0.637

185
 Further problems on ac values of sinusoidal waveforms may be found in section C
(c ) , problems 8 to 12 , page 98.
(d) v  VMAX sint  

Problem 9. An alternating voltage is given by v  282.8 sin 314tvolts .Find (a) the rms
voltage, (b) the frequency and ( c) the instantaneous value of voltage when. t  4ms

(a) The general expression for an alternating voltage is v  VMAX sint  

Comparing v  282.8 sin 314t with this general expression gives the peak voltage as 282.8 V
Hence the rms voltage  0.707  max imum value  0.707  282.8  200V
(b) Angular velocity ,   314rads / s i.e.2f  314
314
Hence frequency, f   50 Hz
2
( c ) When t  4ms, v  282.8 sin(314  4  10 3 )
 282.8 sin(1.256)
 180 
1.256radians  1.256    71.96  7158
  
Hence v  282.8 sin 7158
 268.9V

Problem 10 .An alternating voltage is given by v  75 sin200t  0.25 volts. Find (a) the
amplitude , (b) the peak – to – peak value , (c ) the rms value, (d) the periodic time , (e) the
frequency; and (f) the phase angle (in degrees and minutes) relative to 75 sin 200 πt.

Comparding v  75 sin200t  0.25 with the general expression

v  VMAX sint   gives:
(a) Amplitude , or peak value = 75 V
(b) peak – to – peak value = 2  75  150V
(c) the rms value = 0.707 x maximum value = 0.707  75  53V
(d) Angular velocity ,   200rads / s

2 2 1
Hence periodic time , T     0.01s or 10ms
 200 100
1 1
(e) Frequency , f    100 Hz
T 0.01
(f) Phase angle,  = = 0.25 radians lagging 75 sin 200 t
 180 
0,25rads   0.25    14.32  1419
  
Hence phase angle = 1419
(lagging)

186
Problem 11. An alternating voltage v, has a periodic time of 0.01 s and a peak value of 40 V.
When time t is zero, v  20V .Express the instantaneous voltage in the form l.

v  VMAX sint  
Amplitude , VMAX  40V
2 2 2
Periodic time T  Hence angular velocity ,     200 rads/s
 T 0.01
v  VMAX sin(  ) thus becomes v  40 sin200t   V .
when time t  0, v  20V
i.e.  20V  40 sin 
 20
sin    5
40
   
Hence   arcsin  0.5  30    30  rads  rads
 180  6
 
thus v  40 sin 200t V
 6

Problem 12 .The current in an ac circuit at any time t seconds is given by:

120 sin100t  36ampers Find

(a) the peak value , the periodic time, the frequency and phase angle relative
to120 sin 100t;
(b) the value of the current when t  0
(c) the value of the current when t  8ms
(d) the value of the current first reaches 60 A, and
the time when the current is first a maximum
(a) Peak value = 120 A
2 2
Periodic time T   sin ce  100 
 100
1
  0.02s or20ms
50
1 1
f    50 Hz
Frequency T 0.02
 180 
Phase angle  0.36rads   0.36    2038' leading
  
(a) When t  0, I  120 sin0  0.36  120 sin 2038'  42.29 A
  8 ' 
(b) When t  8ms, I  120 sin 100  3   120 sin 2.8733
  10 
 120 sin 16438'  31.80 A
(d) When I  60 A.60  120 sin 100t  0.36  sin 100t  0.36
60
120
187
 100t  0.36  arcsin 0.5  30   rads  0.5236rads
6
0.5236  0.36
Hence time, t   0.5208ms
100
(c) When the current is a maximum , I  120 A
Thus 120  120 sin100t  0.36
1  sin100t  0.36

100t  0.36  arcsin 1  90   rads  1.5708rads

2
1.5708  0.36
Hence time, t   3.854ms
100

(a) COMBINATION OF PERIODIC FUNCTIONS

Problem 13. The instantaneous values of two alternating currents are given by i1  20 sin ωt
amperes and i2  10 sint   / 3 amperes. by plotting i1  i2 on the same axes, using the same
scale, over on cycle ,and adding ordinates at intervals , obtain a sinusoidal expression for
 
i1  i2  i1  20 sin t and i2  10 sin t   are shown plotted in Fig.12.94.
 3

Oedinates of i1 and i 2 are added at, , say, 15 intervals (a pair of dividers are useful for this).
For example
at 30 , i1  i2  10  10  20 A
at 60 , i1  i2  8,7  17,3  26 A
at 150
i1  i2  10   5  5 A and so on

Fig.12.94

188
The resultant waveform for i1  i2 is shown by the broken line in Fig.12.94. It has the same
period , and hence frequency , as i1 and i 2 . The amplitude or peak value is 26.5 A. The
resultant waveform leads the curve i1  20 sin t by 19 ⁰
i.e. rads = 0. 332 rads
Hence the sinusoidal expression for the resultant i1  i2 is given by:
iR  i1  i2  26.5 sint  0.332A

Problem 14.Two alternating voltages are represented by v1 = 50 sin ωt volts and v 2 = 100 sin
(ωt – π/6) V. Draw the phasor diagram and find , by calculation, a sinusoidal expression to
represent. v1 v 2

Phasors are usually drawn at the instant when the time t = 0. Thus v1 is drawn horizontally
50 units long and v 2 is drawn 100 units long lagging i1by / 6
rads ,i.e. 30⁰ . This is shown in Fig.12.95 (a) where 0 is the point of rotation of the phasors .
Procedure to draw phasor diagram to represent: v1 v 2
(i) Draw v1 horizontal 50 units long, i.e. oa of Fig.12.95(b)
(ii) Join v 2 to the end of v1 at the appropriate angle, i.e. ab of Fig (12.95b).
(iii) The resultant v R  v1 v 2 is given by the length ob and its phase angle may be
measured with respect to v1

Fig.12.95

Alternatively , when two phasors are being added the resultant is always the diagonal
of the parallelogram , as shown in Fig.12.95(c).
From the drawing , by measurement , v R = 145 V and angle φ = 20⁰ laggig . v1 A more
accurate solution is obtained by calculation , using the cosine and sine rules. Using the cosine
rule on triangle oab of Fig.12.95(b) gives:

189
v R  v1 v 2 2v1v2 cos 150
2 2 2

50 2  100 2  250100cos 150

= 2500 +10 000 – (-8660)
vR =

100 sin 150
Using the sine rule,
sin 

100 sin 150
sin    0.3436
145.5
  arcsin 0.3436  206'  0.35radians, andlags v1
Hence v R  v1 v 2  145.5 sint  0.35 V
2 2 2

Problem 15. Find a sinusoidal expression for (v1 + v2 ) of Problem 13 (a) by drawing phasors ,
(b) by calculation.
(a) The relative positions of v1 and v2 at time t = 0 are shown as phasors in Fig.12.96 (a)
. The phasor diagram in Fig 15 (b) shows the resultant i R and iR is
measured as 26 A and angle ϕ as 19⁰(i.e.0.33 rads) (i.e. 0.33 rads)leading i1
Hence , by drawing, v R  26 sint  0.33A

Fig.12.96

(b) From Fig.12.96 (b) , by the cosine rule:

iR  20 2  10 22010cos 120
2 2

from which iR = 26.46 A

10 26.46
by the sine rule 
sin  sin 120
from which   1910' i.e.0.333rads
Hene , by calculation iR  26.46 sint  0.333A

190
Problem 16. Ttwo alternating voltages are given by v1  120 sin t volts and
i2  200 sin(t   / 4)volts Obtain sinusoidal expressions for v1  v2 (a) by plotting
waveforms , and (b) resolution of phasors.

(a) v1  120 sin t volts and v2  200 sin(t   / 4) are shown plotted in Fig.12.97.
Care must be taken when subtracting values of ordinates especially when at least one of the
ordinates is negative. For example
at 30.v1  v2  60   52  112V
at 60 2.v1  v2  104  53  52V
at 150.v1  v2  60  193  133V and so on
The resultant waveform, v R  v1 v 2 is shown by the broken line in Fig.12.97.
The maximum value of v R is 143 V and the waveform is seen to lead v1 by 99⁰ (i.e. 1.73
radians).
Hence , by drawing v R  v1 v 2 = 143 sin (ωt +1.73) volts

Fig.12.97

Fig.12.98

191
( b) The relative positions of v1 and v 2 are shown at time t  0 as phasors in Fig.12.98 (a) .
Since the resultant of v1 v 2 is required, - v 2 is drawn in the opposite direction to + v 2
(shown by the broken line in Fig.12.98 (a)). The phasor diagram with the resultant is shown
in Fig.12.98 (b) where - v 2 is added phasorially to v1
By resolution :
Sum of horizontal components of . v1 and v 2 = 120 cos 0⁰- 200 cos 45⁰ = -21.42 Sum of
vertical components of . v1 and v 2 = 120 cos 0⁰+ 200 sin45⁰ = 141.4 From Fig.12.98 (c) ,

resultant v R   21.422  141.4 2 ]  143.0

141,4
and tan  = tan 6. 6013,from which
21,42
  arctan 6.6013  8123 ’and
  9337or1.721radians
Hence , by resolution of phasors , v R  v1 v 2 = 143.0 sin (ωt +1.721)volts.

Problem 17. Determine the current flowing in a 20 Ω resistor when a 240 V, 50 Hz supply
voltage is applied across the resistor.Find also the power disspated by the resistor.

PURELY RESITIVE AC CIRCUITS

For a purely resistive ac circuit

V 240
current I    12 A
R 20

P  VI  240  12  2880W
power
 2.88kW

Problem 18. A sinusoidal voltage of maximum value 50 V causes a current of maximum value
4 A to flow through a resistance .Find the value of the resistance and the power developed.
What is the energy dissipated in 2 minutes?

rms value of voltage , V  0.707  max imum value  0.707  50  35.35V

rms value of current , I  0.707  max imum value  0.707  4  2.828 A
V 35.35
For a purely resistive ac circuit, resistance R    12.5
I 2.828
Power developed . P  VI  35.35  2.828  100W
Power  time  100  2.60Ws
Energy dissipated =
12000 J  12kJ

192
C FURTHER PROBLEMS ON ALTERNATING VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS
(a) SHORT ANSWER PROBLEMS

1. Briefly explain the principle of the simple alternator

2. What is the difference between an alternating and a unidirectional waveform.
3. What is meant by (a) waveform ; (b) cycle.
4. The time to complete one cycle of a waveform is called the . . . . . . .
5. What is frequency?Name its unit.
6. The mains supply voltage hasa special shape of waveform called a . . . .
7. Define peak value.
8. What is meant by the rms value
9. The domestic mains electricity supply voltage in Great Britaiin is . . . . .
10. What is the mean value of a sinusoidal alternating emf which has a maximum
value of 100 V.
11. The effective value of a sinusoidal waveforms is . . . . . . . X maximum value.
12. What is a phasor quantity?
13. Complete the statement : Form factor = ……………………………… , and for a sine
wave , form factor = ………………………………
14. Complete the statement : Peak factor = ……………………………… , and for a sine
wave , : Peak factor = ………………………………
15. A sinusoidal current is given by I  I MAX sint    What do the symbols, I max ω and
 represent
16. A sinusoidal voltage of 250 V is applied across a pure resistance of 5Ω. What is (a) the
current flowing , and (b) the power developed across the resistance?
17. How is switching obtained when converting ac to dc?
18. Draw an appropriate circuit diagram suitable for half –wave rectification.

P2.1 Determine the voltages V1 and V2 in the network in Fig.P2.1 using voltage division.

2 KOhm
o
c
+
4 KOhm c

3 KOhm v1
12 v o
DC +
2 KOhm
c
v2

- -o
Fig.P2.1

193
P2.2 Find the currents I1 and I0 in the circuit in Fig.P2.2 using current division.

2 KOhm

I 1 c

6 KOhm 12 KOhm
3 KOhm
c
c c

9 mA
I
0

Fig.P2.2

P2.3 Find the resistance of the network in Fig.P2.3 at the terminals A-B.

8 KOhm 10 KOhm 2 KOhm

A
o o o

12 KOhm 3 KOhm
4 KOhm
12KOhm

6 KOhm
B
o o o
6 KOhm 3 KOhm

Fig.P2.3

P2.4 Find the resistance of the network shown in Fig.P2.4 at the terminals A-B.

4 KOhm
A
o o

6 KOhm 18 KOhm

12 KOhm
o o

12 KOhm 12 KOhm
2 KOhm
B
o o

Fig.P2.4

194
P2.5 Find all the currents and voltages in the network in Fig.P2.5.

I1 2 KOhm A 10 KOhm I 4 B 2 KOhm

I6
o o

+ 6 KOhm 3 KOhm +
48 V 4 KOhm
V1 V 4 KOhm
3
- -
I3 I5
I2
o o

Fig.P2.5

P2.6 In the network in Fig.P.2.6, the current in the 4 KOhm resistor is I 5  3mA .Find the input
voltage. V5
2 KOhm 1 KOhm 9 KOhm
o o

2 KOhm 6 KOhm
Vs 3 KOhm
4 KOhm
3 mA
o o

Fig.P2.6

SOLUTIONS

S2.1. We recall that if the circuit is of the form

R1

V1 o
+

R2 V0

o
-

Fig.S2.1(a)

195
  R2 
Then using voltage division V0     V1 that is the voltage V1 divides
 R1  R2 
between the two resistors in direct proportion to their resistances. With this in mind, we can draw
the original network in the form

2 KOhm

12V + 4 KOhm

3 KOhm V1
o o
+
-
2 KOhm V2

-
o o o

Fig.S2.1(b)

Now voltage division can be sequentially applied. From Fi.S2.1 (c).

 2K 
V1    12  6V
 2K  2K 
Then from the network in Fig.S2.1(b)
 2K 
V2     V1  2V
 2K  4K 
S2.2 If we combine the 6K and 12K Ohm resistors, the network is reduced to that shown in
Fig.S2.2(a).
2 KOhm

I c
1

3 KOhm
c
c 4 KOhm

9 mA

Fig.S2.2(a).

The current emanating from the source will split between the two parallel paths, one which is the
3KOhm resistor and the other is the series combination of the 2K and 4KOhm resistors.
Applying current division

196
 9 3K 
I1     3mA
K  3K  2 K  4 K  

Using KCL or current division we can also show that the current in the 3KOhm resistor is 6mA.
The original circuit in Fig.S2.2(b) indicates that I1 will now be split between the two parallel
paths defined by the 6K and 12KOhm resistors.

2 KOhm I 1=3mA
6mA
c

6 KOhm 12 KOhm
3 KOhm
c
c c

9 mA

Io

Fig.S2.2(b)

Applying current division again

 6K 
I 0  I1  
 6 K  12 K 
3  6K 
I0     1mA
K  18K 
Likewise the current in the 6KOhm resistor can be found by KCL or current division to be 2mA.
Note that KCL is satisfied at every node.
S2.3 To provide some reference points, the circuit is labeled as shown in Fig. S2.3(a).

8 KOhm 10 KOhm 2 KOhm

A A’ A”
o o o

12 KOhm 3 KOhm
4 KOhm
12KOhm

6 KOhm
B
o o o
B’ B”
6 KOhm 3 KOhm

Fig. S2.3(a)

Starting at the opposite end of the network from the terminals A-B, we begin looking for
resistors that can be combined, e.g. resistors that are in series or parallel. Note that none of the
resistors in the middle of the network can be combined in anyway. However, at the right-hand
edge of the network, we see that the 6K and 12K ohm resistors are in parallel and their
combination is in series with the 2Kohm resistor. This combination of 6K (parallel 12K+2K) is
in parallel with the 3KOhm resistor reducing the network to that shown in Fig.S2.3(b).

197
 8 KOhm 10 KOhm
A A’ A”
o o o

12 KOhm
4 KOhm

2 KOhm

B
o o o
B’ B”
6 KOhm 3 KOhm

Fig.S2.3(b)

Repeating the process, we see that the 2KOhm resistor is in series with the 10KOhm resistor and
that combination is in parallel with the 12KOhm resistor. This equivalent ((2K+10K) in parallel
with 12K) =6KOhm ) resistor is in series with 3KOhm resistor and that combination is in parallel
with the A’B’=18 KOhm resistor. So equivalent resisto will be 6KOhm, and thus the network is
reduced to that shown in Fig.S2.3(c).

8 KOhm
A
o o A’

4 KOhm
6 KOhm

B
o o
B’
6 KOhm

Fig.S2.3(c)

At this point we see that two 6K resistors are in series and their combination in parallel with
4KOhm resistor. And the last one is in series with 8KOhm resistor and yielding a total
resistance RAB  3K  8K  11KO hm.
S2.4 An examination of the network indicates that there are no series or parallel combination of
resistors in the network. However, if redraw the network in the form shown in Fig.S4(a), we find
that the networks have two deltas back to back.

4 KOhm
A
o o

6KOhm 18KOhm
12KOhm
o o

12KOhm
12KOhm
B
o o

2 KOhm

Fig.S4(a)
198
If we apply the Δ  Y transformation to either delta, the network can be reduced to a circuit in
which the various resistors are either in series or parallel. Employing the Δ  Y transformation
to the upper delta, we find the new elements using the following equations as illustrated in
Fig.S2.4(b).

6K 18K
R1
R2 R3

o o
12K

Fig.S2.4(b)

R1 
6K 18K   3KOhm
6K  12K  18K
R2 
6K 12K   2KOhm
6 K  12 K  18K
R3 
12K 18K   6KOhm
6K  12 K  18K

The network is now reduced to that shown in Fig.S2.4(c)

4 KOhm
A
o

3 KOhm

2KOhm 6KOhm

o o

12KOhm
12KOhm
B
o o

2 KOhm

Fig.S2.4(c)

Now the total resistance, RAB is equal to the parallel combination of (2K+12K) and (6K+12K) in
series with the remaining resistors i.e.

199
 14 K  18K
RAB  4K  3K   3K  16.875 KOhm
14K  18K 

4 KOhm
A
o o

6KOhm 18KOhm

o o

4KOhm
4KOhm
o

4KOhm

2 KOhm
B
o

Fig.2.4(d)

In this case total resistance RAB is

R AB  4K +
6K  4K 18K  4K  + 4K  2K  16.875KOhm
6K  4K  18K  4K 
Which is of course, the same as earlier result.
S2.5 Ourapproach to this problem will be to first find the total resistance seen by the source, use
it to find I1 and then apply Ohm’s law, KCL, KVL, current division and voltage division to
determine the remaining unknown quantities. Starting at the opposite end of the network from
the source, the 2K and 4KOhm resistors are in series and that combination is in parallel with the
3KOhm resistor yielding the network in Fig.S2.5(a).

2 KOhm 10 KOhm
I1 A I4 B
o o o
I2
+ 6 KOhm
48 V V1 V2 + 2 KOhm

- I 3-

o o o

Fig.S2.5(a)

Proceeding, the 2K and 10KOhm resistors are in series and their combination is in parallel with
both the 4K and 6KOhm resistors. The combination (10K+2K) and 6K gives 2KOhm.
Therefore, this further reduction of the network is as shown in Fig.S2.5(b) .

200
 2 KOhm
A
o o

+
48V
V
1 2KOhm

Fig.S2.5(b)

Now I1 and V1 can be easily obtained.

48
I1   12mA
2K  2K
And by Ohm’s law . V1  2KI1  24V
Or using voltage division
 2K 
V1  48   24V
 2K  2K 
Once V1 is known, I2 can be obtained using Ohm’s law
V 24
I2  1   6mA
4K 4K
V 24
I3  1   4mA
6K 6K
I4 can be obtained using KCL at node A. As shown from the circuit diagram.
12 6 4
I 1 I 2  I 3  I 4 (    I 4 )
K K K
So I 4  2mA
The voltage V2 is then V2  V1  10KI 4  4V
2K
Or using voltage division V2  V1 ( )  4V
10 K  2 K
Knowing, V2 I 5 can be defined using Ohm’s law
V2 4
I5   mA
3K 3
And also
V2 2
I6   mA
2K  4K 3
Current division can also be used to find I 5 and . I 6
 2K  4K  4  3K  2
I5  I4    mA and I6  I4    mA
 2 K  4 K  3K  3  3K  2 K  4 K  3
Finally V3 can be obtained using KVL or voltage division
 4K  8
V3  V2  2KI 6  8 / 3V and V3  V2   V
 2K  4K  3

201
The network is labeled with all currents and voltages in Fig.S2.6.

I 2 KOhm A 1 KOhm I B 9KOhm

5 3 I 2
o o

+
2 KOhm 6 KOhm
48 V +
3 KOhm
V3 4 KOhm V1
- -
I1
I4 3/k
o o

Fig.S2.6

Given 3 mA current in the 4KOhm resistor, the voltage. V1  3 / K 4K   12V

I1  V1 / 6K  2mA and . I 2  V1 /(9K  3K )  1mA Applying KCL at node B, .
I 3  3 / K  I1  I 2  6mA
Then using Ohm’s law
V2  I 3 (1K )  6V
KVL can then be used to obtain V3 i.e. V3  V2  V1  18V . Then
I 4 V3 / 2K  9mA and V5  V3  V4  15mA
Using Ohm’s law V4  2K I 5  30V and finally . V5  V4  V3  48V

APPANDIX A

Transformer Tests Using Simulink

Objectives:
The main objective is to obtain transformer equivalent circuit parameters by simulating three
transformer tests.
This part of the lab consists of three different simulations:
Open Circuit Test
Short Circuit Test
Load Test
Simulations are designed to follow the actual hardware experiments as closely as possible. That
will give you a chance to compare the simulation results to those of the actual experiment. For
the tests, we will use the Matlab Power System Blockset that provides models of the main
elements of power systems such loads, transformers, etc.
Simulink diagrams for each test will be provided during the experiment. The single-phase
transformer used in these simulations has the following nameplate information and the
equivalent circuit is given in Fig. A1.
Nameplate Information:
Rated Power: 2500 VA
Rated Voltage: 220/220 V
Rated Frequency: 50 Hz
202
Ideal transformer
Xp Xs
Rp Rs Is

Vp Vs
Rc JXm

Ip

Figure A1: Equivalent circuit of a transformer

No Load Test:

This test will provide you with core losses of the transformer. Using simulation results you
will able to determine the magnetization resistance and reactance of the transformer (Rc and
Xm). The Simulink diagram is depicted in Figure A 2. Please open the Simulink diagram called
xformer_noload and spend some time to understand it. As shown in Figure A2, we have a single-
phase transformer that is connected to an RLC load. An AC source is
connected to the primary side of the transformer. We use several measurement blocks of the
Power System Blockset to measure real and reactive power of the primary, voltages and currents
(including phase angles) of the primary and
secondary. The simulations parameters are already set up for you. In order to simulate the no
load situation under various voltage level, a very small amount of real and reactive power loads
are chosen (double-click on the series
RLC load to see the values). Please follow the steps below:
Set the AC source peak voltage value to 0 V. To do that, double-click the AC source and set the
peak amplitude (V) to 0. Do not change anything else and save the changes.
Run the simulation (Simulation/Start).
Double-click on the powergui (blue box on the left) to see the RMS values of voltages and
currents: click Steady-State Voltages and Currents, then choose RMS values. in the dialog box
for Units, record measurements in Table A1: primary voltage (Primary Voltage) , scondary
voltage (Secondary Voltage), primary current(Current Measurement), secondary current (Current
Measurement 1).
Type real_reactive_power (length(real_reactive_power),:) in the MATLAB workspace
(and hit “Enter”) to obtain input real and reactive powers. It will give you the values of P and Q.
The first component of the row is the input real power (P in watts) and the second component is
the input reactive power (Q in VARS).
Record your data in a table format shown in Table A1.
Repeat the steps from 1 to 5 for the voltage values: 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 170 V.
Record your data in the same table.
Note that the data at 170 V corresponds to the rated rms voltage (120 V). Why is this so?
The rms values of the primary voltage and current, and the input real power will be used to
compute the magnetization resistance and reactance of the transformer (Rc and Xm).

203
 For your lab report
Compute and record values for Rc and Xm
Provide the table containing all the data
Plot current vs. voltage for both the primary and secondary side
Plot the input real power vs. input voltage (primary voltage)
Compare your results with those obtained from the actual hardware experiments.
• Information on powergui: Please refer to the list to obtain the measurements in Table A1
from the list in
powergui:
1. Vp =Primary Voltage
2. Ip = Current Measurement
3. Vs = Secondary Voltage
4. Is = Current Measurement1

Table A1: Example Table for No Load Test

Vac RMS RMS Ip RMS RMS Ip Input Input RMS

peac Primary Primary Phase Secondary Secondary Phase Real Reactive Primary
Value Voltage, Current, Angle Voltage Current, Angle Power Power Current,
(V) Vp(V Ip(A) (degrees) Vs(V) Is(A) (degrees) P (W) Q (VAR) Ip(A)
0
60
120
180
240
300
380

Table A1: Example Table for No Load Test

Figure A2: Simulink diagram for no load test

204
Short Circuit Test:

The short circuit test of a transformer provides the copper losses of the transformer
windings when it supports the rated load. Voltage, current, and the input real power
measurements enable us to compute equivalent resistance and
reactance of windings referred to the primary side when the secondary side of the transformer is
short-circuited.
Note that the rated primary current is 2500 (VA)/120 (V) = 20.83 A. We will run the short
circuit test for several voltage values of the AC source connected to the primary side of the
transformer to obtain measurement of several
variables over a range of the primary current. Open simulink file: xformer_short, you will get the
simulation diagram as in Figure A3. Take a look at it to understand its components. For
simulations, please follow the steps below:
Set the AC source peak voltage value to 0 V. To do that, double-clicking the AC source and set
the peak amplitude (V) to 0. Do not change anything else and save the changes.
Run the simulation (Simulation/Start).
Double-click on the powergui (blue box on the left) to see the RMS values of voltages and
currents: click Steady-State Voltages and Currents, in the dialog box, then choose RMS values.
as Units, record measurements in Table A1: primary voltage (Primary voltage) , secondary
voltage (Secondary voltage), primary current(Current Measurement), secondary current (Current
Measurement 1). Type real_reactive_power(length(real_reactive_power),:) in the MATLAB
workspace (and hit “Enter”) to obtain input real and reactive powers. It will give you the values
of P and Q. The first component of the row is the input real power (P in watts) and the second
component is the input
reactive power (Q in VARS).
Record your date in a table format shown in Table A2.
Repeat the steps from 1 to 5 for the voltage values: 5, 10, 15, 17, 20 V.
Record your data in the table below.
Note that the data at 20 V approximately corresponds to the rated rms current (20.83A V). The
rms values of the primary voltage and current, and the input real power will be used to compute
the equivalent winding resistance and reactance of windings, which are referred to the primary
side (Req and Zeq).
For your lab report
Compute and record Req and Zeq.
Provide the table containing all the data
Plot current vs. voltage for both primary and secondary
Plot the input real power vs. input voltage (primary voltage)
Compare you results with those of the actual hardware experiment.

205
 Table A2: Example table for Short Circuit Test

Vac RMS RMS Ip RMS RMS Ip Input Input Vac peac

peac Primary Primary Phase Secondary Secondary Phase Real Reactive Value (V)
Value Voltage, Current, Angle Voltage Current, Angle Powr Power
(V) Vp(V) Ip(A) (degrees) Vs(V) Is(A) (degrees) P (W) Q (VAR)
0
5
10
15
17
20

Figure A3: The Simulink diagram for short circuit test

Load Test:

The load test is designed to study the effects of the three different types of loads on the
voltage regulation and efficiency of the transformer. Fig.A4 shows the Simulink diagram for the
load test. Observe that a series RLC load is connected to the secondary side. Double-click in the
series RLC load in the Simulink diagram. A dialog box shown in Fig.A5 will pop up. This dialog
box allows you to specify the real, inductive reactive and capacitive reactive
power components of the load. We will simulate the following load types:
1.Load 1-resistive load: Nominal voltage = 220 V, Nominal frequency = 50 Hz, Active power P
(W) =2500, Inductive reactive power QL = 0 and Capacitive reactive power Qc = 0.
2.Load 2-Inductive load: Nominal voltage = 220 V, Nominal frequency = 50 Hz, Active power P
(W)=2500 Inductive reactive power QL = 1090 Var and Capacitive reactive power Qc = 0.
3.Load 3-Capacitive load: Nominal voltage = 220 V, Nominal frequency = 50 Hz, Active power
P (W) =2500, Inductive reactive power QL = 0 and Capacitive reactive power Qc = 1500 Var.
In order to simulate each load, follow the steps below:
Set the AC source voltage peak amplitude to 170 V, phase to 0 and frequency to 60 Hz.
206
Run the simulation for each load type (load 1, load 2 and load 3)
Record all the data shown in Table A3.
For your lab report
• Provide the table containing all the data
• Compute the voltage regulation in percent for each load type
• Calculate the efficiency of the transformer for each load type

Table A3: Example Table for Short Circuit Test

Vac RMS RMS Ip RMS RMS Ip Input Input

peac Primary Primary Phase Secondary Secondary Phase Real Reactive
Value Voltage, Current, Angle Voltage Current, Angle Power Power
(V) Vp(V) Ip(A) (degrees) Vs(V) Is(A) (degrees) P (W) Q (VAR)
Load1
Load2
Load3

Figure A4: The Simulink diagram for the load test

207
Figure A5: The RLC load dialog box

208
 Appendix B

Laboratory Work #1
DC Series Circuit Analysis

Objectives
The main objectives of the work are to
 verify Ohm’s law for DC circuit;
 plot the potential diagram;
 compare the measured and calculated values of currents and voltages.

Basic Concepts
The circuit diagram of DC unbrunched circuit is shown in Figure 1.1. According to Ohm’s
law for the closed circuit current flowing through any closed loop is directly proportional to the
algebraic sum of electromotive forces and inversely proportional to the arithmetical sum of
circuit resistances:
E k
E1  E 2  E3
I k
 1.1
R k
k R1  R01  R2  R02  R3  R03  R4

DC
R01 E1 R1 R2
a b c d

R4 DC E2

R02
DC

g e
E3 R03 f
R3

Fig. 1.1
Ohm’s law for the active abcde branch is written as follows:
 a  e   Eae Vae  E1  E2
I  1.2
R ae R1  R01  R2  R02
Ohm’s law for the passive bcd branch is
b   d Vbd
I  1.3
R bd R1  R2
The plot of distribution of potentials around a loop is called as potential diagram. In order
to plot the potential diagram, it is necessary to lay off the values of resistances on the abscissa
axis; corresponding potentials should be laid off on the ordinate axis.

209
 Experimental Procedures
1. Select the necessary elements (two DC voltage sources, switcher, and three resistors)
from the panel of elements (Fig1.3) and assemble an electric circuit on the workshop according
to the circuit diagram shown in Figure 1.2.
a b c

E1 E2
DC DC

R01 R02

R3
e d

Fig. 1.2
By double clicking on each element, the “detail parameters” window will be displayed.
Assign certain (e.g. R1 =100Ohm, R01=50Ohm, R2=200Ohm, R02=50Ohm, R3=300Ohm,
E1=15V, E2 =10V) parameters to each element. Display the digital multimeter from the control
panel and measure the current flowing through the circuit.

Fig.1.3
Enter the selected and measured values in Table 1.1.
Table1.1

V V Ohm Ohm Ohm Ohm Ohm mA

210
Calculate the current by the expression:
E1  E2
I 1.4
R1  R01  R2  R02  R3

Enter the calculated current in the Table 1.2. The obtained current represents the theoretical
value of current based on the Ohm’s law for the closed circuit.
2. In order to verify Ohm’s law for the passive (For example ) branch, display another
multimeter from the control panel and measure the potentials of the points and relative to the
point (potential of which is assumed to be zero). Calculate current by the formula:
  c
I a 1.5
R1  R2
Enter the results in Table 1.2 and compare the calculated value with the measured value given
in the Table 1.1.
Table 1.2
Verification of Ohm’s Law
for Closed for Passive Branch for Active Branch
Circuit

a c b d

mA V V mA V V mA

3. To verify Ohm’s law for the active (for example bcd) branch, measure the potentials of the
points and relative to point . calculate the current by the following formula
   d  E2
I b 1.6
R2  R02
Enter the result in Table 1.2 and compare it with the value of current given in the Table 1.1.
4. Calculate theoretically the potentials of the points a, b, c, d relative to the point by
means of the following formulas:
 a  E1  IR01 ,  b   a  IR1 , c  b  IR2 , d  c  IR02  E2 , e  c  IR3  0
Insert the results in Table 1.3

211
 Table1.3
Calculated

a b c d

V V V V mA

Compare the theoretical and measured values of potentials.

5. Plot the potential diagram according to obtained results. Presumable shape of potential
diagram is shown in Figure1.4.

 (V)

a
b
c d

e
(Ohm)
a b c d
R01 R1 R2 R02 R3 R

Fig1.4
6. Determine the current in diagram form. Insert the result in Table1.3.
Answer the Questions
1. Formulate Ohm’s law. Write its expressions for the active and passive branches.
2. What is a potential diagram?
3. Is it possible to determine the voltage between two points with the help of the potential
diagram? Give an example
4. Is it possible to determine the current from the potential diagram? Give an example.

212
Laboratory Work 2
AC Series R-L Circuit Analysis

Objectives
The main objectives of this work are to
 analyze a sinusoidal steady-state circuit with a resistor and an inductive coil (inductor)
connected in series;
 plot the curves of frequency characteristics;
 compare the experimental and theoretical data.
Basic Concepts
I R

VR

~V
VL
L

Fig. 2.1
Assume, the sinusoidal current with angular frequency   2f and initial phase i
flows through the circuit shown in Figure 2.1
i  I m sin( t  i )  2 I sin( t  i ) 2.1
Here I m and I are the amplitude and root mean square (rms) values of current respectively.
Instantaneous values of voltages across the resistor and inductor will be written as:
vR  iR  I m R sin( t  i )  2VR sin( t  i ) 2.2
di   
vL  L  I m L sin( t  i  )  2 IX L sin( t  i  )  2VL sin( t  i  )
dt 2 2 2
2.3
where VR  IR and VL  IX L are the rms values of voltage drops across the resistor and
inductor respectively. The quantity
XL  L
2.4
represents the inductive reactance of the coil.
According to KVL, the driving voltage
v  vR  vL  I m Z sin( t  i   )  Vm sin( t  i   ) ,
where Z is the circuit impedance
Z  R 2  X L2 2.5
and is the phase difference between the input voltage and current:
XL
  u  i  tan 1
R 2.6

213
 The previous expression shows that the phase difference is positive; it means that the
current lags the voltage by the angle .
The amplitude and rms values of current are determined by the following expressions:
V V
Im  m I
Z Z
2.7
Expected shapes of frequency characteristics curves are shown in Figure 2.2


i(t)

V(t) R

XL


0 0
 
FFig. 2.2

Experimental Procedure

1. Display the AC generator (alternator), resistor, inductor and switcher from the panel of
elements and construct the circuit on the workshop according to the circuit diagram shown in
Figure 2.3.

VL L

AC

A B
VR
R

Fig. 2.3
2. Assign the certain parameters to each element (e.g. ,
display two digital multimeters from the control panel and measure the voltage drops VR and VL
on the following frequencies:
f  100 , 200 , 300 , 500 , 800 , 1000 , 1500 , 2000 , 3000 Hz .
Enter the results of measurements in Table 2.1.

214
 Fig.2.4

3. To measure the phase difference, display the dual-beam oscillograph from the control
panel (Fig.2.4). Connect the terminals of channel AA to the outputs of generator, and channel B
- to the ends of resistor. Two sinusoids will display on the screen, one of which corresponds to
the applied voltage, another one – to the input current. Count the number of divisions n between
the peak values of sinusoids. Calculate the corresponding period of time by the formula:
t  S t n 1.8.
where S t is the time scale of the oscillograph. Then calculate the phase difference as
  ft 360 0 1.9
Enter the results of measurements in Table2.1.
Table 2.1

Measure Calculate
by Formulae
No f VR Vc t by Experimental Data
3.4 3.6 3.7 3.8
 I Z XL Z  I
Hz V V sec Deg mA Ohm Ohm Ohm Deg mA

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
4. Calculate current and impedance using experimental data:

215
 VR V
I , Z .
R I
1.10
5. For each frequency calculate the inductive reactance, circuit impedance, phase
displacement and current through the circuit by the formulae 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7.
Enter the results in Table 2.1.
6. Plot in scale the frequency characteristics
X L  F ( f ), Z  F ( f ), I  F ( f ),   F ( f )
Compare the experimental and theoretical data.
Answer the Questions
1. Write Ohm’s law for the rms and amplitude values of current and voltage.
2. How is the phase displacement calculated?
3. Draw the phasor diagram for series R-L circuit.
4. How does the inductive reactance depend on frequency?

Laboratory Work 3
AC Series R-C Circuit Analysis
Objectives
The main objectives of this work are to
 analyze a sinusoidal current circuit with a series connected resistor and capacitor;
 build the curves of frequency characteristics of the circuit;
 compare the experimental and theoretical data.

Basic Concepts
R
I

VR

~V VC C

Fig. 3.1
Assume a sinusoidal current with the angular frequency and initial phase flows through
the circuit shown in Figure 3.1:
i  I m sin( t   i )  2I sin( t   i ) ,
3.1
where I m is the amplitude and I -the rms value of current.
The instantaneous values of voltage drops across the circuit elements will be written as
v R  iR  I m R sin( t   i )  2VR sin( t   i )
3.2

216
   
vc  I m X c sin( t   i  )  2 IX c sin( t   i  )  2Vc sin( t   i  ),
2 2 2
3.3
1
where VR  IR and Vc  IX c  I are the rms values of voltage drops across the resistor
C
and capacitor respectively.
Capacitive reactance is defined as
1 1
Xc   .
 C 2 fC
3.4
According to KVL, the instantaneous value of applied voltage will be written as follows:
v  vR  vc  I m Z sin( t   i   )  Vm sin( t   i   ) , 3.5

where Z is a circuit impedance:

Z  R 2  X c2 .
3.6
Phase difference between the applied voltage and input current
X
  arctg c . 3.7
R
The previous expression shows that the phase difference is negative; it means that the input
current leads the applied voltage by the angle .
The amplitude and rms values of current are determined as follows:
V V
Im  m , I . 3.8
Z Z
Expected curves of frequency characteristics are shown in Figure 3.2
R, X C , Z I ,

V
Z  F( f ) R I  F( f )

R
X c  F( f )   F( f )



2
f

217
Experimental Procedure
1. Display the AC generator (alternator), resistor, capacitor, and switcher from the panel of
elements and construct the circuit on the workshop according to the circuit diagram shown in
Figure 3.3(Fig.3.4).

VC C

AC

A B
VR R

Fig. 3.3
Assign the certain parameters to each circuit element (e.g.
V  10V , R  1000 Ohm; C  1 F ).

Fig.3.4
2. Display two digital multimeters from the control panel. Take the readings of voltmeters VR
and Vc for the following frequencies: f  200, 500, 800, 1000, 1500, 3000, 6000,
10000 (Hz).
3. To measure the phase difference, display a dual-beam oscillograph from the control panel.
Connect the terminals of channel AA to the outputs of generator, and channel B - to the ends of
resistor. Two sinusoids will display on a screen, one of which corresponds to the applied voltage,
another one – to the input current. Count the number of divisions n between the peak values of
sinusoids. Calculate the corresponding time interval by the formula:
218
 t  S t n
where S t is the time scale of the oscillograph. Then calculate the phase difference as
  ft 360 0
Enter the results in Table3.1.
4. Calculate current through the circuit and circuit impedance by experimental data:
V
I R 3.9
R

V
Z . 3.10
I
5. Calculate the capacitive reactance, circuit impedance, phase displacement, and current through
the circuit by the formulae 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8. Enter the results in Table 3.1.
6. Plot in scale the frequency characteristics:

X c  F ( f ), Z  F ( f ),   F ( f ), I  F( f )
Table 3.1
Measure Calculate
by Formulae
No f VR Vc t by Experimental Data
3.4 3.6 3.7 3.8
 I Z XC Z  I
Hz V V sec deg mA Ohm Ohm Ohm deg mA

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Compare the measured and calculated data.

Answer the Questions

1. Write Ohm’s law for the rms values of current and voltage.
2. How is the phase displacement calculated?
3. Draw the phasor diagram for series R-C circuit.
4. How does the capacitive reactance depend on frequency?

219
 Laboratory Work #4
Analysis of a Star Connected Three-Phase Circuit Using the Simulink
Software Package

1. Objective
Objective of the work is to analyze a star connected three-phase circuit in case of balanced
or unbalanced load, in the presence and absence of a neutral wire.

2. Basic Concepts
A three-phase circuit is a combination of single-phase circuits with sinusoidal emf-s
having the same frequencies but phase-displaced from one another by the angle 2π/3 and
supplied by a single source of energy.
Instantaneous values of the balanced three-phase emf-s are given as follows:
e A  E m sin t ,

e B  E m sin t  120 0  4.1
eC  E m sint  120  0

If the three common ends of each phase are connected together at a common terminal
(neutral), and the other three ends are connected to the 3-phase line, the system is star or wye (Y)
connected. Figure 4.1 illustrates a star-to-star (Y-Y) connection scheme of a three-phase
generator and a load.

A A
I A
E A VCA VAB
VA
ZA
Z0 I0
VB
E C VC
ZC ZB B
E B C
C
B IB VBC
IC

Fig.4.1

Currents I A , I B , I C flowing through the line wires are called the line currents. Current I 0
flowing through the neutral wire is called the neutral current. Voltages between initial and last
points of the phases ( VA ,VB ,V C ) are called the phase voltages, and voltages between initial points
of the phases (between lines) – line voltages ( VAB ,VBC ,V CA ).
Complex impedances of the load phases are:

Z A  RA  jX A , Z B  RB  jX B , Z C  RC  jX C , 4.2

The complex impedance of neutral wire

Z 0  R0  jX 0 .

220
 Line and phase voltages of the load are related with each other as follows:
VAB  VA  VB , VBC  VB  VC , VCA  VC  VA .
Voltage across the neutral wire
E Y  E B Y B  E C Y C
V0  A A , 4.3
Y A  Y B  Y C  Y0
1 1 1 1
where Y A  ,Y B  , YC  , Y0  are the corresponding complex
ZA ZB ZC Z0
admittances.
When the internal resistance of generator is negligible, phase voltages are calculated
as follows:
VA  E A  V0 , VB  E B  V0 , VC  E C  V0 . 4.4
But phase currents and current in neutral wire
IA  VA Y A , IB  VB Y B , IC  VC Y C , I0  V0 Y 0 .
In the presence of neutral wire Y0  , V0  0 and
AI  I  I  I .
B C 0

In the absence of neutral wire, we’ll have: Y0  0, I 0  0 .

If the load is unbalanced, the active, reactive and apparent powers should be found
separately for each phase. As an example for phase A
.
The total active, reactive and apparent powers are
.
In the case of balanced three phase system

In terms of line quantities, we have:

Consider the different modes of operation of three-phase circuit:

1. Balanced Load
When three-phase loading is balanced (symmetrical), phase admittances are the same
Y A  Y B  Y C and respectively, voltage across the neutral wire equals zero both in presence and in
absence of neutral wire. Phase voltages of the load equal the phase emf-s of generator: VA  E A ,
VB  E B , VC  E C .
Phasor diagram in case of balanced load is shown in Figure 4.12. The relationships
between the line and phase quantities are the following: VL  3VPh , I L  I Ph .
In case of balanced loading when there is no neutral wire, phasor diagram is the
same.

2. Unbalanced Load
In the presence of neutral wire Y A  Y B  Y C , and the neutral current I0  IA  IB  IC . The
phase voltages of load are equal to the phase voltages of generator. Corresponding phasor
diagram is shown in Figure 4.2 b.
If there is no neutral wire, and the voltage across the neutral wire is determined as
follows:
E Y  E B Y B  E C Y C
V0  A A .
Y A YB YC

221
 In this case, the load phase voltages are not equal to the generator emf-s and are
determined by the expression 4.4. The corresponding phasor diagram is shown in Figure 4.2c.
A A
A VA

VCA E A
I
VA  VA A VAB I
I VAB
VCA VAB VCA C A

IC I A I0 IB I E B

0 E C 0 0
 0 VC
IB V IC I VB V VB
VC B
B C
B
C V  B C VBC B C VBC
BC
b) c)
a)
Fig.4.2

3. Used Devices and Equipment

Necessary devises and equipment are shown in Figure 4.3, which illustrates the Simulink
blocks to be used during experimental procedure.

Fig.4.3
Figure 4.4 illustrates the dialog box of block parameters of 3-phase inductive source. This
dialog box contains the fields for the voltage amplitude, initial phase of the phase voltage VA,
frequency and the internal parameters of the source (resistance and inductance). These
parameters shall be selected with the help of the head and cannot be changed until the end of the
laboratory work.

Fig. 4.4

222
 The dialog box of block parameters of series RLC load is shown in Figure4.5. It contains
the fields for the voltage and frequency of load, which should be equal to the supply voltage and
frequency. Here the values of active and reactive powers shall be recorded too.

Fig.4.5

4. Experimental Procedure

The Simulink model of the system is represented in Figure 4.6.

After simulating, the values of active and reactive powers for phases will appear in
the Display block.

Fig.4.6

The measured values by Powergui-Continuous block are shown in Figure 4.7. Except for
the phase voltages and currents the neutral voltage V0 and current I 0 are measured too.

223
 Fig.4.7

The results of measuring should be entered in Table 4.1

Table 4.1

Operatio Measured
n
VA VB VC V0 IA IB IC I0 PA PB PC QA QB QC
Modes

1.Balanced Load
with Neutral

2.Balanced
Load without
Neutral

3.Unbalanced
Load with
Neutral

4.UUnbalanced
Load without
Neutral

To perform a simulation without neutral wire, it is necessary to disconnect N neutral point

of power supply from “Ground.”
To draw the phasor diagram, the initial phases measured by Powergui -Continuous block
should be written in Table 4.2.

224
 Table 4.2
Operation Modes Measured
V 0 I 0 V A
VB
V C
I A
I B
I C

1.Balanced Load
with Neutral

2.Balanced Load
without Neutral

3.Unbalanced Load
with Neutral

4.Unbalanced Load
without Neutral

5. Answer the Questions

1. What is a three-phase electric circuit?
2. What is a star connection of three-phase circuit?
3. What is the purpose of a neutral wire?
4. Write relationships between the line and phase quantities in case of star connection;
5. How the active, reactive, and apparent powers can be calculated in case of balanced load?

225
 Laboratory Work 5

Analysis of a Delta Connected Three Phase Circuit Using the Simulink Software Package
1. Objective
Objective of the work is to analyze a delta connected three-phase circuit in case of
balanced or unbalanced load.
2. Basic Concepts
If the three phases are connected in series to form a closed loop, the system is delta
connected. Figure 5.1 illustrates a star-delta (Y-Δ) connection of a generator and a load.

A A
I A
E A ICA IAB
VCA VAB
Z CA Z AB
E C
IBC Z BC
E B
C B
IB
IC

Fig.5.1
In case of delta connection, the line and phase voltages are the same, but the line and phase
currents are related as follows:
IA  IAB  ICA , IB  IBC  IAB , IC  ICA  IBC . 5.1
Phase currents are determined as
IAB  U AB  Y AB , IBC  U BC  Y BC , ICA  U CA  Y CA . 5.2
In case of the balanced load Z AB  Z BC  Z CA and the rms values of phase currents are
identical. Line and phase currents are related with the expression I L  3I Ph (see the phasor
diagram in Figure 5.2a).
If the load is unbalanced, Z AB  Z BC  Z CA and the rms values of phase currents are
proportional to their admittances. Corresponding phasor diagram is shown in Figure 5.2b.
If one phase of the load is disconnected, current flowing through it becomes zero but the
rest of two currents do not change, as well as their phase voltages remain constant. For example,
when disconnecting CA phase, we’ll get:
I CA  0, IA  IAB , IB  IBC  IAB , IC   IBC
Phasor diagram is shown in Figure 5.2c.
When disconnecting two phases, currents through them become zero. Current through the
third phase does not change. For example, in case of disconnection of AB an CA phases, we can
write:
I AB  IAC  0, IA  0, IB  IBC , IC   IBC (Fig.5.2d).

226
  ICA A  ICA
A

VAB VAB
I AB I AB
I A IB I A
IB
U CA VCA
ICA ICA  IAB
VBC IBC  IAB VBC IBC
C C
B IC B
 IBC IC
a)  IBC b)

A A

IA  IAB
VAB
VAB
VCA
IBC  IB
VCA
 IAB
VBC
IBC
C
C VBC B B
IC   IBC c) d)
 IBC  IC

Fig.5.2
The active, reactive and apparent powers in the case of balanced loading are determined as

.
3. Used Devices and Equipment
Devices and equipment used in this work are identical with the devices and equipment
used in the work No4.
4. Experimental Procedure
Figure 5.3 illustrates the Simulink model of simulation of wye-delta connected three-phase
circuit.

Fig.5.3

227
 Dialog box of block parameters of series RLC load is shown in Figure5.4. It contains
the fields for the voltage and frequency of load, which should be equal to the supply voltage
and frequency.

FFig.5.4

After simulating, the values of active and reactive powers will appear on the Display block.
Line and phase currents, as well as line (phase) voltages are measured by means of Powergui-
Continuous block (Fig.5.5).

Fig.5.5
Results of simulation are entered in Table 5.1. The source and load parameters shall be
chosen with the help of the head and cannot be changed until the end of experimental
procedures.

228
 Table 5.1

Calculated
Operation Modes
VAB VBC VCA I A I B I C I AB I BC I CA PA PB PC Q A QB QC
1.Balanced Load

2. Unbalanced Load

3. Disconnection of
One Phase

4.Disconnection of
Two Phases

To plot the phasor diagrams, the initial phases measured by powergui block shall be
recorded in the separate Table 5.2. Table 5.2

Operation Modes Measured

V AB
V
BC
VCA
I AB
I BC
I CA
I A
I B
I C

1..Balanced Load

2. Unbalanced Load

3. Disconnection of
One Phase

4. Disconnection of
Two Phases

5. Answer the questions:

1. What is a delta connected three-phase circuit?
2. What is the relationship between the line and phase quantities in case of delta connection?
3. Write expressions for the active, reactive, and apparent powers in case of symmetrical load.
4. What does the disconnection of one or two phases cause in delta connected three-phase
circuit?

229
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V.kerns,Jr.Vanderbilt University.
Prentice Hall, Upper Sadde R iver,
New Jersey 07458
2.Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering and Electronics. B.L.Theraja. S.Chand and
Company LTD. New Delhi-110055; 1978
3. Electrical Engineerging. A.S. Kasatkin and M.V. Nemtsov..Mir Publishers. Moskow(English
translation)1986
4. Basic Electrical Enginerging.Jimmie J. Cathey,Syed A. Nasar.,Schaums Outline Series
.Mcgraw Hill.1997
5. Basic Electrical (a self-Teaching Guide). Charles W. Ryan. John Willey and Sons, enc. 1986
6. Electric Circuit Theory. J.M.Ivison,1977
7. Electric Circuit Theory.(part one). Sh. Nemsadze. GTU.2000
8. Applied Electricity for Engineers. L.Bessonov,M., 1968
9. Basic Electrical Enginerging. A.E.Fitzgerald and others,5th Edition. 1981
10. Dictionary of Electrical Engineering. Second Edition. K.G.Jackson. Butterworths
Scientific1982
11.Introductiom to Electrical Engineering. Irwin,J.David. 1995
12. Problem-Solving Companion to accompany Basic Engineering Circuit Analysis . Ninth
Edition. J.David Irvin.

230
 Simon Nemsadze. In 1975 Graduate from Power Engineering Faculty of
the Georgian Polytechnical Institute. In 1982 - Post Graduate Course of
Moscow Power Engineering Institute named after G. Krjijanovsky. In
1984-Moscow Institute of Foreign Languages named after Morris Torrez
(English Language Course). The Author of more Than 50 Scientific
works, among them 14 Inventions and Patents. More than 39 years
teaching experience since 1975. 1987-1990-Tanzania, Dar-Es-Salam
Technical University, Professor at the Telecom Department. Security
Lieutenant-Colonel. PhD, Full Professor, Head of Electrical Engineering
and Electronics Department of the Technical University of Georgia since
2013.

231