Complex Waveforms PDF

36 Complex waveforms
At the end of this chapter you should be able to:

• define a complex wave • calculate r.m.s. and mean values, and form factor of
• recognize periodic functions a complex wave
• recognize the general equation of a complex • calculate power associated with complex waves
waveform • perform calculations on single-phase circuits con-
• use harmonic synthesis to build up a complex wave taining harmonics
• recognize characteristics of waveforms containing • define and perform calculations on harmonic
odd, even or odd and even harmonics, with or resonance
without phase change • list and explain some sources of harmonics
• determine Fourier series for simple functions
36.1 Introduction
In preceding chapters a.c. supplies have been assumed to

be sinusoidal, this being a form of alternating quantity
commonly encountered in electrical engineering. How-
ever, many supply waveforms are not sinusoidal. For
example, sawtooth generators produce ramp waveforms,
and rectangular waveforms may be produced by multi-
vibrators. A waveform that is not sinusoidal is called a
complex wave. Such a waveform may be shown to be
composed of the sum of a series of sinusoidal waves
having various interrelated periodic times.
A function f (t) is said to be periodic if f (t + T ) = f (t)
for all values of t, where T is the interval between two suc-
cessive repetitions and is called the period of the function
f (t). A sine wave having a period of 2π/ω is a familiar Figure 36.1 Typical complex periodic voltage waveform
example of a periodic function.
A typical complex periodic-voltage waveform, shown
in Figure 36.1, has period T seconds and frequency f hertz.
A complex wave such as this can be resolved into the sum 36.2 The general equation for a complex
of a number of sinusoidal waveforms, and each of the waveform
sine waves can have a different frequency, amplitude and
phase. The instantaneous value of a complex voltage wave v act-
The initial, major sine wave component has a frequency ing in a linear circuit may be represented by the general
f equal to the frequency of the complex wave and this fre- equation
quency is called the fundamental frequency. The other
sine wave components are known as harmonics, these v = Vm sin(ωt + 1 ) + V2m sin(2ωt + 2 )
having frequencies which are integer multiples of fre-
+ · · · + Vnm sin(n ωt + n )volts (36.1)
quency f . Hence the second harmonic has a frequency
of 2 f , the third harmonic has a frequency of 3 f , and so Here V1m sin(ωt + 1 ) represents the fundamental com-
on. Thus if the fundamental (i.e. supply) frequency of a ponent of which V1m is the maximum or peak value,
complex wave is 50 Hz, then the third harmonic frequency frequency, f = ω/2π and 1 is the phase angle with respect
is 150 Hz, the fourth harmonic frequency is 200 Hz, and to time, t = 0.
so on. Similarly, V2m sin(2ωt + 2 ) represents the second
harmonic component, and Vnm sin(nωt + n ) represents
Complex waveforms 445
the nth harmonic component, of which Vnm is the peak

Problem 2. A complex current wave is repre-
value, frequency = nω/2π( = nf ) and n is the phase
sented by:
angle.
In the same way, the instantaneous value of a complex π
current i may be represented by the general equation i = 60 sin 240πt + 24 sin 480πt −
4 π
+15 sin 720πt + mA
i = I1m sin(ωt + θ 1 ) + I2m sin(2ωt + θ 2 ) 3
+· · · + Inm sin(n ωt + θ n )amperes (36.2) Determine (a) the frequency of the fundamental, (b) the
percentage second harmonic, (c) the percentage third
Where equations (36.1) and (36.2) refer to the voltage harmonic, (d) the r.m.s. value of the second harmonic,
across and the current flowing through a given linear cir- (e) the phase angles of the harmonic components, and
cuit, the phase angle between the fundamental voltage and (f ) mean value of the third harmonic.
current is φ1 = (1 − θ1 ), the phase angle between the sec-
ond harmonic voltage and current is φ2 = (2 − θ2 ), and
so on. Since 480 is twice 240, and 720 is three times 240, the
It often occurs that not all harmonic components are harmonics present in the given wave are the second and
present in a complex waveform. Sometimes only the fun- third.
damental and odd harmonics are present, and in others 240π
only the fundamental and even harmonics are present. (a) Frequency of fundamental, f1 = = 120 Hz
The following worked problems help introduce com- 2π
plex waveform equations and revise a.c. values from (b) Percentage second harmonic means expressing the
chapter 14. maximum value of the second harmonic as a percent-
age of the maximum value of the fundamental,
24
i.e. percentage second harmonic = × 100%
Problem 1. A complex voltage wave is given by: 60
= 40%
15
v = 200 sin 100πt + 80 sin 300πt + 40 sin 500πt volts (c) Percentage third harmonic = × 100% = 25%
60
Determine (a) which harmonics are present, (b) the (d) R.m.s value of second harmonic = 0.707 × 24
r.m.s. value of the fundamental, (c) the frequency of the = 16.97 mA
fundamental, (d) the periodic time of the fundamental, π
(e) The second harmonic has a phase angle of rad
(e) the frequencies of the harmonics. ◦
4
lagging (or 45 lagging)
π
The third harmonic has a phase angle of rad
3
(a) The first term, or fundamental, 200 sin 100πt, has leading (or 60◦ leading) PART
ω1 = 100π rad/s and maximum value 200 V. The sec- (f ) Mean or average value of third harmonic
ond term, 80 sin 300πt, has an angular velocity of = 0.637 × 15 = 9.56 mA 3
300π rad/s, which is three times that for the funda-
mental. Now try the following exercise.
Hence, 80 sin 300πt is the third harmonic term.
Exercise 121 Further problems on the equation
Similarly, 40 sin 500πt is the fifth harmonic term.
of a complex waveform
(b) R.m.s. value of the fundamental = 0.707 × 200
= 141.4 V 1. A complex voltage wave is given by:
ω1 100π v = 150 sin 200πt + 60 sin 400πt
(c) Frequency of fundamental, f1 = = = 50 Hz
2π 2π
+30 sin 800πt volts
1 1
(d) Periodic time of fundamental, T = = = 0.02 s
f1 50 Determine (a) which harmonics are present, (b) the
or 20 ms r.m.s. value of the fundamental, (c) the frequency
(e) Frequency of third harmonic = 3 × 50 = 150 Hz of the fundamental, (d) the periodic time of the fun-
300π damental, and (e) the frequencies of the harmonics.
(or = = 150 Hz)
2π [(a) 2nd and 4th (b) 106.1 V (c) 100 Hz
Frequency of fifth harmonic = 5 × 50 = 250 Hz (d) 10 ms (e) 200 Hz, 400 Hz]
446 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology
2. A complex current wave is represented by:

π
i = 20 sin 160πt + 8 sin 480πt +
2 π
+ 2 sin 800πt − A
5
Determine (a) the frequency of the fundamental,
(b) the percentage third harmonic, (c) the percent-
age fifth harmonic, (d) the r.m.s. value of the third
harmonic, (e) the phase angles of the harmonic
components, and (f ) the mean value of the fifth
harmonic. [(a) 80 Hz (b) 40% (c) 10% (d) 5.656 A
π
(e) 3rd harmonic leading by rad (i.e. leading
2
◦ π
by 90 ), 5th harmonic lagging by rad
5
(i.e. lagging by 36◦ ) (f ) 1.274 A] Figure 36.2
3. A complex waveform comprises a fundamental
voltage with a peak value of 30 V and a frequency of The waveform is made up of a fundamental wave of
400 Hz together with a 3rd harmonic having a peak maximum value 100 V and frequency, f = ω/2π hertz
value of 12 V leading by 60◦ . Write down an expres- and a third harmonic component of maximum value 30 V
sion for the instantaneous value of the complex and frequency = 3ω/2π( = 3f ), the fundamental and third
voltage. [30 sin 800πt + 12 sin(2400πt + π/3)] harmonics being initially in phase with each other. Since
the maximum value of the third harmonic is 30 V and
that of the fundamental is 100 V, the resultant waveform
va is said to contain 30/100, i.e. ‘30% third harmonic’.
36.3 Harmonic synthesis In Figure 36.2, the fundamental waveform is shown by the
broken line plotted over one cycle, the periodic time being
2π/ω seconds. On the same axis is plotted 30 sin 3ωt,
Harmonic analysis is the process of resolving a complex
shown by the dotted line, having a maximum value of
periodic waveform into a series of sinusoidal components
30 V and for which three cycles are completed in time
of ascending order of frequency. Many of the wave-
T seconds. At zero time, 30 sin 3ωt is in phase with
forms met in practice can be represented by mathematical
100 sin ωt.
expressions similar to those of equations (36.1) and (36.2),
The fundamental and third harmonic are combined by
and the magnitude of their harmonic components together
adding ordinates at intervals to produce the waveform for
with their phase may be calculated using Fourier series
va as shown. For example, at time T /12 seconds, the fun-
(see Sections 36.4 and 36.5). Numerical methods are
damental has a value of 50 V and the third harmonic a
used to analyse waveforms for which simple mathemati-
value of 30 V. Adding gives a value of 80 V for wave-
cal expressions cannot be obtained. A numerical method
form va , at time T /12 seconds. Similarly, at time T /4
of harmonic analysis is explained in Chapter 37. In a
seconds, the fundamental has a value of 100 V and the
laboratory, waveform analysis may be performed using
third harmonic a value of −30 V. After addition, the resul-
a waveform analyser which produces a direct readout of
tant waveform va is 70 V at time T /4. The procedure is
the component waves present in a complex wave.
continued between t = 0 and t = T to produce the complex
By adding the instantaneous values of the fundamental
waveform for va . The negative half cycle of waveform va
and progressive harmonics of a complex wave for given
is seen to be identical in shape to the positive half cycle.
instants in time, the shape of a complex waveform can
be gradually built up. This graphical procedure is known
as harmonic synthesis (synthesis meaning ‘the putting Example 2
together of parts or elements so as to make up a complex
whole’). Consider the addition of a fifth harmonic component to
A number of examples of harmonic synthesis will now the complex waveform of Figure 36.2, giving a resultant
be considered. waveform expression
Example 1 vb = 100 sin ωt + 30 sin 3ωt + 20 sin 5ωt volts

Consider the complex voltage expression given by
Figure 36.3 shows the effect of adding (100 sin ωt +
va = 100 sin ωt + 30 sin 3ωt volts 30 sin 3ωt) obtained from Figure 36.2 to 20 sin 5ωt. The
Figure 36.3
Figure 36.4
shapes of the negative and positive half cycles are still
identical. If further odd harmonics of the appropriate
amplitude and phase were added to vb , a good approx-
imation to a square wave would result.
Example 3
π
vc = 100 sin ωt + 30 sin 3ωt + volts
2
This expression is similar to voltage va in that the peak
value of the fundamental and third harmonic are the same.
However the third harmonic has a phase displacement of
π/2 radian leading (i.e. leading 30 sin 3ωt by π/2 radian).
Note that, since the periodic time of the fundamental is
T seconds, the periodic time of the third harmonic is T /3
seconds, and a phase displacement of π/2 radian or 41
Figure 36.5 PART
cycle of the third harmonic represents a time interval of
(T /3) ÷ 4, i.e. T /12 seconds. 3
Figure 36.4 shows graphs of 100 sin ωt and
30 sin(3ωt + (π/2)) over the time for one cycle of the fun- latter lagging 30 sin 3ωt by π/2 radian or T /12 seconds.
damental. When ordinates of the two graphs are added at Adding ordinates at intervals gives the resultant waveform
intervals, the resultant waveform vc is as shown. The shape vd as shown. The negative half cycle of vd is identical in
of the waveform vc is quite different from that of wave- shape to the positive half cycle.
form va shown in Figure 36.2, even though the percentage
third harmonic is the same. If the negative half cycle in
Example 5
Figure 36.4 is reversed it can be seen that the shape of the
positive and negative half cycles are identical. Consider the complex voltage expression given by
Example 4 ve = 100 sin ωt + 30 sin(3ωt + π) volts
Consider the complex voltage expression given by The fundamental, 100 sin ωt, and the third harmonic
π component, 30 sin(3ωt + π), are plotted as shown in
vd = 100 sin ωt + 30 sin 3ωt − volts Figure 36.6, the latter leading 30 sin 3ωt by π radian or
2
T /6 seconds. Adding ordinates at intervals gives the resul-
The fundamental, 100 sin ωt, and the third harmonic com- tant waveform ve as shown. The negative half cycle of ve
ponent, 30 sin(3ωt − (π/2)), are plotted in Figure 36.5, the is identical in shape to the positive half cycle.
Figure 36.8
Figure 36.6
The waveform representing this expression has already

been plotted in Figure 36.5.
General conclusions on examples 1 to 6

Whenever odd harmonics are added to a fundamental
waveform, whether initially in phase with each other or
not, the positive and negative half-cycles of the resultant
complex wave are identical in shape (i.e. in Figures 36.2
to 36.6, the values of voltage in the third quadrant —
between T /2 seconds and 3T /4 seconds — are identical
to the voltage values in the first quadrant — between 0
and T /4 seconds, except that they are negative, and the
values of voltage in the second and fourth quadrants are
identical, except for the sign change). This is a feature
Figure 36.7 of waveforms containing a fundamental and odd harmon-
ics and is true whether harmonics are added or subtracted
from the fundamental.
Example 6 From Figures 36.2 to 36.6, it is seen that a waveform
can change its shape considerably as a result of changes
Consider the complex voltage expression given by in both phase and magnitude of the harmonics.
π
vf = 100 sin ωt − 30 sin 3ωt + volts
2 Example 7
The phasor representing 30 sin(3ωt + (π/2)) is shown in Consider the complex current expression given by
Figure 36.7(a) at time t = 0. The phasor representing
−30 sin(3ωt + (π/2)) is shown in Figure 36.7(b) where ia = 10 sin ωt + 4 sin 2ωt amperes
it is seen to be in the opposite direction to that shown in
Figure 36.7(a). Current ia consists of a fundamental component, 10 sin ωt,
−30 sin(3ωt + (π/2)) is the same as 30 sin(3ωt − (π/2)). and a second harmonic component, 4 sin 2ωt, the compo-
Thus nents being initially in phase with each other. Current ia
π
contains 40% second harmonic. The fundamental and sec-
vf = 100 sin ωt − 30 sin 3ωt + ond harmonic are shown plotted separately in Figure 36.8.
2 By adding ordinates at intervals, the complex waveform
π
= 100 sin ωt + 30 sin 3ωt − representing ia is produced as shown. It is noted that if
2 all the values in the negative half-cycle were reversed
Figure 36.9
Figure 36.10
then this half-cycle would appear as a mirror image of

the positive half-cycle about a vertical line drawn through
time t = T /2.
Example 8
Consider the complex current expression given by
ib = 10 sin ωt + 4 sin 2ωt + 3 sin 4ωt amperes
The waveforms representing (10 sin ωt + 4 sin 2ωt) and

the fourth harmonic component, 3 sin 4ωt, are each shown
separately in Figure 36.9, the former waveform having
been produced in Figure 36.8. By adding ordinates at inter-
vals, the complex waveform for ib is produced as shown PART
in Figure 36.9. If the half-cycle between times T /2 and Figure 36.11
T is reversed then it is seen to be a mirror image of the 3
half-cycle lying between 0 and T /2 about a vertical line Example 10
drawn through the time t = T /2.
id = 10 sin ωt + 4 sin(2ωt + π) amperes
Example 9
The fundamental, 10 sin ωt, and the second harmonic
Consider the complex current expressions given by component which leads 4 sin 2ωt by π rad are shown sep-
arately in Figure 36.11. By adding ordinates at intervals,
π the resultant waveform id is produced as shown. If the neg-
ic = 10 sin ωt + 4 sin 2ωt + amperes ative half cycle is reversed, it is seen to be a mirror image
2
of the positive half cycle about a line drawn vertically
through time t = T /2.
The fundamental component, 10 sin ωt, and the second
harmonic component, having an amplitude of 4 A and
a phase displacement of π/2 radian leading (i.e. lead- General conclusions on examples 7 to 10
ing 4 sin 2ωt by π/2 radian or T /8 seconds), are shown Whenever even harmonics are added to a fundamental
plotted separately in Figure 36.10. By adding ordinates component:
at intervals, the complex waveform for ic is produced
as shown. The positive and negative half-cycles of the (a) if the harmonics are initially in phase or if there is
resultant waveform ic are seen to be quite dissimilar. a phase shift of π rad, the negative half cycle, when
Figure 36.13
Figure 36.12 General conclusions on examples 11 and 12
reversed, is a mirror image of the positive half-cycle Whenever a waveform contains both odd and even
about a vertical line drawn through time t = T /2; harmonics:
(b) if the harmonics are initially out of phase with each (a) if the harmonics are initially in phase with each other,
other (i.e. other than π rad), the positive and negative the negative cycle, when reversed, is a mirror image
half-cycles are dissimilar. of the positive half-cycle about a vertical line drawn
These are features of waveforms containing the funda- through time t = T /2;
mental and even harmonics. (b) if the harmonics are initially out of phase with each
other, the positive and negative half-cycles are dissim-
ilar.
Example 11
Example 13
vg = 50 sin ωt + 25 sin 2ωt + 15 sin 3ωt volts π
i = 32 + 50 sin ωt + 20 sin 2ωt − mA
2
The fundamental and the second and third harmonics are The current i comprises three components — a 32 mA d.c.
each shown separately in Figure 36.12. By adding ordi- component, a fundamental of amplitude 50 mA and a sec-
nates at intervals, the resultant waveform vg is produced ond harmonic of amplitude 20 mA, lagging by π/2 radian.
as shown. If the negative half-cycle is reversed, it appears The fundamental and second harmonic are shown sepa-
as a mirror image of the positive half-cycle about a vertical rately in Figure 36.14. Adding ordinates at intervals gives
line drawn through time = T /2. the complex waveform 50 sin ωt + 20 sin(2ωt − (π/2)).
This waveform is then added to the 32 mA d.c. compo-
Example 12 nent to produce the waveform i as shown. The effect of
the d.c. component is seen to be to shift the whole wave
Consider the complex voltage expression given by 32 mA upward. The waveform approaches that expected
from a half-wave rectifier (see Section 36.11).
vh = 50 sin ωt + 25 sin(2ωt − π)
π Problem 3. A complex waveform v comprises a fun-
+ 15sin 3ωt + volts
2 damental voltage of 240 V r.m.s and frequency 50 Hz,
together with a 20% third harmonic which has a phase
The fundamental, the second harmonic lagging by π angle lagging by 3π/4 rad at time = 0. (a) Write down
radian and the third harmonic leading by π/2 radian are ini- an expression to represent voltage v. (b) Use harmonic
tially plotted separately, as shown in Figure 36.13. Adding synthesis to sketch the complex waveform repre-
ordinates at intervals gives the resultant waveform vh as senting voltage v over one cycle of the fundamental
shown. The positive and negative half-cycles are seen to component.
be quite dissimilar.
Figure 36.15
Problem 4. For each of the periodic complex wave-

forms shown in Figure 36.16, suggest whether odd or
even harmonics (or both) are likely to be present.
Figure 36.14
(a) A fundamental voltage having an r.m.s value

√ of 240 V
has a maximum value, or amplitude of ( 2)(240), i.e.
339.4 V.
If the fundamental frequency is 50 Hz then
angular velocity, ω = 2πf = 2π(50) = 100π rad/s.
Hence the fundamental voltage is represented by
339.4 sin 100πt volts. Since the fundamental fre-
quency is 50 Hz, the time for one cycle of the
fundamental is given by T = 1/f = 1/50 s or 20 ms.
The third harmonic has an amplitude equal to
20% of 339.4 V, i.e. 67.9 V. The frequency of the PART
third harmonic component is 3 × 50 = 150 Hz, thus 3
the angular velocity is 2π (150), i.e. 300π rad/s.
Hence the third harmonic voltage is represented by
67.9 sin(300πt − (3π/4)) volts. Thus
voltage, v = 339.4 sin 100πt

3π
+ 67.9 sin 300πt − volts
4
(b) One cycle of the fundamental, 339.4 sin 100πt,

is shown sketched in Figure 36.15, together
with three cycles of the third harmonic compo-
nent, 67.9 sin(300πt − (3π/4)) initially lagging by Figure 36.16
3π/4 rad. By adding ordinates at intervals, the com-
plex waveform representing voltage is produced as
shown. If the negative half cycle is reversed, it is
seen to be identical to the positive half cycle, which (a) If in Figure 36.16(a) the negative half cycle is
is a feature of waveforms containing the fundamental reversed, it is seen to be identical to the positive half
and odd harmonics. cycle. This feature indicates that the complex current
waveform is composed of a fundamental and odd

4. Write down an expression representing a current
harmonics only (see examples 1 to 6).
having a fundamental component of amplitude 16 A
(b) In Figure 36.16(b) the negative half-cycle is quite
and frequency 1 kHz, together with its third and
dissimilar to the positive half-cycle.
fifth harmonics being respectively one-fifth and
This indicates that the complex voltage waveform
one-tenth the amplitude of the fundamental, all
comprises either
components being in phase at zero time. Sketch
(i) a fundamental and even harmonics, initially out the complex current waveform for one cycle of the
of phase with each other (see example 9), or fundamental using harmonic synthesis.
(ii) a fundamental and odd and even harmonics, one [i = (16 sin 2π 103 t + 3.2 sin 6π 103 t
or more of the harmonics being initially out of + 1.6 sin π104 t)A]
phase (see example 12).
(c) If in Figure 36.16(c) the negative half cycle is 5. For each of the waveforms shown in Figure 36.17,
reversed, it is seen to be a mirror image of the positive state which harmonics are likely to be present.
half cycle about a vertical line drawn through time
T /2. This feature indicates that the complex e.m.f.
waveform comprises either:
(i) a fundamental and even harmonics initially in
phase with each other (see examples 7 and 8),
or
(ii) a fundamental and odd and even harmonics, each
initially in phase with each other (see exam-
ple 11).
Now try the following exercise.
Exercise 122 Further problems on harmonic

synthesis
1. A complex current waveform i comprises a fun-

damental current of 50 A r.m.s and frequency
100 Hz, together with a 24% third harmonic, both
being in phase with each other at zero time.
(a) Write down an expression to represent current,
i. (b) Sketch the complex waveform of current
using harmonic synthesis over one cycle of the
fundamental. Figure 36.17
[(a) i = (70.71 sin 628.3t + 16.97 sin 1885t)A]
[(a) Fundamental and even harmonics, or all
2. A complex voltage waveform v is comprised of a harmonics present, initially in phase with each
212.1 V r.m.s fundamental voltage at a frequency of other. (b) Fundamental and odd harmonics only.
50 Hz, a 30% second harmonic component lagging (c) Fundamental and even harmonics, initially out
by π/2 rad, and a 10% fourth harmonic component of phase with each other (or all harmonics present),
leading by π/3 rad. (a) Write down an expression to some being initially out of phase with each other.]
represent voltage v (b) Sketch the complex voltage
waveform using harmonic synthesis over one cycle 6. A voltage waveform is described by
of the fundamental waveform. v = 200 sin 377t + 80 sin(1131t + (π/4))
[(a) v = 300 sin 314.2t + 90 sin(628.3t − (π/2)) + + 20 sin(1885t − (π/3)) volts
30 sin(1256.6t + (π/3)) volts]
Determine (a) the fundamental and harmonic fre-
3. A voltage waveform is represented by quencies of the waveform, (b) the percentage third
harmonic and (c) the percentage fifth harmonic.
v = 20 + 50 sin ωt + 20 sin(2ωt − π/2) volts Sketch the voltage waveform using harmonic syn-
thesis over one cycle of the fundamental.
Draw the complex waveform over one cycle of the [(a) 60 Hz, 180 Hz, 300 Hz (b) 40% (c) 10%]
fundamental by using harmonic synthesis.
36.4 Fourier series of periodic and trigonometric series of the form:

non-periodic functions f (x) = a0 + a1 cos x + a2 cos 2x + a3 cos 3x + · · ·
Fourier series provides a method of analysing periodic + b1 sin x + b2 sin 2x + b3 sin 3x + · · ·
functions into their constituent components. Alternating when a0 , a1 , a2 , . . . b1 , b2 , . . . are real constants,
currents and voltages, displacement, velocity and accel- ∞
eration of slider-crank mechanisms and acoustic waves
i.e. f (x) = a0 + (an cos nx + bn sin nx), (36.3)
are typical practical examples in engineering and science
n=1
where periodic functions are involved and often requiring
analysis. (The main topics of Fourier series are covered where for the range−π to π :
here, but for more, see ‘Higher Engineering Mathematics π
5th Edition’). 1
a0 = f (x)dx (36.4)
2π −π
π
Periodic functions 1
an = f (x) cos nx dx (n = 1, 2, 3, . . . ) (36.5)
π −π
As stated earlier in this chapter, a function f (x) is said to π
be periodic if f (x + T ) = f (x) for all values of x, where and bn =
1
f (x) sin nx dx (n = 1, 2, 3, . . . ) (36.7)
T is some positive number. T is the interval between π −π
two successive repetitions and is called the period of the
functions f (x). a0 , an and bn are called the Fourier coefficients of the
For example, y = sin x is periodic in x with period series and if these can be determined, the series of equa-
2π since sin x = sin(x + 2π) = sin(x + 4π), and so on. In tion (36.3) is called the Fourier series corresponding
general, if y = sin ωt then the period of the waveform is to f (x).
2π/ω. The function shown in Figure 36.18 is also periodic For the series of equation (36.3):
of period 2π and is defined by: the term (a1 cos x + b1 sin x) or c1 sin(x + α1 ) is called
the first harmonic or the fundamental, the term
−1, when −π < x < 0 (a2 cos 2x + b2 sin 2x) or c2 sin(2x + α2 ) is called the
f (x) = second harmonic, and so on.
1, when 0 < x < π
For an exact representation of a complex wave, an infi-
nite number of terms are, in general, required. In many
practical cases, however, it is sufficient to take the first
f(x) few terms only. Obtaining a Fourier series for a periodic
function of period 2π is demonstrated in the following
1 worked problems.
Problem 5. Obtain a Fourier series for the periodic PART

−2π −π 0 π 2π x 3
function f (x) defined as:
−1
−k, when −π < x < 0
f (x) =
+k, when 0<x<π
Figure 36.18 The function is periodic outside of this range with

period 2π
If a graph of a function has no sudden jumps or breaks it is
called a continuous function, examples being the graphs The square wave function defined is shown in Fig-
of sine and cosine functions. However, other graphs make ure 36.19. Since f (x) is given by two different expressions
finite jumps at a point or points in the interval. The square in the two halves of the range the integration is performed
wave shown in Figure 36.18 has finite discontinuities at in two parts, one from −π to 0 and the other from 0 to π.
x = π, 2π, 3π, and so on. A great advantage of Fourier
series over other series is that it can be applied to func- From equation (36.4):
π 0 π
tions which are discontinuous as well as those which are 1 1
continuous. a0 = f (x)dx = −k dx + k dx
2π −π 2π −π 0
The basis of a Fourier series is that all functions of
practical significance which are defined in the interval 1
= {[−kx]0−π + [kx]π0 } = 0
−π ≤ x ≤ π can be expressed in terms of a convergent 2π
f(x) Hence, from equation (36.3), the Fourier series for the
function shown in Figure 36.19 is given by:
k
∞
f (x) = a0 + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
n=1
−π 0 π 2π x ∞
=0+ (0 + bn sin nx)
−k n=1
4k 4k 4k
Figure 36.19 i.e. f (x) = sin x + sin 3x + sin 5x + · · · · · · .
π 3π 5π
4k 1 1
i.e. f (x) = sin x + sin 3x + sin 5x + · · · · · ·
[a0 is in fact the mean value of the waveform over a π 3 5
complete period of 2π and this value could have been
deduced on sight from Figure 36.19] Problem 6. For the Fourier series of Problem 5, let
From equation (36.5): k = π. Show by plotting the first three partial sums of
this Fourier series that, as the series is added together
π 0 term by term, the result approximates more and more
1 1
an = f (x) cos nx dx = −k cos nx dx closely to the function it represents.
π −π π −π
π
+ k cos nx dx If k = π in the above Fourier series, then
0 1 1
0 π f (x) = 4 sin x + sin 3x + sin 5x + · · · · · ·
1 −k sin nx k sin nx 3 5
= + =0
π n −π n 0 4 sin x is termed the first partial sum of the Fourier series
of f (x),
Hence a1 , a2 , a3 , . . . are all zero (since sin 0 = sin(−nπ) =
4
sin nπ = 0), and therefore no cosine terms will appear in 4 sin x + sin 3x is termed the second partial sum of
the Fourier series. 3
From equation (36.6): the Fourier series, and
4 4
π 0 4 sin x + sin 3x + sin 5x is termed the third partial
1 1 3 5
bn = f (x) sin nx dx = −k sin nx dx
π −π π −π sum, and so on.
π
+ k sin nx dx 4
Let P1 = 4 sin x, P2 = 4 sin x + sin 3x and
0 3
0 π 4 4
1 k cos nx −k cos nx P3 = 4 sin x + sin 3x + sin 5x .
= + 3 5
π n −π n 0
Graphs of P1 , P2 and P3 , obtained by drawing up
When n is odd: tables of values, and adding waveforms, are shown in
Figures 36.20(a) to (c) and they show that the series
k is convergent, i.e. continually approximating towards a
bn = {[(1) − (−1)] + [ − (−1) − (−1)]} definite limit as more and more partial sums are taken,
πn
and in the limit will have the sum f (x) = π.
k 4k Even with just three partial sums, the waveform is start-
= {2 + 2} =
πn nπ ing to approach the rectangular wave the Fourier series
4k 4k 4k is representing.
Hence, b1 = , b3 = , b5 = , and so on
π 3π 5π
When n is even: Expansion of non-periodic functions
k If a function f (x) is not periodic then it cannot be expanded
bn = {[1 − 1] + [−1 − (−1)]} = 0
πn in a Fourier series for all values of x. However, it is
f (x) f(x)
f(x) = x
4 f (x) 2π
π
P1 −2π 0 2π 4π x
−π −π/2 0 π/2 π x
Figure 36.21
−π f(x)
f(x) = 2x
−4 2π
(a)
P1 f (x) −2π −π 0 π 2π 3π x
f (x)
π −2π
P2
−π −π/2 0 π/2 π x
Figure 36.22
4/3 sin 3x
periodic with period 2π as shown by the broken lines in
−π Figure 36.21.
For non-periodic functions, such as f (x) = x, the sum
of the Fourier series is equal to f (x) at all points in the
(b) given range but it is not equal to f (x) at points outside of
the range.
f (x) P2 f (x) For determining a Fourier series of a non-periodic
function over a range 2π, exactly the same formulae
π
for the Fourier coefficients are used as previously, i.e.
P3 equations (36.4) to (36.6).
−π/2
−π 0 π/2 π x
Problem 7. Determine the Fourier series to represent
4/5 sin 5x
the function f (x) = 2x in the range −π to +π PART
3
−π
The function f (x) = 2x is not periodic. The function is
(c) shown in the range −π to π in Figure 36.22 and is then
constructed outside of that range so that it is periodic of
Figure 36.20 period 2π (see broken lines) with the resulting saw-tooth
waveform.
For a Fourier series:
possible to determine a Fourier series to represent the ∞
function over any range of width 2π. f (x) = a0 + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
Given a non-periodic function, a new function may
n=1
be constructed by taking the values of f (x) in the given
range and then repeating them outside of the given range
at intervals of 2π. Since this new function is, by construc- From equation (36.4),
tion, periodic with period 2π, it may then be expanded
in a Fourier series for all values of x. For example, the π
1 π 1 π 2 x2
function f (x) = x is not a periodic function. However, if a0 = f (x)dx = 2x dx =
2π −π 2π −π 2π 2 −π
a Fourier series for f (x) = x is required then the func-
tion is constructed outside of this range so that it is = 0 (i.e. the mean value)
From equation (36.5), For values of f (x) outside the range −π to +π the sum
of the series is not equal to f (x).
1 π 1 π
an = f (x) cos nx dx = 2x cos nx dx
π −π π −π
π Problem 8. Obtain a Fourier series for the function
2 x sin nx sin nx defined by:
= − dx
π n n −π

x, when 0 < x < π
f (x) =
by integration by parts 0, when π < x < 2π
π
2 x sin nx cos nx
= +
π n n2 −π The defined function is shown in Figure 36.23 between 0

2 cos nπ
and 2π. The function is constructed outside of this range
cos n ( − π)
= 0+ − 0 + =0 so that it is periodic of period 2π, as shown by the broken
π n2 n2 line in Figure 36.23.
since cos nπ = cos (−nπ)
f(x) f (x) = x
From equation (36.6), π

1 π 1 π
bn = f (x) sin nx dx = 2x sin nx dx
π −π π −π −2π −π 0 π 2π 3π x
π
2 −x cos nx − cos nx
= − dx by parts
π n n −π
Figure 36.23
2 −x cos nx sin nx π
= +
π n n2 −π For a Fourier series:
∞
2 −π cos nπ sin nπ
= + f (x) = a0 + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
π n n2
n=1
−(−π) cos n(−π) sin n (−π)
− + It is more convenient in this case to take the limits from 0
n n2 to 2π instead of from −π to +π. The value of the Fourier

2 −π cos nπ π cos (−nπ) coefficients are unaltered by this change of limits. Hence,
= −
π n n
1 2π 1 π 2π
−4 a0 = f (x)dx = x dx + 0 dx
= cos nπ since cos (−nπ) = cos nπ 2π 0 2π 0 π
n
π
4 4 4 1 x2 1 π2 π
When n is odd, bn = . Thus, b1 = 4, b3 = , b5 = , and = = =
n 3 5 2π 2 2π 2 4
so on. 0
−4 4 4 2π
When n is even, bn = . Thus b2 = − , b4 = − , 1
n 2 4 an = f (x) cos nx dx
4 π 0
b6 = − , and so on. π 2π
6 1
= x cos nx dx + 0 dx
4 4 4 π 0 π
Thus, f (x) = 2x = 4 sin x − sin 2x + sin 3x − sin 4x π
2 3 4 1 x sin nx cos nx
4 4 = + (from Problem 7, by parts)
+ sin 5x − sin 6x + · · · · · · π n n2 0
5 6
1 π sin nπ cos nπ cos 0
1 1 1 = + − 0 +
i.e. 2x = 4 sin x − sin 2x + sin 3x − sin 4x π n n2 n2
2 3 4
1
1 1 = ( cos nπ − 1)
+ sin 5x − sin 6x + · · · πn2
5 6
for values of f (x) between −π and π. When n is even, an = 0
−2 −2 −2
When n is odd, an = 2 . Hence, a1 = , a3 = 2 , 3. Determine the Fourier series for the periodic func-
πn π 3 π tion of period 2π defined by:
−2
a5 = 2 , and so on ⎧
5 π
⎪
⎪ 0, when −π < t < 0
1 2π ⎨ π
bn = f (x) sin nx dx f (t) = 1, when 0 < t <
π 0 ⎪ 2
⎪
⎩−1,
π
π 2π when <t<π
1 2
= x sin nx dx − 0 dx
π 0 π The function has a period of 2π.

1 −x cos nx sin nx π
= + 2 1 1
π n n2 0 f (t) = cos t − cos 3t + cos 5t − · · · .
π 3 5
(from Problem 7, by parts)
1 1
1 −π cos nπ sin nπ sin 0 + sin 2t + sin 6t + sin 10t + · · · .
= + − 0 + 3 5
π n n2 n2
4. Show that the Fourier series for the function
1 −π cos nπ − cos nπ
= = f (x) = x over the range x = 0 to x = 2π is given by:
π n n
1 1
Hence b1 = − cos π = 1, b2 = − , b3 = , and so on 1 1
2 3 f (x) = π − 2 sin x + sin 2x + sin 3x
Thus the Fourier series is: 2 3
∞
1
f (x) = a0 + (an cos nx +bn sin nx) + sin 4x + · · ·
4
n=1
5. Determine the Fourier series up to and including

π 2 2 2 the third harmonic for the function defined by:
i.e. f (x) = − cos x − 2 cos 3x − 2 cos 5x
4 π 3 π 5 π
1 1 x, when 0 ≤ x ≤ π
− · · · + sin x − sin 2x + sin 3x − · · · f (x) =
2 3 2π − x, when π ≤ x ≤ 2π

π 2 cos 3x cos 5x Sketch a graph of the function within and outside
i.e. f (x) = − cos x + + + · · · of the given range, assuming the period is 2π.
4 π 32 52

1 1 π 4 cos 3x cos 5x
+ sin x − sin 2x + sin 3x − · · · f (t) = − cos x + + + · · · PART
2 3 2 π 32 52
3
Now try the following exercise. 6. Find the Fourier series for the function f (x) = x + π
within the range −π < x < π
Exercise 123 Further problems on Fourier series
of periodic and non-periodic functions 1 1
f (x) = π + 2 sin x − sin 2x + sin 3x − · · ·
2 3
1. Determine the Fourier series for the periodic
−2, when −π < x < 0
function: f (x) = which is
+2, when 0 < x < π
periodic
outside this range of period 2π.
8 1 1 36.5 Even and odd functions and Fourier series
f (x) = sin x + sin 3x + sin 5x + · · · .
π 3 5 over any range
2. Find the term representing the third harmonic for
the periodic function of period 2π given by: Even functions
A function y = f (x) is said to be even if f (−x) = f (x) for all
0, when −π < x < 0 2 values of x. Graphs of even functions are always symmet-
f (x) = sin 3x
1, when 0 < x < π 3π rical about the y-axis (i.e. is a mirror image). y = cos x
is a typical example.
Fourier cosine series From equation (36.8),

The Fourier series of an even periodic function f (x) hav- π π/2 π
ing period 2π contains cosine terms only (i.e. contains 1 1
a0 = f (x)dx = 2dx + −2dx
no sine terms) and may contain a constant term. π 0 π 0 π/2
∞
1 π/2
Hence, f (x) = a0 + an cos nx (36.7) = {[2x]0 + [−2x]ππ/2 }
π
n=1 1
π π = {(π) + [(−2π) − (−π)]} = 0
1 1 π
where a0 = f (x)dx = f (x)dx (36.8)
2π −π π 0
(i.e. the mean value)
(due to symmetry)
π
1 From equation (36.9),
and an = f (x) cos nx dx
π −π π
2
2 π an = f (x) cos nx dx
= f (x)cos nx dx (36.9) π 0
π 0
π/2 π
2
= 2 cos nx dx + −2 cos nx dx
π 0 π/2
Problem 9. Determine the Fourier series for the π/2 π
periodic function of period 2π defined by: 4 sin nx − sin nx
= +
⎧ π π n 0 n π/2
⎪
⎪−2, when −π < x < −
⎪
⎪ 2 −sin(π/2)n
⎨ 4 sin(π/2)n
π π = −0 + 0−
f (x) = 2, when − < x < π n n
⎪
⎪ 2 2
⎪
⎪
⎩−2, when π < x < π 4 2 sin(π/2)n 8 nπ
2 = = sin
π n πn 2
The square wave shown in Figure 36.24 is an even When n is even, an = 0

function since it is symmetrical about the f (x) axis.
Hence from equation (36.7), the Fourier series is given by: 8
When n is odd, an = for n = 1, 5, 9, . . .
∞
πn
f (x) = a0 + an cos nx −8
n=1
and an = for n = 3, 7, 11, . . .
πn
(i.e. the series contains no sine terms)
8 −8 8
Hence, a1 = , a3 = , a5 = , and so on
π 3π 5π
Hence, the Fourier series for the waveform of Figure 36.24
f (x)
is given by:
2

8 1 1 1
f (x) = cos x − cos 3x + cos 5x − cos 7x + · · ·
π 3 5 7
−3π/2 −π −π/2 0 π/2 π 3π/2 2π x

Odd functions
A function y = f (x) is said to be odd if f (−x) = −f (x)
for all values of x. Graphs of odd functions are always
−2
symmetrical about the origin. y = sin x is a typical
example.
Figure 36.24 Many functions are neither even nor odd.
Fourier sine series When n is even, bn = 0.

The Fourier series of an odd periodic function f (x) having 4 8
period 2π contains sine terms only (i.e. contains no When n is odd, bn = [1 − (−1)] =
πn πn
constant term and no cosine terms).
8 8 8
∞ Hence, b1 = , b3 = , b5 = , and so on
π 3π 5π
Hence, f (x) = bn sin nx (36.10)
Hence the Fourier series is:
n=1

8 1 1 1
π f (x) = sin x + sin 3x + sin 5x + sin 7x + · · ·
1 π 3 5 7
where bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π −π
π
2
= f (x) sin nx dx (36.11) Expansion of a periodic function of period L
π 0
It may be shown that if f (x) is a periodic function of period
L, then the Fourier series is given by:
Problem 10. Obtain the Fourier series for the square
wave shown in Figure 36.25. ∞

2πnx 2πnx
f (x) = a0 + an cos + bn sin
L L
n=1
f(x)
(36.12)
2 L L
where, in the range − to + :
2 2
−π 0 π 2π 3π x L/2
1
a0 = f (x) dx, (36.13)
L −L/2
−2
L/2
2 2πnx
an = f (x) cos dx (36.14)
Figure 36.25 L −L/2 L
The square wave shown in Figure 36.25 is an odd function L/2

2 2πnx
since it is symmetrical about the origin. and bn = f (x) sin dx (36.15)
L −L/2 L
Hence, from equation (36.10), the Fourier series is
given by: PART
The limits of integration may be replaced by any interval
∞ of length L, such as from 0 to L. 3
f (x) = bn sin nx
n=1
Problem 11. The voltage from a square wave gener-
The function is defined by: ator is of the form:

−2, when −π < x < 0 0, −4 < t < 0
f (x) =
2, when 0 < x < π v(t) = and has a period of 8 ms.
10, 0<t<4
From equation (36.11),
π Find the Fourier series for this periodic function.
2 2 π
bn = f (x) sin nx dx = 2 sin nx dx
π 0 π 0
The square wave is shown in Figure 36.26.
4 − cos nx π From equation (36.12), the Fourier series is of the form:
=
π n 0
∞
2πnt 2πnt
4 − cos nπ 1 4 v(t) = a0 + an cos + bn sin
= − − = (1 − cos nπ) n=1
L L
π n n πn
−10 20
v(t ) When n is odd, b1 = (−1 − 1) = ,
π π
−10 20 20
10 b3 = (−1 − 1) = , b5 = , and so on
3π 3π 5π
−8 −4 0 4 8 12 t (ms) Thus the Fourier series for the function v(t) is given by:

Period L = 8 ms 20 πt 1 3πt
v(t) = 5 + sin + sin
Figure 36.26 π 4 3 4

1 5πt
+ sin +···
From equation (36.13) 5 4
L/2 4
1 1
a0 = v(t)dt = v(t)dt Problem 12. Obtain the Fourier series for the func-
L −L/2 8 −4
tion defined by:
0 4
1 1
= 0 dt + 10 dt = [10t]40 = 5 0, when −2 < x < −1
8 −4 0 8 f (x) = 5, when −1 < x < 1
0, when 1 < x < 2
The function is periodic outside of this range of
2 L/2 2πnt period 4.
an = v(t) cos dt
L −L/2 L
4 The function f (x) is shown in Figure 36.27 where period,
2 2πnt
= v(t) cos dt L = 4. Since the function is symmetrical about the f (x)
8 −4 8 axis it is an even function and the Fourier series contains
0 4 no sine terms (i.e. bn = 0)
1 πnt πnt
= 0 cos dt + 10 cos dt
4 −4 4 0 4
f(x)
⎡ ⎤4
πnt 5
10 sin
1⎢ 4 ⎥⎥ = 10 [ sin πn − sin 0] = 0
= ⎢ πn
4⎣ ⎦ πn
4 0 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 x
for n = 1, 2, 3, ..
L= 4
Figure 36.27
L/2
2 2πnt
bn = v(t) sin dt Thus, from equation (36.12),
L −L/2 L

∞ 2πnx
2 4 2πnt f (x) = a0 + an cos
= v(t) sin dt n=1 L
8 −4 8
0 4 From equation (36.13),
1 πnt πnt
= 0 sin dt + 10 sin dt
4 −4 4 0 4 1 L/2 1 2
⎡ ⎤4 a0 = f (x)dx = f (x)dx
πnt L −L/2 4 −2
−10 cos
1⎢ 4 ⎥⎥ = −10 [ cos πn − cos 0]
= ⎢⎣ πn ⎦ 1 −1 1 2
4 πn = 0 dx + 5dx + 0 dx
4 4 −2 −1 1
0
1 1 10 5
When n is even, bn = 0 = [5x]1−1 = [(5) − (−5)] = =
4 4 4 2

2. Obtain the Fourier series of the function defined by:

L/2 t + π, −π < t < 0
an =
2 2πnx f (t) =
f (x) cos dx t − π, 0 < t < π
L −L/2 L
which is periodic of period 2π. Sketch the given
2 2 2πnx function.
= f (x) cos dx 1 1
4 −2 4 f (t) = −2 sin t + sin 2t + sin 3t
−1 πnx 1 πnx 2 3
1
= 0 cos dx + 5 cos dx 1
2 −2 2 −1 2 + sin 4t + · · · .
4
2 πnx
+ 0 cos dx 3. Determine the Fourier series defined by
2
⎡
1 1 − x, −π < x < 0
πnx ⎤1
f (x) =
1 + x, 0 < x < π
5⎢ sin −πn
⎥ 5 πn
= ⎣ πn2 ⎦ = sin − sin which is periodic of period 2π.
2 πn 2 2
2 −1 π 4 1
f (x) = + 1 − cos x + 2 cos 3x
2 π 3
When n is even, an = 0
1
5 10 + 2 cos 5x + · · ·
When n is odd, a1 = (1 − −1) = , 5
π π
5 −10 5 10 4. The voltage from a square wave generator is of the
a3 = (−1 − 1) = , a5 = (1 − −1) = , form:
3π 3π 5π 5π
0, −10 < t < 0
and so on v(t) =
5, 0 < t < 10
Hence the Fourier series for the function f (x) is given by: and is periodic of period 20.
Show that the Fourier series for the function is
5 10 πx 1 3πx given by:
f (x) = + cos − cos +
2 π 2 3 2 5 10 πt 1 3πt
v(t) = + sin + sin
1 5πx 1 7πx 2 π 10 3 10
cos − cos + ···
5 2 7 2 1 5πt
+ sin + ···
5 10
Now try the following exercise. PART
5. Find the Fourier series for f (x) = x in the range
x = 0 to x = 5 3
Exercise 124 Further problems on even and odd
5 5 2πx 1 4πx
functions and Fourier series over any range f (x) = − sin + sin
2 π 5 2 5

1. Determine the Fourier series for the function 1 6πx
defined by: + sin + ···
3 5
⎧ π
⎪
⎪−1, −π < x < − 6. A periodic function of period 2π is defined by:
⎪
⎪ 2
⎨ π π −3, −2 < x < 0
f (x) = 1, − < x < f (x) =
⎪ 2 2 +3, 0 < x < 2
⎪
⎪
⎪
⎩−1, π < x < π Sketch the function and obtain the Fourier series for
2 the function.
which is periodic outside of this range of period 2π πx 1
12 3πx
f (x) = sin + sin
4 1 1 π 2 3 2
f (x) = cos x − cos 3x + cos 5x
π 3 5 1 5πx
+ sin + ···
1 5 2
− cos 7x + · · ·
7

36.6 Rms value, mean value and the form factor 2
I1m sin 2(2π + θ1 ) sin 2(0 + θ1 )
= 2π − − 0−
of a complex wave 4π 2 2

Rms value I2 sin 2(2π + θ1 ) sin 2θ1 I2
= 1m 2π − + = 1m (2π)
4π 2 2 4π
Let the instantaneous value of a complex current, i, be
given by 2
I1m
=
2
i = I1m sin(ωt + θ1 ) + I2m sin(2ωt + θ2 )
2 sin2 (nωt + θ )
Hence it follows that the mean value of Inm n
+ · · · + Inm sin(nωt + θn ) amperes 2
is given by Inm /2
Taking an example of the second type, say,
The effective or rms value of this current is given by
2I1m I2m sin(ωt + θ1 ) sin(2ωt + θ2 )
√
I= (mean value of i ) 2
the mean value over one cycle of the fundamental is also
i = [I1m sin(ωt + θ1 ) + I2m sin(2ωt + θ2 )
2 determined using integration:
Mean value of 2I1m I2m sin(ωt + θ1 ) sin(2ωt + θ2 )
+ · · · + Inm sin(nωt + θn )]2
2π
i.e. i2 = I1m
2
sin2 (ωt + θ1 ) + I2m
2
sin2 (2ωt + θ2 ) 1
= 2I1m I2m sin(ωt + θ1 ) sin(2ωt + θ2 )d(ωt)
2π 0
+ · · · + Inm
2
sin (nωt + θn )
2
2π
I1m I2m 1
+ 2I1m I2m sin(ωt + θ1 ) sin(2ωt + θ2 ) + · · · = {cos (ωt + θ2 − θ1 )
π 0 2
(36.16)
− cos (3ωt + θ2 + θ1 )}d(ωt)
Without writing down all terms involved when squaring (since sin A sin B = 21 [ cos (A − B) − cos (A + B)],
current i, it can be seen that two types of term result, these and taking A = (2ωt + θ2 ) and B = (ωt + θ1 ))
being:
2 sin2 (ωt + θ ), I 2 sin2 (2ωt + θ ),
(i) terms such as I1m 1 2m 2 I1m I2m sin(3ωt + θ2 + θ1 ) 2π
and so on, and = sin(ωt + θ2 − θ1 ) −
2π 3 0
(ii) terms such as 2I1m I2m sin(ωt + θ1 ) sin(2ωt + θ2 ), i.e.

products of different harmonics. I1m I2m sin(6π + θ2 + θ1 )
= sin(2π + θ2 − θ1 ) −
2π 3
The mean value of i2 is the sum of the mean values of each

term in equation (36.16). sin(θ2 + θ1 )
2 sin2 (ωt + θ ),
Taking an example of the first type, say I1m 1 − sin(θ2 − θ1 ) −
3
the mean value over one cycle of the fundamental is deter-
mined using integral calculus: I1m I2m
2 sin2 (ωt + θ ) = [0] = 0 (36.17)
Mean value of I1m 1 2π
2π
1
= I sin (ωt + θ1 ) d(ωt)
2 2 Hence it follows that all such products of different
2π 0 1m harmonics will have a mean value of zero. Thus
(since the mean value of y = f (x) between x = a and x = b
1 b 2
I1m I2 I2
is given by y dx) mean value of i2 = + 2m + · · · + nm
b−a a 2 2 2
Hence the rms value of current,
2
I1m 2π 1 − cos 2(ωt + θ1 )
= d(ωt), 2
2π 0 2 I1m 2
I2m 2
Inm
I= + + ··· +
(since cos 2x = 1 − 2 sin2 x, from which 2 2 2
sin2 x = (1 − cos 2x)/2),

2 + I2 + · · · + I2
I1m
2π I= 2m nm
2
I1m sin 2(ωt + θ1 ) i.e. (36.18)
= ωt − 2
4π 2 0
√
For a sine wave, rms √value = (1/ 2) maximum value, Unlike rms values, mean values are affected by the
i.e. maximum
√ value = 2 rms value. Hence, for example, relative phase angles of the harmonic components.
I1m = 2I1 , where I1 is the rms value of the fundamen-
√
tal component, and (I1m )2 = ( 2I1 )2 = 2I12 . Thus, from Form factor
equation (36.18), rms current
The form factor of a complex waveform whose negative
2I12 + 2I22 + · · · + 2In2 half-cycle is similar in shape to its positive half-cycle is
I= defined as:
2
rms value of the waveform
√ 2 form factor = (36.25)
i.e. I= (I1 + I22 + · · · + In2 ) (36.19) mean value
where I1 , I2 , . . . , In are the rms values of the respective where the mean value is taken over half a cycle.
harmonics. Changes in the phase displacement of the harmon-
By similar reasoning, for a complex voltage waveform ics may appreciably alter the form factor of a complex
represented by waveform.
v = V1m sin(ωt + 1 ) + V2m sin(2ωt + 2 )
Problem 13. Determine the rms value of the current
+ · · · + Vnm sin(nωt + n ) volts waveform represented by
the rms value of voltage, V , is given by i = 100 sin ωt + 20 sin(3ωt + π/6)
+ 10 sin (5ωt + 2π/3)mA
2 + V2 + · · · + V2
V1m nm
V= 2m
(36.20)
2 From equation (36.18), the rms value of current is given
by

√ 2 1002 + 202 + 102 10000 + 400 + 100
or V= (V1 + V22 + · · · + Vn2 ) (36.21) I= =
2 2
where V1 , V2 , …, Vn are the rms values of the respective = 72.46 mA
harmonics.
From equations (36.18) to (36.21) it is seen that the rms
value of a complex wave is unaffected by the relative phase Problem 14. A complex voltage is represented by
angles of the harmonic components. For a d.c. current or
voltage, the instantaneous value, the mean value and the v = (10 sin ωt + 3 sin 3ωt + 2 sin 5ωt) volts
maximum value are equal. Thus, if a complex waveform
should contain a d.c. component I0 , then the rms current Determine for the voltage, (a) the rms value, (b) the PART
I is given by mean value and (c) the form factor.
3

2 + I2 + · · · + I2
I1m nm
I= I02 + 2m
2 (a) From equation (36.20), the rms value of voltage is
given by
√ 2
or I= (I0 + I12 + I22 + · · · + In2 ) (36.22) 102 + 32 + 22 113
V= = = 7.52 V
2 2
Mean value (b) From equation (36.24), the mean value of voltage is
given by
The mean or average value of a complex quantity whose

negative half-cycle is similar to its positive half-cycle is 1 π
given, for current, by Vav = (10 sin ωt + 3 sin 3ωt + 2 sin 5ωt)d(ωt)
π 0

1 π 1 3 cos 3ωt 2 cos 5ωt π
Iav = i d(ωt) (36.23) = −10 cos ωt − −
π 0 π 3 5 0

1 2
1 π = −10 cos π − cos 3π − cos 5π
and for voltage by vav = v d(ωt) (36.24) π 5
π 0
2
− −10 cos 0 − cos 0 − cos 0
each waveform being taken over half a cycle. 5
component is 32.36 sin 1000t volts. Hence an expres-

1 2 2
= 10 + 1 + − −10 − 1 − sion representing the complex voltage waveform is
π 5 5
given by
22.8
= = 7.26 V
π v = (323.6 sin 200t + 97.07 sin 600t
(c) From equation (36.25), form factor is given by +32.36 sin 1000t)volts
rms value of the waveform

form factor = Now try the following exercise.
mean value
7.52
= = 1.036 Exercise 125 Further problems on r.m.s. values,
7.26
mean values and form factor of complex waves
Problem 15. A complex voltage waveform which has 1. Determine the rms value of a complex current wave
an rms value of 240 V contains 30% third harmonic and represented by
10% fifth harmonic, both of the harmonics being ini- π
tially in phase with each other. (a) Determine the rms i = 3.5 sin ωt + 0.8 sin 3ωt −
3
value of the fundamental and each harmonic. (b) Write π
down an expression to represent the complex volt- + 0.2 sin 5ωt + A
age waveform if the frequency of the fundamental is 2
31.83 Hz. [2.54 A]
2. Derive an expression for the rms value of a complex
(a) From equation (36.21), rms voltage voltage waveform represented by
√ 2 v = V0 + V1m sin(ωt + φ1 )
V= (v1 + V32 + V52 )
+V3m sin(3ωt + φ3 ) volts
Since V3 = 0.30 V1 , V5 = 0.10 V1 and
Calculate the rms value of a voltage waveform
V = 240 V, then given by
√ π
240 = [V12 + (0.30 V1 )2 + (0.10 V1 )2 ] v = 80 + 240 sin ωt + 50 sin 2ωt +
√ 4
i.e. 240 = (1.10 V12 ) = 1.049 V1 π
+ 20 sin 4ωt − volts
3
from which the rms value of the fundamental,
V1 = 240/1.049 = 228.8 V [191.4 V]
Rms value of the third harmonic, 3. A complex voltage waveform is given by
π
V3 = 0.30 V1 = (0.30)(228.8) = 68.64 V v =150 sin 314t + 40 sin 942t −
and the rms value of the fifth harmonic, 2
+ 30 sin(1570t + π) volts
V5 = 0.10 V1 = (0.10)(228.8) = 22.88 V
Determine for the voltage (a) the third harmonic
(b) Maximum value of the fundamental,
√ √ frequency, (b) its rms value, (c) its mean value and
V1m = 2V1 = 2(228.8) = 323.6 V (d) the form factor.
[(a) 150 Hz (b) 111.8 V (c) 91.7 V (d) 1.22]
Maximum value of the third harmonic,
√ √ 4. A complex voltage waveform has an rms value of
V3m = 2V3 = 2(68.64) = 97.07 V
220 V and it contains 25% third harmonic and 15%
Maximum value of the fifth harmonic, fifth harmonic. (a) Determine the rms value of the
√ √ fundamental and each harmonic. (b) Write down an
V5m = 2V5 = 2(22.88) = 32.36 V
expression to represent the complex voltage wave-
Since the fundamental frequency is 31.83 Hz, form if the frequency of the fundamental is 60 Hz.
the fundamental voltage may be written as [(a) 211.2 V, 52.8 V, 31.7 V;
323.6 sin 2π(31.83)t, i.e. 323.6 sin 200t volts (b) v = 298.7 sin 377t + 74.7 sin 1131t
The third harmonic component is 97.07 sin 600t volts + 44.8 sin 1885tV]
and the fifth harmonic

V1m I1m sin(4π − φ1 )
5. Define the term ‘form factor’ when applied to a = 2π cos φ1 −
symmetrical complex waveform. Calculate the 4π 2
form factor of an alternating voltage which is
sin( − φ1 )
represented by − 0−
2
v = (50 sin 314t + 15 sin 942t + 6 sin 1570t) volts V1m I1m V1m I1m
= [2π cos φ1 ] = cos φ1
4π 2
[1.038] √ √
V1m = 2V1 and I1m = 2I1 , where V1 and I1 are rms
values, hence
√ √
( 2V1 )( 2I1 )
P1 = cos φ1
36.7 Power associated with complex waves 2
i.e. P1 = V1 I1 cos φ1 watts
Let a complex voltage wave be represented by
Similarly, the average power supplied over one cycle of
v = V1m sin ωt + V2m sin 2ωt + V3m sin 3ωt + · · · , the fundamental for the second harmonic is V2 I2 cos 2 ,
and when this is applied to a circuit let the resulting current and so on. Hence the total power supplied by complex
be represented by voltages and currents is the sum of the powers supplied
by each harmonic component acting on its own. The aver-
i = I1m sin(ωt − φ1 ) + I2m sin(2ωt − φ2 ) age power P supplied for one cycle of the fundamental is
+ I3m sin(3ωt − φ3 ) + · · · given by
(Since the phase angles are lagging, the circuit in this case
is inductive.) At any instant in time the power p supplied P = V1 I1 cos φ1 + V2 I2 cos φ2 + · · · + Vn In cos φn
to the circuit is given by p = vi, i.e.
p = (V1m sin ωt + V2m sin 2ωt + · · · )(I1m sin(ωt − φ1 ) (36.27)
+ I2m sin(2ωt − φ2 ) + · · · ) If the voltage waveform contains a d.c. component V0

which causes a direct current component I0 , then the aver-
= V1m I1m sin ωt sin(ωt − φ1 ) age power supplied by the d.c. component is V0 I0 and the
total average power P supplied is given by
+V1m I2m sin ωt sin(2ωt − φ2 ) + · · ·
(36.26) P = V0 I0 + V1 I1 cos φ1 + V2 I2 cos φ2 + · · · + Vn In cos φn
The average or active power supplied over one cycle is (36.28)

given by the sum of the average values of each individ- PART
ual product term taken over one cycle. It is seen from Alternatively, if R is the equivalent series resistance of a
equation (36.17) that the average value of product terms circuit then the total power is given by 3
involving harmonics of different frequencies is always
zero. This means therefore that only products of volt- P = I02 R + I12 R + I22 R + I32 R + · · ·
age and current harmonics of the same frequency need
be considered in equation (36.26). i.e. P = I2R (36.29)
Taking the first term, for example, the average power P1
over one cycle of the fundamental is given by
where I is the rms value of current i.
2π
1
P1 = V1m I1m sin ωt sin(ωt − φ1 )d(ωt) Power factor
2π 0
When harmonics are present in a waveform the overall
V1m I1m 2π 1 circuit power factor is defined as
= {cos φ1 − cos (2ωt − φ1 )}d(ωt)
2π 0 2
overall power factor
1
since sin A sin B = {cos (A − B) − cos (A + B)}, total power supplied
2 =
total rms voltage × total rms current

V1m I1m sin(2ωt − φ1 ) 2π total power
= (ωt) cos φ1 − =
4π 2 0 volt amperes
(b) From equation (36.18), rms current,

V1 I1 cos φ1 + V2 I2 cos φ2 + · · ·
i.e. p.f . = 2
VI 2 + 0.32 + 0.12
I= = 1.43 A
2
(36.30)
and from equation (36.20), rms voltage,

Problem 16. Determine the average power in a 20 602 + 152 + 102
resistance if the current i flowing through it is of the V= = 44.30 V
2
form
i = (12 sin ωt + 5 sin 3ωt + 2 sin 5ωt) amperes From equation (36.30),
53.26
overall power factor = = 0.841
From equation (36.18), rms current, (44.30)(1.43)
(With a sinusoidal waveform,
122 + 52 + 22
I= = 9.30 A power VI cos φ
2 power factor = = = cos φ
volt-amperes VI
From equation (36.29), average power,
Thus power factor depends upon the value of phase angle
P = I 2 R = (9.30)2 (20) = 1730 W or 1.73 kW φ, and is lagging for an inductive circuit and leading for
a capacitive circuit. However, with a complex waveform,
Problem 17. A complex voltage v given by power factor is not given by cos φ. In the expression for
power in equation (36.27), there are n phase-angle terms,
π φ1 , φ2 ,…, φn , all of which may be different. It is for this
v = 60 sin ωt + 15 sin 3ωt + reason that it is not possible to state whether the overall
4
π
power factor is lagging or leading when harmonics are
+ 10 sin 5ωt − volts present.)
2
is applied to a circuit and the resulting current i is Now try the following exercise.
given by
π π Exercise 126 Further problems on power associ-
i = 2 sin ωt − + 0.3 sin 3ωt − ated with complex waves
6 12
8π 1. Determine the average power in a 50 resistor if
+ 0.1 sin 5ωt − amperes the current i flowing through it is represented by
9
i = (140 sin ωt + 40 sin 3ωt + 20 sin 5ωt) mA
Determine (a) the total active power supplied to the [0.54 W]
circuit, and (b) the overall power factor.
2. A voltage waveform represented by
π
(a) From equation (36.27), total power supplied, v = 100 sin ωt + 22 sin 3ωt −
6
π
P = V1 I1 cos φ1 + V3 I3 cos φ3 + V5 I5 cos φ5 + 8 sin 5ωt − volts
4
60 2 π
= √ √ cos 0 − − is applied to a circuit and the resulting current i is
2 2 6 given by
π
15 0.3 π π i = 5 sin ωt + + 1.91 sin 3ωt
+ √ √ cos − − 3
2 2 4 12 +0.76 sin(5ωt − 0.452) amperes
10 0.1 π 8π Calculate (a) the total active power supplied to the
+ √ √ cos − − −
2 2 2 9 circuit, and (b) the overall power factor.
[(a) 146.1 W (b) 0.526]
= 51.96 + 1.125 + 0.171 = 53.26 W
the same as for the voltage wave. The current and voltage
3. Determine the rms voltage, rms current and average
waveforms will therefore be identical in shape.
power supplied to a network if the applied voltage
is given by
(b) Pure inductance
π
v =100 + 50 sin 400t − The impedance of a pure inductance L, i.e. inductive reac-
3
π tance XL (= 2πfL), varies with the harmonic frequency
+ 40 sin 1200t − volts when voltage v is applied to it. Also, for every harmonic
6
term, the current will lag the voltage by 90◦ or π/2 rad.
and the resulting current is given by The current i is given by
i = 0.928 sin(400t + 0.424)
+ 2.14 sin(1200t +0.756) amperes v V1m π V2m π
[109.8 V, 1.65 A, 14.60 W] i= = sin ωt − + sin 2ωt −
XL ωL 2 2ωL 2
4. A voltage v = 40 + 20 sin 300t + 8 sin 900t + V3m π
3 sin 1500t volts is applied to the terminals of a + sin 3ωt − + ···
3ωL 2
circuit and the resulting current is given by
i = 4 + 1.715 sin(300t − 0.540) (36.32)
+ 0.389 sin (900t − 1.064) since for the nth harmonic the reactance is nωL.
Equation (36.32) shows that for, say, the nth harmonic,
+ 0.095 sin(1500t − 1.249)A the percentage harmonic content in the current waveform
Determine (a) the rms voltage, (b) the rms current is only 1/n of the corresponding harmonic content in the
and (c) the average power. voltage waveform.
[(a) 42.85 V (b) 4.189 A (c) 175.5 W] If a complex current contains a d.c. component then the
direct voltage drop across a pure inductance is zero.
(c) Pure capacitance

The impedance of a pure capacitance C, i.e. capacitive
36.8 Harmonics in single-phase circuits
reactance XC (= 1/(2πfC)), varies with the harmonic fre-
quency when voltage v is applied to it. Also, for each
When a complex alternating voltage wave, i.e. one con- harmonic term the current will lead the voltage by 90◦ or
taining harmonics, is applied to a single-phase circuit π/2 rad. The current i is given by
containing resistance, inductance and/or capacitance (i.e.
linear circuit elements), then the resulting current will also v V1m π V2m π
be complex and contain harmonics. i= = sin ωt + + sin 2ωt +
XC 1/ωC 2 1/2ωC 2
Let a complex voltage v be represented by π
PART
V3m
v = V1m sin ωt + V2m sin 2ωt + V3m sin 3ωt + · · · + sin 3ωt + + ··· , 3
1/3ωC 2
(a) Pure resistance since for the nth harmonic the reactance is 1/(nωC).
The impedance of a pure resistance R is independent of Hence current,
frequency and the current and voltage are in phase for
π π
each harmonic. Thus the general expression for current i i = V1m (ωC) sin ωt + + V2m (2ωC) sin 2ωt +
is given by 2 2
π
+ V3m (3ωC) sin 3ωt + + ···
v V1m V2m 2
i= = sin ωt + sin 2ωt
R R R
V3m (36.31) (36.33)
+ sin 3ωt + · · ·
R Equation (36.33) shows that the percentage harmonic con-
tent of the current waveform is n times larger for the nth
The percentage harmonic content in the current wave is harmonic than that of the corresponding harmonic voltage.
the same as that in the voltage wave. For example, the per- If a complex current contains a d.c. component then
centage second harmonic content from equation (36.31) is none of this direct current will flow through a pure capac-
V2m /R V2m itor, although the alternating components of the supply
× 100%, i.e. × 100% still operate.
V1m /R V1m

π 5π
Problem 18. A complex voltage waveform repre- i.e. i = 15.70 sin ωt + + 14.13 sin 3ωt +
sented by 2 6
π
π + 7.85 sin 5ωt + amperes
v = 100 sin ωt + 30 sin 3ωt + 3
3
π
+10 sin 5ωt − volts
6 Problem 19. A supply voltage v given by
is applied across (a) a pure 40 resistance, (b) a pure v = (240 sin 314t + 40 sin 942t + 30 sin 1570t) volts
7.96 mH inductance, and (c) a pure 25 µF capacitor.
Determine for each case an expression for the current is applied to a circuit comprising a resistance of 12
flowing if the fundamental frequency is 1 kHz. connected in series with a coil of inductance 9.55 mH.
Determine (a) an expression to represent the instanta-
neous value of the current, (b) the rms voltage, (c) the
(a) From equation (36.31), rms current, (d) the power dissipated, and (e) the
overall power factor.
v 100 30 π
current i = = sin ωt + sin 3ωt +
R 40 40 3
10 π (a) The supply voltage comprises a fundamental,
+ sin 5ωt −
40 6 240 sin 314t, a third harmonic, 40 sin 942t (third har-
π monic since 942 is 3 × 314) and a fifth harmonic,
i.e. i = 2.5 sin ωt + 0.75 sin 3ωt + 30 sin 1570t.
3
π
+ 0.25 sin 5ωt − amperes Fundamental
6
Since the fundamental frequency, ω1 = 314 rad/s,
(b) At the fundamental frequency, inductive reactance,
ωL = 2π(1000) (7.96 × 10−3 ) = 50 . XL1 = ω1 L = (314)(9.55 × 10−3 ) = 3.0

From equation (36.19), Hence impedance at the fundamental frequency,
100 π
current i = sin ωt − Z1 = (12 + j3.0) = 12.37∠14.04◦
50 2
30 π π Maximum current at fundamental frequency
+ sin 3ωt + −
3 × 50 3 2 V1m 240∠0◦
π I1m = =
+
10 π
sin 5ωt − − Z1 12.37∠14.04◦
5 × 50 6 2
= 19.40∠−14.04◦ A
i.e.
14.04◦ = 14.04 × (π/180) rad = 0.245 rad, thus
π π
current i = 2 sin ωt − + 0.20 sin 3ωt − I1m = 19.40∠−0.245 A
2 6

2π Hence the fundamental current
+ 0.04 sin 5ωt − amperes
3 i1 = 19.40 sin(314t − 0.245) A
(c) At the fundamental frequency, (Note that with an expression of the form
ωC = 2π(1000) (25 × 10−6 ) = 0.157. R sin (ωt ± α), ωt is an angle measured in radi-
From equation (36.33), ans, thus the phase displacement, α, should also be
expressed in radians.)
π
current i = 100(0.157) sin ωt + Third harmonic
2
π
π Since the third harmonic frequency, ω3 = 942 rad/s,
+ 30(3 × 0.157) sin 3ωt + +
3 2 inductive reactance,
π π
+ 10(5 × 0.157) sin 5ωt − + XL3 = 3XL1 = 9.0
6 2
Hence impedance at the third harmonic frequency,

Problem 20. An e.m.f. is represented by
◦ π
Z3 = (12 + j9.0) = 15∠36.87 e = 50 + 200 sin ωt + 40 sin 2ωt −
2
Maximum current at the third harmonic frequency, π
+ 5 sin 4ωt + volts,
4
V3m 40∠0◦
I3m = = the fundamental frequency being 50 Hz. The e.m.f. is
Z3 15∠36.87◦ applied across a circuit comprising a 100 µF capacitor
= 2.67∠−36.87◦ A connected in series with a 50 resistor. Obtain an
expression for the current flowing and hence determine
= 2.67∠−0.644 A the rms value of current.
Hence the third harmonic current,

i3 = 2.67 sin(942t − 0.644)A D.c. component
Fifth harmonic In a d.c. circuit no current will flow through a capacitor.
The current waveform will not possess a d.c. compo-
Inductive reactance, XL5 = 5XL1 = 15 nent even though the e.m.f. waveform has a 50 V d.c.
Impedance Z5 = (12 + j15) = 19.21∠51.34◦ component. Hence i0 = 0.
V5m 30∠0◦
Current, I5m = = Fundamental
Z5 19.21∠51.34◦
Capacitive reactance,
= 1.56∠−51.34◦ A = 1.56∠−0.896 A
1 1
Hence the fifth harmonic current, XC1 = = = 31.83
2πfC 2π(50)(100 × 10−6 )
i5 = 1.56 sin(1570t − 0.896)A
Thus an expression to represent the instantaneous Impedance Z1 = (50 − j31.83) = 59.27∠−32.48◦
current, i, is given by i = i1 + i3 + i5 i.e.
V1m 200∠0◦
i =19.40 sin(314t − 0.245) + 2.67sin(942t − 0.644) I1m = = = 3.374∠32.48◦ A
Z1 59.27∠−32.48◦
+ 1.56 sin(1570t − 0.896) amperes = 3.374∠0.567 A
(b) From equation (36.20), rms voltage, Hence the fundamental current,
i1 = 3.374 sin(ωt + 0.567)A
2402 + 402 + 302 PART
V= = 173.35 V
2 Second harmonic 3
(c) From equation (36.18), rms current, Capacitive reactance,

19.402 + 2.672 + 1.562 1 31.83
I= = 13.89 A XC2 = = = 15.92
2 2(2πfC) 2
(d) From equation (36.29), power dissipated, Impedance Z2 = (50 − j15.92) = 52.47∠−17.66◦
P = I 2 R = (13.89)2 (12) = 2315 W or 2.315 kW V2m 40∠−π/2

I2m = =
Z2 52.47∠−17.66◦
(Alternatively, equation (36.27) may be used to π
determine power.) = 0.762∠ − − (−17.66◦ ) = 0.762∠−72.34◦ A
2
(e) From equation (36.30),
2315 Hence the second harmonic current,
overall power factor = = 0.961 i2 = 0.762 sin(2ωt − 72.34◦ ) A
(173.35)(13.89)
= 0.762 sin(2ωt − 1.263) A
Fourth harmonic 2. A complex current given by

1 31.83 π
Capacitive reactance, XC4 = XC1 = = 7.958 2π
4 4 i = 5 sin ωt + + 8 sin 3ωt + mA
3 3
Impedance, Z4 = (50 − j7.958) = 50.63∠−9.04◦
flows through a pure 2000 pF capacitor. If the fre-
V4m 5∠π/4 quency of the fundamental component is 4 kHz,
I4m = =
Z4 50.63∠−9.04◦ determine (a) the rms value of current, (b) an
= 0.099∠(π/4 − (−9.04◦ )) expression for the p.d. across the capacitor, and
(c) the rms value of voltage.
= 0.099∠54.04◦ A [(a) 6.671 mA (b) v = 99.47 sin(ωt − (π/6))
+ 53.05 sin(3ωt + (π/6))V (c) 79.71 V]
Hence the fourth harmonic current,
i4 = 0.099 sin(4ωt + 54.04◦ )A 3. A complex voltage, v, given by
= 0.099 sin(4ωt + 0.943)A v = 200 sin ωt + 42 sin 3ωt + 25 sin 5ωt volts
An expression for current flowing is therefore given by is applied to a circuit comprising a 6 resistance
i = i0 + i1 + i2 + i4 in series with a coil of inductance 5 mH. Deter-
i.e. mine, for a fundamental frequency of 50 Hz, (a) an
expression to represent the instantaneous value of
i = 3.374 sin(ωt + 0.567) + 0.762 sin(2ωt − 1.263) the current flowing, (b) the rms voltage, (c) the rms
+ 0.099 sin(4ωt + 0.943) amperes current, (d) the power dissipated, and (e) the overall
power factor.
From equation (36.18), rms current, [(a) i = 32.25 sin(314t − 0.256) +
5.50 sin(942t − 0.666)
3.3742 + 0.7622 + 0.0992
I= = 2.45 A + 2.53 sin(1570t − 0.918)A
2 (b) 145.6 V (c) 23.20 A (d) 3.23 kW (e) 0.956]
Now try the following exercise. 4. An e.m.f. e is given by

π
e = 40 + 150 sin ωt + 30 sin 2ωt −
Exercise 127 Further problems on harmonics in 4 π
single-phase circuits + 10 sin 4ωt − volts
3
1. A complex voltage waveform represented by the fundamental frequency being 50 Hz. The e.m.f.
π is applied across a circuit comprising a 100 resist-
v = 240 sin ωt + 60 sin 3ωt − ance in series with a 15 µF capacitor. Determine
4
π (i) the rms value of voltage, (ii) an expression for
+ 30 sin 5ωt + volts the current flowing and (iii) the rms value of current.
3
[(i) 115.5 V (ii) i = 0.639 sin(ωt + 1.130) +
is applied across (a) a pure 50 resistance, (b) a 0.206 sin(2ωt + 0.030)
pure 4.974 µF capacitor, and (c) a pure 15.92 mH + 0.088 sin(4ωt − 0.559)A (iii) 0.479 A]
inductance. Determine for each case an expression
for the current flowing if the fundamental frequency 5. A circuit comprises a 100 resistance in series with
is 400 Hz. a 1 mH inductance. The supply voltage is given by
π π
(a) i = 4.8 sin ωt + 1.2 sin 3ωt − v = 40 + 200 sin ωt + 50 sin 3ωt +
4 π
4
+ 0.6 sin 5ωt + A π
3 + 15 sin 5ωt + volts
π π 6
(b) i = 3 sin ωt + + 2.25 sin 3ωt + where ω = 105 rad/s. Determine for the circuit
2 4
5π (a) an expression to represent the current flowing,
+ 1.875 sin 5ωt + A (b) the rms value of current and (c) the power
6 dissipated.
π 3π [(a) i = 0.40 + 1.414 sin (ωt − (π/4)) +
(c) i = 6 sin ωt − + 0.5 sin 3ωt −
2 4 0.158 sin (3ωt − 0.464)
π + 0.029 sin(5ωt − 0.850) (b) 1.08 A (c) 117 W]
+ 0.15 sin 5ωt − A
6
36.9 Further worked problems on harmonics in Impedance, Z5 = (5 + j25) = 25.495∠78.69◦

single phase circuits
V5m 20∠π/12
I5 = = = 0.784∠−63.69◦ A
Z5 25.495∠78.69◦
Problem 21. A complex voltage v is represented by:
π = 0.784∠−1.112 A
v = 25 + 100 sin ωt + 40 sin 3ωt +
6
π Hence the fifth harmonic current,
+ 20 sin 5ωt + volts
12 i5 = 0.784 sin (5ωt − 63.69◦ )A
where ω = 104 rad/s. The voltage is applied to a series = 0.784 sin(5ωt − 1.112)A
circuit comprising a 5.0 resistance and a 500 µH Thus current, i = i0 + i1 + i3 + i5 , i.e.
inductance.
Determine (a) an expression to represent the current i = 5 + 14.14 sin(ωt − 0.785)
flowing in the circuit, (b) the rms value of current, cor-
rect to two decimal places, and (c) the power dissipated + 2.43 sin(3ωt − 0.726)
in the circuit, correct to three significant figures. + 0.784 sin(5ωt − 1.112)A
(a) d. c. component (b) From equation (36.22), rms current,

Inductance has no effect on a steady current. Hence 14.142 + 2.532 + 0.7842
the d.c. component of the current, i0 , is given by I= 5.02 +
2
v0 25 = 11.3348 A = 11.33 A,
i0 = = = 5.0 A
R 5.0
correct to two decimal places.
Fundamental
(c) From equation (36.29), power dissipated,
Inductive reactance,
P = I 2 R = (11.3348)2 (5.0) = 642.4 W
XL1 = ωL = (104 )(500 × 10−6 ) = 5
Impedance, Z1 = (5 + j5) = 7.071∠45◦ = 642 W, correct to three significant figures
(Alternatively, from equation (36.28),
V1m 100∠0◦
I1m = = = 14.14∠−45◦A
Z1 7.07∠45◦ 100 14.14
power P = (25)(5.0) + √ √ cos 45◦
= 14.14∠−π/4 A or 14.14∠−0.785 A 2 2
Hence fundamental current, 40 2.53 PART
i1 = 14.14 sin(ωt − 0.785)A + √ √ cos 71.57◦ 3
2 2
Third harmonic
20 0.784
Inductive reactance at third harmonic frequency, + √ √ cos 78.69◦
2 2
XL3 = 3XL1 = 15 = 125 + 499.92 + 16.00 + 1.54
Impedance, Z3 = (5 + j15) = 15.81∠71.57◦ = 642.46 W or 642 W,
V3m 40∠π/6
I3m = = = 2.53∠−41.57◦ A (correct to three significant figures,
Z3 15.81∠71.57◦
= 2.53∠−0.726 A as above.)
Hence the third harmonic current, Problem 22. The voltage applied to a particular
i3 = 2.53 sin(3ωt − 41.57◦ )A circuit comprising two components connected in
= 2.53 sin(3ωt − 0.726)A series is given by
Fifth harmonic
v = (30 + 40 sin 103 t + 25 sin 2 × 103 t
Inductive reactance at fifth harmonic frequency, + 15 sin 4 × 103 t) volts
XL5 = 5XL1 = 25
and the resulting current is given by Problem 23. In the circuit shown in Figure 36.28
the supply voltage is given by v = 300 sin 314t +
i = 0.743 sin(103 t + 1.190) 120 sin (942t + 0.698) volts. Determine (a) an expres-
+ 0.781 sin(2 × 103 t + 0.896) sion for the supply current, i, (b) the percentage
harmonic content of the supply current, (c) the total
+ 0.636 sin(4 × 103 t + 0.559) A power dissipated, (d) an expression for the p.d. shown
as v1 , and (e) an expression for current ic .
Determine (a) the average power supplied, (b) the
type of components present, and (c) the values of the
components.
(a) From equation (36.28), the average power P is

given by
40 0.743
P = (30)(0) + √ √ cos 1.190
2 2
25 0.781
+ √ √ cos 0.896
2 2 Figure 36.28
15 0.636
+ √ √ cos 0.559
2 2
(a) Capacitive reactance of the 2.123 µF capacitor at the
i.e. P = 0 + 5.523 + 6.099 + 4.044 = 15.67 W fundamental frequency is given by
(b) The expression for the voltage contains a d.c. com- 1
ponent of 30 V. However there is no corresponding XC1 = = 1500
term in the expression for current. This indicates that (314)(2.123 × 10−6 )
one of the components is a capacitor (since in a d.c.
circuit a capacitor offers an infinite impedance to a At the fundamental frequency the total circuit
direct current). Since power is delivered to the circuit impedance, Z1 , is given by
the other component is a resistor.
(2000)(−j1500)
(c) From equation (36.8), rms current, Z1 = 560 +
(2000 − j1500)

0.7432 + 0.7812 + 0.6362 3 × 106 ∠−90◦
I= = 0.885 A = 560 +
2 2500∠−36.87◦
= 560 + 1200∠−53.13◦ = 560 + 720 − j960

Average power P = I 2 R, from which,
P 15.67 = (1280 − j960) = 1600∠−36.87◦
resistance R = = = 20
I 2 (0.885)2
= 1600∠−0.644
At the fundamental frequency, ω = 103 rad/s
Since for the nth harmonic the capacitive reactance
V1m 40
impedance |Z1 | = = = 53.84 is 1/(nωC), the capacitive reactance of the third har-
I1m 0.743 monic is 13 XC1 = 13 (1500) = 500 . Hence at the
√ third harmonic frequency the total circuit impedance,
Impedance |Z1 | = (R2 + XC1
2 ), from which
Z3 , is given by
√ √
XC1 = (Z12 − R2 ) = (53.842 − 202 ) = 50
(2000)(−j500)
Hence 1/ωC = 50, from which Z1 = 560 +
(2000 − j500)
1 1
capacitance C = = 3 = 20 µF 106 ∠−90◦
ω(50) 10 (50) = 560 +
2061.55∠−14.04◦
= 560 + 485.07∠−75.96◦ 2000

= (0.188∠0.644)
= 560 + 117.68 − j470.58 2500∠−0.644
2000
= (677.68 − j470.58) = 825∠−34.78◦ + (0.145∠1.305)
2061.55∠−0.245
= 825∠−0.607
= 0.150∠1.288 + 0.141∠1.550
The fundamental current
Hence ic = 0.150 sin (314t + 1.288)
v1 300∠0 + 0.141 sin(942t + 1.550)A
i1 = = = 0.188∠0.644 A
Z1 1600∠−0.644
The third harmonic current
Exercise 128 Further problems on harmonics in
v3 120∠0.698
i3 = = = 0.145∠1.305 A single-phase circuits
Z3 825∠−0.607
1. The e.m.f. applied to a circuit comprising two
Thus, supply current, components connected in series is given by
i = 0.188 sin (314t + 0.644)
v = 50 + 150 sin(2 × 103 t) + 40 sin(4 × 103 t)
+ 0.145 sin (942t + 1.305)A
+ 20 sin(8 × 103 t) volts
(b) Percentage harmonic content of the supply current is
given by and the resulting current is given by
i = 1.011 sin(2 × 103 t + 1.001)
0.145
× 100% = 77% + 0.394 sin(4 × 103 t + 0.663)
0.188
+ 0.233 sin(8 × 103 t + 0.372)A
(c) From equation (36.27), total active power
Determine for the circuit (a) the average power
supplied, and (b) the value of the two circuit
300 0.188
P= √ √ cos 0.644 components.
2 2 [(a) 49.3 W (b) R = 80 , C = 4 µF]
120 0.145 2. A coil having inductance L and resistance R is
+ √ √ cos 0.607
2 2 supplied with a complex voltage given by
PART
π
i.e. P = 22.55 + 7.15 = 29.70 W v = 240 sin ωt + V3 sin 3ωt + 3
3
π
(d) Voltage v1 = iR = 560[0.188 sin(314t + 0.644) + V5 sin 5ωt − volts
12
+ 0.145 sin (942t + 1.305)]
The resulting current is given by
i.e. v1 = 105.3 sin (314t + 0.644) i = 4.064 sin(ωt − 0.561)
+ 81.2 sin (942t + 1.305) volts + 0.750 sin(3ωt − 0.036)
+ 0.182 sin(5ωt − 1.525)A
R R
(e) Current, ic = i1 + i3
R − jXC1 R − jXC3 The fundamental frequency is 500 Hz. Determine
(a) the impedance of the circuit at the fundamental
by current division frequency, and hence the values of R and L, (b) the
2000 values of V3 and V5 , (c) the rms voltage, (d) the
= (0.188∠0.644) rms current, (e) the circuit power, and (f) the power
2000 − j1500 factor.
2000 [(a) 59.06 , R = 50 , L = 10 mH (b) 80 V,
+ (0.145∠1.305) 30 V (c) 180.1 V (d) 2.93 A (e) 427.8 W (f) 0.811]
2000 − j500
fundamental frequency very unlikely. (An exception to

3. An alternating supply voltage represented by this is with the capacitor-start induction motor where
v = (240 sin 300t − 40 sin 1500t + 60 sin 2100t) the start-winding can achieve unity power factor during
run-up.)
volts
However, if the voltage waveform is not a pure sine
is applied to the terminals of a circuit containing wave it is quite possible for the resonant frequency to be
a 40 resistor, a 200 mH inductor and a 25 µF near the frequency of one of the harmonics. In this case
capacitor in series. (a) Derive the expression for the magnitude of the particular harmonic in the current
the current waveform and (b) calculate the power waveform is greatly increased and may even exceed that
dissipated by the circuit. of the fundamental. The effect of this is a great distortion
[(a) i = 2.873 sin(300t + 1.071) − of the resultant current waveform so that dangerous volt
0.145 sin(1500t − 1.425) + drops may occur across the inductance and capacitance in
0.149 sin(2100t − 1.471)A (b) 166 W] the circuit.
4. A voltage v represented by When a circuit resonates at one of the harmonic fre-
quencies of the supply voltage, the effect is called selec-
π tive or harmonic resonance.
v = 120 sin 314t + 25 sin 942t + volts
6 For resonance with the fundamental, the condition is
ωL = 1/(ωC); for resonance at, say, the third harmonic,
is applied to the circuit shown in Figure 36.29. the condition is 3ωL = 1/(3ωC); for resonance at the nth
Determine (a) an expression for current i, (b) the harmonic, the condition is
percentage harmonic content of the supply current,
(c) the total power dissipated, (d) an expression for nωL = 1/(nωC)
the p.d. shown as v1 and (e) expressions for the
currents shown as iR and iC
Problem 24. A voltage waveform having a funda-

mental of maximum value 400 V and a third harmonic
of maximum value 10 V is applied to the circuit shown
in Figure 36.30. Determine (a) the fundamental fre-
quency for resonance with the third harmonic, and
(b) the maximum value of the fundamental and third
harmonic components of current.
Figure 36.29
[(a) i = 0.134 sin(314t + 0.464)

+ 0.047 sin(942t + 0.988)A (b) 35.07% (c) 7.72 W
(d) v1 = 53.6 sin(314t + 0.464) +
18.8 sin(942t + 0.988)V
(e) iR = 0.095 sin(314t − 0.321)
+ 0.015 sin(942t − 0.261)A,
iC = 0.095 sin(314t + 1.249) Figure 36.30
+ 0.045 sin(942t + 1.310)A]
(a) Resonance with the third harmonic means that

3ωL = 1/(3ωC), i.e.
36.10 Resonance due to harmonics
1 1
ω= = √
9LC 3 (0.5)(0.2 × 10−6 )
In industrial circuits at power frequencies the typical
values of L and C involved make resonance at the = 1054 rad/s
ω 1054 (a) For resonance at the nth harmonic, nωL = 1/(nωC),

from which, fundamental frequency, f = = from which
2π 2π
= 167.7 Hz 1 1
n2 = and n = √
ω2 LC ω (LC)
(b) At the fundamental frequency,
1
impedance Hence n = √ = 15
2π50 (0.369)(0.122 × 10−6 )
1
Z1 = R + j ωL − Thus resonance occurs at the 15th harmonic.
ωC
(b) At resonance, impedance Z15 = R = 5 . Hence the
1
= 2 + j (1054)(0.5) − maximum value of current at the 15th harmonic,
(1054)(0.2 × 10−6 )
= (2 − j4217) V15m (1.5/100) × 800

I15m = = = 2.4 A
R 5
i.e. Z1 = 4217∠−89.97◦
(c) At the 15th harmonic, capacitive reactance,
Maximum value of current at the fundamental
frequency, 1 1
XC15 = =
15ωC 15(2π50)(0.122 × 10−6 )
V1m 400 = 1739
I1m = = = 0.095 A
Z1 4217
At the third harmonic frequency, Hence the p.d. across the capacitor at the 15th
harmonic
1
Z3 = R + j 3ωL − =R = (I15m )(XC15 ) = (2.4)(1739) = 4.174 kV
3ωC
since resonance occurs at the third harmonic, i.e.

Z3 = 2 (d) At the fundamental frequency, inductive reactance,
Maximum value of current at the third harmonic
frequency, XL1 = ωL = (2π50)(0.369) = 115.9 PART
V3m 10
3
I3m = = = 5A and capacitive reactance,
Z3 2
1 1
(Note that the magnitude of I3m compared with I1m XCl = = = 26091
is 5/0.095, i.e. × 52.6 greater.) ωC (2π50)(0.122 × 10−6 )
Impedance at the fundamental frequency,

Problem 25. A voltage wave has an amplitude of
800 V at the fundamental frequency of 50 Hz and √
|Z| = [R2 + (XC − XL )2 ] = 25975
its nth harmonic has an amplitude 1.5% of the fun-
damental. The voltage is applied to a series circuit
containing resistance 5 , inductance 0.369 H and Maximum value of current at the fundamental fre-
capacitance 0.122 µF. Resonance occurs at the nth har- quency,
monic. Determine (a) the value of n, (b) the maximum
value of current at the nth harmonic, (c) the p.d. across V1m 800
the capacitor at the nth harmonic and (d) the maximum I1m = = = 0.031 A or 31 mA
Z1 25975
value of the fundamental current.

5. A complex voltage given by v = 1200 sin ωt +
300 sin 3ωt + 100 sin 5ωt volts is applied to a cir-
Exercise 129 Further problems on harmonic cuit containing a 25 resistor, a 12 µF capaci-
resonance tor and a 37 mH inductance connected in series.
The fundamental frequency is 79.62 Hz. Determine
1. A voltage waveform having a fundamental of maxi- (a) the rms value of the voltage, (b) an expression
mum value 250 V and a third harmonic of maximum for the current waveform, (c) the rms value of cur-
value 20 V is applied to a series circuit compris- rent, (d) the amplitude of the third harmonic voltage
ing a 5 resistor, a 400 mH inductance and a across the capacitor, (e) the circuit power, and (f) the
0.5 µF capacitor. Determine (a) the fundamental overall power factor.
frequency for resonance with the third harmonic [(a) 877.5 V (b) i = 7.991 sin (ωt + 1.404)
and (b) the maximum values of the fundamental + 12 sin 3ωt + 1.555 sin(5ωt − 1.171)A
and third harmonic components of the current. (c) 10.25 A (d) 666.4 V (e) 2626 W (f) 0.292]
[(a) 118.6 Hz (b) 0.105 A, 4 A]
2. A complex voltage waveform has a maximum value

of 500 V at the fundamental frequency of 60 Hz and 36.11 Sources of harmonics
contains a 17th harmonic having an amplitude of
2% of the fundamental. The voltage is applied to
a series circuit containing resistance 2 , induc- (i) Harmonics may be produced in the output wave-
tance 732 mH and capacitance 33.26 nF. Determine form of an a.c. generator. This may be due either
(a) the maximum value of the 17th harmonic cur- to ‘tooth-ripple’, caused by the effect of the slots that
rent, (b) the maximum value of the 17th harmonic accommodate the windings, or to the non-sinusoidal
p.d. across the capacitor, and (c) the amplitude of airgap flux distribution.
the fundamental current. Great care is taken to ensure a sinusoidal output
[(a) 5 A (b) 23.46 kV (c) 6.29 mA] from generators in large supply systems; however,
non-linear loads will cause harmonics to appear in
3. A complex voltage waveform v is given by the the load current waveform. Thus harmonics are pro-
expression duced in devices that have a non-linear response to
π their inputs. Non-linear circuit elements (i.e. those in
v = 150 sin ωt + 25 sin 3ωt − which the current flowing through them is not pro-
6 π portional to the applied voltage) include rectifiers and
+ 10 sin 5ωt + volts any large-signal electronic amplifier in which diodes,
3
transistors, valves or iron-cored inductors are used.
where ω = 314 rad/s. The voltage is applied to (ii) A rectifier is a device for converting an alternating or
a circuit consisting of a coil of resistance 10 an oscillating current into a unidirectional or approx-
and inductance 50 mH in series with a variable imate direct current. A rectifier has a low impedance
capacitor. to current flow in one direction and a nearly infinite
impedance to current flow in the opposite direction.
(a) Calculate the value of the capacitance which will Thus when an alternating current is applied to a
give resonance with the triple frequency component rectifier, current will flow through it during the pos-
of the voltage. (b) Write down the corresponding itive half-cycles only; the current is zero during the
equation for the current waveform. (c) Determine negative half-cycles. A typical current waveform is
the rms value of current. (d) Find the power shown in Figure 36.31. This ‘half-wave rectification’
dissipated in the circuit.
[(a) 22.54 µF (b) i = 1.191 sin (314t + 1.491)
+ 2.500 sin (942t − 0.524)
+ 0.195 sin (1570t − 0.327)A
(c) 1.963 A (d) 38.56 W]
4. A complex voltage of fundamental frequency 50 Hz

is applied to a series circuit comprising resist-
ance 20 , inductance 800 µH and capacitance
74.94 µF. Resonance occurs at the nth harmonic.
Determine the value of n. [13] Figure 36.31 Typical current waveform containing a
fairly large second harmonic
Figure 36.32
is produced by using a single diode. The waveform is If B is the flux density of the core, then, since = BA,
similar in shape to that shown in Figure 36.14, page
451, where the d.c. component brought the negative d dB
v=N (BA) = NA PART
half-cycle up to the zero current point. The waveform
dt dt 3
shown in Figure 36.31 is typical of one containing a
fairly large second harmonic.
(iii) Transistors and valves are non-linear devices in that since area A is a constant for a particular core.
sinusoidal input results in different positive and neg- Separating the variables gives
ative half cycle amplifications. This means that the
1
output half cycles have different amplitudes. Since dB = vdt
they have a different shape, even harmonic distortion NA
is suggested (see Section 36.3).
1 −Vm
(iv) Ferromagnetic-cored coils are a source of harmonic i.e. B= Vm sin ωt dt = cos ωt
NA ωNA
generation in a.c. circuits because of the non-linearity
of the B/H curve and the hysteresis loop, espe- Since −cos ωt = sin(ωt − 90◦ )
cially if saturation occurs. Let a sinusoidal voltage
v = Vm sin ωt be applied to a ferromagnetic-cored Vm
coil (having low resistance relative to inductive react- B= sin(ωt − 90◦ ) (36.34)
ωNA
ance) of cross-section area A square metres and
possessing N turns. Equation (36.34) shows that if the applied voltage is
If φ is the flux produced in the core then the sinusoidal, the flux density B in the iron core must
instantaneous voltage is given by v = N(dφ/dt). also be sinusoidal but lagging by 90◦ .
Figure 36.33
The condition of low resistance relative to induc- (v) If, in a circuit containing a ferromagnetic-cored coil,
tive reactance, giving a sinusoidal flux from a sinu- the resistance is high compared with the inductive
soidal supply voltage, is called free magnetization. reactance, then the current flowing from a sinusoidal
Consider the application of a sinusoidal voltage to supply will tend to be sinusoidal. This means that
a coil wound on a core with a hysteresis loop as shown the flux density B of the core cannot be sinusoidal
in Figure 36.32(a). The horizontal axis of a hysteresis since it is related to the current by the hysteresis
loop is magnetic field strength H, but since H = Ni/l loop. This means, in turn, that the induced voltage
and N and l (the length of the flux path) are con- due to the alternating flux (i.e. v = NA(dB/dt)) will
stant, the axis may be directly scaled as current i (i.e. not be sinusoidal. This condition is called forced
i = Hl/N). Figure 36.32(b) shows sinusoidal voltage magnetization.
v and flux density B waveforms, B lagging v by 90◦ . The shape of the induced voltage waveform under
The current waveform is shown in Figure 36.32(c) forced magnetization is obtained as follows. The
and is derived as follows. At time t1 , point a on the current waveform is shown on a vertical axis in
voltage curve corresponds to point b on the flux den- Figure 36.33(a). The hysteresis loop corresponding
sity curve and point c on the hysteresis loop. The cur- to the maximum value of circuit current is drawn
rent at time t1 is given by the distance dc. Plotting this as shown in Figure 36.33(b). The flux density curve
current on a vertical time-scale gives the derived point which is derived from the sinusoidal current wave-
e on the current curve. A similar procedure is adopted form is shown in Figure 36.33(c). Point a on the
for times t2 , t3 and so on over one cycle of the voltage. current wave at time t1 corresponds to point b on
(Note that it is important to move around the hys- the hysteresis loop and to point c on the flux density
teresis loop in the correct direction.) It is seen from curve. By taking other points throughout the current
the current curve that it is non-sinusoidal and that cycle the flux density curve is derived as shown.
the positive and negative half cycles are identical. The relationship between the induced voltage v and
This indicates that the waveform contains only odd the flux density B is given by v = NA(dB/dt). Here
harmonics (see Section (36.3)). dB/dt represents the rate of change of flux density
Figure 36.34
with respect to time, i.e. the gradient of the B/t curve. trols and the control of motor speeds. A basic circuit
At point d the gradient of the B/t curve is a maximum used for single-phase power control is shown in Fig-
in the positive direction. Thus v will be maximum ure 36.34(a). The trigger module contains circuitry
positive as shown by point d in Figure 36.33(d). At to produce the necessary gate current to turn the
point e the gradient (i.e. dB/dt) is zero, thus v is zero, thyristor on. If the pulse is applied at time θ/ω,
as shown by point e . At point f the gradient is maxi- where θ is the firing or triggering angle, then the
mum in a negative direction, thus v is maximum neg- current flowing in the load resistor has a waveform
ative, as shown by point f . If all such points are taken as shown in Figure 36.34(b). The sharp rise-time
around the B/t curve, the curve representing induced (shown as ab in Figure 36.34(b)), however, gives rise
voltage, shown in Figure 36.33(d), is produced. to harmonics.
The resulting voltage waveform is non-sinusoidal. (vii) In microelectronic systems rectangular waveforms
The positive and negative half cycles are identical are common. Again, fast rise-times give rise to
in shape, indicating that the waveform contains a harmonics, especially at high frequency. These har-
fundamental and a prominent third harmonic. monics can be fed back to the mains if not filtered.
(vi) The amount of power delivered to a load can
be controlled using a thyristor, which is a There are thus a large number of sources of
semiconductor device. Examples of applications of harmonics.
controlled rectification include lamp and heater con-
PART
3
37 A numerical method of harmonic analysis
At the end of this chapter you should be able to:

• use a tabular method to determine the Fourier series • predict the probable harmonic content of a waveform
for a complex waveform on inspection
π 2π
37.1 Introduction 1 1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx = f (x) sin nx dx
π −π π 0
Many practical waveforms can be represented by simple = twice the mean value of f (x) sin nx in the range
mathematical expressions, and, by using Fourier series,
the magnitude of their harmonic components determined. 0 to 2π
For waveforms not in this category, analysis may be
achieved by numerical methods. Harmonic analysis is
the process of resolving a periodic, non-sinusoidal quan- However, irregular waveforms are not usually defined by
tity into a series of sinusoidal components of ascending mathematical expressions and thus the Fourier coefficients
order of frequency. cannot be determined by using calculus. In these cases,
approximate methods, such as the trapezoidal rule, can
be used to evaluate the Fourier coefficients.
Most practical waveforms to be analysed are periodic.
Let the period of a waveform be 2π and be divided into
37.2 Harmonic analysis on data given in p equal parts as shown in Figure 37.1. The width of
tabular or graphical form each interval is thus 2π/p. Let the ordinates be labelled
y0 , y1 , y2 , . . . , yp (note that y0 = yp ). The trapezoidal rule
A Fourier series is merely a trigonometric series of the states:
form:
sum of
f (x) = a0 + a1 cos x + a2 cos 2x + · · · + b1 sin x width of 1 first + last
Area ≈ + remaining
+ b2 sin 2x + · · · interval 2 ordinate ordinates

∞
2π 1
≈ (y0 + yp ) + y1 + y2 + y3 + · · ·
i.e. f (x) = a0 + (an cos nx + bn sin nx) p 2
n=1
The Fourier coefficients a0 , an and bn all require functions f (x)

y0 y1 y2 y3 y4
to be integrated, i.e.
π 2π
1 1 yp
a0 = f (x) dx = f (x) dx
2π −π 2π 0
0 π 2π x
2π/p
= mean value of f (x) in the range −π to π or 0 to 2π

1 π 1 2π
an = f (x) cos nx dx = f (x) cos nx dx
π −π π 0
Period = 2π
= twice the mean value of f (x) cos nx in the range
0 to 2π Figure 37.1
A numerical method of harmonic analysis 481
1 y10
Since y0 = yp , then ( y0 + yp ) = y0 = yp
2
Voltage v (volts)
p 80
2π
Hence area ≈ yk 60
p k=1 40 y9 y11 y12
y1
area y2
Mean value = 20
90 180
y8
length of base y7 270 360 θ degrees
0
p −20
1 2π 1
p
y3 y4 y5 y6
≈ yk ≈ yk −40
2π p p
k=1 k=1 −60
−80
However, a0 = mean value of f (x) in the range 0 to 2π.
Thus
Figure 37.2
1
p
a0 ≈ yk (37.1) are achieved. The data is tabulated in the proforma shown
p
k=1 in Table 37.1.
Similarly, an = twice the mean value of f (x) cos nx in the

1
p
range 0 to 2π, thus, 1
From equation (37.1), a0 ≈ yk = (212)
p 12
k=1

p = 17.67 (since p = 12)
2
an ≈ yk cos nxk (37.2)
p 2 p
k=1 From equation (37.2), an ≈ cos nxk
p k=1
and bn = twice the mean value of f (x) sin nx in the range
0 to 2π, thus 2
Hence a1 ≈ (417.94) = 69.66
12
2
a2 ≈ (−39) = −6.50
2
p
12
bn ≈ yk sin nxk (37.3) 2
p and a3 ≈ (−49) = −8.17
k=1
12
PART
2 p
From equation (37.3), bn ≈ yk sin nxk 3
Problem 1. The values of the voltage ν volts at p k=1
different moments in a cycle are given by:
2
θ degrees 30 60 90 120 150 180 Hence b1 ≈ (−278.53) = −46.42
12
ν (volts) 62 35 −38 −64 −63 −52
2
θ degrees 210 240 270 300 330 360 b2 ≈ (29.43) = 4.91
12
ν (volts) −28 24 80 96 90 70
2
and b3 ≈ (55) = 9.17
Draw the graph of voltage ν against angle θ and analyse 12
the voltage into its first three constituent harmonics,
each coefficient correct to 2 decimal places. Substituting these values into the Fourier series:
∞

The graph of voltage ν against angle θ is shown in f (x) = a0 + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
Figure 37.2. The range 0 to 2π is divided into 12 equal n=1
intervals giving an interval width of 2π/12, i.e. π/6 or gives: ν = 17.67 + 69.66 cos θ − 6.50 cos 2θ
30◦ . The values of the ordinates y1 , y2 , y3 , . . . are 62,
35, −38, . . . from the given table of values. If a larger num- − 8.17 cos 3θ + · · · − 46.42 sin θ
ber of intervals are used, results having a greater accuracy + 4.91 sin 2θ + 9.17 sin 3θ + · · · (37.4)
Table 37.1
Ordinates θ◦ v cos θ v cos θ sin θ v sin θ cos 2θ v cos 2θ sin 2θ v sin 2θ cos 3θ v cos 3θ sin 3θ v sin 3θ
y1 30 62 0.866 53.69 0.5 31 0.5 31 0.866 53.69 0 0 1 62

y2 60 35 0.5 17.5 0.866 30.31 −0.5 −17.5 0.866 30.31 −1 −35 0 0
y3 90 −38 0 0 1 −38 −1 38 0 0 0 0 −1 38
y4 120 −64 −0.5 32 0.866 −55.42 −0.5 32 −0.866 55.42 1 −64 0 0
y5 150 −63 −0.866 54.56 0.5 −31.5 0.5 −31.5 −0.866 54.56 0 0 1 −63
y6 180 −52 −1 52 0 0 1 −52 0 0 −1 52 0 0
y7 210 −28 −0.866 24.25 −0.5 14 0.5 −14 0.866 −24.25 0 0 −1 28
y8 240 24 −0.5 −12 −0.866 −20.78 −0.5 −12 0.866 −20.78 1 24 0 0
y9 270 80 0 0 −1 −80 −1 −80 0 0 0 0 1 80
y10 300 96 0.5 48 −0.866 −83.14 −0.5 −48 −0.866 −83.14 −1 −96 0 0
y11 330 90 0.866 77.94 −0.5 −45 0.5 45 −0.866 −77.94 0 0 −1 −90
y12 360 70 1 70 0 0 1 70 0 0 1 70 0 0

12
12
12
12
12
12
12
yk = 212 yk cos θk yk sin θk yk cos 2θk yk sin 2θk yk cos 3θk yk sin 3θk
k=1 k=1 k=1 k=1 k=1 k=1 k=1
= 417.94 = −278.53 = −39 = 29.43 = −49 = 55
Note that in equation (37.4), (−46.42 sin θ + 69.66 cos θ)

comprises the fundamental, (4.91 sin 2θ − 6.50 cos 2θ) 1.
comprises the second harmonic and (9.17 sin 3θ − 8.17
Angle θ ◦ 30 60 90 120 150 180
cos 3θ) comprises the third harmonic.
Displacement y 40 43 38 30 23 17
It is shown in Higher Engineering Mathematics that
Angle θ ◦ 210 240 270 300 330 360
a sin ωt + b cos ωt ≡ R sin(ωt + α) Displacement y 11 9 10 13 21 32
√ [y = 23.92 + 7.81 cos θ + 14.61 sin θ +

where a = R cos α, b = R sin α, R = (a2 + b2 ) and 0.17 cos 2θ + 2.31 sin 2θ − 0.33 cos 3θ
b + 0.50 sin 3θ]
α = tan−1
a 2.
√
For the fundamental, R = [(−46.42)2 + (69.66)2 ]
Angle θ ◦ 0 30 60 90 120 150
= 83.71 Voltage ν −5.0 −1.5 6.0 12.5 16.0 16.5
a −46.42 ◦
If a = R cos α, then cos α = = which is Angle θ 180 210 240 270 300 330
R 83.71
negative, Voltage ν 15.0 12.5 6.5 −4.0 −7.0 −7.5
b 69.66 [ν = 5.00 − 10.78 cos θ + 6.83 sin θ − 1.96 cos 2θ
and if b = R sin α, then sin α = = which is
R 83.71 + 0.80 sin 2θ + 0.58 cos 3θ − 1.08 sin 3θ]
positive.
3.
The only quadrant where cos α is negative and sin α is
positive is the second quadrant. Angle θ ◦ 30 60 90 120 150 180
Hence Current i 0 −1.4 −1.8 −1.9 −1.8 −1.3
b 69.66 ◦
α= tan−1 = tan−1 = 123.68◦ or 2.16 rad Angle θ 210 240 270 300 330 360
a −46.42 Current i 0 2.2 3.8 3.9 3.5 2.5
Thus (−46.42 sin θ + 69.66 cos θ) = 83.71 sin(θ + 2.16)
By a similar method it may be shown that the second [i = 0.64 + 1.58 cos θ − 2.73 sin θ − 0.23 cos 2θ
harmonic − 0.42 sin 2θ + 0.27 cos 3θ + 0.05 sin 3θ]
(4.91 sin 2θ − 6.50 cos 2θ) ≡ 8.15 sin(2θ − 0.92)

and the third harmonic
(9.17 sin 3θ − 8.17 cos 3θ) ≡ 12.28 sin(3θ − 0.73)
37.3 Complex waveform considerations PART
Hence equation (37.4) may be re-written as:
3
It is sometimes possible to predict the harmonic con-
ν = 17.67 + 83.71 sin(θ + 2.16) + 8.15 sin(2θ − 0.92) tent of a waveform on inspection of particular waveform
+ 12.28 sin(3θ − 0.73) volts characteristics.
(i) If a periodic waveform is such that the area above

which is the form used in Chapter 36 with complex the horizontal axis is equal to the area below
waveforms. then the mean value is zero. Hence a0 = 0 (see
Figure 37.3(a)).
Now try the following exercise. (ii) An even function is symmetrical about the vertical
axis and contains no sine terms (see Figure 37.3(b)).
(iii) An odd function is symmetrical about the origin and
Exercise 130 Further problems on harmonic contains no cosine terms (see Figure 37.3(c)).
analysis on data given in tabular form (iv) f (x) = f (x + π) represents a waveform which repeats
Determine the Fourier series to represent the periodic after half a cycle and only even harmonics are
functions given by the tables of values in Problems present (see Figure 37.3(d)).
1 to 3, up to and including the third harmonics and (v) f (x) = −f (x + π) represents a waveform for which
each coefficient correct to 2 decimal places. Use 12 the positive and negative cycles are identical in
ordinates in each case. shape and only odd harmonics are present (see
Figure 37.3(e)).
f (x) f (x) harmonics can be present in such a waveform. Thus

the waveform shown in Figure 37.4(b) contains only
even cosine terms (together with a constant term, a0 ).
0 π 2π x −π 0 π 2π x
Problem 3. An alternating current i amperes is shown

(a) a0 = 0 (b) Contains no sine terms
in Figure 37.5. Analyse the waveform into its con-
stituent harmonics as far as and including the fifth
f (x) harmonic, correct to 2 decimal places, by taking 30◦
f (x)
intervals.
Current i amperes
−2π −π 0 π 2π x
−2π −π 0 π 2π x 10
(c) Contains no cosine terms (d) Contains only even harmonics 5 y5
−180 −120 −60 y1 y2 y3 y4 180 240 300 θ°

f (x)
−150 −90 −30 0 30 60 90 120 150 210 270 330 360
y7 y8 y9
y11
−5 y10
−π 0 π 2π x
−10
(e) Contains only odd harmonics

Figure 37.5
Figure 37.3
With reference to Figure 37.5, the following characteris-

Problem 2. Without calculating Fourier coefficients tics are noted:
state which harmonics will be present in the waveforms
shown in Figure 37.4. (i) The mean value is zero since the area above the θ axis
is equal to the area below it. Thus the constant term,
f (x) or d.c. component, a0 = 0.
2 (ii) Since the waveform is symmetrical about the origin
the function i is odd, which means that there are no
−π 0 π 2π x cosine terms present in the Fourier series.
(iii) The waveform is of the form f (θ) = −f (θ + π) which
(a)
−2 means that only odd harmonics are present.
f (x)
Investigating waveform characteristics has thus saved
5 unnecessary calculations and in this case the Fourier series
has only odd sine terms present, i.e.
−π 0 π 2π x
(b)
i = b1 sin θ + b3 sin 3θ + b5 sin 5θ + · · ·
A proforma, similar to Table 37.1, but without the ‘cosine
Figure 37.4 terms’ columns and without the ‘even sine terms’ columns
is shown in Table 37.2 up to, and including, the fifth har-
(a) The waveform shown in Figure 37.4(a) is symmetrical monic, from which the Fourier coefficients b1 , b3 and b5
about the origin and is thus an odd function. An odd can be determined. Twelve coordinates are chosen and
function contains no cosine terms. Also, the waveform labelled y1 , y2 , y3 , . . . y12 as shown in Figure 37.5.
has the characteristic f (x) = −f (x + π), i.e. the posi- 2 p
From equation (37.3), Section 37.2, bn ≈ ik sin nθk ,
tive and negative half cycles are identical in shape. p k=1
Only odd harmonics can be present in such a wave- where p = 12.
form. Thus the waveform shown in Figure 37.4(a)
contains only odd sine terms. Since the area above 2
Hence b1 ≈ (48.24) = 8.04
the x-axis is equal to the area below, a0 = 0. 12
(b) The waveform shown in Figure 37.4(b) is symmetrical 2
about the f (x) axis and is thus an even function. An b3 ≈ (−12) = −2.00
even function contains no sine terms. Also, the wave- 12
form has the characteristic f (x) = f (x + π), i.e. the 2
and b5 ≈ (−0.24) = −0.04
waveform repeats itself after half a cycle. Only even 12
Table 37.2
Ordinate θ◦ i sin θ i sin θ sin 3θ i sin 3θ sin 5θ i sin 5θ
y1 30 2 0.5 1 1 2 0.5 1
y2 60 7 0.866 6.06 0 0 −0.866 −6.06
y3 90 10 1 10 −1 −10 1 10
y4 120 7 0.866 6.06 0 0 −0.866 −6.06
y5 150 2 0.5 1 1 2 0.5 1
y6 180 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
y7 210 −2 −0.5 1 −1 2 −0.5 1
y8 240 −7 −0.866 6.06 0 0 0.866 −6.06
y9 270 −10 −1 10 1 −10 −1 10
y10 300 −7 −0.866 6.06 0 0 0.866 −6.06
y11 330 −2 −0.5 1 −1 2 −0.5 1
y12 360 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12
12
12
ik sin θk ik sin 3θk ik sin 5θk
k=1 k=1 k=1
= 48.24 = −12 = −0.24
Thus the Fourier series for current i is given by: 2. Analyse the periodic waveform of displacement
i = 8.04 sin θ − 2.00 sin 3θ − 0.04 sin 5θ y against angle θ in Figure 37.7(a) into its con-
stituent harmonics as far as and including the third
harmonic, by taking 30◦ intervals.
Now try the following exercise. [y = 9.4 + 13.2 cos θ − 24.1 sin θ + 0.92 cos 2θ
− 0.14 sin 2θ + 0.83 cos 3θ + 0.67 sin 3θ]
Exercise 131 Further problems on complex wave-
3. For the waveform of current shown in Fig-
form considerations
ure 37.7(b) state why only a d.c. component and
1. Without performing calculations, state which har- even cosine terms will appear in the Fourier series
monics will be present in the waveforms shown in and determine the series, using π/6 rad intervals,
Figure 37.6. up to and including the sixth harmonic.
[(a) only odd cosine terms present [I = 4.00 − 4.67 cos 2θ + 1.00 cos 4θ
(b) only even sine terms present] − 0.66 cos 6θ]
f (t)
PART
4
3
−2π−π 0 π 2π 4π t
−4
(a)
y
10
π 2π
−π 0 x
−10
(b) Figure 37.7

Figure 37.6

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36 Complex waveforms

At the end of this chapter you should be able to:

In preceding chapters a.c. supplies have been assumed to

the nth harmonic component, of which Vnm is the peak

2. A complex current wave is represented by:

Example 1 vb = 100 sin ωt + 30 sin 3ωt + 20 sin 5ωt volts

Example 4 ve = 100 sin ωt + 30 sin(3ωt + π) volts

The waveform representing this expression has already

General conclusions on examples 1 to 6

then this half-cycle would appear as a mirror image of

ib = 10 sin ωt + 4 sin 2ωt + 3 sin 4ωt amperes

The waveforms representing (10 sin ωt + 4 sin 2ωt) and

Problem 4. For each of the periodic complex wave-

(a) A fundamental voltage having an r.m.s value

voltage, v = 339.4 sin 100πt

(b) One cycle of the fundamental, 339.4 sin 100πt,

waveform is composed of a fundamental and odd

Now try the following exercise.

Exercise 122 Further problems on harmonic

1. A complex current waveform i comprises a fun-

36.4 Fourier series of periodic and trigonometric series of the form:

Problem 5. Obtain a Fourier series for the periodic PART

Figure 36.18 The function is periodic outside of this range with

5. Determine the Fourier series up to and including

Fourier cosine series From equation (36.8),

The square wave shown in Figure 36.24 is an even When n is even, an = 0

−3π/2 −π −π/2 0 π/2 π 3π/2 2π x

Fourier sine series When n is even, bn = 0.

The square wave shown in Figure 36.25 is an odd function  L/2

From equation (36.14),

sin2 x = (1 − cos 2x)/2),  

  component is 32.36 sin 1000t volts. Hence an expres-

rms value of the waveform

+ I2m sin(2ωt − φ2 ) + · · · ) If the voltage waveform contains a d.c. component V0

The average or active power supplied over one cycle is (36.28)

(b) From equation (36.18), rms current,

(c) Pure capacitance

ωL = 2π(1000) (7.96 × 10−3 ) = 50 . XL1 = ω1 L = (314)(9.55 × 10−3 ) = 3.0 

Hence impedance at the third harmonic frequency,

Hence the third harmonic current,

P = I 2 R = (13.89)2 (12) = 2315 W or 2.315 kW V2m 40∠−π/2

Fourth harmonic 2. A complex current given by

Now try the following exercise. 4. An e.m.f. e is given by

36.9 Further worked problems on harmonics in Impedance, Z5 = (5 + j25) = 25.495∠78.69◦ 

(a) d. c. component (b) From equation (36.22), rms current,

(a) From equation (36.28), the average power P is

= 560 + 1200∠−53.13◦ = 560 + 720 − j960

= 560 + 485.07∠−75.96◦ 2000

fundamental frequency very unlikely. (An exception to

Problem 24. A voltage waveform having a funda-

[(a) i = 0.134 sin(314t + 0.464)

(a) Resonance with the third harmonic means that

ω 1054 (a) For resonance at the nth harmonic, nωL = 1/(nωC),

= (2 − j4217) V15m (1.5/100) × 800

since resonance occurs at the third harmonic, i.e.

Impedance at the fundamental frequency,

Now try the following exercise.

2. A complex voltage waveform has a maximum value

The square wave shown in Figure 36.25 is an odd function L/2

sin2 x = (1 − cos 2x)/2),

component is 32.36 sin 1000t volts. Hence an expres-

ωL = 2π(1000) (7.96 × 10−3 ) = 50 . XL1 = ω1 L = (314)(9.55 × 10−3 ) = 3.0

36.9 Further worked problems on harmonics in Impedance, Z5 = (5 + j25) = 25.495∠78.69◦

= (2 − j4217) V15m (1.5/100) × 800