h1011v3 Electrical Science

DOE-HDBK-1011/3-92
JUNE 1992
DOE FUNDAMENTALS HANDBOOK

ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
Volume 3 of 4
U.S. Department of Energy FSC-6910

Washington, D.C. 20585
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This document has been reproduced directly from the best available copy.
Available to DOE and DOE contractors from the Office of Scientific and Technical
Information. P. O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; prices available from (615) 576-
8401.
Available to the public from the National Technical Information Service, U.S.
Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161.
Order No. DE92019787

ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
ABSTRACT
The Electrical Science Fundamentals Handbook was developed to assist nuclear facility
operating contractors provide operators, maintenance personnel, and the technical staff with the
necessary fundamentals training to ensure a basic understanding of electrical theory,
terminology, and application. The handbook includes information on alternating current (AC)
and direct current (DC) theory, circuits, motors, and generators; AC power and reactive
components; batteries; AC and DC voltage regulators; transformers; and electrical test
instruments and measuring devices. This information will provide personnel with a foundation
for understanding the basic operation of various types of DOE nuclear facility electrical
equipment.
Key Words: Training Material, Magnetism, DC Theory, DC Circuits, Batteries, DC

Generators, DC Motors, AC Theory, AC Power, AC Generators, Voltage Regulators, AC
Motors, Transformers, Test Instruments, Electrical Distribution
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ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
FOREWORD
The Department of Energy (DOE) Fundamentals Handbooks consist of ten academic

subjects, which include Mathematics; Classical Physics; Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and
Fluid Flow; Instrumentation and Control; Electrical Science; Material Science; Mechanical
Science; Chemistry; Engineering Symbology, Prints, and Drawings; and Nuclear Physics and
Reactor Theory. The handbooks are provided as an aid to DOE nuclear facility contractors.
These handbooks were first published as Reactor Operator Fundamentals Manuals in 1985
for use by DOE category A reactors. The subject areas, subject matter content, and level of
detail of the Reactor Opera tor Fundamentals Manuals were determined from several sources.
DOE Category A reactor training managers determined which materials should be included, and
served as a primary reference in the initial development phase. Training guidelines from the
commercial nuclear power industry, results of job and task analyses, and independent input from
contractors and operations-oriented personnel were all considered and included to some degree
in developing the text material and learning objectives.
The DOE Fundamentals Handbooks represent the needs of various DOE nuclear facilities'
fundamental training requirements. To increase their applicability to nonreactor nuclear
facilities, the Reactor Operator Fundamentals Manual learning objectives were distributed to the
Nuclear Facility Training Coordination Program Steering Committee for review and comment.
To update their reactor-specific content, DOE Category A reactor training managers also
reviewed and commented on the content. On the basis of feedback from these sources,
information that applied to two or more DOE nuclear facilities was considered generic and was
included. The final draft of each of the handbooks was then reviewed by these two groups.
This approach has resulted in revised modular handbooks that contain sufficient detail such that
each facility may adjust the content to fit their specific needs.
Each handbook contains an abstract, a foreword, an overview, learning objectives, and

text material, and is divided into modules so that content and order may be modified by
individual DOE contractors to suit their specific training needs. Each subject area is supported
by a separate examination bank with an answer key.
The DOE Fundamentals Handbooks have been prepared for the Assistant Secretary for
Nuclear Energy, Office of Nuclear Safety Policy and Standards, by the DOE Training
Coordination Program. This program is managed by EG&G Idaho, Inc.
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ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
OVERVIEW
The Department of Energy Fundamentals Handbook entitled Electrical Science was

prepared as an information resource for personnel who are responsible for the operation of the
Department's nuclear facilities. A basic understanding of electricity and electrical systems is
necessary for DOE nuclear facility operators, maintenance personnel, and the technical staff to
safely operate and maintain the facility and facility support systems. The information in the
handbook is presented to provide a foundation for applying engineering concepts to the job.
This knowledge will help personnel more fully understand the impact that their actions may
have on the safe and reliable operation of facility components and systems.
The Electrical Science handbook consists of fifteen modules that are contained in four
volumes. The following is a brief description of the information presented in each module
of the handbook.
Volume 1 of 4
Module 1 - Basic Electrical Theory
This module describes basic electrical concepts and introduces electrical terminology.
Module 2 - Basic DC Theory
This module describes the basic concepts of direct current (DC) electrical circuits and
discusses the associated terminology.
Volume 2 of 4
Module 3 - DC Circuits
This module introduces the rules associated with the reactive components of
inductance and capacitance and how they affect DC circuits.
Module 4 - Batteries
This module introduces batteries and describes the types of cells used, circuit
arrangements, and associated hazards.
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ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
Module 5 - DC Generators
This module describes the types of DC generators and their application in terms
of voltage production and load characteristics.
Module 6 - DC Motors
This module describes the types of DC motors and includes discussions of speed
control, applications, and load characteristics.
Volume 3 of 4
Module 7 - Basic AC Theory
This module describes the basic concepts of alternating current (AC) electrical circuits
and discusses the associated terminology.
Module 8 - AC Reactive Components
This module describes inductance and capacitance and their effects on AC

circuits.
Module 9 - AC Power
This module presents power calculations for single-phase and three-phase AC circuits
and includes the power triangle concept.
Module 10 - AC Generators
This module describes the operating characteristics of AC generators and includes

terminology, methods of voltage production, and methods of paralleling AC
generation sources.
Module 11 - Voltage Regulators
This module describes the basic operation and application of voltage regulators.
Volume 4 of 4
Module 12 - AC Motors
This module explains the theory of operation of AC motors and discusses the various
types of AC motors and their application.
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ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
Module 13 - Transformers
This module introduces transformer theory and includes the types of transformers,
voltage/current relationships, and application.
Module 14 - Test Instruments and Measuring Devices
This module describes electrical measuring and test equipment and includes the
parameters measured and the principles of operation of common instruments.
Module 15 - Electrical Distribution Systems
This module describes basic electrical distribution systems and includes characteristics
of system design to ensure personnel and equipment safety.
The information contained in this handbook is by no means all encompassing. An

attempt to present the entire subject of electrical science would be impractical. However, the
Electrical Science handbook does present enough information to provide the reader with a
fundamental knowledge level sufficient to understand the advanced theoretical concepts presented
in other subject areas, and to better understand basic system and equipment operations.
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Department of Energy
Fundamentals Handbook
ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
Module 7
Basic AC Theory
Basic AC Theory TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
AC GENERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Development of a Sine-Wave Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
AC GENERATION ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Effective Values . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Phase Angle . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Voltage Calculations . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Current Calculations . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Frequency Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Summary . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
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LIST OF FIGURES Basic AC Theory
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Simple AC Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Figure 2 Developing a Sine-Wave Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 3 Voltage Sine Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Figure 4 Effective Value of Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 5 Phase Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
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Basic AC Theory LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF TABLES
NONE
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REFERENCES Basic AC Theory
REFERENCES
Gussow, Milton, Schaum’s Outline Series, Basic Electricity, McGraw-Hill.
Academic Program for Nuclear Power Plant Personnel, Volume IV, Columbia, MD:
General Physics Corporation, Library of Congress Card #A 326517, 1982.
Sienko and Plane, Chemical Principles and Properties, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill.
Academic Program for Nuclear Power Plant Personnel, Volume II, Columbia, MD:
Nasar and Unnewehr, Electromechanics and Electric Machines, John Wiley and Sons.
Van Valkenburgh, Nooger, and Neville, Basic Electricity, Vol. 5, Hayden Book
Company.
Exide Industrial Marketing Division, The Storage Battery, Lead-Acid Type, The
Electric Storage Battery Company.
Lister, Eugene C., Electric Circuits and Machines, 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill.
Croft, Carr, Watt, and Summers, American Electricians Handbook, 10th Edition,
McGraw-Hill.
Mason, C. Russel, The Art and Science of Protective Relaying, John Wiley and Sons.
Mileaf, Harry, Electricity One - Seven, Revised 2nd Edition, Hayden Book Company.
Buban and Schmitt, Understanding Electricity and Electronics, 3rd Edition, McGraw-
Hill.
Kidwell, Walter, Electrical Instruments and Measurements, McGraw-Hill.
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Basic AC Theory OBJECTIVES
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
1.0 Given an alternating current (AC) waveform, DESCRIBE the relationship between
average and RMS values of voltage and current, and the angular velocity within that
waveform.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
1.1 DESCRIBE the construction and operation of a simple AC generator.
1.2 EXPLAIN the development of a sine-wave output in an AC generator.
1.3 DEFINE the following terms in relation to AC generation:

a. Radians/second
b. Hertz
c. Period
1.4 DEFINE effective value of an AC current relative to DC current.
1.5 Given a maximum value, CALCULATE the effective (RMS) and average
values of AC voltage.
1.6 Given a diagram of two sine waves, DESCRIBE the phase relationship
between the two waves.
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Basic AC Theory
Intentionally Left Blank
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Basic AC Theory AC GENERATION
AC GENERATION
An understanding of how an AC generator develops an AC output will help the

student analyze the AC power generation process.
EO 1.1 DESCRIBE the construction and operation of a simple

AC generator.
EO 1.2 EXPLAIN the development of a sine-wave output in an

AC generator.
The elementary AC generator (Figure 1) consists of a conductor, or loop of wire in a magnetic

field that is produced by an electromagnet. The two ends of the loop are connected to slip rings,
and they are in contact with two brushes. When the loop rotates it cuts magnetic lines of force,
first in one direction and then the other.
Figure 1 Simple AC Generator
Development of a Sine-Wave Output

At the instant the loop is in the vertical position (Figure 2, 0o), the coil sides are moving parallel
to the field and do not cut magnetic lines of force. In this instant, there is no voltage induced
in the loop. As the coil rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, the coil sides will cut the
magnetic lines of force in opposite directions. The direction of the induced voltages depends on
the direction of movement of the coil.
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AC GENERATION Basic AC Theory
The induced voltages add in series, making slip ring X (Figure 1) positive (+) and slip ring Y
(Figure 1) negative (-). The potential across resistor R will cause a current to flow from Y to
X through the resistor. This current will increase until it reaches a maximum value when the coil
is horizontal to the magnetic lines of force (Figure 2, 90o). The horizontal coil is moving
perpendicular to the field and is cutting the greatest number of magnetic lines of force. As the
coil continues to turn, the voltage and current induced decrease until they reach zero, where the
coil is again in the vertical position (Figure 2, 180o). In the other half revolution, an equal
voltage is produced except that the polarity is reversed (Figure 2, 270o, 360o). The current flow
through R is now from X to Y (Figure 1).
Figure 2 Developing a Sine-Wave Voltage
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Basic AC Theory AC GENERATION
The periodic reversal of polarity results in the generation of a voltage, as shown in Figure 2. The
rotation of the coil through 360° results in an AC sine wave output.
Summary
AC generation is summarized below.
AC Generation Summary
A simple generator consists of a conductor loop turning in a magnetic field,

cutting across the magnetic lines of force.
The sine wave output is the result of one side of the generator loop cutting lines
of force. In the first half turn of rotation this produces a positive current and in
the second half of rotation produces a negative current. This completes one
cycle of AC generation.
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AC GENERATION ANALYSIS Basic AC Theory
AC GENERATION ANALYSIS
Analysis of the AC power generation process and of the alternating current we use
in almost every aspect of our lives is necessary to better understand how AC
power is used in today’s technology.
EO 1.3 DEFINE the following terms in relation to AC

generation:
a. Radians/second
b. Hertz
c. Period
EO 1.4 DEFINE effective value of an AC current relative to DC

current.
EO 1.5 Given a maximum value, CALCULATE the effective

(RMS) and average values of AC voltage.
EO 1.6 Given a diagram of two sine waves, DESCRIBE the

phase relationship between the two waves.
Effective Values
The output voltage of an AC generator can be expressed in two ways. One is graphically by use
of a sine wave (Figure 3). The second way is algebraically by the equation
e = Emax sin ωt, which will be covered later in the text.
Figure 3 Voltage Sine Wave
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Basic AC Theory AC GENERATION ANALYSIS
When a voltage is produced by an AC generator, the resulting current varies in step with the
voltage. As the generator coil rotates 360°, the output voltage goes through one complete cycle.
In one cycle, the voltage increases from zero to Emax in one direction, decreases to zero, increases
to Emax in the opposite direction (negative Emax), and then decreases to zero again. The value of
Emax occurs at 90° and is referred to as peak voltage. The time it takes for the generator to
complete one cycle is called the period, and the number of cycles per second is called the
frequency (measured in hertz).
One way to refer to AC voltage or current is by peak voltage (Ep) or peak current (Ip). This is
the maximum voltage or current for an AC sine wave.
Another value, the peak-to-peak value (Ep-p or Ip-p), is the magnitude of voltage, or current range,
spanned by the sine wave. However, the value most commonly used for AC is effective value.
Effective value of AC is the amount of AC that produces the same heating effect as an equal
amount of DC. In simpler terms, one ampere effective value of AC will produce the same
amount of heat in a conductor, in a given time, as one ampere of DC. The heating effect of a
given AC current is proportional to the square of the current. Effective value of AC can be
calculated by squaring all the amplitudes of the sine wave over one period, taking the average
of these values, and then taking the square root. The effective value, being the root of the mean
(average) square of the currents, is known as the root-mean-square, or RMS value. In order to
understand the meaning of effective current applied to a sine wave, refer to Figure 4.
The values of I are plotted on the upper curve, and the corresponding values of I2 are plotted on
the lower curve. The I2 curve has twice the frequency of I and varies above and below a new
axis. The new axis is the average of the I2 values, and the square root of that value is the RMS,
or effective value, of current. The average value is ½ Imax2. The RMS value is then
2
2 Imax 2
OR I , which is equal to 0.707 Imax.
2 2 max
There are six basic equations that are used to convert a value of AC voltage or current to another
value, as listed below.
Average value = peak value x 0.637 (7-1)

Effective value (RMS) = peak value x 0.707 (7-2)
Peak value = average value x 1.57 (7-3)
Effective value (RMS) = average value x 1.11 (7-4)
Peak value = effective value (RMS) x 1.414 (7-5)
Average value = effective (RMS) x 0.9 (7-6)
The values of current (I) and voltage (E) that are normally encountered are assumed to be RMS
values; therefore, no subscript is used.
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Figure 4 Effective Value of Current
Another useful value is the average value of the amplitude during the positive half of the cycle.
Equation (7-7) is the mathematical relationship between Iav , Imax , and I.
Iav 0.637 Imax 0.90 I (7-7)
Equation (7-8) is the mathematical relationship between Eav , Emax , and E.
Eav 0.637 Emax 0.90 E (7-8)
Example 1: The peak value of voltage in an AC circuit is 200 V. What is the RMS value of
the voltage?
E = 0.707 Emax
E = 0.707 (200 V)
E = 141.4 V
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Example 2: The peak current in an AC circuit is 10 amps. What is the average value of
current in the circuit?
Iav = 0.637 Imax

Iav = 0.637 (10 amps)
Iav = 6.37 amps
Phase Angle
Phase angle is the fraction of a cycle, in degrees, that has gone by since a voltage or current has
passed through a given value. The given value is normally zero. Referring back to Figure 3,
take point 1 as the starting point or zero phase. The phase at Point 2 is 30°, Point 3 is 60°, Point
4 is 90°, and so on, until Point 13 where the phase is 360°, or zero. A term more commonly
used is phase difference. The phase difference can be used to describe two different voltages that
have the same frequency, which pass through zero values in the same direction at different times.
In Figure 5, the angles along the axis indicate the phases of voltages e1 and e2 at any point in
time. At 120°, e1 passes through the zero value, which is 60° ahead of e2 (e2 equals zero at
180°). The voltage e1 is said to lead e2 by 60 electrical degrees, or it can be said that e2 lags e1
by 60 electrical degrees.
Figure 5 Phase Relationship
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Phase difference is also used to compare two different currents or a current and a voltage. If the
phase difference between two currents, two voltages, or a voltage and a current is zero degrees,
they are said to be "in-phase." If the phase difference is an amount other than zero, they are said
to be "out-of-phase."
Voltage Calculations
Equation (7-9) is a mathematical representation of the voltage associated with any particular
orientation of a coil (inductor).
e Emax sinθ (7-9)
where
e = induced EMF
Emax = maximum induced EMF
θ = angle from reference (degrees or radians)
Example 1: What is the induced EMF in a coil producing a maximum EMF of 120 V when
the angle from reference is 45°?
e = Emax sin θ
e = 120 V (sin 45°)
e = 84.84 V
The maximum induced voltage can also be called peak voltage Ep. If (t) is the time in which the
coil turns through the angle (θ), then the angular velocity (ω) of the coil is equal to θ/t and is
expressed in units of radians/sec. Equation (7-10) is the mathematical representation of the
angular velocity.
θ ωt (7-10)
where
ω = angular velocity (radians/sec)

t = time to turn through the angle from reference (sec)
θ = angle from reference (radians)
Using substitution laws, a relationship between the voltage induced, the maximum induced
voltage, and the angular velocity can be expressed. Equation (7-11) is the mathematical
representation of the relationship between the voltage induced, the maximum voltage, and the
angular velocity, and is equal to the output of an AC Generator.
e Emax sin (ωt) (7-11)
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where
e = induced EMF (volts)

Emax = maximum induced EMF (volts)
Current Calculations
Maximum induced current is calculated in a similar fashion. Equation (7-12) is a mathematical

representation of the relationship between the maximum induced current and the angular velocity.
i Imax sin (ωt) (7-12)
where
i = induced current (amps)

Imax = maximum induced current (amps)
Frequency Calculations
The frequency of an alternating voltage or current can be related directly to the angular velocity
of a rotating coil. The units of angular velocity are radians per second, and 2π radians is a full
revolution. A radian is an angle that subtends an arc equal to the radius of a circle. One radian
equals 57.3 degrees. One cycle of the sine wave is generated when the coil rotates 2π radians.
Equation (7-13) is the mathematical relationship between frequency (f) and the angular velocity
(ω) in an AC circuit.
ω 2π f (7-13)
where

f = frequency (HZ)
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Example 1: The frequency of a 120 V AC circuit is 60 Hz. Find the following:

1. Angular velocity
2. Angle from reference at 1 msec
3. Induced EMF at that point
Solution:
1. ω = 2πf
= 2 (3.14) (60 Hz)
= 376.8 radians/sec
2. θ = ωt
= (376.8 radian/sec) (.001 sec)
= 0.3768 radians
3. e = Emax sin θ
= (120 V) (sin 0.3768 radians)
= (120 V) (0.3679)
= 44.15 V
Summary
AC generation analysis is summarized below.
Voltage, Current, and Frequency Summary
The following terms relate to the AC cycle: radians/second, the velocity the loop
turns; hertz, the number of cycles in one second; period, the time to complete
one cycle.
Effective value of AC equals effective value of DC.
Root mean square (RMS) values equate AC to DC equivalents:

- I = 0.707 Imax = Effective Current
- E = 0.707 Emax = Effective Voltage
- Iav = 0.636 Imax = 0.9 I = Average Current
- Eav = 0.636 Emax = 0.9 E = Average Voltage
Phase angle is used to compare two wave forms. It references the start, or zero
point, of each wave. It compares differences by degrees of rotation. Wave
forms with the same start point are "in-phase" while wave forms "out-of-phase"
either lead or lag.
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ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
Module 8
Basic AC Reactive Components
Basic AC Reactive Components TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
INDUCTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Inductive Reactance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Voltage and Current Phase Relationships in an Inductive Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
CAPACITANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Capacitive Reactance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
IMPEDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Impedance in R-L Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Impedance in R-C Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Impedance in R-C-L Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
RESONANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Resonant Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Series Resonance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Parallel Resonance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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LIST OF FIGURES Basic AC Reactive Components
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Current, Self-Induced EMF, and Applied Voltage in

Inductive Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 2 Coil Circuit and Phasor Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Figure 3 Voltage, Charge, and Current in a Capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 4 Circuit and Phasor Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Figure 5 Relationship Between Resistance, Reactance, and Impedance . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 6 Simple R-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 7 Simple R-C Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 8 Series R-C-L Impedance-Phasor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 9 Simple R-C-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Figure 10 Simple Parallel R-C-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Basic AC Reactive Components LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF TABLES
NONE

REFERENCES Basic AC Reactive Components
REFERENCES
Sienko and Plane, Chemical Principles and Properties, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill.
Company.
Exide Industrial Marketing Division, The Storage Battery, Lead-Acid Type, The
Electric Storage Battery Company.
McGraw-Hill.
Hill.

Basic AC Reactive Components OBJECTIVES
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
1.0 Using the rules associated with inductors and capacitors, DESCRIBE the
characteristics of these elements when they are placed in an AC circuit.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
1.1 DESCRIBE inductive reactance (XL).
1.2 Given the operation frequency (f) and the value of inductance (L), CALCULATE the
inductive reactance (XL) of a simple circuit.
1.3 DESCRIBE the effect of the phase relationship between current and voltage in an
inductive circuit.
1.4 DRAW a simple phasor diagram representing AC current (I) and voltage (E) in an
inductive circuit.
1.5 DEFINE capacitive reactance (XC).
1.6 Given the operating frequency (f) and the value of capacitance (C), CALCULATE the
capacitive reactance (XC) of a simple AC circuit.
1.7 DESCRIBE the effect on phase relationship between current (I) and voltage (E) in a
capacitive circuit.
1.8 DRAW a simple phasor diagram representing AC current (I) and voltage (E) in a
capacitive circuit.
1.9 DEFINE impedance (Z).
1.10 Given the values for resistance (R) and inductance (L) and a simple R-L series AC
circuit, CALCULATE the impedance (Z) for that circuit.
1.11 Given the values for resistance (R) and capacitance (C) and a simple R-C series AC
circuit, CALCULATE the impedance (Z) for that circuit.
1.12 Given a simple R-C-L series AC circuit and the values for resistance (R), inductive
reactance (XL), and capacitive reactance (XC), CALCULATE the impedance (Z) for
that circuit.
Rev. 0 Page v ES-08

OBJECTIVES Basic AC Reactive Components
ENABLING OBJECTIVES (Cont.)
1.13 STATE the formula for calculating total current (IT) in a simple parallel R-C-L AC
circuit.
1.14 Given a simple R-C-L parallel AC circuit and the values for voltage (VT), resistance
(R), inductive reactance (XL), and capacitive reactance (XC), CALCULATE the
impedance (Z) for that circuit.
1.15 DEFINE resonance.
1.16 Given the values of capacitance (C) and inductance (L), CALCULATE the resonant
frequency.
1.17 Given a series R-C-L circuit at resonance, DESCRIBE the net reactance of the circuit.
1.18 Given a parallel R-C-L circuit at resonance, DESCRIBE the circuit output relative to
current (I).

Basic AC Reactive Components INDUCTANCE
INDUCTANCE
Any device relying on magnetism or magnetic fields to operate is a

form of inductor. Motors, generators, transformers, and coils are
inductors. The use of an inductor in a circuit can cause current and
voltage to become out-of-phase and inefficient unless corrected.
EO 1.1 DESCRIBE inductive reactance (XL).
EO 1.2 Given the operation frequency (f) and the value of

inductance (L), CALCULATE the inductive reactance
(XL) of a simple circuit.
EO 1.3 DESCRIBE the effect of the phase relationship between

current and voltage in an inductive circuit.
EO 1.4 DRAW a simple phasor diagram representing AC

current (I) and voltage (E) in an inductive circuit.
Inductive Reactance
In an inductive AC circuit, the current is continually changing and is continuously inducing an

EMF. Because this EMF opposes the continuous change in the flowing current, its effect is
measured in ohms. This opposition of the inductance to the flow of an alternating current is
called inductive reactance (XL). Equation (8-1) is the mathematical representation of the current
flowing in a circuit that contains only inductive reactance.
E
I (8-1)
XL
where
I = effective current (A)

XL = inductive reactance (Ω)
E = effective voltage across the reactance (V)
The value of XL in any circuit is dependent on the inductance of the circuit and on the rate at
which the current is changing through the circuit. This rate of change depends on the frequency
of the applied voltage. Equation (8-2) is the mathematical representation for XL.
XL 2πf L (8-2)
Rev. 0 Page 1 ES-08

INDUCTANCE Basic AC Reactive Components
where
π = ~3.14
f = frequency (Hertz)
L = inductance (Henries)
The magnitude of an induced EMF in a circuit depends on how fast the flux that links the circuit
is changing. In the case of self-induced EMF (such as in a coil), a counter EMF is induced in
the coil due to a change in current and flux in the coil. This CEMF opposes any change in
current, and its value at any time will depend on the rate at which the current and flux are
changing at that time. In a purely inductive circuit, the resistance is negligible in comparison to
the inductive reactance. The voltage applied to the circuit must always be equal and opposite
to the EMF of self-induction.
Voltage and Current Phase Relationships in an Inductive Circuit
As previously stated, any change in current in a coil (either a rise or a fall) causes a
corresponding change of the magnetic flux around the coil. Because the current changes at its
maximum rate when it is going through its zero value at 90° (point b on Figure 1) and 270°
(point d), the flux change is also the greatest at those times. Consequently, the self-induced EMF
in the coil is at its maximum (or minimum) value at these points, as shown in Figure 1. Because
the current is not changing at the point when it is going through its peak value at 0° (point a),
180° (point c), and 360° (point e), the flux change is zero at those times. Therefore, the self-
induced EMF in the coil is at its zero value at these points.
Figure 1 Current, Self-Induced EMF, and Applied Voltage in an Inductive Circuit
ES-08 Page 2 Rev. 0

Basic AC Reactive Components INDUCTANCE
According to Lenz’s Law (refer to Module 1, Basic Electrical Theory), the induced voltage
always opposes the change in current. Referring to Figure 1, with the current at its maximum
negative value (point a), the induced EMF is at a zero value and falling. Thus, when the current
rises in a positive direction (point a to point c), the induced EMF is of opposite polarity to the
applied voltage and opposes the rise in current. Notice that as the current passes through its zero
value (point b) the induced voltage reaches its maximum negative value. With the current now
at its maximum positive value (point c), the induced EMF is at a zero value and rising. As the
current is falling toward its zero value at 180° (point c to point d), the induced EMF is of the
same polarity as the current and tends to keep the current from falling. When the current reaches
a zero value, the induced EMF is at its maximum positive value. Later, when the current is
increasing from zero to its maximum negative value at 360° (point d to point e), the induced
voltage is of the opposite polarity as the current and tends to keep the current from increasing
in the negative direction. Thus, the induced EMF can be seen to lag the current by 90°.
The value of the self-induced EMF varies as a sine wave and lags the current by 90°, as shown
in Figure 1. The applied voltage must be equal and opposite to the self-induced EMF at all
times; therefore, the current lags the applied voltage by 90° in a purely inductive circuit.
If the applied voltage (E) is represented by a vector rotating in a counterclockwise direction

(Figure 1b), then the current can be expressed as a vector that is lagging the applied voltage by
90°. Diagrams of this type are referred to as phasor diagrams.
Example: A 0.4 H coil with negligible resistance is connected to a 115V, 60 Hz power

source (see Figure 2). Find the inductive reactance of the coil and the current
through the circuit. Draw a phasor diagram showing the phase relationship
between current and applied voltage.
Figure 2 Coil Circuit and Phasor Diagram
Rev. 0 Page 3 ES-08

INDUCTANCE Basic AC Reactive Components
Solution:
1. Inductive reactance of the coil
XL 2πfL
(2)(3.14)(60)(0.4)
XL 150.7 Ω
2. Current through the circuit
E
I
XL
115
150.7
I 0.76 amps
3. Draw a phasor diagram showing the phase relationship between current and
applied voltage.
Phasor diagram showing the current lagging voltage by 90° is drawn in Figure 2b.
Summary
Inductive reactance is summarized below.
Inductive Reactance Summary
Opposition to the flow of alternating current caused by inductance is called

Inductive Reactance (XL).
The formula for calculating XL is:
XL = 2πfL
Current (I) lags applied voltage (E) in a purely inductive circuit by 90° phase
angle.
The phasor diagram shows the applied voltage (E) vector leading (above) the
current (I) vector by the amount of the phase angle differential due to the
relationship between voltage and current in an inductive circuit.
ES-08 Page 4 Rev. 0

Basic AC Reactive Components CAPACITANCE
CAPACITANCE
There are many natural causes of capacitance in AC power circuits,

such as transmission lines, fluorescent lighting, and computer
monitors. Normally, these are counteracted by the inductors
previously discussed. However, where capacitors greatly outnumber
inductive devices, we must calculate the amount of capacitance to add
or subtract from an AC circuit by artificial means.
EO 1.5 DEFINE capacitive reactance (XC).
EO 1.6 Given the operating frequency (f) and the value of

capacitance (C), CALCULATE the capacitive reactance
(XC) of a simple AC circuit.
EO 1.7 DESCRIBE the effect on phase relationship between

current (I) and voltage (E) in a capacitive circuit.
EO 1.8 DRAW a simple phasor diagram representing AC

current (I) and voltage (E) in a capacitive circuit.
Capacitors
The variation of an alternating voltage applied to
a capacitor, the charge on the capacitor, and the
current flowing through the capacitor are
represented by Figure 3.
The current flow in a circuit containing

capacitance depends on the rate at which the
voltage changes. The current flow in Figure 3 is
greatest at points a, c, and e. At these points, the
voltage is changing at its maximum rate (i.e.,
passing through zero). Between points a and b,
the voltage and charge are increasing, and the
current flow is into the capacitor, but decreasing
in value. At point b, the capacitor is fully
charged, and the current is zero. From points b
to c, the voltage and charge are decreasing as the
capacitor discharges, and its current flows in a
direction opposite to the voltage. From points c
to d, the capacitor begins to charge in the
opposite direction, and the voltage and current are Figure 3 Voltage, Charge, and Current in
a Capacitor
again in the same direction.
Rev. 0 Page 5 ES-08

CAPACITANCE Basic AC Reactive Components
At point d, the capacitor is fully charged, and the current flow is again zero. From points d to
e, the capacitor discharges, and the flow of current is opposite to the voltage. Figure 3 shows
the current leading the applied voltage by 90°. In any purely capacitive circuit, current leads
applied voltage by 90°.
Capacitive Reactance
Capacitive reactance is the opposition by a capacitor or a capacitive circuit to the flow of
current. The current flowing in a capacitive circuit is directly proportional to the capacitance and
to the rate at which the applied voltage is changing. The rate at which the applied voltage is
changing is determined by the frequency of the supply; therefore, if the frequency of the
capacitance of a given circuit is increased, the current flow will increase. It can also be said that
if the frequency or capacitance is increased, the opposition to current flow decreases; therefore,
capacitive reactance, which is the opposition to current flow, is inversely proportional to
frequency and capacitance. Capacitive reactance XC, is measured in ohms, as is inductive
reactance. Equation (8-3) is a mathematical representation for capacitive reactance.
1
XC (8-3)
2πf C
where
f = frequency (Hz)
π = ~3.14
C = capacitance (farads)
Equation (8-4) is the mathematical representation of capacitive reactance when capacitance is

expressed in microfarads (µF).
1,000,000
XC (8-4)
2πf C
Equation (8-5) is the mathematical representation for the current that flows in a circuit with only
capacitive reactance.
E
I (8-5)
XC
ES-08 Page 6 Rev. 0

Basic AC Reactive Components CAPACITANCE
where
I = effective current (A)

E = effective voltage across the capacitive reactance (V)
XC = capacitive reactance (Ω)
Example: A 10µF capacitor is connected to a 120V, 60Hz power source (see Figure 4).
Find the capacitive reactance and the current flowing in the circuit. Draw the
phasor diagram.
Figure 4 Circuit and Phasor Diagram
Solution:
1. Capacitive reactance
1,000,000
XC
2πf C
1,000,000
(2)(3.14)(60)(10)
1,000,000
3768
XC 265.4 Ω
Rev. 0 Page 7 ES-08

CAPACITANCE Basic AC Reactive Components
2. Current flowing in the circuit
E
I
XC
120
265.4
I 0.452 amps
3. Phasor diagram showing current leading voltage by 90° is drawn in Figure 4b.
Summary
Capacitive reactance is summarized below.
Capacitive Reactance Summary

Opposition to the flow of alternating current caused by capacitance is called
capacitive reactance (XC).
The formula for calculating XC is:
1
XC
2πf C
Current (I) leads applied voltage by 90o in a purely capacitive circuit.
The phasor diagram shows the applied voltage (E) vector leading (below) the
current (I) vector by the amount of the phase angle differential due to the
relationship between voltage and current in a capacitive circuit.
ES-08 Page 8 Rev. 0

Basic AC Reactive Components IMPEDANCE
IMPEDANCE
Whenever inductive and capacitive components are used in an AC
circuit, the calculation of their effects on the flow of current is
important.
EO 1.9 DEFINE impedance (Z).
EO 1.10 Given the values for resistance (R) and inductance (L)
and a simple R-L series AC circuit, CALCULATE the
EO 1.11 Given the values for resistance (R) and capacitance (C)
and a simple R-C series AC circuit, CALCULATE the
EO 1.12 Given a simple R-C-L series AC circuit and the values

for resistance (R), inductive reactance (XL), and
capacitive reactance (XC), CALCULATE the impedance
(Z) for that circuit.
EO 1.13 STATE the formula for calculating total current (IT) in

a simple parallel R-C-L AC circuit.
EO 1.14 Given a simple R-C-L parallel AC circuit and the values

for voltage (VT), resistance (R), inductive reactance (XL),
and capacitive reactance (XC), CALCULATE the
Impedance
No circuit is without some resistance, whether desired or not. Resistive and reactive components
in an AC circuit oppose current flow. The total opposition to current flow in a circuit depends
on its resistance, its reactance, and the phase relationships between them. Impedance is defined
as the total opposition to current flow in a circuit. Equation (8-6) is the mathematical
representation for the magnitude of impedance in an AC circuit.
Z R2 X2 (8-6)
Rev. 0 Page 9 ES-08

IMPEDANCE Basic AC Reactive Components
where
Z = impedance (Ω)
R = resistance (Ω)
X = net reactance (Ω)
The relationship between resistance, reactance, and impedance is shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 Relationship Between Resistance, Reactance, and Impedance
The current through a certain resistance is always in phase with the applied voltage. Resistance
is shown on the zero axis. The current through an inductor lags applied voltage by 90°; inductive
reactance is shown along the 90° axis. Current through a capacitor leads applied voltage by 90°;
capacitive reactance is shown along the -90° axis. Net reactance in an AC circuit is the
difference between inductive and capacitive reactance. Equation (8-7) is the mathematical
representation for the calculation of net reactance when XL is greater than XC.
X = XL - XC (8-7)
where

XL = inductive reactance (Ω)
XC = capacitive reactance (Ω)

Equation (8-8) is the mathematical representation for the calculation of net reactance when XC
is greater than XL.
X = XC - XL (8-8)
Impedance is the vector sum of the resistance and net reactance (X) in a circuit, as shown in
Figure 5. The angle θ is the phase angle and gives the phase relationship between the applied
voltage and the current. Impedance in an AC circuit corresponds to the resistance of a DC
circuit. The voltage drop across an AC circuit element equals the current times the impedance.
Equation (8-9) is the mathematical representation of the voltage drop across an AC circuit.
V = IZ (8-9)
where
V = voltage drop (V)

I = current (A)
Z = impedance (Ω)
The phase angle θ gives the phase relationship between current and the voltage.
Impedance in R-L Circuits
Impedance is the resultant of phasor addition of R and XL. The symbol for impedance is Z.
Impedance is the total opposition to the flow of current and is expressed in ohms. Equation
(8-10) is the mathematical representation of the impedance in an RL circuit.
2
Z R2 XL (8-10)
Example: If a 100 Ω resistor and a 60 Ω XL are in series with a 115V applied voltage
(Figure 6), what is the circuit impedance?
Rev. 0 Page 11 ES-08

Figure 6 Simple R-L Circuit
Solution:
2
Z R2 XL
1002 602
10,000 3600
13,600
Z 116.6 Ω
Impedance in R-C Circuits
In a capacitive circuit, as in an inductive circuit, impedance is the resultant of phasor addition

of R and XC. Equation (8-11) is the mathematical representation for impedance in an R-C circuit.
2
Z R2 XC (8-11)
Example: A 50 Ω XC and a 60 Ω resistance are in series across a 110V source (Figure 7).
Calculate the impedance.

Figure 7 Simple R-C Circuit
Solution:
2
Z R2 XC
602 502
3600 2500
6100
Z 78.1 Ω
Impedance in R-C-L Circuits
Impedance in an R-C-L series circuit is equal to the phasor sum of resistance, inductive
reactance, and capacitive reactance (Figure 8).

Figure 8 Series R-C-L Impedance-Phasor
Equations (8-12) and (8-13) are the mathematical representations of impedance in an R-C-L
circuit. Because the difference between XL and XC is squared, the order in which the quantities
are subtracted does not affect the answer.
Z R2 (XL XC)2 (8-12)
Z R2 (XC XL)2 (8-13)
Example: Find the impedance of a series R-C-L circuit, when R = 6 Ω, XL = 20 Ω, and XC

= 10 Ω (Figure 9).

Figure 9 Simple R-C-L Circuit
Solution:
Z R2 (XL XC)2
62 (20 10)2
62 102
36 100
136
Z 11.66 Ω
Impedance in a parallel R-C-L circuit equals the voltage divided by the total current. Equation
(8-14) is the mathematical representation of the impedance in a parallel R-C-L circuit.
VT
ZT (8-14)
IT

where
ZT = total impedance (Ω)

VT = total voltage (V)
IT = total current (A)
Total current in a parallel R-C-L circuit is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of
the current flows through the resistance, inductive reactance, and capacitive reactance branches
of the circuit. Equations (8-15) and (8-16) are the mathematical representations of total current
in a parallel R-C-L circuit. Because the difference between IL and IC is squared, the order in
which the quantities are subtracted does not affect the answer.
2
IT = IR (IC IL)2 (8-15)
2
IT = IR (IL IC)2 (8-16)
where
IT = total current (A)

IR = current through resistance leg of circuit (A)
IC = current through capacitive reactance leg of circuit (A)
IL = current through inductive reactance leg of circuit (A)
Example: A 200 Ω resistor, a 100 Ω XL, and an 80 Ω XC are placed in parallel across a
120V AC source (Figure 10). Find: (1) the branch currents, (2) the total current,
and (3) the impedance.
Figure 10 Simple Parallel R-C-L Circuit

Solution:
1. Branch currents
VT VT VT
IR IL IC
R XL XC
120 120 120
200 100 80
IR 0.6 A IL 1.2 A IC 1.5 A
2. Total current
2
IT IR (IC IL)2
(0.6)2 (1.5 1.2)2
(0.6)2 (0.3)2
0.36 0.09
0.45
IT 0.671 A
3. Impedance
VT
Z
IT
120
0.671
Z 178.8 Ω

Summary
Impedance is summarized below.
Impedance Summary
Impedance (Z) is the total opposition to current flow in an AC circuit.
The formula for impedance in a series AC circuit is:
Z R2 X2
The formula for impedance in a parallel R-C-L circuit is:
Z R2 (XC XL)2
The formulas for finding total current (IT) in a parallel R-C-L circuit are:
2
where IC > IL , IT IR (IC IL)2
2
where IL > IC , IT IR (IL IC)2

Basic AC Reactive Components RESONANCE
RESONANCE
In the chapters on inductance and capacitance we have learned that

both conditions are reactive and can provide opposition to current flow,
but for opposite reasons. Therefore, it is important to find the point
where inductance and capacitance cancel one another to achieve
efficient operation of AC circuits.
EO 1.15 DEFINE resonance.
EO 1.16 Given the values of capacitance (C) and inductance (L),

CALCULATE the resonant frequency.
EO 1.17 Given a series R-C-L circuit at resonance, DESCRIBE

the net reactance of the circuit.
EO 1.18 Given a parallel R-C-L circuit at resonance, DESCRIBE

the circuit output relative to current (I).
Resonant Frequency
Resonance occurs in an AC circuit when inductive reactance and capacitive reactance are equal
to one another: XL = XC. When this occurs, the total reactance, X = XL - XC becomes zero and
the impendence is totally resistive. Because inductive reactance and capacitive reactance are both
dependent on frequency, it is possible to bring a circuit to resonance by adjusting the frequency
of the applied voltage. Resonant frequency (fRes) is the frequency at which resonance occurs, or
where XL = XC. Equation (8-14) is the mathematical representation for resonant frequency.
1
fRes (8-14)
2π LC
where
fRes = resonant frequency (Hz)

L = inductance (H)
C = capacitance (f)
Series Resonance
In a series R-C-L circuit, as in Figure 9, at resonance the net reactance of the circuit is zero, and
the impedance is equal to the circuit resistance; therefore, the current output of a series resonant
circuit is at a maximum value for that circuit and is determined by the value of the resistance.
(Z=R)
VT VT
I
ZT R

RESONANCE Basic AC Reactive Components
Parallel Resonance
Resonance in a parallel R-C-L circuit will occur when the reactive current in the inductive
branches is equal to the reactive current in the capacitive branches (or when XL = XC). Because
inductive and capacitive reactance currents are equal and opposite in phase, they cancel one
another at parallel resonance.
If a capacitor and an inductor, each with negligible resistance, are connected in parallel and the
frequency is adjusted such that reactances are exactly equal, current will flow in the inductor and
the capacitor, but the total current will be negligible. The parallel C-L circuit will present an
almost infinite impedance. The capacitor will alternately charge and discharge through the
inductor. Thus, in a parallel R-C-L, as in Figure 10, the net current flow through the circuit is
at minimum because of the high impendence presented by XL and XC in parallel.
Summary
Resonance is summarized below.
Resonance Summary
Resonance is a state in which the inductive reactance equals the capacitive
reactance (XL = XC) at a specified frequency (fRes).
Resonant frequency is:
1
fRes
2π LC
R-C-L series circuit at resonance is when net reactance is zero and circuit
current output is determined by the series resistance of the circuit.
R-C-L parallel circuit at resonance is when net reactance is maximum and

circuit current output is at minimum.

ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
Module 9
Basic AC Power
Basic AC Power TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
POWER TRIANGLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Power Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Apparent Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
True Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Reactive Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Total Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Power Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Power in Series R-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Power in Parallel R-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power in Series R-C Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Power in Parallel R-C Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Power in Series R-C-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Power in Parallel R-C-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
THREE-PHASE CIRCUITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Three-Phase Systems . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power in Balanced 3φ Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Unbalanced 3φ Loads . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rev. 0 Page i ES-09

LIST OF FIGURES Basic AC Power
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Power Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 2 Lagging Power Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Figure 3 Leading Power Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Figure 4 Series R-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 5 Parallel R-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 6 Series R-C Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 7 Parallel R-C Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 8 Series R-C-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 9 Parallel R-C-L Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 10 Three-Phase AC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 11 3φ AC Power Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 12 3φ Balanced Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 13 3φ Power Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 14 Three-Phase Delta Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 15 Three-Phase Wye Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 16 3φ Unbalanced Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Basic AC Power LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF TABLES
NONE

REFERENCES Basic AC Power
REFERENCES
Company.
McGraw-Hill.
Hill.

Basic AC Power OBJECTIVES
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
1.0 Given an AC single-phase or three-phase circuit, DESCRIBE the power characteristics

in the circuit.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
1.1 DESCRIBE the relationship between apparent, true, and reactive power by definition
or by using a power triangle.
1.2 DEFINE power factor as it relates to true power and apparent power.
1.3 Given the necessary values for voltage (E), resistance (R), reactance (X), impedance
(Z), and/or current (I), CALCULATE the following power components for an AC
circuit:
a. True power (P)
b. Apparent power (S)
c. Reactive power (Q)
d. Power factor (pf)
1.4 DEFINE the following terms:

a. Leading power factor
b. Lagging power factor
1.5 STATE the reasons that three-phase power systems are used in the industry.
1.6 Given values for current, voltage, and power factor in a three-phase system,
CALCULATE the following:
a. Real power
b. Reactive power
c. Apparent power
1.7 Given a diagram of a wye- or delta-connected three-phase system, DESCRIBE the

voltage/current relationships of the circuit.
1.8 STATE the indications of an unbalanced load in a three-phase power system.
Rev. 0 Page v ES-09

Basic AC Power

Basic AC Power POWER TRIANGLE
POWER TRIANGLE
While direct current has one form of power, alternating current has three different
forms of power that are related in a unique relationship. In this chapter, you will
learn that power in AC circuits cannot be calculated in the same manner as in DC
circuits.
EO 1.1 DESCRIBE the relationship between apparent, true, and

reactive power by definition or by using a power
triangle.
EO 1.2 DEFINE power factor as it relates to true power and

apparent power.
EO 1.3 Given the necessary values for voltage (E), resistance

(R), reactance (X), impedance (Z), and/or current (I),
CALCULATE the following power components for an
AC circuit:
a. True power (P)
b. Apparent power (S)
c. Reactive power (Q)
d. Power factor (pf)
EO 1.4 DEFINE the following terms:

a. Leading power factor
b. Lagging power factor
Power Triangle
In AC circuits, current and voltage are normally out of phase and, as a result, not all the power
produced by the generator can be used to accomplish work. By the same token, power cannot
be calculated in AC circuits in the same manner as in DC circuits. The power triangle, shown
in Figure 1, equates AC power to DC power by showing the relationship between generator
output (apparent power - S) in volt-amperes (VA), usable power (true power - P) in watts, and
wasted or stored power (reactive power - Q) in volt-amperes-reactive (VAR). The phase angle
(θ) represents the inefficiency of the AC circuit and corresponds to the total reactive impedance
(Z) to the current flow in the circuit.
Rev. 0 Page 1 ES-09

POWER TRIANGLE Basic AC Power
Figure 1 Power Triangle
The power triangle represents comparable values that can be used directly to find the efficiency
level of generated power to usable power, which is expressed as the power factor (discussed
later). Apparent power, reactive power, and true power can be calculated by using the DC
equivalent (RMS value) of the AC voltage and current components along with the power factor.
Apparent Power
Apparent power (S) is the power delivered to an electrical circuit. Equation (9-1) is a
mathematical representation of apparent power. The measurement of apparent power is in volt-
amperes (VA).
S = I2Z = ITE (9-1)
where
S = apparent power (VA)

I = RMS current (A)
E = RMS voltage (V)
Z = impedance (Ω)
ES-09 Page 2 Rev. 0

True Power
True power (P) is the power consumed by the resistive loads in an electrical circuit. Equation
(9-2) is a mathematical representation of true power. The measurement of true power is in watts.
P = I2R = EI cosθ (9-2)
where
P = true power (watts)

I = RMS current (A)
E = RMS voltage (V)
R = resistance (Ω)
θ = angle between E and I sine waves
Reactive Power
Reactive power (Q) is the power consumed in an AC circuit because of the expansion and
collapse of magnetic (inductive) and electrostatic (capacitive) fields. Reactive power is expressed
in volt-amperes-reactive (VAR). Equation (9-3) is a mathematical representation for reactive
power.
Q= I2X = EI sinθ (9-3)
where
Q = reactive power (VAR)
I = RMS current (A)
E = RMS voltage (V)
θ = angle between the E and I sine waves
Unlike true power, reactive power is not useful power because it is stored in the circuit itself.
This power is stored by inductors, because they expand and collapse their magnetic fields in an
attempt to keep current constant, and by capacitors, because they charge and discharge in an
attempt to keep voltage constant. Circuit inductance and capacitance consume and give back
reactive power. Reactive power is a function of a system’s amperage. The power delivered to
the inductance is stored in the magnetic field when the field is expanding and returned to the
source when the field collapses. The power delivered to the capacitance is stored in the
electrostatic field when the capacitor is charging and returned to the source when the capacitor
discharges. None of the power delivered to the circuit by the source is consumed. It is all
returned to the source. The true power, which is the power consumed, is thus zero. We know
that alternating current constantly changes; thus, the cycle of expansion and collapse of the
magnetic and electrostatic fields constantly occurs.
Rev. 0 Page 3 ES-09

Total Power
The total power delivered by the source is the apparent power. Part of this apparent power,
called true power, is dissipated by the circuit resistance in the form of heat. The rest of the
apparent power is returned to the source by the circuit inductance and capacitance.
Power Factor
Power factor (pf) is the ratio between true power and apparent power. True power is the power
consumed by an AC circuit, and reactive power is the power that is stored in an AC circuit.
Cosθ is called the power factor (pf) of an AC circuit. It is the ratio of true power to apparent
power, where θ is the phase angle between the applied voltage and current sine waves and also
between P and S on a power triangle (Figure1). Equation (9-4) is a mathematical representation
of power factor.
P (9-4)
cos θ
S
where
cosθ = power factor (pf)

P = true power (watts)
S = apparent power (VA)
Power factor also determines what part of the

apparent power is real power. It can vary
from 1, when the phase angle is 0°, to 0,
when the phase angle is 90°. In an inductive
circuit, the current lags the voltage and is said
to have a lagging power factor, as shown in
Figure 2.
Figure 2 Lagging Power Factor
In a capacitive circuit, the current leads the voltage

and is said to have a leading power factor, as
shown in Figure 3.
A mnemonic memory device, "ELI the ICE man,"

can be used to remember the voltage/current
relationship in AC circuits. ELI refers to an
Figure 3 Leading Power Factor inductive circuit (L) where current (I) lags voltage
(E). ICE refers to a capacitive circuit (C) where
current (I) leads voltage (E).
ES-09 Page 4 Rev. 0

Power in Series R-L Circuit

Example: A 200 Ω resistor and a
50 Ω XL are placed in series with
a voltage source, and the total
current flow is 2 amps, as shown
in Figure 4.
Find: 1. pf
2. applied voltage, V
3. P
4. Q
5. S
Solution:
Figure 4 Series R-L Circuit
 
X 
1. pf cos θ θ arctan L 
R
  
  X 
cos arctan L 
  R 
  50 
cos arctan 
  200 
cos (14° )
pf 0.097
2
2. V IZ Z R2 XL
2
I R2 XL
2 2002 502
2 42,500
(2)(206.16)
V 412.3 volts
Note: Inverse trigonometric functions such as arctan are discussed in the Mathematics
Fundamentals Manual, Module 4, Trigonometry, pages 6 and 7 should the student require
review.
Rev. 0 Page 5 ES-09

3. P EI cos θ
(412.3)(2)(0.97)
P 799.86 watts
4. Q EI sin θ
(412.3)(2)(0.242)
Q 199.6 VAR
5. S EI
(412.3)(2)
S 824.6 VA
Power in Parallel R-L Circuit
Example: A 600 Ω resistor and

200 Ω XL are in parallel with a
440V source, as shown in Figure
5.
Find: 1. IT
2. pf
3. P
4. Q
5. S
Figure 5 Parallel R-L Circuit
ES-09 Page 6 Rev. 0

Solution:
 I 
2. pf cos θ θ arctan L 
 IR 
  I 
cosarctan L 

  IR 
  2.2 
cosarctan 
  0.73 
cos(arctan( 3))
cos( 71.5°)
pf 0.32
3. P EI cos θ
(440)(2.3)(0.32)
P 323.84 watts
4. Q EI sin θ
(440)(2.3)(0.948)
Q 959.4 VAR
Rev. 0 Page 7 ES-09

5. S EI
(440)(2.3)
S 1012 VA
Power in Series R-C Circuit
Example: An 80 Ω Xc and a 60 Ω
resistance are in series with a
120V source, as shown in Figure
6.
Find: 1. Z
2. IT
3. pf
4. P
5. Q
6. S
Solution: Figure 6 Series R-C Circuit
2
1. Z R2 XC
602 802
3600 6400
Z 100 Ω
VT
2. IT
Z
120
100
IT 1.2 amps
ES-09 Page 8 Rev. 0

 
 XC 
3. pf cos θ θ arctan 
 R
  
  XC 
  R 
  80 
  60 
cos(arctan( 1.33))
cos( 53°)
pf 0.60
4. P EI cos θ
(120)(1.2)(0.60)
P 86.4 watts
5. Q EI sin θ
(120)(1.2)(0.798)
Q 114.9 VAR
6. S EI
(120)(1.2)
S 144 VA
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Power in Parallel R-C Circuit
Example: A 30 Ω resistance and a

40 Ω XC are in parallel with a
120V power source, as shown in
Figure 7.
Find: 1. IT
2. Z
3. pf
4. P
5. Q
6. S
Solution: Figure 7 Parallel R-C Circuit
VT
2. Z
IT
120
5
Z 24 Ω

I 
3. pf cos θ θ arctan C 
 IR 
  I 
cosarctan C 
  IR 
  3 
  4 
cos(arctan(36.9°))
pf 0.80
4. P EI cos θ
(120)(5)(0.80)
P 480 watts
5. Q EI sin θ
(120)(5)(0.6)
Q 360 VAR
6. S EI
(120)(5)
S 600 VA

Power in Series R-C-L Circuit
Example: An 8 Ω resistance, a 40 Ω XL,

and a 24 Ω XC are in series with a 60 Hz
source with a current flow of 4 amps, as
shown in Figure 8.
Find: 1. Z
2. VT
3. pf
4. P
5. Q
6. S
Figure 8 Series R-C-L Circuit
1. Z R2 (XL XC)2
82 (40 24)2
82 162
Z 17.9 Ω
2. VT IZ
(4)(17.9)
VT 71.6 volts

X
3. pf cos θ θ arctan 
R
  X 
  R 
  16 
  8 
cos(arctan(2))
cos(63.4°)
pf 0.45
4. P EI cos θ
(71.6)(4)(0.45)
P 128.9 watts
5. Q EI sin θ
(71.6)(4)(0.89)
Q 254.9 VAR
6. S EI
(71.6)(4)
S 286.4 VA

Power in Parallel R-C-L Circuits
Example: An 800 Ω resistance,

100 Ω XL, and an 80 Ω XC are in
parallel with a 120V, 60Hz source,
as shown in Figure 9.
Find: 1. IT
2. pf
3. P
4. Q
5. S
Figure 9 Parallel R-C-L Circuit

Solution:

I IL 
2. pf cos θ θ arctan C 
 IR 
 I IL 
cosarctan C 
  IR 
  1.5 1.2 
  0.15 
cos(arctan(2))
cos(63.4°)
pf 0.45
3. P EI cos θ
(120)(0.34)(0.45)
P 18.36 watts
4. Q EI sin θ
(120)(0.34)(0.89)
Q 36.4 VAR
5. S EI
(120)(0.34)
S 40.8 VA

Summary
AC power relationships are summarized below.
AC Power Relationships Summary
Observe the equations for apparent, true, and reactive power, and power
factor:
- Apparent power (S) = I2Z = ITE

- True power (P) = I2R = EI cosθ
- Reactive power (Q) = I2X = EI sinθ
P
- Power factor (pf) = = cosθ
S
From observation, you can see that three power equations have the angle θ in
common. θ is the angle between voltage and current. From this relationship,
a power triangle, as shown in Figure 1, is formed.
ELI the ICE man is a mnemonic device that describes the reactive
characteristics of an AC circuit.
- Current (I) lags voltage (E) in an inductive circuit (L)

- Current (I) leads voltage (E) in a capacitive circuit (C)

Basic AC Power THREE-PHASE CIRCUITS
THREE-PHASE CIRCUITS
The design of three-phase AC circuits lends itself to a more efficient method of

producing and utilizing an AC voltage.
EO 1.5 STATE the reasons that three-phase power systems are

used in the industry.
EO 1.6 Given values for current, voltage, and power factor in a

three-phase system, CALCULATE the following:
a. Real power
b. Reactive power
c. Apparent power
EO 1.7 Given a diagram of a wye- or delta-connected three-

phase system, DESCRIBE the voltage/current
relationships of the circuit.
EO 1.8 STATE the indications of an unbalanced load in a three-

phase power system.
Three-Phase Systems
A three-phase (3φ) system is a combination of three single-phase systems. In a 3φ balanced

system, power comes from a 3φ AC generator that produces three separate and equal voltages,
each of which is 120° out of phase with the other voltages (Figure 10).

THREE-PHASE CIRCUITS Basic AC Power
Figure 10 Three-Phase AC
Three-phase equipment (motors, transformers, etc.) weighs less than single-phase equipment of
the same power rating. They have a wide range of voltages and can be used for single-phase
loads. Three-phase equipment is smaller in size, weighs less, and is more efficient than
single-phase equipment.
Three-phase systems can be connected in two different ways. If the three common ends of each
phase are connected at a common point and the other three ends are connected to a 3φ line, it
is called a wye, or Y-, connection (Figure 11). If the three phases are connected in series to form
a closed loop, it is called a delta, or ∆-, connection.

Figure 11 3φ AC Power Connections
Power in Balanced 3φ Loads
Balanced loads, in a 3φ system, have identical impedance in each secondary winding (Figure 12).
The impedance of each winding in a delta load is shown as Z∆ (Figure 12a), and the impedence
in a wye load is shown as Zy (Figure 12b). For either the delta or wye connection, the lines A,
B, and C supply a 3φ system of voltages.
Figure 12 3φ Balanced Loads

In a balanced delta load, the line voltage (VL) is equal to the phase voltage (Vφ ), and the line
current (IL) is equal to the square root of three times the phase current ( 3 Iφ ). Equation (9-5)
is a mathematical representation of VL in a balanced delta load. Equation (9-6) is a mathematical
representation of IL in a balanced delta load.
VL = Vφ (9-5)
IL 3 Iφ (9-6)
In a balanced wye load, the line voltage (VL) is equal to the square root of three times phase
voltage ( 3 Vφ ), and line current (IL) is equal to the phase current (Iφ ). Equation (9-7) is a
mathematical representation of VL in a balanced wye load. Equation (9-8) is a mathematical
representation of IL in a balanced wye load.
VL 3 Vφ (9-7)
IL Iφ (9-8)
Because the impedance of each phase of a balanced delta or wye load has equal current, phase
power is one third of the total power. Equation (9-10) is the mathematical representation for
phase power (Pφ ) in a balanced delta or wye load.
Pφ = Vφ Iφ cosθ (9-10)
Total power (PT) is equal to three times the single-phase power. Equation (9-11) is the
mathematical representation for total power in a balanced delta or wye load.
PT = 3Vφ Iφ cosθ (9-11)
3 IL
In a delta-connected load, VL = Vφ and Iφ so:
3
PT 3 VL IL cos θ
3 VL
In a wye-connected load, IL = Iφ and Vφ so:
3
PT 3 VL IL cos θ

As you can see, the total power formulas for

delta- and wye-connected loads are identical.
Total apparent power (ST) in volt-amperes and

total reactive power (QT) in volt-amperes-reactive
are related to total real power (PT) in watts
(Figure 13).
A balanced three-phase load has the real,

apparent, and reactive powers given by:
PT 3 VT IL cos θ Figure 13 3φ Power Triangle
ST 3 VT IL
QT 3 VT IL sin θ
Example 1: Each phase of a delta-

connected 3φ AC generator
supplies a full load current of 200
A at 440 volts with a 0.6 lagging
power factor, as shown in Figure
14.
Find: 1. VL
2. IL
3. PT
4. QT
5. ST
Figure 14 Three-Phase Delta Generator
Solution:
1. VL Vφ
VL 440 volts

2. IL 3 Iφ
(1.73)(200)
IL 346 amps
3. PT 3 VL IL cos θ
(1.73)(440)(346)(0.6)
PT 158.2 kW
4. QT 3 VL IL sin θ
(1.73)(440)(346)(0.8)
QT 210.7 kVAR
5. ST 3 VL IL
(1.73)(440)(346)
ST 263.4 kVA
Example 2: Each phase of a wye-

connected 3φ AC generator
supplies a 100 A current at a
phase voltage of 240V and a
power factor of 0.9 lagging, as
shown in Figure 15.
Find: 1. VL
2. PT
3. QT
4. ST
Figure 15 Three-Phase Wye Generator

Solution:
1. VL 3 Vφ
(1.73)(240)
VL 415.2 volts
2. PT 3 VL IL cos θ
(1.73)(415.2)(100)(0.9)
PT 64.6 kW
3. QT 3 VL IL sin θ
(1.73)(415.2)(100)(0.436)
QT 31.3 kVAR
4. ST 3 VL IL
(1.73)(415.2)(100)
ST 71.8 kVA
Unbalanced 3φ Loads
An important property of a three-phase balanced system is that the phasor sum of the three line
or phase voltages is zero, and the phasor sum of the three line or phase currents is zero. When
the three load impedances are not equal to one another, the phasor sums and the neutral current
(In) are not zero, and the load is, therefore, unbalanced. The imbalance occurs when an open or
short circuit appears at the load.
If a three-phase system has an unbalanced load and an unbalanced power source, the methods
of fixing the system are complex. Therefore, we will only consider an unbalanced load with a
balanced power source.
Example: A 3φ balanced system, as shown in Figure 16a, contains a wye load. The line-to- line
voltage is 240V, and the resistance is 40 Ω in each branch.

Figure 16 3φ Unbalanced Load
Find line current and neutral current for the following load conditions.
1. balanced load
2. open circuit phase A (Figure 16b)
3. short circuit in phase A (Figure 16c)
Vφ VL
1. IL Iφ Iφ Vφ
Rφ 3
V 
 L
 
IL  3
Rφ
 240 
 
 1.73 
40
138.7
40
IL 3.5 amps IN 0

2. Current flow in lines B and C becomes the resultant of the loads in B and C
connected in series.
VL
IB IC IB
RB RC
240
40 40
IB 3 amps IC 3 amps
IN IB IC
3 3
IN 6 amps
VL
3. IB IC IB
RB
240
40
IB 6 amps IC 6 amps
The current in Phase A is equal to the neutral line current, IA = IN. Therefore, IN
is the phasor sum of IB and IC.
IN 3 IB
(1.73)(6)
IN 10.4 amps
In a fault condition, the neutral connection in a wye-connected load will carry more current than
the phase under a balanced load. Unbalanced three-phase circuits are indicated by abnormally
high currents in one or more of the phases. This may cause damage to equipment if the
imbalance is allowed to continue.

Summary
Three-phase circuits are summarized below.
Three-Phase Circuits Summary
Three-phase power systems are used in the industry because:
- Three-phase circuits weigh less than single-phase circuits of the same

power rating.
- They have a wide range of voltages and can be used for single-phase
loads.
- Three-phase equipment is smaller in size, weighs less, and is more
efficient than single-phase equipment.
Unbalanced three-phase circuits are indicated by abnormally high currents in one

or more of the phases.

ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
Module 10
AC Generators
AC Generators TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
AC GENERATOR COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Armature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Prime Mover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rotor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Stator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Slip Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
AC GENERATOR THEORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Losses in an AC Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Hysteresis Losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Mechanical Losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
AC GENERATOR OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Paralleling AC Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Types of AC Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Three-Phase AC Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
AC Generator Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Rev. 0 Page i ES-10

LIST OF FIGURES AC Generators
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Basic AC Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 2 Comparison of DC and AC Generator Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Figure 3 Simple AC Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 4 AC Generator Nameplate Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Figure 5 Stationary Field, Rotating Armature AC Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 6 Simple AC Generator - Rotating Field,

Stationary Armature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 7 Stationary Armature 3φ Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 8 Delta Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 9 Characteristics of a Delta-Connected Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 10 Wye Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 11 Characteristics of a Wye-Connected AC Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

AC Generators LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF TABLES
NONE

REFERENCES AC Generators
REFERENCES
Van Valkenburgh, Nooger, and Neville, Basic Electricity, Vol. 5, Hayden Book Company.
Croft, Carr, Watt, and Summers, American Electricians Handbook, 10th Edition, McGraw-
Hill.
Buban and Schmitt, Understanding Electricity and Electronics, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill.

AC Generators OBJECTIVES
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
1.0 Given the type and application of an AC generator, DESCRIBE the operating
characteristics of that generator including methods of voltage production, advantages of
each type, and methods for paralleling.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
1.1 STATE the purpose of the following components of an AC generator:

a. Field
b. Armature
c. Prime mover
d. Rotor
e. Stator
f. Slip rings
1.2 Given the speed of rotation and number of poles, CALCULATE the frequency output
of an AC generator.
1.3 LIST the three losses found in an AC generator.
1.4 Given the prime mover input and generator output, DETERMINE the efficiency of an
AC generator.
1.5 DESCRIBE the bases behind the kW and current ratings of an AC generator.
1.6 DESCRIBE the conditions that must be met prior to paralleling two AC generators
including consequences of not meeting these conditions.
1.7 DESCRIBE the difference between a stationary field, rotating armature AC generator and
a rotating field, stationary armature AC generator.
1.8 EXPLAIN the differences between a wye-connected and delta-connected AC generator

including advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Rev. 0 Page v ES-10

AC Generators

AC Generators AC GENERATOR COMPONENTS
AC GENERATOR COMPONENTS
AC generators are widely used to produce AC voltage. To understand how these

generators operate, the function of each component of the generator must first be
understood.
EO 1.1 STATE the purpose of the following components of an

AC generator:
a. Field
b. Armature
c. Prime mover
d. Rotor
e. Stator
f. Slip rings
Field
The field in an AC generator consists of coils of conductors within the generator that receive a
voltage from a source (called excitation) and produce a magnetic flux. The magnetic flux in the
field cuts the armature to produce a voltage. This voltage is ultimately the output voltage of the
AC generator.
Armature
The armature is the part of an AC generator in which voltage is produced. This component
consists of many coils of wire that are large enough to carry the full-load current of the
generator.
Prime Mover
The prime mover is the component that is used to drive the AC generator. The prime mover may
be any type of rotating machine, such as a diesel engine, a steam turbine, or a motor.
Rev. 0 Page 1 ES-10

AC GENERATOR COMPONENTS AC Generators
Rotor
The rotor of an AC generator is the rotating component of the generator, as shown in Figure 1.
The rotor is driven by the generator’s prime mover, which may be a steam turbine, gas turbine,
or diesel engine. Depending on the type of generator, this component may be the armature or
the field. The rotor will be the armature if the voltage output is generated there; the rotor will
be the field if the field excitation is applied there.
Figure 1 Basic AC Generator
Stator
The stator of an AC generator is the part that is stationary (refer to Figure 1). Like the rotor,
this component may be the armature or the field, depending on the type of generator. The stator
will be the armature if the voltage output is generated there; the stator will be the field if the
field excitation is applied there.
ES-10 Page 2 Rev. 0

AC Generators AC GENERATOR COMPONENTS
Slip Rings
Slip rings are electrical connections that are used to transfer power to and from the rotor of an
AC generator (refer to Figure 1). The slip ring consists of a circular conducting material that is
connected to the rotor windings and insulated from the shaft. Brushes ride on the slip ring as
the rotor rotates. The electrical connection to the rotor is made by connections to the brushes.
Slip rings are used in AC generators because the desired output of the generator is a sine wave.
In a DC generator, a commutator was used to provide an output whose current always flowed
in the positive direction, as shown in Figure 2. This is not necessary for an AC generator.
Therefore, an AC generator may use slip rings, which will allow the output current and voltage
to oscillate through positive and negative values. This oscillation of voltage and current takes
the shape of a sine wave.
Figure 2 - Comparison of DC and AC Generator Outputs
Rev. 0 Page 3 ES-10

AC GENERATOR COMPONENTS AC Generators
Summary
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
AC Generator Components Summary
The field in an AC generator consists of coils of conductors within the

generator that receive a voltage from a source (called excitation) and produce
a magnetic flux.
The armature is the part of an AC generator in which output voltage is

produced.
The prime mover is the component that is used to drive the AC generator.
The rotor of an AC generator is the part that is driven by the prime mover
and that rotates.
The stator of an AC generator is the part that is stationary.
Slip rings are electrical connections that are used to transfer power to and
from the rotor of an AC generator.
ES-10 Page 4 Rev. 0

AC Generators AC GENERATOR THEORY
AC GENERATOR THEORY
AC generators are widely used to produce AC voltage. To understand how these

generators operate, the basic theory of operation must first be understood.
EO 1.2 Given the speed of rotation and number of poles,

CALCULATE the frequency output of an AC generator.
EO 1.3 LIST the three losses found in an AC generator.
EO 1.4 Given the prime mover input and generator output,

DETERMINE the efficiency of an AC generator.
Theory of Operation
A simple AC generator consists of:

(a) a strong magnetic field, (b)
conductors that rotate through that
magnetic field, and (c) a means by
which a continuous connection is
provided to the conductors as they
are rotating (Figure 3). The strong
magnetic field is produced by a
current flow through the field coil
of the rotor. The field coil in the
rotor receives excitation through
the use of slip rings and brushes.
Two brushes are spring-held in
contact with the slip rings to
provide the continuous connection Figure 3 Simple AC Generator
between the field coil and the
external excitation circuit. The armature is contained within the windings of the stator and is
connected to the output. Each time the rotor makes one complete revolution, one complete cycle
of AC is developed. A generator has many turns of wire wound into the slots of the rotor.
The magnitude of AC voltage generated by an AC generator is dependent on the field strength

and speed of the rotor. Most generators are operated at a constant speed; therefore, the generated
voltage depends on field excitation, or strength.
Rev. 0 Page 5 ES-10

AC GENERATOR THEORY AC Generators
The frequency of the generated voltage is dependent on the number of field poles and the speed
at which the generator is operated, as indicated in Equation (10-1).
NP
f = (10-1)
120
where
f = frequency (Hz)
P = total number of poles
N = rotor speed (rpm)
120 = conversion from minutes to seconds and from poles to pole pairs
The 120 in Equation (10-1) is derived by multiplying the following conversion factors.
60 seconds 2 poles
x
1 minute pole pair
In this manner, the units of frequency (hertz or cycles/sec.) are derived.
Losses in an AC Generator
The load current flows through the armature in all AC generators. Like any coil, the armature
has some amount of resistance and inductive reactance. The combination of these make up what
is known as the internal resistance, which causes a loss in an AC generator. When the load
current flows, a voltage drop is developed across the internal resistance. This voltage drop
subtracts from the output voltage and, therefore, represents generated voltage and power that is
lost and not available to the load. The voltage drop in an AC generator can be found using
Equation (10-2).
Voltage drop IaRa IaXLa (10-2)
where
Ia = armature current
Ra = armature resistance
XLa = armature inductive reactance
ES-10 Page 6 Rev. 0

AC Generators AC GENERATOR THEORY
Hysteresis Losses
Hysteresis losses occur when iron cores in an AC generator are subject to effects from a
magnetic field. The magnetic domains of the cores are held in alignment with the field in
varying numbers, dependent upon field strength. The magnetic domains rotate, with respect to
the domains not held in alignment, one complete turn during each rotation of the rotor. This
rotation of magnetic domains in the iron causes friction and heat. The heat produced by this
friction is called magnetic hysteresis loss.
To reduce hysteresis losses, most AC armatures are constructed of heat-treated silicon steel,
which has an inherently low hysteresis loss. After the heat-treated silicon steel is formed to the
desired shape, the laminations are heated to a dull red and then allowed to cool. This process,
known as annealing, reduces hysteresis losses to a very low value.
Mechanical Losses
Rotational or mechanical losses can be caused by bearing friction, brush friction on the
commutator, and air friction (called windage), which is caused by the air turbulence due to
armature rotation. Careful maintenance can be instrumental in keeping bearing friction to a
minimum. Clean bearings and proper lubrication are essential to the reduction of bearing friction.
Brush friction is reduced by ensuring: proper brush seating, proper brush use, and maintenance
of proper brush tension. A smooth and clean commutator also aids in the reduction of brush
friction. In very large generators, hydrogen is used within the generator for cooling; hydrogen,
being less dense than air, causes less windage losses than air.
Efficiency
Efficiency of an AC generator is the ratio of the useful power output to the total power input.
Because any mechanical process experiences some losses, no AC generators can be 100 percent
efficient. Efficiency of an AC generator can be calculated using Equation (10-3).
Output
Efficiency x 100 (10-3)
Input
Example: Given a 5 hp motor acting as the prime mover of a generator that has a load
demand of 2 kW, what is the efficiency of the generator?
Solution:
In order to calculate efficiency, the input and output power must be in the same
units. As described in Thermodynamics, the horsepower and the watt are
equivalent units of power.
Rev. 0 Page 7 ES-10

AC GENERATOR THEORY AC Generators
Therefore, the equivalence of these units is expressed with a conversion factor as

follows.
 ft lbf   1 kW   1000 w  W
 550      746
 sec   ft lbf   1 kW  hp
   737.6 
 1hp   sec 
W
Input Power = 5 hp x 746 3730 W
hp
Output Power = 2 kW 2000 W
Output 2000 W
Efficiency = 0.54 x 100 54%
Input 3730 W
Summary
The important information covered in this chapter is summarized below.
AC Generator Theory Summary
The frequency of the generated voltage in an AC generator can be calculated by

multiplying the number of poles by the speed of the generator and dividing by
a factor of 120.
The three losses found in an AC generator are:

- Internal voltage drops due to the internal resistance and impedance of the
generator
- Hysteresis losses
- Mechanical losses
Efficiency of an AC generator can be calculated by dividing the output by the

input and multiplying by 100.
ES-10 Page 8 Rev. 0

AC Generators AC GENERATOR OPERATION
AC GENERATOR OPERATION
Because of the nature of AC voltage and current, the operation of an AC

generator requires that rules and procedures be followed. In addition, there are
various types of AC generators available, each type having advantages and
disadvantages.
EO 1.5 DESCRIBE the bases behind the kW and current

ratings of an AC generator.
EO 1.6 DESCRIBE the conditions that must be met prior to

paralleling two AC generators including consequences of
not meeting these conditions.
EO 1.7 DESCRIBE the difference between a stationary field,

rotating armature AC generator and a rotating field,
stationary armature AC generator.
EO 1.8 EXPLAIN the differences between a wye-connected and

delta-connected AC generator including advantages and
disadvantages of each type.
Ratings
Typical name plate data for an AC generator

(Figure 4) includes: (1) manufacturer; (2)
serial number and type number; (3) speed
(rpm), number of poles, frequency of output,
number of phases, and maximum supply
voltage; (4) capacity rating in KVA and kW
at a specified power factor and maximum
output voltage; (5) armature and field current
per phase; and (6) maximum temperature rise.
Power (kW) ratings of an AC generator are

based on the ability of the prime mover to
overcome generator losses and the ability of
the machine to dissipate the internally
generated heat. The current rating of an AC
generator is based on the insulation rating of Figure 4 AC Generator Nameplate Ratings
the machine.
Rev. 0 Page 9 ES-10

AC GENERATOR OPERATION AC Generators
Paralleling AC Generators
Most electrical power grids and distribution systems have more than one AC generator operating
at one time. Normally, two or more generators are operated in parallel in order to increase the
available power. Three conditions must be met prior to paralleling (or synchronizing) AC
generators.
Their terminal voltages must be equal. If the voltages of the two AC generators are not
equal, one of the AC generators could be picked up as a reactive load to the other AC
generator. This causes high currents to be exchanged between the two machines, possibly
causing generator or distribution system damage.
Their frequencies must be equal. A mismatch in frequencies of the two AC generators

will cause the generator with the lower frequency to be picked up as a load on the other
generator (a condition referred to as "motoring"). This can cause an overload in the
generators and the distribution system.
Their output voltages must be in phase. A mismatch in the phases will cause large
opposing voltages to be developed. The worst case mismatch would be 180° out of
phase, resulting in an opposing voltage between the two generators of twice the output
voltage. This high voltage can cause damage to the generators and distribution system
due to high currents.
During paralleling operations, voltages of the two generators that are to be paralleled are
indicated through the use of voltmeters. Frequency matching is accomplished through the use
of output frequency meters. Phase matching is accomplished through the use of a synchroscope,
a device that senses the two frequencies and gives an indication of phase differences and a
relative comparison of frequency differences.
Types of AC Generators
As previously discussed, there are two types of
AC generators: the stationary field, rotating
armature; and the rotating field, stationary
armature.
Small AC generators usually have a stationary

field and a rotating armature (Figure 5). One
important disadvantage to this arrangement is that
the slip-ring and brush assembly is in series with
the load circuits and, because of worn or dirty
components, may interrupt the flow of current.
Figure 5 Stationary Field, Rotating Armature

AC Generator

If DC field excitation is connected

to the rotor, the stationary coils
will have AC induced into them
(Figure 6). This arrangement is
called a rotating field, stationary
armature AC generator.
The rotating field, stationary

armature type AC generator is
used when large power generation
is involved. In this type of
generator, a DC source is supplied
to the rotating field coils, which
produces a magnetic field around
the rotating element. As the rotor
is turned by the prime mover, the Figure 6 Simple AC Generator - Rotating Field, Stationary
Armature
field will cut the conductors of the
stationary armature, and an EMF
will be induced into the armature windings.
This type of AC generator has several advantages over the stationary field, rotating armature AC
generator: (1) a load can be connected to the armature without moving contacts in the circuit;
(2) it is much easier to insulate stator fields than rotating fields; and (3) much higher voltages
and currents can be generated.
Three-Phase AC Generators
The principles of a three-phase generator are basically
the same as that of a single-phase generator, except
that there are three equally-spaced windings and three
output voltages that are all 120° out of phase with
one another. Physically adjacent loops (Figure 7) are
separated by 60° of rotation; however, the loops are
connected to the slip rings in such a manner that
there are 120 electrical degrees between phases.
The individual coils of each winding are combined

and represented as a single coil. The significance of
Figure 7 is that it shows that the three-phase
generator has three separate armature windings that
are 120 electrical degrees out of phase.
Figure 7 Stationary Armature 3φ Generator

AC Generator Connections
As shown in Figure 7, there are six leads from the
armature of a three-phase generator, and the output is
connected to an external load. In actual practice, the
windings are connected together, and only three leads are
brought out and connected to the external load.
Two means are available to connect the three armature

windings. In one type of connection, the windings are
connected in series, or delta-connected (∆) (Figure 8).
In a delta-connected generator, the voltage between any Figure 8 Delta Connection

two of the phases, called line voltage, is the same as the
voltage generated in any one phase. As shown in Figure 9, the three phase voltages are equal,
as are the three line voltages. The current in any line is 3 times the phase current. You can
see that a delta-connected generator provides an increase in current, but no increase in voltage.
Figure 9 Characteristics of a Delta-Connected Generator
An advantage of the delta-connected AC generator is that if one phase becomes damaged or

open, the remaining two phases can still deliver three-phase power. The capacity of the generator
is reduced to 57.7% of what it was with all three phases in operation.

In the other type of connection, one of the

leads of each winding is connected, and
the remaining three leads are connected to
an external load. This is called a wye
connection (Y) (Figure 10).
The voltage and current characteristics of

the wye-connected AC generator are
opposite to that of the delta connection.
Voltage between any two lines in a wye-
connected AC generator is 1.73 (or 3 ) Figure 10 Wye Connection
times any one phase voltage, while line
currents are equal to phase currents. The
wye-connected AC generator provides an increase in voltage, but no increase in current (Figure
11).
Figure 11 Characteristics of a Wye-Connected AC Generator
An advantage of a wye-connected AC generator is that each phase only has to carry 57.7% of
line voltage and, therefore, can be used for high voltage generation.

Summary
The important information covered in this chapter is summarized below.
AC Generator Operation Summary
Power (kW) ratings of an AC generator are based on the ability of the prime
mover to overcome generation losses and the ability of the machine to dissipate
the heat generated internally. The current rating of an AC generator is based on
the insulation rating of the machine.
There are three requirements that must be met to parallel AC generators:
1) Their terminal voltages must be equal. A mismatch may cause high

currents and generator or distribution system damage.
2) Their frequencies must be equal. A mismatch in frequencies can cause

one generator to "motor," causing an overload in the generators and the
distribution system.
3) Their output voltages must be in phase. A mismatch in the phases will

cause large opposing voltages to be developed, resulting in damage to the
generators and distribution system due to high currents.
The disadvantage of a stationary field, rotating armature is that the slip-ring and
brush assembly is in series with the load circuits and, because of worn or dirty
components, may interrupt the flow of current.
A stationary armature, rotating field generator has several advantages: (1) a load
can be connected to the armature without moving contacts in the circuit; (2) it
is much easier to insulate stator fields than rotating fields; and (3) much higher
voltages and currents can be generated.
The advantage of the delta-connected AC generator is that if one phase becomes

damaged or open, the remaining two phases can still deliver three-phase power
at a reduced capacity of 57.7%.
The advantage of a wye-connected AC generator is that each phase only has to

carry 57.7% of line voltage and, therefore, can be used for high voltage
generation.

ELECTRICAL SCIENCE
Module 11
Voltage Regulators
Voltage Regulators TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
VOLTAGE REGULATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Block Diagram Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Sensing Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Reference Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Comparison Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Amplification Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Signal Output Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Feedback Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Changing Output Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rev. 0 Page i ES-11

LIST OF FIGURES Voltage Regulators
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Voltage Regulator Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Voltage Regulators LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF TABLES
NONE

REFERENCES Voltage Regulators
REFERENCES
Van Valkenburgh, Nooger, and Neville, Basic Electricity, Vol. 5, Hayden Book Company.
Croft, Carr, Watt, and Summers, American Electricians Handbook, 10th Edition, McGraw-
Hill.
Buban and Schmitt, Understanding Electricity and Electronics, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill.

Voltage Regulators OBJECTIVES
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
1.0 Given a block diagram, DESCRIBE the operation of a typical voltage regulator.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
1.1 STATE the purpose for voltage regulation equipment.
1.2 Given a block diagram of a typical voltage regulator, DESCRIBE the function of
each of the following components:
a. Sensing circuit
b. Reference circuit
c. Comparison circuit
d. Amplification circuit(s)
e. Signal output circuit
f. Feedback circuit
Rev. 0 Page v ES-11

Voltage Regulators

Voltage Regulators VOLTAGE REGULATORS
VOLTAGE REGULATORS
Because the voltage from an AC generator varies as the output load and power
factor change, a voltage regulator circuit is necessary to permit continuity of the
desired output voltage.
EO 1.1 STATE the purpose for voltage regulation equipment.
EO 1.2 Given a block diagram of a typical voltage regulator,

DESCRIBE the function of each of the following
components:
a. Sensing circuit
b. Reference circuit
c. Comparison circuit
d. Amplification circuit(s)
e. Signal output circuit
f. Feedback circuit
Purpose
The purpose of a voltage regulator is to maintain the output voltage of a generator at a desired
value. As load on an AC generator changes, the voltage will also tend to change. The main
reason for this change in voltage is the change in the voltage drop across the armature winding
caused by a change in load current. In an AC generator, there is an IR drop and an IXL drop
caused by the AC current flowing through the resistance and inductance of the windings. The
IR drop is dependent on the amount of the load change only. The IXL drop is dependent on not
only the load change, but also the power factor of the circuit. Therefore, the output voltage of
an AC generator varies with both changes in load (i.e., current) and changes in power factor.
Because of changes in voltage, due to changes in load and changes in power factor, AC
generators require some auxiliary means of regulating output voltage.
Block Diagram Description
Figure 1 shows a typical block diagram of an AC generator voltage regulator. This regulator
consists of six basic circuits that together regulate the output voltage of an AC generator from
no-load to full-load.
Rev. 0 Page 1 ES-11

VOLTAGE REGULATORS Voltage Regulators
Figure 1 Voltage Regulator Block Diagram
Sensing Circuit
The sensing circuit senses output voltage of the AC generator. As the generator is loaded or
unloaded, the output voltage changes, and the sensing circuit provides a signal of these voltage
changes. This signal is proportional to output voltage and is sent to the comparison circuit.
Reference Circuit
The reference circuit maintains a constant output for reference. This reference is the desired
voltage output of the AC generator.
Comparison Circuit
The comparison circuit electrically compares the reference voltage to the sensed voltage and
provides an error signal. This error signal represents an increase or decrease in output voltage.
The signal is sent to the amplification circuit.
Amplification Circuit
The amplification circuit, which can be a magnetic amplifier or transistor amplifier, takes the
signal from the comparison circuit and amplifies the milliamp input to an amp output, which is
then sent to the signal output, or field, circuit.
ES-11 Page 2 Rev. 0

Voltage Regulators VOLTAGE REGULATORS
Signal Output Circuit
The signal output circuit, which controls field excitation of the AC generator, increases or
decreases field excitation to either raise or lower the AC output voltage.
Feedback Circuit
The feedback circuit takes some of the output of the signal output circuit and feeds it back to the
amplification circuit. It does this to prevent overshooting or undershooting of the desired voltage
by slowing down the circuit response.
Changing Output Voltage
Let us consider an increase in generator load and, thereby, a drop in output voltage. First, the
sensing circuit senses the decrease in output voltage as compared to the reference and lowers its
input to the comparison circuit. Since the reference circuit is always a constant, the comparison
circuit will develop an error signal due to the difference between the sensed voltage and the
reference voltage. The error signal developed will be of a positive value with the magnitude of
the signal dependent on the difference between the sensed voltage and the reference voltage.
This output from the comparison circuit will then be amplified by the amplifier circuit and sent
to the signal output circuit. The signal output circuit then increases field excitation to the AC
generator. This increase in field excitation causes generated voltage to increase to the desired
output.
If the load on the generator were decreased, the voltage output of the machine would rise. The
actions of the voltage regulator would then be the opposite of that for a lowering output voltage.
In this case, the comparison circuit will develop a negative error signal whose magnitude is again
dependent on the difference between the sensed voltage and the reference voltage. As a result,
the signal output circuit will decrease field excitation to the AC generator, causing the generated
voltage to decrease to the desired output.
Rev. 0 Page 3 ES-11

VOLTAGE REGULATORS Voltage Regulators
Summary
Voltage regulators are summarized below.
Voltage Regulators Summary
Purpose - to maintain the output voltage of a generator at a desired value
Sensing circuit - senses output voltage of the AC generator
Reference circuit - maintains a constant output for reference, or desired, voltage

output of the AC generator
Comparison circuit - compares reference voltage to output voltage and provides

an error signal to the amplification circuit
Amplification circuit(s) - takes the signal from the comparison circuit and
amplifies the milliamp input to an amp output
Signal output circuit - controls field excitation of the AC generator
Feedback circuit - prevents overshooting or undershooting of the desired voltage

by slowing down the circuit response
ES-11 Page 4 Rev. 0

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DOE-HDBK-1011/3-92

DOE FUNDAMENTALS HANDBOOK

U.S. Department of Energy FSC-6910

Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Order No. DE92019787

Key Words: Training Material, Magnetism, DC Theory, DC Circuits, Batteries, DC

The Department of Energy (DOE) Fundamentals Handbooks consist of ten academic

Each handbook contains an abstract, a foreword, an overview, learning objectives, and

The Department of Energy Fundamentals Handbook entitled Electrical Science was

Module 1 - Basic Electrical Theory

Module 2 - Basic DC Theory

Module 7 - Basic AC Theory

Module 8 - AC Reactive Components

This module describes inductance and capacitance and their effects on AC

This module describes the operating characteristics of AC generators and includes

Module 11 - Voltage Regulators

Module 14 - Test Instruments and Measuring Devices

Module 15 - Electrical Distribution Systems

The information contained in this handbook is by no means all encompassing. An

LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Development of a Sine-Wave Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Rev. 0 Page i ES-07

Figure 1 Simple AC Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Figure 2 Developing a Sine-Wave Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Figure 3 Voltage Sine Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Figure 4 Effective Value of Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Figure 5 Phase Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ES-07 Page ii Rev. 0

Rev. 0 Page iii ES-07

Gussow, Milton, Schaum’s Outline Series, Basic Electricity, McGraw-Hill.

Kidwell, Walter, Electrical Instruments and Measurements, McGraw-Hill.

ES-07 Page iv Rev. 0

1.1 DESCRIBE the construction and operation of a simple AC generator.

1.2 EXPLAIN the development of a sine-wave output in an AC generator.

1.3 DEFINE the following terms in relation to AC generation:

1.4 DEFINE effective value of an AC current relative to DC current.

Rev. 0 Page v ES-07

Intentionally Left Blank

ES-07 Page vi Rev. 0

An understanding of how an AC generator develops an AC output will help the

EO 1.1 DESCRIBE the construction and operation of a simple

EO 1.2 EXPLAIN the development of a sine-wave output in an

The elementary AC generator (Figure 1) consists of a conductor, or loop of wire in a magnetic

Figure 1 Simple AC Generator

Development of a Sine-Wave Output

Rev. 0 Page 1 ES-07

Figure 2 Developing a Sine-Wave Voltage

ES-07 Page 2 Rev. 0

AC generation is summarized below.

A simple generator consists of a conductor loop turning in a magnetic field,

Rev. 0 Page 3 ES-07

EO 1.3 DEFINE the following terms in relation to AC

EO 1.4 DEFINE effective value of an AC current relative to DC

EO 1.5 Given a maximum value, CALCULATE the effective

EO 1.6 Given a diagram of two sine waves, DESCRIBE the

Figure 3 Voltage Sine Wave

ES-07 Page 4 Rev. 0

Average value = peak value x 0.637 (7-1)

Rev. 0 Page 5 ES-07

Figure 4 Effective Value of Current