Introduction to Alternating Current

Last time, we studied the first part of Learn Electrical Engineering for Beginners and this is all about DC Circuits. Today, we will be dealing with our Part 2 of our module and this is all about Alternating Current Circuits.

So, you may now start to learn what this ac is and how it behaves. Alternating Current does not flow through a conductor in the same direction as what dc does. Instead, it flows back and forth in the conductor at the regular interval, continually reversing its direction of flow and can do so very quickly. It is measured in amperes, just as dc is measured too. Remember, one couloumb of electrons is passing a given point in a conductor in one second. This definition also applies when ac is flowing- only now some of the electrons during that 1 second flow past the given point going in one direction, and the rest flow past it going in the opposite directions.

Difference between DC and AC

The industrial applications of alternating current are widespread. These include the many types of induction motor, ranging in size employed in wind tunnels and reclamation projects, transformer equipment used in connection with welders and many kinds of control devices, communication systems, and many others.

The advantages of ac generation are, however, apparent when it is recognized that it can be accomplished economically in large power plants where fuel and water are abundant. But nowadays, solar power is becoming popular as power plants through solar panels. Moreover, generators and associated equipment may be large, an important matter in so far as cost per kilowatt is concerned; also transmission over networks of high-voltage lines to distant load centers is entirely practicable.

Transmission Lines to distant load centers

In Part 2 of Learn Electrical Engineering for Beginners, you will study the nature, behavior and uses of time-varying or alternating current. You will study the for the first time two components - the inductor and the capacitor which are frequently used to control direct as well as alternating current and voltage. The resistors, in which we all know acted in such a way as to restrict the flow of current directly. In other words, the bigger the resistor you put in, the more you restrict the current flow. The inductor and the capacitor, on the other hand, act to control the current and voltage in different ways, and you will see that they do depends on how often the current is reversed. These three components - the resistor, inductor and the capacitor are basic elements of electric and electronic circuits.

Resistor, Capacitor and Inductor Behavior in AC Circuits

As of now, you will not understand the meaning of the behavior of the given diagram shown above. But as we started the first topic of AC Circuits on my next post, you will appreciate and understand gradually what really mean by AC Circuits.

Practical Commutation

The e.m.f. induced in each coil of armature is alternating in nature. If load is connected, the current flowing will also be alternating. But the flow of current in a d.c. generator must be undirectional. This can be achieved by the use of commutator. When the armature conductors are under the influence of one pole they carry current in one direction whereas the current is reversed when the conductors are under the influence of other pole. This reversal of current takes place along the magnetic neutral axis. Fig. 1 Note : The reversal of current is likely to take place in short interval when a coil is short circuited by a brush so that transfer of current from one direction to other is carried out without any sparking. This process is called commutation. Thus a process by which current in the short circuited coil is reversed while it crosses the MNA is called commutation. The time during which the coil remains short circuited is known as...

Demagnetising and Cross Magnetizing Conductors

The conductors which are responsible for producing demagnetizing and distortion effects are shown in the Fig.1. Fig. 1 The brushes are lying along the new position of MNA which is at angle θ from GNA. The conductors in the region AOC = BOD = 2θ at the top and bottom of the armature are carrying current in such a direction as to send the flux in armature from right to left. Thus these conductors are in direct opposition to main field and called demagnetizing armature conductors. The remaining armature conductors which are lying in the region AOD and BOC carry current in such a direction as to send the flux pointing vertically downwards i.e. at right angles to the main field flux. Hence these conductors are called cross magnetizing armature conductors which will cause distortion in main field flux. These conductors are shown in the Fig. 2 Fig. 2 ...

Winding Pitches

Now we will consider the definitions of different types of winding pitches, required in the design of the armature winding. 1.1 Back Pitch The distance which is measured interns of armature conductors i.e. between top and bottom coil sides of a coil measured around the back of the armature i.e. away from the commutator is called back pitch and is denoted by . It is measured interms of coil sides. Note : Since it is difference between odd and even number, it is always odd number. The size of the coil is decided by the back pitch. The back pitch is normally equal to coilsides per pole. It is shown for lap and wave type of winding in the Fig. 1. Fig. 1 The back pitch for the winding shown in the Fig. 1 is y b = 14 - 1 = 13 as coilsides 1and 14 are of coil number 1. 1.2 Front Pitch It is defined as the distance measured between two c...

Electrical World

Search This Blog