Supervised by: Dr.
Haider Mohammed Dawood
Done by the student: Ahmed Mohammed Ali Lafta
Al-Kunooz Private University
Department of Power Mechanical Engineering Technologies
First year / A / Evening study
A Report on the theories of electrical circuit
analysis
1. Basic Concepts
1.1 Circuit and Network
An electric circuit is a closed loop through which electric current can
flow. An electrical network consists of interconnected electrical
components. Circuits can be classified as planar or non-planar
based on their structure. Planar circuits can be drawn on a plane
without any branches crossing each other, while non-planar circuits
cannot.
1.2 Nodes, Branches, and Loops
Node: A point in a circuit where two or more branches meet. The voltage
at a node is the same throughout the entire node.
Branch: A single element such as a resistor, capacitor, inductor, voltage
source, or current source in a circuit. Each branch has two terminals and is
connected to nodes at these terminals.
Loop: A closed path in a circuit that starts and ends at the same node, and
does not pass through any other node more than once.
2. Basic Theorems
2.1 Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s Law states that the current through a conductor between two
points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, and
inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor. Mathematically,
it is expressed as:
V=IR
where V is the voltage, I is the current, and R is the resistance.
2.2 Kirchhoff’s Laws
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): The algebraic sum of the voltages (both
rises and drops) around any closed loop in a circuit is equal to zero. This
law is based on the principle of conservation of energy. For example, in a
simple series circuit with a battery and a resistor, the voltage of the battery
equals the voltage drop across the resistor.
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL): The algebraic sum of the currents
entering and leaving a node in a circuit is equal to zero. This law is based
on the principle of conservation of charge. For instance, in a node where
three branches meet, if the current entering the node from one branch is
2A and the current entering from another branch is 3A, then the current
leaving the node through the third branch must be 5A.
2.3 Thevenin’s Theorem
Thevenin’s Theorem states that any linear electrical network with
voltage sources, current sources, and resistors can be simplified to
an equivalent circuit consisting of a single voltage source (Thevenin
voltage) and a series resistor (Thevenin resistance). The Thevenin
voltage is the open-circuit voltage at the terminals of interest, and
the Thevenin resistance is the equivalent resistance seen from the
terminals when all independent sources are turned off (voltage
sources are replaced by short circuits and current sources are
replaced by open circuits).
2.4 Norton’s Theorem
Norton’s Theorem is similar to Thevenin’s Theorem, but it
represents the equivalent circuit as a current source (Norton
current) in parallel with a resistor (Norton resistance). The Norton
current is the short-circuit current at the terminals of interest, and
the Norton resistance is the same as the Thevenin resistance.
3. Other Important Theorems
3.1 Superposition Theorem
The Superposition Theorem states that in a linear circuit with
multiple independent sources, the voltage or current in any branch
is the algebraic sum of the voltages or currents produced in that
branch by each independent source acting alone. This theorem is
useful for analyzing circuits with multiple sources, as it allows us to
consider the effect of each source separately and then combine the
results.
3.2 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
The Maximum Power Transfer Theorem states that maximum power
is transferred from a source to a load when the load resistance is
equal to the internal resistance of the source. In this case, half of
the power is dissipated in the internal resistance of the source and
the other half is delivered to the load.
3.3 Star-Delta Conversion
Star-Delta Conversion is a technique used to simplify complex circuits by
converting a star (Y) -connected network to a delta (Δ) -connected
network, or vice versa. This conversion is useful for analyzing circuits
with multiple resistors connected in different configurations. The formulas
for the conversion are as follows:
From Star to Delta:
RΔ=Ropposite R1R2 +R2 R3+R3 R1
From Delta to Star:
RY=RΔ1 +RΔ2 +RΔ3 RΔ1 RΔ2
where RΔ and RY are the resistances in the delta and star networks,
respectively, and R_opposite is the resistance opposite to the one being
calculated in the star network.
4. Applications and Significance
These theories of electrical circuit analysis are fundamental to the
design, analysis, and troubleshooting of electrical systems. They
enable engineers to determine the behavior of circuits under various
conditions, optimize circuit performance, and ensure the reliable
operation of electrical equipment. For example, Kirchhoff’s Laws are
used to solve for unknown voltages and currents in complex circuits,
Thevenin’s and Norton’s Theorems are used to simplify circuits for
easier analysis, and the Superposition Theorem is used to analyze
circuits with multiple sources.
5. Conclusion
The theories of electrical circuit analysis provide a solid foundation
for understanding and working with electrical circuits. By mastering
these theories, engineers and students can effectively design,
analyze, and troubleshoot a wide range of electrical systems, from
simple household circuits to complex industrial and communication
systems.
Resources:
https://www.electrical4u.com/electric-circuit-analysis/
https://www.academia.edu/39406021/111_ECA_report_1_1
Electric Circuits" by James W. Nilsson and Susan R.iedel
Electric Circuit Analysis" by Joseph A. Edminister and Mahmood H. Rashid
