Basic Electrical Engineering

(EE1000)
Dr. Kumari Swati
Department of Electrical Engineering
 Syllabus
The course can be broadly divided into 3 major parts, namely:

Electrical circuits
• Module 1: Introduction: Sources of energy, steam, hydro and nuclear power generation, general structure of electrical power systems.(Hours:1)

• Module 2: DC Networks: Kirchoff’s laws, node voltage and mesh current methods, delta-star and star-delta conversions, superpositionprinciple,
Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems, Maximum Power Transfer Theorem. (Hours:6)

• Module 3: Single phase AC circuits: Single phase emf generation, average and effective values of sinusoids, solution of R, L, C series circuits, j
operators, solution of parallel and series-parallel circuits, series -parallel resonance. (Hours:6)

• Module 4: Three-phase AC circuits: Three phase emf generation, delta and star connections, line and phase quantities, solution of the three phase
circuits with balanced voltage and balanced load conditions, phasor diagram, measurement of power in three phase circuits, three phase four wire
circuits. (Hours:3)

Electrical Machines
• Module 5: Magnetic circuits: Review of fundamental laws of electromagnetic induction, transformer and rotational emfs, Solution of magnetic
circuits. (Hours:3)

• Module 6: DC machine: Construction, principles of emf generation, equivalent circuit, torque, speed and efficiency calculation, speed control of DC
motors. (Hours:6)

• Module 7: Single Phase Transformer: Construction, emf equation, phasor diagrams at no load and full load, equivalent circuit, voltage regulation and
efficiency. (Hours:6)

• Module 8: Induction Motor: Introduction to three-phase induction motor, construction, principle of rotating magnetic field, equivalent circuit,
concept of slip, torque speed relation. (Hours:4)

Measuring instruments

• Module 9: Measuring Instruments: Introduction to basic instruments, voltmeter, ammeter and wattmeter, principle of analog measurements.
(Hours:3)
 Module 1
Introduction
• In this lesson, we will explore a modern power system and its significance in daily life.
• This overview is designed for beginners in the Electrical Technology course.

Key Applications of Electricity

1. Domestic Usage
2. Commercial and Urban Applications
3. Agricultural Needs
4. Industrial Operations
5. Transportation

Significance of Electricity
• Electricity is indispensable for modern life.
• The development of a country is often measured by its per capita electricity consumption:
– Higher consumption indicates greater advancement.

Conclusion
• Electricity powers our daily lives and supports the infrastructure of modern society.
• Understanding power systems is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of Electrical Technology.
 Basic Idea of Generation
Before Faraday’s Laws:
• Power sourced from batteries with limited voltage and current.
• Early development of D.C. generators allowed bulk power generation.
• Limitations of D.C. generators:
– Voltage limited to a few hundred volts.
– High current (I = P/V) required large conductor cross-sections.
– Transmission restricted to small areas (few kilometers).

Changeover from D.C. to A.C.

• Adoption of A.C. System (Late 19th Century): Introduction of 3-phase, 50 Hz A.C. networks.
• Transformers enabled:
– Transmission of large power (MW) at higher voltages.
– Voltage transformation to desired levels, unlike in D.C. systems.

Advantages of A.C. Systems:

• Simpler induction motors (Tesla’s contribution).
• Elimination of commutator complexity in motors.
• Economical 3-phase power generation and distribution.
 A.C. Generators
• Types of A.C. Power Generation:
– Single-phase or balanced poly-phase systems.
– 3-phase power generation at 50 Hz is most economical and suitable.
• Alternators (Synchronous Generators):
– Presently used for generating 3-phase power.
– Stator:
• Equipped with a balanced three-phase winding (armature) on the stator.
• Coils placed 120° apart in space for phase difference.
– Rotor and Flux Linkages:
• Rotor houses a D.C.-excited field coil creating electromagnetic poles.
• Driven by an external force, inducing sinusoidal voltages in stator coils.
• Induced voltages differ by 120° phase shifts (R, Y, B phases).

Fig. 3-phase generators

 Frequency, Voltage & Interconnected
System
• Frequency of Generated Voltage:
𝑝
– For a p polar generator, frequency : 𝑓 = 120 𝑛 when, n is (in rpm).
– Standardized frequency:
• 50 Hz: India and Europe. All electrical appliances to be connected to A.C supply are therefore designed for 50 Hz.
• 60 Hz: USA and Canada.
• Generator Speeds for 50 Hz: p 2 4 6 8 10
– Voltage Control: Adjust D.C. field current to regulate induced voltage, n 3000 1500 1000 750 600
– as alternator speed is fixed by frequency.
• Modern Power Stations:
– Multiple generators connected in parallel.
– Power stations spread regionally or nationally.
• Regional Power Grid:
– Created by interconnecting power stations via transmission lines.
– Generators in a grid operate as a unified system.
• Advantages of Interconnection:
– Reliability: Power supply continues during technical failures at individual plants.
– Stability: System voltage and frequency remain fixed regardless of load variations.
• Challenges of Interconnection:
– Requires careful monitoring and control.
– Risk of instability and system collapse if mismanaged.
 Thermal Power Plants

Fig. Basic components of a thermal generating unit

• Key Features:
– Coal is burned to produce high-temperature steam.
– Steam drives a turbine coupled to the generator.
– Chemical energy in coal is transformed into electrical energy.
• Advantages:
– Proximity to coal reserves and water sources reduces costs.
– 57% of power generation in the country is thermal.
• Challenges:
– High pollution levels (regulated by chimneys and electrostatic precipitators).
– Ash handling increases operational costs.
• Technical Details:
– Alternators run at 3000 rpm (2-pole alternators).
 Hydel Power Plants

Fig. Basic components of a hydel generating unit

• Key Features:
– Water head drives turbines coupled to generators.
– Sources: Natural reservoirs or dams on rivers.
• Advantages:
– Eco-friendly and low operational costs.
– Clean energy without burning fuels.
• Challenges:
– High initial installation costs due to civil construction.
– Dependent on natural water sources or suitable rivers.
• Technical Details:
– Water turbines operate at low rpm (e.g., 20-pole alternator at 300 rpm).
 Nuclear Power Plants
Fig. Nuclear power generation

• Key Features:
– Operates on nuclear fission of enriched 235𝑈 .
– Chain reactions generate heat for steam production.
• Advantages:
– Low running costs.
– Requires significantly less fuel compared to thermal plants.
• Challenges:
– High initial investment.
– Radiation hazards from reactor leaks and fuel rod disposal.
• Comparison:
– Producing 1000 MW requires 6 × 10⁶ kg of coal daily in thermal plants vs. 2.5 kg of 235𝑈 in nuclear
plants.
 Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
• Definition: Alternative methods for producing electricity to supplement traditional thermal,
hydel, and nuclear generation.
• Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Focused on reducing environmental impact and utilizing
renewable resources.
• Key Characteristics:
– Typically lower generation capacity (in MW) compared to conventional methods.
– Designed to meet future energy demands sustainably.
• Promising Alternatives:
– Wind Power
– Solar Power
– Fuel Cells
– Tidal Wave Power
 Transmission of power
• Large-scale power (hundreds of MW) is transported over long distances (hundreds of km) to load
centres using transmission lines and towers.

• Example:
– Generating station: 120 MW power at 10 kV.
– Current at 10 kV: 8660 A.
– Current at 400 kV: 261.5 A.
• Advantages of High Voltage Transmission:
– Lower current → smaller conductor size → reduced cost.
– Reduced voltage drop and transmission losses.
• Slide 2: Step-Up Transformers
• Purpose:
– Step up generated voltage (e.g., 10 kV to 400 kV).
• Transmission Infrastructure:
– High-voltage transmission lines.
– Supported by transmission towers.
• Considerations:
– Current level affects conductor cost.
– Voltage level affects insulator cost.
• Voltage reduced at receiving end for consumers
Fig. Transmission tower
 Substations
• Functions:
– Voltage level transformation using transformers.
– Equipment: Circuit breakers, meters, relays.
• Typical Configuration:
– Receive power at high voltage (e.g., 400 kV).
– Step down voltage (e.g., to 132 kV or 33 kV).
– Distribute power to outgoing lines.

Fig. Typical voltage levels in a power system

 Single line representation of power
system
• Representing practical power systems with three-phase lines (R, Y, B) becomes complex and cluttered.
• Single-line diagrams simplify representation by using one line and symbols.
• Symbols represent key components like generators, transformers, and substation buses.
• Simplified diagrams help visualize and analyze interconnected power systems effectively.

Fig. Single line representation of power system

 Distribution system
• Substations near cities receive 33 kV power for distribution.

Fig. Typical Power distribution scheme

• Voltage Levels:
– Between phases: 400 V.
– Between phase and neutral: 230 V.
• Consumer Supply: Residential buildings receive 230 V, single-phase power.

Balancing Load:
• Phases distributed evenly among consumers:
– R-N: One-third of consumers.
– Y-N: Another third.
– B-N: Remaining third.

Distribution Methods:
• Overhead Lines:
– Cost-effective but prone to accidents and theft.
• Underground Cables:
– Costly but safer, widely used in dense urban areas.