Course Code: CE 228
Module Title: Engineering Utilities 1 - Electrical Theory.
Assessment Format:
Quiz 1: Problem Solving (Short & Long)
Quiz 2: Presentation
Flow of Electrons:
Electrons in inner shells: high attraction to nucleus, not easily released.
Electrons in outer shells: weaker attraction, more easily freed.
Energy addition can elevate electrons to higher shells; excessive energy can expel a valence electron, making it a free electron that contributes to electrical current flow.
Flow of Charged Particles:
Electricity involves subatomic particles with positive or negative charges.
Only charged particles interact with electricity.
The electromagnetic force governs the flow of these particles, overcoming gravitational forces.
Opposite charges attract; like charges repel.
Atoms with equal electrons and protons are neutral; imbalances lead to ions.
Positive ions: fewer electrons than protons.
Negative ions: more electrons than protons.
Definition: Flow of electric charge through a conductor.
Direction of flow: Negatively charged particles move from a negative to positive charge.
Speed of Flow: Actual particle movement is slow (~0.5 inches/sec), but the effect travels at light speed (~186,000 miles/sec).
Methods to Generate Current:
Static Electricity: Created by friction between materials, freeing surface electrons.
Thermoelectricity: Created by heating dissimilar metals (thermocouples).
Piezoelectricity: Generated when pressure deforms certain crystals, causing electron movement.
Electrochemistry: Produced from chemical reactions in solutions.
Photoelectricity: Caused by light photons freeing electrons in materials.
Magnetoelectricity: Generated by moving conductors through magnetic fields causing electron flow.
Conductors: Materials that allow electrical current flow with minimal resistance.
Insulators: Materials that resist electricity movement, retaining electrons on their atoms (e.g., rubber, glass).
Semiconductors: Materials that behave as insulators at low temperatures and conductors when heated (e.g., silicon).
Voltage (V): Electrical pressure; higher voltage = increased current flow.
Current (A): Rate of charge flow, measured in amperes (1 A = 1 coulomb/second).
Resistance (Ω): Depends on conductor length, diameter, material type, and temperature. (Ohm’s Law: E=IR)
Power (W): Rate of energy transfer (P=EI).
Energy (Wh): Power consumed over time (q=Pt).
Conductors’ resistance varies inversely with AWG number.
#12 AWG copper:
100 ft: R = 0.162Ω
500 ft: R = 0.810Ω
#10 AWG copper:
100 ft: R = 0.102Ω
500 ft: R = 0.510Ω
Lamp Power Calculation:
Voltage (V) = 120V
Current (A) = 0.5A
Power (P) = EI = 120V x 0.5A = 60W.
An interconnected path for electrical flow, also known as an electric network.
Branches: Comprised of one or more elements in series.
Nodes: Points where branches meet.
Loops: Form closed paths.
Series: Components linked end-to-end.
Parallel: Components share the same voltage source.
In parallel circuits, voltage remains equal while current adds up.
The total current entering a node equals the current leaving.
The sum of voltage rises and drops in a closed loop equals zero.
Induction: Voltage production when a conductor moves through a magnetic field or vice versa, causing current flow.
Direct Current (DC): Flows in one direction.
Alternating Current (AC): Flows alternately in two directions.
Measured in hertz (Hz), representing cycles per second.
Transfers AC and voltage between circuits via induction.
For an ideal transformer, input power equals output power; VpIp = VsIs.
Primary voltage (Vp) = 7200V; turns ratio = 30:1.
Building voltage: Vs = 7200V * (1/30) = 240V.
Current drawn by the building: Is = 225,000W / 240V = 937.5A.
Inductors: Coils creating electromagnetic fields; phase lag in AC circuits.
Capacitors: Store electrostatic energy; phase lead in AC circuits.
Resistance measure in AC circuits, incorporates resistance, inductance, and capacitance effects.
Real Power (W): Effective work accomplished (heat, light).
Reactive Power (VAR): Power for electromagnetic fields.
Apparent Power (VA): Total power encompassing both real and reactive power.
Ratio of real power to apparent power, indicating efficiency.
Real Power = 3,000W; Apparent Power = 3,600VA.
pf = 3000 / 3600 = 0.833 or 83.3%.
Phase angle Φ = cos⁻¹(0.833) = 33.6º.
Voltage = 240V; Current = 10A; pf = 0.833.
PA = EI * pf = 240 V * 10 A * 0.833 = 1,999W.
Higher power factor reduces load currents, saving costs on equipment.
Correcting low power factors avoids penalties from power companies.
Components:
Electrical consumers (commercial, industrial, domestic).
Electricity distribution via substations, transformers, and main transmission lines.
Real Power (W), Apparent Power (VA), Current (A) calculations provided.
Lamp Consumption: 60W for 24 hours/day, 30 days.
Total Energy = 43.2kWh; Cost = $5.06 at $0.1172/kWh.
Total charge calculation based on energy consumption and tiered pricing structure provided.
Detailed rates for service charge, energy charges, and scenario calculations.
Load Shedding: Shutting off non-essential loads.
Load Shifting: Moving loads to off-peak hours.
Peak Shaving: Using storage and alternative energy to reduce peak demand.
Time-of-Use Rates: Incentives for reducing consumption during peak demand.