ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws & Superposition Theorem Pre-Lab 3

IMPORTANT – SHOW ALL WORK!

1. State Kirchhoff’s Current Law and show numerically that the circuit below satisfies this law.
All resistor values are in ohms.
tech States that the currentgoinginto a node
Y node
Vith V equals the current leavinga
t+
I1
b
I3 I
Rch 0
KII
a
- t O
T I2
k
451 3 0
34 300
model I L zoo co vz LOV t

i
2. State Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law and show numerically that the circuit below satisfies this law.
All resistor values are in ohms.
10Emj
+
I +
V1
- +
V2
-
+ +
yo 1 7,2 I 1A

O
V3 V4
-
- - KUL Evi
4 2 V VE't U Vz ZU
Vg lo v

E Vi I 2 t It 2 10 0
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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws & Superposition Theorem Pre-Lab 3

3. Consider the three circuit diagrams on the next few pages.

a. Determine I1a, I2a, I3a for the circuit of part (a) and I1b, I2b, I3b for the circuit of part (b).
In addition, calculate I1, I2, I3, for the circuit of part (c). The current I1 should equal
the sum of I1a and I1b. Verify the corresponding relations for currents I2 and I3.
b. If a 100 is placed across terminals A and B, do currents I1, I2, I3 decrease, increase
or remain relatively unchanged? Support your answer with analysis.

Part (a) All resistor values are in ohms.

QtOORR.fr
4SCI.lt0CI Iz 2
as 10431,3 0
I1a
t SSI 1012 2
If
+
-
a IOI 1145122 0
0368A
I2a I Igloos IE
00253A
e
II
t
I a
I 036814
I3a
I a _Iz I 03427A
Iza Iz o00253A

41002
SI t40CI I t LOCI Iz 2

IOCIz I.IT 30CIz Iz tSIz

O4OfIz
IDtl3oCIz IzJtl00Is i
0I a Ii OSH
SSI 1012 4013 2 3 IIz Ii 0333
a
IOI t 14512 13013 0 0183
40 Iz 0164 Iza I
130121 22013 0

19
 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws & Superposition Theorem Pre-Lab 3

Part (b) All resistor values are in ohms.

I1b w out 1002

us Ii LOCI Is O

I2b I31001 vk.tdtioCI I.KZ

II 00252
+
- IE 0139
I3b
I Ii 0252
011361
Izb Iz II
0139
Izz Iz
wt
5I t 4OCI I t LOCI Iz o
10CIz Ift 130
Iz Iz t SIE
40ft I t 13045 11 10015 0
I 01835 I IF 01835
Iz 0307 Ig Iz I 1243
Iz 0179 Igf s
Iz 0307

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws & Superposition Theorem Pre-Lab 3

Part (c) All resistor values are in ohms.

I1
R
w 0
+

03932 It
-
I2
Ii I atIib
I2 I 0229 It
+
-
Iza t Iz
01643 A
Iz at Iz 5
I3
Is

UR
Ii I atIib o b alls k
I z Iza tIzb O 91 It
Is Iz at Izb 049 A

I more Positive
e Iz got
F got more negative however
they really didn't change a

very large amount

21
 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws and Superposition Theorem Lab 3

Objective
To experimentally verify Kirchhoff’s Laws (KCL & KVL) and Superposition Theorem using a
DC representation of a three-wire AC power distribution system.

Workbench Equipment
Dual-tracking DC Power Supply, TPS-4000
Digital Multimeter, Agilent 34401A
Resistor Box II, 10 /25 /40 /130 /269 /562
Resistor Box IV, 100 /250 /500
Resistor Box V, 5 /10 /5

Check-out Equipment, 20-111 window

Banana to banana, 4 pairs, red/black
Short leads, quantity 6, 1 bag

Background
Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws

Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL): The sum of currents entering a node must equal the sum of
currents leaving the node. KCL is based on conservation of electrical charge. Electrical charge
can neither be created nor destroyed. Since current is moving charge, if current into a node did
not equal current out of a node, the conservation of electrical charge would be violated.

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): The sum of voltage drops must equal the sum of voltage rises
around any closed loop. KVL is based on conservation of energy. Voltage is an indication of the
amount of energy needed to force charge to move (current) between nodes. A voltage rise
indicates an energy increase; a voltage drop indicates an energy decrease. If voltage rises did not
equal voltage drops around a closed loop, the conservation of energy principle would be violated.

Superposition Theorem
The Superposition Theorem is useful in analyzing circuits that contain multiple sources, such as
in a three wire distribution system. The theorem states that the current through or voltage across
any circuit element can be determined by applying each source separately and adding the results
algebraically. Sources are eliminated by replacing them with their ideal internal resistance (ideal
rt circuit, and ideal internal resistance of a

must be carefully noted when adding the superposition results.

Three Wire AC Power Distribution System

Most electricity supplied to American homes is 115V AC at a frequency of 60Hz. This voltage is
used for lights and small appliances around the home. Many homes also have electrical items
such as stoves, water heaters, and air conditioners that consume substantially more energy than
lights and small appliances. If these units were operated on a single 115V line, relatively high
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currents would be drawn, which would require large diameter wire transmission lines to prevent
overheating (a fire hazard). Distribution systems are much safer and their costs are significantly
reduced through the use of three wire distribution systems such as the one shown in Fig. 3-1.
+115V AC
+
L L

Ground (neutral) Stove 230V AC

L L
-

-115V AC

Fig. 3-1 Three Wire Distribution System

This system provides 115V AC for lights and small appliances and 230V AC for high-energy
equipment such as stoves. The loads (L symbols in Fig. 3-1) are made to be as equal as possible
to minimize the current carried by the center ground (neutral) wire. In addition, the two parallel
load configurations (top two Ls are in parallel with 115V AC and bottom two Ls are in parallel
with -115V AC) enable each outer transmission line to carry about half the current required for
lights and small appliances compared to a load configuration with all Ls in parallel with a single
source. Less current allows the use of smaller transmission line wire diameter for the outer
conductors thereby lowering material (cabling) cost. Also, the neutral wire carries a small
unbalanced current (as will be experimentally investigated), which allows small diameter cabling
to be used for the neutral wire which again reduces cabling cost. For higher-energy requirements,
such as a stove, the voltage potential between the two outer conductors is used. This enables use
of 230V for high heat requirements.
Procedure 1: Three-Wire System Measurements
Measure resistance values for the 10 and two 5 resistors (Box V) and the 40 and 130
resistor values (Box II) using an ohmmeter, record in Table 3-1.
Set voltage outputs of the TPS-4000 Dual Power Supply to 2 volts. Use tracking function
(toggle switch located front center of power supply) to set both sources to the same voltage
value. Measure both source voltages with a DVM, do not rely on power supply analog
voltage meters. DVM reading is much more precise.
o Set current limit, ask instructor for assistance.
Construct the circuit of Fig. 3-2. The two 5 resistors simulate resistance of outer
transmission lines, while the 10 resistor represents the neutral wire resistance. The 40 and
130 resistors simulate L loads as shown in Fig. 3-1 which create an unbalanced load and
cause a non-zero (non-ideal) current through the neutral wire.
Measure voltages V1 through V5, VA, and VB using a DVM. Use the polarities indicated in
Fig. 3-2.
Note: polarity is important in later KVL calculations.
Use previously measured resistances and voltages to calculate currents I1, I2, and I3 using
Ohm’s Law. Use the current directions indicated in Fig. 3-2.
Note: current direction is important in later KCL and Superposition calculations.
Using measured values calculate the sum of voltages around each loop and calculate the sum
of currents at node Y.
Record all values in Table 3-1.
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 t lofty Is 2

i
4sIa
I1 + -
+ V1 +

i
- IA V4
-
Y
I2 - + +
+ V2
- IB V5
-

I3 - +
V3

Fig. 3-2 Three Wire Distribution System Circuit

Measured Resistors Measured Upper Measured Lower Calculated Currents

( ) Loop Voltages (V) Loop Voltages (V) (mA)
R1 = Va = Vb = I1 =
0393
R2 = V1 = V2 = I2 =
0228
R3 = V4 = V5 = I3 =
0165
R4 = V2 = V3 =
Va-V1-V4-V2 = Vb+V2-V5-V3 = I1+ I2+ I3=
R5 = O
Table 3-1 Kirchhoff’s Laws for Three Wire Distribution System

Fig. 3-3 is a modified version of Fig. 3-2. A 100 resistor (Box IV) is connected across the outer
lines to represent a 230V AC load. Before connecting into circuit, measure resistance of 100
resistor and record this value in Table 3-2.

sIa t 40 Ic t 10CI Ig Z
- sIs 1toCIB Ia t 130 Ip Ic 2
IF
+
t 13047 ID t Uo Ic Ia
I1 V1 + O
+ 00
- IA V4
-
Y
- +
I2 V2 +
+
- IB V5
-
- +
I3 V3
Fig. 3-3 Three Wire Distribution System Circuit with High-Energy Load

Repeat all measurements taken for the circuit Fig. 3-2 and record in Table 3-2.

SSI 10 Iz 40 I Z
2
IOI t 145 Iz 13015
40TI 130121270150
24
 Measured Upper Measured Lower Calculated Currents
Loop Voltages (V) Loop Voltages (V) (mA)
Va = Vb = I1 =
0700
V1 = V2 = I2 =
0209
V4 = V5 = I3 =
V2 = V3 = 04914100
R100 =
Va-V1-V4-V2 = Vb+V2-V5-V3 = I1+ I2+ I3=
O
Table 3-2 Kirchhoff’s Laws for Three Wire Power Distribution System with High-Energy Load
Procedure 2: Superposition Measurements of Three-Wire System with High-Energy Load
Measure currents I1, I2, and I3 for circuit Fig. 3-3 & record the following in Table 3-3.

o Upper source Va active only. Short circuit terminals of Vb by disconnecting the wires
from the source before connecting the wires together (do not short the power supply!)
o Lower source Vb active only. Short the circuit terminals of Va by disconnecting the wires
from the source before connecting the wires together (do not short the power supply!)

Algebraically add the two sets of currents obtained above and record in the “superposition of
currents” row of Table 3-3.
Transfer the current values from Table 3-2 (both sources active) to Table 3-3 and compare
superposition values to Table 3-2 values by calculating percent error.
Currents (mA) Currents (mA) Currents (mA)
Upper Source Only I1a = I2a = I3a =
Lower Source Only I1b = I2b = I3b =
Superposition of
I1 = I2 = I3 =
Currents
Currents from
I1 = I2 = I3 =
Table 3-2
Percent Error (%)
Table 3-3 Superposition Applied to Three Wire Distribution System with High-Power Load
Discussion
1. The actual direction of the neutral current, I2, in Fig. 3-2 is right to left. If all circuit element
values are kept the same except R4 and R5, how can the neutral current direction be reversed?
Explain.
2. Once the neutral current direction has been reversed, how could its magnitude be increased /
decreased? Again, keep all circuit element values the same, only R4 and R5 can vary.
3. If R4 = R5 in Fig. 3-2 and the rest of the circuit remains unchanged, what is the current
through the neutral wire? Support your answer.
4. -energy load is connected to the circuit of Fig. 3-2, I1 and I3 significantly
increase while I2 remains relatively unchanged. Explain why this is the case. Explanation
should include the effect (up or down) on Req seen by the sources when the
connected. Also, explanation should include the effect an added path has on neutral current.

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