ALTERNATING CURRENT PRINCIPLES AC MACHINE

MODULE 1 ALTERNATING CURRENT PRINCIPLES

OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, you will;

1. Discuss the characteristics of AC circuit.

PROCEDURES: Try to read and understand the following:

INTRODUCTION

Most of the electrical energy used in the world is generated as alternating current
(AC). This is not because alternating current is superior to direct current (DC) in industrial or
residential applications. In fact, there are many instances where direct-current energy is
necessary for industrial purposes. Where direct current is required, alternating current is
generated at a power station, transmitted some distances, and then converted to direct
current at the point where it will be used.

The reason for generating nearly all electrical energy as alternating current are as
follows:

1. Alternators (AC generator) have no commutators. Therefore, units with higher power
ratings and the resultant heavier current ratings can be used without the problem of
brush arcing and heating.
2. Because alternators lack commutators, they can generate comparatively high
voltages, such as 11000 to 13000 volts.
3. Alternating current energy can be transmitted economically over great distances.
Therefore, alternating current can be generated in large quantities in a single station
and distributed over large territory.
4. For constant-speed work, the alternating current, squirrel-cage induction motor as
less expensive than the direct-current motor, both in initial cost and maintenance.

GENERATING ALTERNATING VOLTAGE

The volt (V) is the unit of electromotive force (EMF). One volt is developed by cutting
100 million magnetic lines of force in 1 second. The simplest method of generating EMF is by
turning a coil of wire between two magnetic field poles.

CYCLE

One cycle of alternating current is defined as current that increases from zero to a
positive maximum, returns to zero, and then increases to a negative maximum and returns to
zero again. In other words, a cycle occurs from a point on the waveform to another point
where the waveform begins to repeat itself. (see figure 1)

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FIGURE 1 (Illustrate a simple AC generation)

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DEGREES

In figure 2, the complete turn represents:

360 mechanical degrees of rotation and 360 electrical degrees

When a coil or a conductor makes one complete revolution, it passes through 360
mechanical degrees. When either an EMF or an alternating current passes through one
cycle, it passes through 360 electrical degrees.

FIGURE 2 (one full turn)

FREQUENCY

If a coil turns at the rate of 3600 revolutions per minute, or 60 revolutions per second,
60 electrical cycles are generated in 1 second. The electrical frequency is 60 cycle per
second or 60 hertz (Hz).

Formula commonly used to find frequency, speed and number of poles:

F = NP/120, N = 120F/P, P = 120F/N

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Where: F = frequency in hertz

FIGURE 3: A 4-pole generator; 2 cycles per 1 mechanical revolution

EXAMPLE: At what speed must a four-pole generator rotate to develop a frequency

N = 120F/P
N = 120(50) / 4
N = 1500 r/min

EFFECTIVE VALUE OF ALTERNATING CURRENT (RMS)CURRENT (RMS)

A 60 Hz, 120-volt line contains current and EMF varying from zero to maximum
positive and negative values 60 times per second. Instantaneous values are of little value.
The effective values have been accepted as practical working quantities. When values of
current and voltages are specified in AC circuit, they are understood as effective values,
unless otherwise specified. The values indicated by AC ammeters and voltmeter are effected
values. (see figure 3)

Effective Value = 0.707 x Maximum value

Effective Value = 0.707 x 170 volts

Effective Value = 120 volts

FIGURE 4 (Effective value of alternating current)

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EXAMPLE: Determine the effective value if the peak value of voltage produced is 240-V.

Effective Value = 0.707 x Maximum value

Effective Value = 0.707 x 240 V

Effective Value = 169.7 V

SINGLE PHASE

Voltage generated in a single winding of a generator is called single-phase voltage.

IN PHASE

When both the voltage wave and the current wave reach their corresponding zeros,
maximum and intermediate values at exactly the same time, they are said to be in phase.
(see figure 4)

FIGURE 5 (current in-phase with the voltage)

OUT OF PHASE (LAG)

When current is supplied to an induction motor or any circuit with inductance, it lags
the voltage. This current is out of phase with the voltage.

FIGURE 6 (current out of phase with the voltage, lagging current)

OUT OF PHASE (LEAD)

A synchronous motor or capacitor connected to a line causes current to lead the

FIGURE 7 (current out of phase with the voltage, leading current)

SUMMARY

The graph describing the induced current is alternating; hence, alternating current.
There is a positive maximum current, and a negative maximum. Frequency of alternations is
expressed in hertz. The alternating current supplied to residences has a frequency of 60 Hz.
Because the current changes from positive to negative, an effective value is used to describe
a steady-state value. The effective value is used for electrical calculations.

ADDITIONAL READINGS

Websites: 1. https://bit.ly/2UDa9FY

2. https://bit.ly/3hqibM3

3. https://bit.ly/3hnNN5c

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EVALUATION
Name: __________________________________________ Date: _________

Course/Year: _____________________________ Score: ________

1. A four-pole, six loop generator revolves at the rate of 3600 r/min, and the maximum
generated value is 3.0 volts.
a. Determine the generated voltage when the loop conductors are located in front of
the poles

b. Determine the generated voltage when the loop conductors care located between
the poles

c. How many electrical cycles are generated in one mechanical revolution?

d. Calculate the electrical frequency

e. Calculate the effective value of voltage

2. State four advantages of generating alternating current as compared to direct current.

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3. An ammeter indicates 15 amperes in an AC induction motor line.

b. The phase of this current is: in phase, out of phase (lags), or out of phase
(leads)?

4. Calculate the electrical and mechanical degrees in one complete mechanical

GENERATOR MECHANICAL ELECTRICAL

Two-pole _____________ _____________

Four-pole _____________ _____________

Six-pole _____________ _____________

5. Define each of the following terms:

a. Cycle

b. Frequency

c. Effective value

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6. A ten-pole alternator revolves at 600 r/min. What is the value of the electrical
frequency generated?

7. To produce a frequency of 25 Hz, at what r/min must a six-pole alternator be driven?

8. To produce a frequency 60 Hz, how many poles does an alternator have if the speed
is 150 r/min?

9. Find the effective value of an alternating current if the maximum value is 20 amperes.

10. The source voltage of an AC circuit has a maximum value of 100 volts. Find the
effective value of the voltage.

11. If the effective voltage of a 60 Hz source is 400 volts, what is the maximum voltage?

12. The total current in a single-phase AC circuit has an effective value of 12.73
amperes. Find the maximum value.

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13. A six-pole alternator revolves at 450 r/min and develops a maximum voltage of 198
volts. Find the effective value of the voltage.