Qualtech NDE

AC Fundamentals
Alternating Current Fundamentals

Muhammad Umair 9/24/2012

Generation of Alternating Voltages & Currents Alternation voltages may be generated by rotating magnetic field as shown in figure Fig 12-1 or by rotating magnetic field within a stationary coil as shown in Fig. 12-1(b)

A N B S

(b) Fig. 12-1

(a)

The value of the voltage generated depends, in each case, upon the number of turns in the coil, strength of the field and the speed at which the coil or magnetic field rotates. Alternating voltage may be generated in either of the two ways shown above but rotating-field method is the one which is mostly used in practice.

Equations of the Alternating Voltages & Currents Consider a rectangular coil having N turns and rotating in a uniform magnetic field with an angular velocity of radian/second as shown in Fig.12-2. Let time be measured from the X-axis. Maximum flux m is linked with the coil when its plane coincides with the X-axis. In time t seconds, this coil rotates an angle =t. In this deflected position, the component of the flux which is perpendicular to the plane of the coil is =m cos t. Hence, flux linkages of the coil at any time are N=Nm cos t.

According to Faradays law of Electromagnetic Induction, the e.m.f. Induced in the coil is given by the rate of change of flux-linkages of the coil. Hence, the value of the induced e.m.f at this instant (i.e. when =t) of the instantaneous value of the induced e.m.f. is )volt m cos t) volt

m (-sin t) volt

=Nm sin t volt =Nm sin volt ..Eq.(i)

m
=t

Fig. 12-2

When the coil has turned through 90, i.e. when =90, then sin =1, Hence e has maximum value, say Em, Therefore, from Eq. (i). we get

Em=Nm = NBmA = 2fNBmA volt .Eq.(ii)

Bm= maximum flux density in Wb/m2;

A= area of the coil in m2 f=frequency of rotation of the coil in rev/second Substituting this value of Em in Eq.(i), we get e=Em sin =Em sin t Eq.(iii)

Similarly, the equation of the induced alternating current is i=Im sin t Eq.(iv) Provided the coil circuit has been closed through a resistive load. Since =2f, where f is the frequency of rotation of the coil, the above equation of the voltage and current can be written as e= Em sin 2f = Em sin ( ) t And i=Im sin 2ft =Im sin ( ) t Where, T=time-period of the alternating voltage or current = 1/f It is seen that the induced e.m.f. varies as sine function of the time angle t and when e.m.f. is plotted against time, a cure similar to one shown in Fig. 12-3 is obtained. This curve is known as sine curve and the e.m.f which varies in this manner is known as

sinusoidal e.m.f. Such a sine curve can be conveniently drawn in Fig. 12-4. A vector equal in length to Em is drawn. It rotates in the counter-clockwise direction with a velocity of radians/second, making one revolution while the generated e.m.f. makes two loops or one cycle. The projection of this vector on Y-axis gives the instantaneous value of the induced e.m.f i.e Em sin t. To construct the curve, Lay off along X-axis equal angular distances oa, ab, bc, cd etc corresponding to suitable angular displacements of the rotating vector. Now, erect ordinates at

b E.M.F c a Em =t 0 g 0 a b c d e f g 0

Em
0 n/2 n t 3/2 2 d e

Fig. 12-3

Fig. 12-4

The points a, b, c and d etc. (Fig. 12-4) and then project the free ends of the vector Em at the corresponding positions a, b, c, etc to meet these ordinates. Next, draw a curve passing through these intersecting points. The curve so obtained is the graphic representation of equation (iii) above.