Impedance can be defined as the full resistance that an AC circuit presents against the passage of alternating current, and it is measured in Ohms. AC Circuits and Impedance In circuits carrying alternating current (AC), the opposition to current flow is called impedance. Its measured in ohms (Ω) and represents the combined effect of all […]
How to Calculate Power Factor Correction
Power Factor Correction (PFC) is a technique, which addresses this current-voltage mismatch in AC circuits. It uses capacitors which have an opposite reactive effect to inductors (common in motors and transformers), to bring the current and voltage back into alignment. This improves the overall efficiency of the circuit, by reducing the reactive power component and […]
Calculating Power Triangle and Power Factor
In AC circuits, the relationship between different types of power (real and reactive and apparent) can be depicted by a right triangle known as the power triangle. Power Triangles in AC Circuits with Impedance Our previous lesson covered real and reactive power in AC circuits containing resistance and either capacitance or inductance (or both). To […]
Calculating Power in AC Circuits
Resistors in AC circuits are the only components that truly consume power (as heat), unlike reactances (capacitors and inductors) which just store and release it. Resistors convert electrical energy into heat (they dissipate energy), but inductors and capacitors store and release energy throughout the AC cycle, meaning they don’t actually consume power overall. In contrast […]
Calculating Passive Components in AC Circuits
Passive components control or limit electrical signals, but can’t amplify them. Meaning, they can affect the signal in various ways, but not boost its power. In an electrical circuit we connect various parts to create a closed loop where electricity can flow. Three key parts that are involved are resistors, capacitors, and inductors. These are all […]
Calculating Harmonics in AC Circuits
Lets imagine a smooth alternating wave, harmonics are like ripples on top of that wave, making it look messy and uneven. These ripples are higher pitched sounds that mess with the original sound. Forget perfect sine waves….. In real circuits, many devices don’t play by the ideal rules. These are called non-linear devices. Because they’ […]