Applied Electricity Chapter 9 – Alternating Current Theory

CHAPTER 9

ALTERNATING CURRENT THEORY

9.1 Introduction

Basically, an alternating waveform is a periodic waveform which alternates between

positive and negative values. Unlike direct waveforms, they cannot be characterised by one
magnitude as their amplitude is continuously varying from instant to instant. Thus various
forms of magnitudes are defined for such waveforms.

The advantage of the alternating waveform for electric power is that it can be stepped up or
stepped down in potential easily for transmission and utilisation. Alternating waveforms can
be of many shapes. The one that is used with electric power is the sinusoidal waveform.
This has an equation of the form

v(t ) = Vm sin(t +  )

If the period of the waveform is T, then its angular frequency  corresponds to T = 2π.

9.2 The AC Generator

Let a single turn coil be free to rotate at constant angular velocity symmetrically between
the poles of a magnet system as shown in Figure 9.1.

Figure 9.1 A magnet system with a free rotating single turn coil

An emf is generated in the coil (from Faraday’s Laws) which varies in magnitude and
reverses its direction at regular intervals. The reason for this is shown in Figure 9.2.

In positions (a), (e) and (i) the conductors of the loop are effectively moving along the
magnetic field, no flux is cut and hence no emf is induced. In position (c) maximum flux is
cut and hence maximum emf is again induced. However, using Fleming’s hence maximum
emf is induced. In position (g), maximum flux is cut right-hand rule, the induced emf is in
the opposite direction to that in position (c) and is thus shown as –E. In positions (b), (d), (f)
and (h) some flux is cut and hence some emf is induced. If all such positions of the coil are
considered, in one revolution of the coil, one cycle of alternating emf is produced as shown.
This is the principle of operation of the ac generator (i.e. the alternator).

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa 94 Solomon Nunoo PhD, MPhil, BSc, MIEEE, MIAENG
Applied Electricity Chapter 9 – Alternating Current Theory

Figure 9.2 Rotating magnetic flux

9.3 Waveforms

If values of quantities which vary with time t are plotted to a base of time, the resulting
graph is called a waveform. Some typical waveforms are shown in Figure 9.3. Waveforms
(a) and (b) are unidirectional waveforms, for, although they vary considerably with time,
they flow in one direction only (i.e. they do not cross the time axis and become negative).
Waveforms (c) to (g) are called alternating waveforms since their quantities are continually
changing in direction (i.e. alternately positive and negative).

Figure 9.3 Types of alternating waveforms

A waveform of the type shown in Figure 9.3(g) is called a sine wave. It is the shape of the
waveform of emf produced by an alternator and thus the mains electricity supply is of
‘sinusoidal’ form.

One complete series of values is called a cycle (i.e. from 0 to P in Figure 9.3(g)).

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa 95 Solomon Nunoo PhD, MPhil, BSc, MIEEE, MIAENG
Applied Electricity Chapter 9 – Alternating Current Theory

The time taken for an alternating quantity to complete one cycle is called the period or the
periodic time, T, of the waveform.

The number of cycles completed in one second is called the frequency, f, of the supply and
is measured in hertz, Hz. The standard frequency of the national grid in Ghana is 50 Hz.

1 1
T= or f=
f T

9.4 AC Values

Instantaneous values are the values of the alternating quantities at any instant of time. They
are represented by small letters, i, v, e, etc., (see Figures 9.3(f) and (g)).

The largest value reached in a half cycle is called the peak value or the maximum value or
the crest value or the amplitude of the waveform. Such values are represented by Vm, Im,
etc. (see Figures 9.3(f) and (g)). A peak-to-peak value of emf is shown in Figure 9.3(g) and
is the difference between the maximum and minimum values in a cycle.

The average or mean value of a symmetrical alternating quantity, (such as a sine wave), is
the average value measured over a half cycle, (since over a complete cycle the average
value is zero).

area under the curve

Average or mean value =
length of base

The area under the curve is found by approximate methods such as the trapezoidal rule,
the mid-ordinate rule or Simpson’s rule. Average values are represented by VAV, IAV, etc.

For a sine wave, average value = 0.637 × maximum value

(i.e. 2/π × maximum value)

The effective value of an alternating current is that current which will produce the same
heating effect as an equivalent direct current. The effective value is called the root mean
square (rms) value and whenever an alternating quantity is given, it is assumed to be the
rms value. For example, the domestic mains supply in Great Britain is 240 V and is
assumed to mean ‘240 V rms’. The symbols used for rms values are I, V, E, etc. For a non-
sinusoidal waveform as shown in Figure 9.4 the rms value is given by:

 i12 + i22 + ... + in2 

I =  
 n 

where n is the number of intervals used.

For a sine wave, rms value = 0.707 × maximum value

(i.e. 1 2 × maximum value)

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa 96 Solomon Nunoo PhD, MPhil, BSc, MIEEE, MIAENG
Applied Electricity Chapter 9 – Alternating Current Theory

Figure 9.4 Non-sinusoidal waveform

rms value
Form factor = For a sine wave, form factor = 1.11
average value

maximum value
Peak factor = For a sine wave, peak factor = 1.41
rms value

The values of form and peak factors give an indication of the shape of waveforms.

9.5 Equation of a Sinusoidal Waveform

In Figure 9.5, OA represents a vector that is free to rotate anticlockwise about 0 at an

angular velocity of  rad/s. A rotating vector is known as a phasor.

Figure 9.5 Sinusoidal waveform

After time t seconds the vector OA has turned through an angle t. If the line BC is
constructed perpendicular to OA as shown, then

BC
sin t = i.e. BC = OB sin t
OB

If all such vertical components are projected on to a graph of y against angle t (in
radians), a sine curve results of maximum value OA. Any quantity which varies sinusoidally
can thus be represented as a phasor.

A sine curve may not always start at 0o. To show this a periodic function is represented by
y = sin(t   ) , where  is the phase (or angle) difference compared with y = sin t . In
Figure 9.6(a), y2 = sin(t +  ) starts  radians earlier than y1 = sin t and is thus said to
lead y1 by  radians. Phasors y1 and y2 are shown in Figure 9.6(b) at the time when t = 0.

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa 97 Solomon Nunoo PhD, MPhil, BSc, MIEEE, MIAENG
Applied Electricity Chapter 9 – Alternating Current Theory

In Figure 9.6(c), y4 = sin(t −  ) starts  radians later than y3 = sin t and is thus said to
lag y3 by  radians. Phasors y3 and y4 are shown in Figure 9.6(d) at the time when t = 0.

Given the general sinusoidal voltage, v = Vm sin(t   ) , then

i. Amplitude or maximum value = Vm
ii. Peak to peak value = 2Vm
iii. Angular velocity =  rad/s
iv. Periodic time, T = 2π/ seconds
v. Frequency, f = /2π Hz (since =2πf)
vi.  = angle of lag or lead (compared with v = Vm sin t )

Figure 9.6 Waveforms

9.6 Combination of Waveforms

The resultant of the addition (or subtraction) of two sinusoidal quantities may be
determined either:
(a) by plotting the periodic functions graphically, or
(b) by resolution of phasors by drawing or calculation.

9.7 Rectification

The process of obtaining unidirectional currents and voltages from alternating currents and
voltages is called rectification. Automatic switching in circuits is carried out by devices called
diodes.

Using a single diode, as shown in Figure 9.7, half-wave rectification is obtained. When P is
sufficiently positive with respect to Q, diode D is switched on and current i flows. When P is
negative with respect to Q, diode D is switched off. Transformer T isolates the equipment
from direct connection with the mains supply and enables the mains voltage to be changed.

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa 98 Solomon Nunoo PhD, MPhil, BSc, MIEEE, MIAENG
Applied Electricity Chapter 9 – Alternating Current Theory

Two diodes maybe used as shown in Figure 9.8 to obtain full wave rectification. A centre-
tapped transformer T is used. When P is sufficiently positive with respect to Q, diode D1
conducts and current flows (shown by the broken line in Figure 9.8). When S is positive
with respect to Q, diode D2 conducts and current flows (shown by the continuous line in
Figure 9.8). The current flowing in R is in the same direction for both half cycles of the
input. The output waveform is thus as shown in Figure 9.8.

Four diodes may be used in a bridge rectifier circuit, as shown in Figure 9.9 to obtain full
wave rectification. As for the rectifier shown in Figure 9.8, the current flowing in R is in the
same direction for both half cycles of the input giving the output waveform shown.

Figure 9.7 Half-wave rectification Figure 9.8 Full wave rectification

Figure 9.9 Full wave bridge rectifier

To smooth the output of the rectifiers described above, capacitors having a large
capacitance may be connected across the load resistor R. The effect of this is shown on the
output in Figure 9.10.

Figure 9.10 Rectification

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa 99 Solomon Nunoo PhD, MPhil, BSc, MIEEE, MIAENG
Applied Electricity Chapter 9 – Alternating Current Theory

9.8 Problems

9.8.1 Frequency and Periodic Time

1. Determine the periodic time for the following frequencies: (a) 2.5 Hz (b) 100 Hz (c) 40
kHz. [(a) 0.4 s (b) 10 ms (c) 25 μs]

2. Calculate the frequency for the following periodic times: (a) 5ms (b)50iis (c)0.2s
[(a) 0.2 kHz (b) 20 kHz (c) 5 Hz]

3. An alternating current completes 4 cycles in 5 ms. What is its frequency? [800 Hz]

9.8.2 AC Values of Non-Sinusoidal Waveforms

4. An alternating current varies with time over half a cycle as follows:

Current (A) 0 0.7 2.0 4.2 8.4 8.2 2.5 1.0 0.4 0.2 0
Time (ms) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The negative half cycle is similar. Plot the curve and determine:
(a) the frequency,
(b) the instantaneous values at 3.4 ms and 5.8 ms,
(c) its mean value, and
(d) its rms value.
[(a) 50 Hz (b) 5.5 A, 3.4 A (c) 2.8 A (d) 4.0 A]

5. For the waveforms shown in Figure 9.11 determine for each (i) the frequency (ii) the
average value over half a cycle (iii) the rms value (iv) the form factor (v) the peak factor.
[(a) (i) 100 Hz (ii) 2.50 A (iii) 2.88 A (iv) 1.15 (v) 1.74]
[(b) (i) 250 Hz (ii) 20 V (iii) 20 V (iv) 1.0 (v) 1.0]
[(c) (i) 125 Hz (ii) 18 A (iii) 19.56 A (iv) 1.09 (v) 1.23]
[(d) (i) 250 Hz (ii) 25 V (iii) 50 V (iv) 2.0 (v) 2.0]

FIGURE 9.11 Waveforms for Problem 5

6. An alternating voltage is triangular in shape, rising at a constant rate to a maximum of

300 V in 8 ms and then falling to zero at a constant rate in 4 ms. The negative half cycle
is identical in shape to the positive half cycle. Calculate (a) the mean voltage over half a
cycle, and (b) the rms voltage [(a) 150 V (b) 170 V]

9.8.3 AC Values of Sinusoidal Waveforms

7. Calculate the rms value of a sinusoidal curve of maximum value 300 V. [212.1 V]

8. Find the peak and mean values for a 200 V mains supply. [282.9 V, 180.2 V]

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa 100 Solomon Nunoo PhD, MPhil, BSc, MIEEE, MIAENG
Applied Electricity Chapter 9 – Alternating Current Theory

9. A sinusoidal voltage has a maximum value of 120 V. Calculate its rms and average
values. [84.8 V, 76.4 V]

10. A sinusoidal current has a mean value of 15.0 A. Determine its maximum and rms
values. [23.55 A, 16.65 A]

v = Vm sin(t   )

11. An alternating voltage is represented by v = 20 sin 157.1t volts. Find (a) the maximum
value (b) the frequency (c) the periodic time. (d) What is the angular velocity of the
phasor representing this waveform? [(a) 20 V (b) 25 Hz (c) 0.04 s (d) 157.1 rad/s]

12. Find the peak value, the rms value, the periodic time, the frequency and the phase
angle (in degrees and minutes) of the following alternating quantities:
(a) v = 90 sin 400t volts [90 V, 63.63 V, 5 ms, 200 Hz, 0o]
(b) i = 50 sin(100t + 0.30 ) amperes [50 A, 35.35 A, 0.02 s, 50Hz, 17o11’ lead]
(c) e = 200 sin(628.4 t − 0.41) volts [200 V, 141.4 V, 0.01 s, 100 Hz, 23o29’ lag]

13. A sinusoidal current has a peak value of 30 A and a frequency of 60 Hz. At time t = 0,
the current is zero. Express the instantaneous current i in the form i = I m sin t .
[ i = 30 sin 120t ]

14. An alternating voltage v has a periodic time of 20 ms and a maximum value of 200 V.
When time t = 0, v = – 75 volts. Deduce a sinusoidal expression for v and sketch one
cycle of the voltage showing important points. [ v = 200 sin(100t − 0.384 ) ]

15. The instantaneous value of voltage in an ac circuit at any time seconds is given by
v = 100 sin(50t − 0.523 ) V. Find:
(a) the peak-to-peak voltage, the periodic time, the frequency and the phase angle
(b) the voltage when t = 0
(c) the voltage when t = 8 ms
(d) the times in the first cycle when the voltage is 60 V
(e) the times in the first cycle when the voltage is – 40 V, and
(f) the first time when the voltage is a maximum.

Sketch the curve for one cycle showing relevant points.

[(a) 200 V, 0.04 s, 25 Hz, 2958’ lagging; (b) –49.95 V; (c) 66.96 V; (d) 7.426 ms, 19.23
ms; (e) 25.95 ms, 40.71 ms; (f) 13.33 ms]

9.8.4 Combination of Periodic Functions

16. The instantaneous values of two alternating voltages are given by v1 = 5 sin t and
v2 = 8 sin(t −  6 ) . By plotting v1 and v2 on the same axes, using the same scale, over
one cycle, obtain expressions for (a) v1 + v2 and (b) v1 – v2
[(a) v1 + v2 = 12.58 sin(t − 0.325 ) V (b) v1 − v2 = 4.44 sin(t + 2.02) V ]

17. Repeat Problem 16 by resolution of phasors.

University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa 101 Solomon Nunoo PhD, MPhil, BSc, MIEEE, MIAENG