BASIC ELECTRICAL TERMS AND DEFINATION

Prepared By- Tasmiya GS Date-08/10/2024

 Alternating Current (AC):

Is a type of electrical current, in which the direction of the flow of electrons switches back
and forth at regular intervals or cycles

 Direct Current (DC):

Refers to the continuous flow of electric charge through a conductor between two points of
different potential, which does not change direction with time.

 Current:
The directed flow of electrons (charge) called current. It is denoted by I. units are Amps.

 Phase:
It is a single-phase line of a circuit in which there is a voltage measured in volts (V). by which
a current is flowing which is measured in amperes (A).

 Three phases:
Designed system to supply or use simultaneously three separate alternating currents of the
same voltage, but with phases differing by a third of a period.

 Ampere:
A unit of measure for the flow of current in a circuit. One ampere is the amount of current
flow provided when one volt of electrical pressure is applied against one ohm of resistance.

 Resistance:
It is defined as the property of a substance due to which it opposes or restricts the flow of
electricity through it.

 Permeability:
Permeability is a measure of how easily magnetic lines of force can pass through a material.
 Reluctance:
Reluctance is a measure of how much a material opposes the flow of magnetic field lines,
similar to how resistance opposes the flow of electric current. It depends on the material’s properties
and its shape. In simpler words, it’s like a barrier for magnetic fields, making it harder for them to
pass through certain materials. Unit is ampere-turns per weber (At/Wb).

 Electrical potential:
Charged body capacity to do work is known as its electrical potential. Unit is volts(V)

 Potential difference:
Difference in potentials of two charged bodies is called Potential difference.

 Power:
The rate at which an electrical work done in electrical work is called power. It is denoted by
P. Units are Watt.

 Electrical Energy:
Electrical energy is the energy derived from the movement of electric charges. It is a form of
energy that can be converted into other types, such as mechanical, thermal, or light energy.

 Electrical work:
Electrical work is said to be done when there is transfer of charge. It is denoted by W.
Units are joules.

 Energy:
Capacity to do work is called energy.

 Electrical Network:
A combination of various electric elements (Resistor, Inductor, Capacitor, Voltage source,
Current source) connected in any manner what so ever is called an electrical network.

 Battery:
A battery is an electrochemical cell (or enclosed and protected material) that can be charged
electrically to provide a static potential for power or released electrical charge when needed.

 Capacitor:
Device that stores electric charge. These devices are utilized to reduce voltage drops in the
distribution system.

 Capacitance:
Is the ability of a component or circuit to collect and store energy in the form of an electrical
charge.

 Resistor:
A passive electrical component with two terminals that are used for either limiting or
regulating the flow of electric current in electrical circuits.
The SI unit of resistor is Ohm.
 Ohm:
Measurement unit of ohmic resistance. It is equivalent to the resistance that produces a
material against the electric current when a current flow of one ampere circulates, when it is subjected
to a voltage of one volt. Its symbol is Ω.

 Resistivity:
It quantifies how strongly it opposes the flow of electrical current. It is denoted by the symbol
ρ\rho (rho) and is measured in ohm-meters (Ω·m).

 Conductors:
Materials that offer very little resistance allow electrons to move easily. Examples: silver,
copper, gold, and aluminium.

 Conductance:
The ease with which electrons can pass in a conductor is measured by conductance. Unit for
conductance is Siemens or ohm-1.

 Inductor:
An inductor is a passive electrical component that opposes sudden changes in current.
Inductors are also known as coils or chokes. The electrical symbol for an inductor is L. Unit is henry.

 Inductance:
Is the tendency of an electrical conductor to oppose a change in the electric current flowing
through it.

 Insulators:
Materials that have high resistance restrict the flow of electrons. Examples: Rubber, paper,
glass, wood, and plastic.
 Short Circuit:
When two points of circuit are connected together by a thick metallic wire, they are said to be
short-circuited.

 Open Circuit:
Two points are said to be open-circuited when there is no direct connection between them.

 Time Period (T)

It is the Time Taken in seconds to complete one cycle of an alternating quantity Instantaneous
Value.

 Frequency (f)
It is the number of cycles that occur in one second. The unit for frequency is Hz or cycles/sec.
The relationship between frequency and time period can be derived as follows. Time taken to
complete f cycles = 1 second Time taken to complete 1 cycle = 1/f second T = 1/f.

 Amplitude
It is the maximum value attained by an alternating quantity. Also called as maximum or peak
value.

 Electromagnetism:
Is the branch of physics that studies the relationship between electricity and magnetism. It
explains how electric charges produce electric fields and how those fields can create magnetic fields,
and vice versa.

 Magnetic force
Is the force exerted by magnets when they attract or repel each other or when they affect
magnetic materials. It’s a fundamental force in physics, part of the broader field of electromagnetism.

 Magnetic field
Is an invisible field around a magnet or a current-carrying wire that exerts a force on other
magnets, magnetic materials, or electric currents. It is a fundamental concept in physics, especially
in electromagnetism.

 Magnetic flux
Refers to the total amount of magnetic field passing through a given area. It gives us a way to
quantify the strength of a magnetic field over a specific surface.

 Magnetic flux density:

Often represented by the symbol B, is a measure of the strength and direction of a magnetic
field in a given area. It indicates how much magnetic flux passes through a unit area perpendicular to
the magnetic field.

 Electrode:
It is an electrical conductor used to make contact with a non-metallic part of a circuit, for
example a semiconductor or an electrolyte.
 Generator:
It is an electromagnetic device by means of which the mechanical energy is converted into
electrical energy.

 Cathode:
A cathode is an electrode that undergoes a reduction reaction, whereby a material reduces its
oxidation state by receiving electrons.

 Electron:
A tiny particle which rotates around the nucleus of an atom. It has a negative charge of
electricity.

 Series Circuits:
A series circuit is one in which there is only one path for the current to flow from one terminal
of the voltage source to the other.

 Parallel Circuit:
A circuit is said to be parallel when the electric current has multiple paths to flow through.
The components that are a part of the parallel circuits will have a constant voltage across all ends.

 Electro-motive Force (emf):

The e.m.f represents the driving influence that causes a current to flow. The e.m.f is not a
force, but represents the energy expanded during the passing of a unit charge through the source.

 Voltage regulator:
A device that controls the strength of a magnetic field produced by a generator or alternator.
It prevents the battery from being over or undercharged during high - or low - speed operation of the
generator or alternator.

 Real power:
The power due to the active component of current is called as the active power or real power.
It is denoted by P. P = V x ICosΦ = I2R
Real power is the power that does useful power. It is the power that resistance. The unit for real power
in Watt(W).
 Reactive Power:
The power due to the reactive component of current is called as the reactive power. It is
denoted by Q. Q = V x ISinΦ = I2XL.
Reactive power does not do any useful work. The unit for reactive power is Volt Amperes Reactive
(VAR).
 Apparent power:
The apparent power is the total power in the circuit. It is denoted by S.
 Rotor:
It's the rotating part of the distributor of an internal combustion engine that successively
makes and breaks electrical contacts so that each spark plugs fires in turn.

 Flux:
Flux is the presence of a force field in a specified physical medium, or the flow of energy
through a surface. In electronics, the term applies to any electrostatic field and any magnetic field.
Flux is depicted as "lines" in a plane that contains or intersects electric charge poles or magnetic poles.
 Commutator:
A series of bars or segments connected to the armature coils of a generator or motor so that
rotation of the armature will in conjunction with a set of fixed brushes convert alternating current into
direct current. In a generator, a commutator results in an output of direct current. In a motor, the
commutator converts incoming alternating current into direct current before using it to generate
motion.

 Feeder:
All circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of a separately derived
system, or other power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device.

 Relay:
An electrical coil switch that uses a small current to control a much larger current. Electrical
device, which has an electromagnet, which is activated by a current in a circuit to open or close
another circuit.

 Brush:
A device which rubs against a rotating slip ring or commutator to provide a passage for electric
current to a stationary conductor.

 Solar plant:
A solar plant, or solar power plant, is a facility that converts sunlight into electricity using
photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal energy. These plants can vary in size, from small rooftop
installations to large-scale solar farms. The electricity generated can be used locally or fed into the
grid, contributing to renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
 On-grid solar:
On-grid solar refers to a solar power system that is connected to the electrical grid. This type
of system allows for the generation of solar energy while maintaining a connection to the utility grid,
enabling the user to both consume solar power and draw electricity from the grid when needed.
 Off-grid solar System:
Off-grid solar refers to a solar power system that operates independently of the electrical grid.
These systems are designed to generate, store, and use solar energy without relying on traditional
utility power sources.

 Hybrid solar system:

Hybrid solar systems combine solar power generation with another source of energy, such as
the electrical grid and battery storage. This configuration allows for greater flexibility, reliability, and
efficiency in energy use. Here are the key features and benefits of hybrid solar systems

 Solar Panel:
A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity. It is typically composed of
multiple photovoltaic (PV) cells made from semiconductor materials, such as silicon. When sunlight
hits these cells, it generates an electric current through the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels are
commonly used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications to harness solar energy for
various purposes, including powering homes, businesses, and solar power plants.

 Solar Inverter
A solar inverter is an electronic device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity
generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used by most household
appliances and fed into the electrical grid. Solar inverters also manage the performance of the solar
energy system, optimize energy output, and provide monitoring capabilities to track energy
production and system health. There are different types of solar inverters, including string inverters,
microinverters, and central inverters, each suited for various applications and system sizes.

 String:
string refers to a series of solar panels connected together in a specific configuration to form
a circuit. Each string typically consists of multiple photovoltaic (PV) panels wired in series, allowing
them to share the same current while increasing the overall voltage.

 Array:
A solar array refers to the specific arrangement of photovoltaic (PV) panels that can be
connected in series or parallel to optimize voltage and current output.

 DCDB:
DCDB stands for Direct Current Distribution Box. In a solar power system, the DCDB is a
crucial component that manages and distributes the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels
before it is converted to alternating current (AC) by the inverter.
 ACDB:
A Solar ACDB (Alternating Current Distribution Box) is a critical component in a solar power
system. It is used to distribute the AC electricity generated by solar inverters to various circuits or
loads. The ACDB houses protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses, which safeguard the
electrical system from overloads and faults. It also facilitates the connection to the grid or local
electrical network, ensuring safe and efficient distribution of solar-generated power.

 Earthing System:
It is a critical safety measure in electrical systems that involves connecting parts of an
electrical installation to the ground. This provides a reference point for voltage levels and a safe path
for fault currents to flow into the earth, reducing the risk of electric shock and equipment damage.

 Lightning Arrester ( LA ):
It is a protective device used to safeguard electrical equipment from voltage spikes caused by
lightning strikes or other surges.

 Generation Meter:
Generation meter, often referred to as a solar production meter or solar energy meter, is a
device that measures the amount of electricity generated by a solar power system. It tracks the
performance of solar panels and records energy output over time, typically in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
This data can be used for monitoring system performance, calculating energy savings, and verifying
the efficiency of the solar installation. Some solar meters also provide information on energy
consumption and can help in understanding the overall energy balance of a home or facility.

 Unidirectional meter:
Unidirectional meter is an electrical meter that measures the flow of electricity in one direction
only, typically from the utility to the consumer. It records the amount of energy consumed by a
household or business but does not account for any electricity that might be fed back into the grid
from sources like solar panels. Unidirectional meters are commonly used in traditional energy setups
where the consumer only draws power from the grid.

 Bidirectional meter:
Bidirectional meter, also known as a net meter, is an electrical meter that can measure the flow
of electricity in both directions. It records the amount of electricity consumed by a user as well as any
excess electricity generated and fed back into the grid, such as from solar panels. This allows for net
metering, where the user is credited for the energy they contribute to the grid, effectively offsetting
their energy consumption. Bidirectional meters are essential for integrating renewable energy systems
into the electrical grid.

 Current Transformer( CT ):
It is a device used to measure alternating current (AC) by producing a reduced current that is
proportional to the current flowing in its primary circuit.
 Potential Transformer ( PT ):
It is a type of transformer used to step down high voltages to lower, manageable levels for
measurement and monitoring purposes.

 Remote monitoring:
Remote monitoring in solar refers to the use of technology to track and manage the
performance of a solar power system from a distance. This typically involves monitoring solar panel
output, inverter performance, and overall system health using software applications or online
platforms.
Remote monitoring systems can provide real-time data on energy production, efficiency, and
potential issues, allowing users and operators to quickly identify and address problems. This
capability enhances maintenance, optimizes performance, and ensures that the solar installation is
functioning effectively, ultimately improving the return on investment.

 Power cable:
A power cable is an electrical cable used to transmit electrical energy from one point to
another. It typically consists of one or more conductors insulated from each other and from the
surrounding environment. Power cables are designed to carry high voltage or current and are used in
a variety of applications, including connecting electrical equipment, distributing power in buildings,
and linking solar panels to inverters or the grid. They are constructed to withstand environmental
conditions and electrical stress, ensuring safe and reliable power transmission.

 Communication cable:
A communication cable is a type of cable used to transmit data and signals for communication
purposes. These cables can carry various forms of data, including voice, video, and internet signals.
Common types of communication cables include twisted pair cables (like Ethernet cables), coaxial
cables, and fiber optic cables.
Communication cables are designed to minimize interference and maintain signal integrity
over distances, making them essential for networking, telecommunications, and data transmission in
both residential and commercial applications.

 Performance Ratio (PR):

The Performance Ratio is the ratio of the actual energy output of a solar power plant to the expected
energy output under optimal conditions (considering factors like the amount of solar radiation
received, temperature, and system losses). It is expressed as a percentage:
PR = (Actual Energy Output/ Theoretical Maximum Energy Output) x 100%

 Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF):

CUF is a metric used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a solar plant by measuring
how much of its installed capacity is actually utilized over a specific period.
CUF=( Actual Energy Produced /( Installed Capacity×Time Period ))×100
Where:
 Actual Energy Produced is the total energy generated by the solar plant during the specified
time period (usually in kilowatt-hours).
 Installed Capacity is the maximum output the solar plant can produce (in kilowatts).
 Time Period is the total time the system is operational during the measurement period
(usually expressed in hours).
 Control Circuit:
Control system that carries the electric signals directing the performance of the controller but
does not carry the main power current.

 Reverse Power Relay (RPR):

It is a protective device used in electrical systems, particularly in generator and power plant
applications. It detects and prevents reverse power flow, which can occur when the power generated
by a generator is fed back into the grid or when two generators operate in parallel but one is supplying
power to the other instead of the load.

 Zero Export Device (ZED):

It is a system used in solar power installations to prevent excess energy generated by solar
panels from being fed back into the grid. This is particularly important in regions where net metering
is not allowed or where regulations prohibit exporting excess solar energy. The device controls
Inverter depending upon the actual load it delivers required power to the load.