Basic Electrical Engineering
Knowledge
1. Basic Electrical Definitions
1.1 Electric Current
Electric current is the flow of electric charge in a closed circuit. It is measured in Ampere (A).
1. Direct Current (DC): Charge flows in one constant direction.
1. Alternating Current (AC): Charge direction changes periodically.
1.2 Voltage
Voltage (Volt, V) is the potential difference that pushes electric charges to flow through a
circuit. It is also called electromotive force.
1.3 Resistance
Resistance (Ohm, Ω) is the opposition to current flow in electrical components. Resistance
varies with material, length, temperature and cross-sectional area.
1.4 Power
Electrical power (Watt, W) represents the energy consumed per unit time.
Formula: P=U × I
2. Three Basic Circuit Laws
2.1 Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s Law is the most fundamental rule in electricity.
U =I × R
Applicable for linear resistive circuits.
2.2 Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
The total current entering a node equals the total current leaving the node.
Total incoming current = Total outgoing current
2.3 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
The algebraic sum of all voltages in a closed loop circuit is zero.
3. AC & DC System Features
3.1 DC System
1. Stable voltage and current direction
1. Widely used in batteries, solar power systems, electronic devices
1. No frequency and phase deviation
3.2 AC System
1. Has frequency (50Hz in China)
1. Easy for long-distance transmission and voltage transformation
1. Mainly used in industrial power distribution and household electricity
4. Basic Electrical Components
4.1 Resistor
Limit current, divide voltage, consume electrical energy.
4.2 Capacitor
Store electric charge, filter voltage fluctuation, compensate reactive power.
4.3 Inductor
Resist sudden current change, store magnetic energy, widely used in transformers and
motors.
4.4 Diode
Unidirectional conduction, used for rectification and circuit protection.
5. Power Distribution Knowledge
5.1 Low Voltage Distribution
Common voltage level: 220V / 380V
1. Single-phase 220V: Household lighting, sockets
1. Three-phase 380V: Industrial equipment, motors
5.2 Power Factor
Power factor (cosφ) reflects the utilization rate of electrical power.
Higher power factor means less reactive power loss.
6. Electrical Safety Rules
1. Cut off power before circuit maintenance.
1. Avoid overloading wires and switches.
1. Grounding protection is essential for electrical equipment.
1. Use insulating tools in live working scenarios.
1. Install leakage protection devices for low-voltage systems.
7. Transformer Basic Principle
A transformer changes AC voltage through electromagnetic induction.
1. Step-up transformer: Increase voltage for long-distance transmission
1. Step-down transformer: Reduce voltage for end-user usage
8. Motor Basic Knowledge
Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
1. AC motor: Common in industrial production
1. DC motor: Stable speed, suitable for precise control equipment
9. Common Electrical Units Summary
1. Voltage: Volt (V)
1. Current: Ampere (A)
1. Resistance: Ohm (Ω)
1. Power: Watt (W), Kilowatt (kW)
1. Frequency: Hertz (Hz)
1. Energy: Kilowatt-hour (kWh / degree)
10. Brief Solar Power Electrical Knowledge
1. Solar panels generate DC power.
1. Inverters convert DC into AC power for grid connection.
1. Combiner boxes collect parallel PV string power.
1. Low-voltage and over-current protection ensure system safety.
1. Grid-tied system follows local grid voltage and frequency standards.
|（注：部分内容可能由 AI 生成）