Alternating current

CFGM Installations
Telecommunications Basic Electrical Installations

Single-PhaseAlternating Current
1. DEFINITION

It is an electric current that repeats by changing direction periodically. The

The most commonly used alternating current is the one that performs a cycle of sinusoidal values.

2. CHARACTERISTIC PARAMETERS
Period
It is the minimum time (T) that it takes for the current to repeat its values.
During the time of a period, the current completes one full oscillation or cycle.

Frequency
It is the number of cycles (f) performed in one second.
1
It is the inverse of the period. f .
T
The period per second is called hertz or Hz.

3. Maximum value of an alternating current or voltage

It is the maximum value (Imaxo
Vmaxthat takes the current intensity or the voltage
in a semicircle. It is also called amplitude.

4. Mean value of a sine wave alternating current

It is the value (Imof
an alternating current intensity that carries the same
charge at the same time as a direct current of equal intensity.
The average value of the sinusoidal AC intensity in relation to the maximum value is:

2 Imax
Im  0.636 Imax

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 APPLICATION PROBLEMS
4.1. A sinusoidal alternating current has a maximum value of 20 A. Calculate its value.
half.
The average value Im = 0,636·Imax= 0.636·20=12.72 A
4.2. Calculate the maximum value of a sinusoidal alternating current that has a value
mid 19th century
Solution: 29.9 A

5. Average value of a sinusoidal alternating voltage

The average value of the sinusoidal AC voltage as a function of the maximum value is:

2 Vmax
Vm  0.636 Vmax

APPLICATION PROBLEMS
5.1. A sinusoidal alternating current has a maximum value of 311 V. What is the value
medium?
The average value of the tension Vm= 0.636·Vmax0.636 * 311 = 197.8 V

5.2. Calculate the maximum value of a sinusoidal alternating current, if its average value is
of 341.5 V.
Solution: 537 V

6. Effective value of a sine wave alternating current

It is the value (I) of an alternating current intensity that produces in a circuit
the same amount of heat by Joule effect as a direct current of equal
intensity.
The effective value of the sinusoidal AC intensity as a function of the maximum value is:

Imax
I 0.707 Imax
2

APPLICATION PROBLEMS
6.1. A sinusoidal alternating current has a maximum value of 20 A. What will its value be?
effective?
The effective value of intensity I=0.707·Imax= 0.707·20 = 14.14 A

[Link] the maximum value of the intensity of a sine alternating current.

effective value 21.21 A.
Solution: 30 A

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7. Effective value of a sinusoidal alternating voltage
It is the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of values
instantaneous electrical tension in a period.
The effective value of a sinusoidal alternating voltage in relation to the maximum value is:

Vmax
V 0.707 Vmax
2

APPLICATION PROBLEMS
7.1. Calculate the effective value of a sinusoidal alternating voltage that has a value
maximum 311 V.
The effective value V=0.707·Vmax0.707·311 = 220 V
7.2.A sinusoidal alternating voltage has an effective value of 380 V. Calculate its value.
maximum.
Solution: 537 V
7.3. What will be the maximum tension that an insulator separating two must withstand?
points subjected to sinusoidal alternating tension of effective value 30kV?
Solution: 42.4 kV

8. Graphical representation of an alternating sinusoidal magnitude

Cartesian representation: it is represented by sinusoids.
In terms of time: the value of the magnitude is taken on the vertical axis and that of
time on the x-axis.

Depending on the angle: the value of the magnitude in the ordinates is taken and that of the
angle in abscissas; considering that at the time of a period it
corresponds to an angle of 360°.

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 Vector representation: it is represented by a rotating vector or phasor.
module the maximum value of the magnitude, and which rotates with uniform motion
describing a complete rotation over the period of time; with velocity
2  rad
angular  2 f
T s

In calculations, the vector is usually represented with the magnitude of the effective value.

9. Phase difference between alternating magnitudes

It is said that two alternating magnitudes are in phase when they have at the same
moment its maximum and minimum values.

It is said that two alternating magnitudes are out of phase by an angle or a time t,
when their maximum and minimum values are out of phase that angle or that
time.

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10. Alternating current circuit with ohmic resistance
A circuit has only ohmic resistance when it is devoid of
self-induction and capacity.
When connecting a self-induction of coefficient L to an alternating sine voltage of
effective value V and frequency f:
An alternating current flows through the resistor.
sine wave of frequency f and effective intensity:
V
I
R
The current intensity is in phase with the
applied tension.
The power consumed by Joule effect in the resistor is called
Active power is measured in watts: P R I2 V R I

APPLICATION PROBLEMS
8.1. An electrical resistance of 1000Ω is connected to a sinusoidal alternating voltage.
of 220 V effective value and 50 Hz frequency. Calculate the value of the
effective current intensity that flows through the resistance.
VR 220
The effective intensity: I 0.22 A
R 1000

[Link] estufa eléctrica de 1200Ωde resistencia se conecta a una tensión alterna

Sine wave of 220 V. What is the current intensity that circulates?
Solution: 0.18 A

NOTE: When not explicitly specified, the values of the

alternate magnitudes are the effective ones.

8.3. To a sine wave alternating current network with a voltage of 220 V and frequency 50
A 90 Ω resistance electric iron is connected to Hz. Calculate:
a) The intensity that flows.
b) The power it consumes.

Solución:a) 2,44 A; b) 537W

8.4. An electric circuit with only ohmic resistance, with a total value of 100Ω, is
Connect to a 127 V sine wave alternating voltage and 50 Hz frequency.
Calculate:
a) The current intensity that flows.
b) The power consumed by the circuit.

Solución:a) 1,27 A; b) 161,3 W

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11. Alternating current circuit with self-induction
A circuit has only self-induction when it is unconnected.
view of ohmic resistance and capacity.
When connecting a self-induction with coefficient L to a
sine wave alternating current with effective value V and frequency f:
An alternating current flows due to self-induction.
sine wave with frequency f and effective intensity:
V
I
2 f L
The value XL2 f L it is called self-inductance reactance or
inductance and is measured in ohms.
The current intensity is delayed by 90° (a quarter of
period) regarding the applied tension)
The power consumed by self-induction is used to produce a
magnetic field, it is called reactive power QLand is measured in
reactive voltamperes (VAr).
QL XL I2 VL I

APPLICATION PROBLEMS
11.1.A coil made with a thick conductor, with resistance
negligible, it has a self-inductance coefficient of 0.01 H and is connected to a
sine wave alternating current of 220 V, 50 Hz. Calculate:
Inductance of the coil.
b) Current intensity that flows.

Solución:a) 3,14 Ω; b) 70 A

11.2. The coil of an electromagnet has a self-induction coefficient of

0.02H and negligible resistance. If connected to a 380 V, 50 Hz network.
Calculate:
a) The reactance of the coil.
b) The intensity that flows through it.

Solución:a) 6,28 Ω; b) 60,5 A

11.3. An alternating sine wave voltage of 220 V, 50 Hz is connected to a coil.

self-inductance coefficient L=0.04 H and negligible resistance. Calculate:
a) Reactance of the coil.
b) Intensity that flows through the coil.
c) Power consumption.

Solución:a) 12,56 Ω; b) 17,5 A; c) 3850 VAr

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 11.4. A coil, whose resistance is negligible, has a coefficient of
self-induction L=0.03 H and is connected to a sinusoidal alternating voltage of 125 V, 50
Hz. Calculate:
a) Current intensity flowing through the coil.
b) Reactive power consumed.

Solución:a) 13,26 A; b) 1,6 kVAr

12. Alternating current circuit with capacitance

A circuit has only capacitance when it is devoid of
ohmic resistance and self-induction.
When connecting a capacitor of capacitance C to a voltage
Sine wave alternating current with effective value V and frequency f:

A sinusoidal alternating current passes through the circuit.

frecuencia f y valor eficaz:
V
I
1
2 f C
No electric current flows through the dielectric of the capacitor; but the
electric influence between the two armatures transmits the variation of
voltage and the capacitor charges and discharges alternately.
1
The value XC  it is called capacitive reactance or capacitance and
2 f C
it is measured in ohms.
The alternating current intensity is phase-advanced by 90° (a
quarter of the period) regarding the applied tension.
The power consumed by the capacitor is used for the charging of the
the same, is called reactive power QCand is measured in volt-amperes
reactives (VAr).
QC XC I 2 VC I

APPLICATION PROBLEMS
12.1. A capacitor with a capacity of 10 μF is connected to an alternating voltage.
sine wave of 220 V, 50 Hz. Calculate:
a) The reactance of the capacitor.
b) The current intensity that flows.

Solución:a) 318,47 Ω; b) 0,69 A

12.2. Calculate the current flowing through a 20 μF capacitor.

capacity connected to a 125 V, 50 Hz sinusoidal alternating current network.

Solución:0,78 A

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 12.3. Calculate the reactance of a capacitor with a capacitance of 25 μF at the
sine wave alternating frequencies of 50 Hz, 100 kHz, and 600 kHz.

Solución:127,4 Ω; 0,06 Ω; 0,01 Ω

A 15 μF capacitor is connected to an alternating voltage.

sine wave of 380 V effective value and 50 Hz frequency. Calculate:
a) Reactance of the capacitor.
b) Current intensity.
c) Reactive power.

Solución:a) 212,3 Ω; b) 1,79 A; c) 680,2 VAr

12.5. A sinusoidal alternating current network with a voltage of 127 V is connected to a

10 μF capacitor capacity. Calculate:
a) The reactance of the capacitor, the current, and the reactive power, if the
The frequency of the network is 50 Hz.
b) The same as in the previous question if the network frequency drops to 40
Hz.
Solution: a) XC=318,47 Ω; I=0,398 A; QC50.6 VAr
b) XC=398 Ω; I=0,32 A; QC40.6 VAr

13. Alternating current circuit with resistance, self-inductance, and capacitance

in series
When connecting a circuit with resistance R, self-induction L
and capacity C to a sinusoidal alternating voltage of value
effective V and frequency f:
An alternating current flows through the circuit
sine wave of frequency f and effective intensity
V
I 
R2  (XL  XC)2

The valueZ R2  (XL  XC)2It is called impedance and is measured in ohms.

The current intensity is phase shifted by an angle φ with respect to the
applied tension.
X -X
arctan L C
R
If the angle is positive, the intensity is delayed.
regarding the tension.

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 The power consumed by the circuit is divided into:
Active power (P), which is measured in watts (W).
P R I2 VR I V I cos 
Reactive power (Q), which is measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAr).
Q (XLX C) I C)
I2 VX (VLV  senI V I 
Apparent power (S), measured in volt-amperes (VA).
S Z I2 V I
The relationship between the three powers is:  P2Q
 2




APPLICATION PROBLEMS
13.1. A series circuit with resistance R=10Ω self-inductance coefficient
L = 0.02H and capacitance C = 10 μF are connected to a sinusoidal alternating voltage of
110V, 50Hz. Calculate:
a) Circuit impedance.
b) Current intensity that passes through it.
Solución:a) 312,35 Ω; b) 0,35 A

13.2. A coil with resistance R=10Ω and self-inductance coefficient L=0.04H

it connects to a sinusoidal alternating voltage of 220 V, 50 Hz. Calculate:
a) Impedance of the coil.
b) Current intensity that flows through it.
Solución:a) 16Ω; b) 13,75 A.

A 12μF capacitor is connected in series with a

100Ω resistance at a sinusoidal alternating voltage of 220 V, 50 Hz. Calculate:
a) Impedance of the circuit.
b) Current intensity flowing through it.
Solución:a) 283,5 Ω; b) 0,776 A

13.4. A coil with resistance R=200Ω and self-inductance coefficient L=0.2H

it connects in series with a capacitor of capacitance C=100μF at a voltage
sine wave of 250 V, 50 Hz. Calculate:
Total reactance.
b) Impedance of the circuit.
c) Current intensity.
d) Phase angle between the voltage applied to the circuit and the current.
Active, reactive and apparent power consumed.
Solución:a) X=31Ω;b) Z=202,39Ω;c) I=1,24 A; d) tgφ=0,155(El
phase angle between voltage and current (φ=8.8°=8°48' delayed
of the intensity regarding the tension. The effect of self-induction predominates
about the capacity); e) P=307.3W; Q=47.6VAr; S=310VA

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 14. Graphic constructions
Triangle of tensions: The vector representation of the tensions forms the
tension triangle.
V VR  VL  VC VR  VX
Active tension: VR R I V cos 
Reactive power: VX (XL-X C) I V you 
2
Applied voltage to the circuitV ZI VR2-V X


Triangle of resistances: Dividing the three sides of the tension triangle

the triangle is obtained from the value of the intensity
resistances.
Ohmic resistance: R Z cos 
Total reactance: X XL-XC Z you 

Impedance of the circuit:Z  R2  (XL XC)2



Power triangle: Multiplying the three sides of the tension triangle

By the value of the intensity, the power triangle is obtained.

15. Resonance in a series circuit

A circuit with resistance R, self-inductance L, and capacitance C in series, connected to
a sinusoidal alternating tension with effective value V and frequency f is in resonance
when the alternating current flowing through it is in phase with the
applied tension. This occurs when the value of the self-inductance reactance
it is equal to that of the capacitive reactance XL= XC
The intensity will take on a very high value as it is limited only by the
ohmic resistance of the circuit.
V V V
I 
R2  (XL  XC)2 R2  0 R

If the resistance is very small (practically zero), the circuit operates when
it is in resonance, like a short circuit. The frequency at which it is verified the
1
resonance is: f 
2 L C

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 APPLICATION PROBLEMS
15.1. A coil with a resistance of 30 Ω and a self-inductance coefficient of 0.15 H is
connect in series with a 30 μF capacitor. Calculate the frequency of
circuit resonance. Remember that resonance occurs when it is verified
1
what: XL=XC 2 f L 
2 f C
Solution: 75 Hz

15.2. A series circuit has a resistance of 10 Ω, with a self-inductance coefficient

0.08 H and capacitance 20 μF. Calculate:
a) Resonance frequency.
b) Current intensity if connected to a sinusoidal alternating voltage of
200 V at the resonance frequency.
Solución:a) 125,8 Hz; b) 20 A.

16. Principle of separation of powers

In an alternating current network of constant frequency, it is preserved by
separated active and reactive powers.
The total active power of a set of receivers connected in the
red is equal to the arithmetic sum of its active powers.
The total reactive power of a set of receivers connected to the
red is equal to the arithmetic sum of its reactive powers.
The total apparent power of the set of receivers: S  P 2 Q 2




APPLICATION PROBLEMS
16.1. To a sinusoidal alternating current line of 220 V, 50 Hz, is
connect a 2 kW heater and a motor that consumes 0.75 kW with a factor of
power (cosine of the phase angle between current intensity and the
tension) of 0.8 inductive. Calculate:
a) Total active power.
b) Total reactive power.
c) Total apparent power.
Total intensity.
e) Total power factor.

Solución:a) 2,75 W; b) 0,56 KVAr; c) 2,806 KVA; d) 12,75 A; e) 0,98

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 16.2. Two receivers are connected in parallel to an alternating voltage line.
sine wave of 220 V, 50 Hz. One of them consumes 2 kW with a power factor of 0.8
inductive and the other consumes 1 kW with a power factor of 0.85 inductive. Calculate:
a) Total active power.
b) Total reactive power.
c) Total apparent power.
d) Total intensity.
e) Total power factor.
Solución:a) 3 kW; b) 2,12 kVAr; c) 3,67 kVA; d) 16,68 A; e) 0,817

THREE-PHASEALTERNATING CURRENT
[Link]
It is a set of three alternating currents of the same characteristics and out of phase.
one third of a period or 120° (2 /3 radians).

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Cartesian representation: it is represented by three phase-shifted sine waves.
120° or one-third of the period.
Based on time: the value of the magnitude is taken in ordinates and
the time in abscissas.

Depending on the angle: the value of the magnitude is taken in the ordinates and
the angle in abscissa, taking into account that at the time of a
the period corresponds to 360° or 2 radians.

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 Vector representation: magnitudes are represented by three
equal rotating vectors (phasors), with a magnitude equal to the maximum value of the magnitude
and that rotate with uniform motion, making a rotation in the time of
2  rad
a period with angular velocity 2 f
T s

In practice, vectors are represented by the effective value modulus.

The sum of the three magnitudes of the three-phase system at any
the moment is null:
i1+i2+i30

3. Star connection
Both a receiver and a three-phase generator can
connect in a star at a common point, called neutral.
The three free ends of the phases are connected to three
conductors called active or phase and the common point
It can be connected to a conductor called neutral.

4. Delta connection
Both a receiver and a three-phase generator can
connect in a triangle, joining the end of a phase with the
the beginning of the following, and the end of the third with the beginning
from the first to close the triangle.
The connections between the phases are connected to three conductors.
active or phase calls.

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5. Voltages and currents in a three-phase system
It is called line voltage VLto the existing tension between the conductors or wires
the phase of a three-phase line.
It is called phase voltage V.f, to the tension existing between extremes of a phase.
It is called line intensity ILto the intensity that flows through each conductor or
phase wire of a three-phase line.
It is called phase I [Link] the intensity that flows through a phase.

6. Relationship of voltages and currents in a star connection

balanced
The connection is called balanced when the three phases are equal.
The line intensity is equal to the phase intensity.
I R I S I T IL =I f
The line voltage is 3 sometimes the phase shift:

VL  3 Vf ; VR VS VT Vf ; VRS VST VTR VL

[Link] of tensions and currents in a delta connection

balanced
The connection is called balanced when the three phases are equal.
The line voltage is equal to the phase voltage.
The line intensity is 3 times the phase:

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8. Power in balanced three-phase alternating current
The power of a three-phase system is the sum of the powers of the three phases. If
the system is balanced:
Active power P=3·VfIf-cosφ= 3 V IL cosφ
L

Reactive power Q = 3 · V · I · fsinφ

f = · V · I3· sinφ
L L

Apparent power S=3·VfIf=3·VLIL

Let φ be the phase angle between the voltage and the phase current.
The relationship between the three powers P2  Q2 .

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