Alternating Current (AC) Systems - Part I
This online engineering PDH interactive presentation describes the basic concepts of alternating current (AC) electrical circuits and discusses the associated terminology.
The elementary AC generator consists of a conductor, or loop of wire in a magnetic field that is produced by an electromagnet. The two ends of the loop are connected to slip rings, and they are in contact with two brushes. When the loop rotates, it cuts magnetic lines of force, first in one direction and then the other.
Any device relying on magnetism or magnetic fields to operate is a form of inductor. Furthermore, there are many natural causes of capacitance in AC power circuits, such as transmission lines, fluorescent lighting, and computer monitors. Whenever inductive and capacitive components are used in an AC circuit, the calculation of their effects on the flow of current is important.
The analysis of the AC power generation process and of the alternating current we use in almost every aspect of our lives is necessary to better understand how AC power is used in today’s technology.
This 1 PDH online interactive presentation is intended primarily for electrical engineers and design and construction personnel who are interested in gaining a better understanding of alternating current systems.
This continuing education interactive presentation is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Familiarizing with the construction and operation of a simple AC generator
- Understanding the development of a sine-wave output in an AC generator
- Learning about inductive and capacitive reactance and impedance in a circuit
- Understanding the effect of the phase relationship between current and voltage in circuits
- Understanding phasor diagrams representing AC current and voltage in circuits
- Calculating the inductive and capacitive reactance and impedance of different circuits
- Learning about resonance, resonant frequency and the net reactance of a circuit
- Understanding the relationship between apparent, true, and reactive power by definition or by using a power triangle
- Gaining an overview of three-phase power systems used in the industry
Once you finish watching the PDH interactive presentation, you will be redirected to your account to take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten (10) questions to earn 1 PDH credit. The quiz will be based on this interactive presentation.
Upon successful completion of the quiz, print your Certificate of Completion instantly. (Note: if you are paying by check or money order, you will be able to print it after we receive your payment.) For your convenience, we will also email it to you. Please note that you can log in to your account at any time to access and print your Certificate of Completion.