AC Principles
Block A22

 

  
  Duration:
40 hours

  
  Course Prerequisites:
DC Principles (Block A21)
Basic Industrial Math (Block X21)

  
  What Students Learn:
Alternating current is the form of current most often used to furnish electrical energy. Students receive a complete introduction to AC terminology and basic AC circuit configurations. Individual study units on the uses of capacitors and inductors in AC circuits underlines the importance of these components in AC theory. The generation, control, and distribution of AC power are highlighted in study units on alternators, transformers, and energy distribution. How electricity is generated at a power plant and sent to consumers is covered. The student will also be introduced to basic electronics through a study unit on rectification and basic electronic components.

  
  Special Notes:
This updated course replaces AC Principles and Components, Block A02. Each study unit contains a progress examination.

  
  Components:
Alternating Current (086007)
Alternating Current Circuits (086008)
Inductors in AC Circuits (086009)
Capacitors in AC Circuits (086010)
Transformers (086011)
Alternators (086012)
Electrical Energy Distribution (086013)
Rectification and Basic Electronic Devices (086014)

  
 

 

 
 086007
Alternating Current

Objectives:

  • Draw a graph of an AC voltage and describe how AC voltage is created.
  • Explain AC cycle terms: "alternation," "peak," "positive," and "negative."
  • Define the time period of an AC voltage as expressed in degrees.
  • List the characteristic values of an AC cycle and describe the relationship between the values.
  • Define phase angle and describe how it relates to reactive circuits.
  • Calculate power for single-phase and three-phase circuits.
  • Describe how a 220 VAC single-phase circuit operates.
  • Illustrate the phase relationship of three-phase wave forms.
  • Determine real power by reading a power factor meter.
  • Describe delta and wye three-phase circuit connections.
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     086008
    Alternating Current Circuits

    Objectives:

  • Identify electric circuits in terms of their circuit characteristics.
  • List several circuit characteristics that are used to describe a circuit for a particular load application.
  • Connect electrical components in series and parallel circuits.
  • Control loads from one or two switch points.
  • Describe how delta- and wye-connected three phase circuits are different.
  • Explain how grounding a circuit increases its safety.
  • Recognize the difference between control circuits and power circuits.
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     086009
    Inductors in AC Circuits

    Objectives:

  • Explain how an inductor is made and how it operates in a DC and AC circuit.
  • Describe inductive reactance and impedance, and how AC frequency effects inductance.
  • Use Ohm's law in an AC circuit that includes an inductor.
  • Calculate the impedance of a series RL circuit.
  • Calculate the impedance of a parallel RL circuit.
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     086010
    Capacitors in AC Circuits

    Objectives:

  • Describe how a capacitor stores a charge and how series connected and parallel connected capacitance values are calculated.
  • Discuss capacitive reactance and use Ohm's Law in AC circuits that contain a capacitor.
  • Calculate the impedance of a series RC circuit.
  • Explain how changing the frequency of an AC signal changes capacitive reactance.
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     086011
    Transformers

    Objectives:

  • Explain what the main components of a transformer are.
  • Tell how mutual inductance makes it possible to change an AC voltage from one value to another when using a transformer.
  • Determine the turns ratio of a transformer when the primary and secondary voltages are known.
  • Calculate primary or secondary voltages or current when either one of these and the turns ratio are known.
  • Explain why transformers are laminated.
  • Connect three single-phase transformers for three-phase operation.
  • Calculate line current (if phase current is known) in delta-connected transformers.
  • Explain the operating principles of an auto transformer.
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     086012
    Alternators

    Objectives:

  • Explain how single- and three-phase alternators operate.
  • List and describe the major components of an alternator.
  • Discuss alternator ratings in terms of power, voltage, speed, and temperature.
  • State the steps required for starting, stopping, and operating alternators.
  • Describe the similarities and differences of the three main types of alternators.
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     086013
    Electrical Energy Distribution

    Objectives:

  • Explain the difference between feeder and branch circuits.
  • Describe the different types of systems available for distributing power within a plant.
  • Recognize and identify utilization equipment.
  • Discuss the use of transformers in energy distribution.
  • Identify by name and describe the uses of various types of raceways.
  • Distinguish between panel boards and switchboards.
  • Describe the electrical system of a power utility.
  • Describe how electricity is generated at a power station or utility.
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     086014
    Rectification and Basic Electronic Devices

    Objectives:

  • Explain how diodes are used as rectifiers.
  • Discuss the basic operation of a diode and a triode electron tube.
  • Connect a PN junction for forward and reverse bias.
  • Explain how a transistor operates as an amplifier.
  • Recognize transistor input and output circuits.
  • Compare rectifier circuits with and without filter circuits.
  • Describe the operation of an SCR and a triac.
  • Calculate the ripple frequency of a half-wave and full-wave single-phase and three-phase rectifier.
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