BASIC
ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING
Module 2
Series and Parallel Network
■ Why it is important to understand?
Series and parallel networks There are two ways in which components may be
connected together in an electric circuit. One way is ‘in series’ where components are
connected ‘end-to-end’; another way is ‘in parallel’ where components are connected ‘across
each other’. When a circuit is more complicated than two or three elements, it is very likely to
be a network of individual series and parallel circuits.
Series and Parallel Network
At first glance, these circuits may seem very complicated, but with a methodical
analysis approach the functionality of the circuit can become obvious. This chapter explains with
examples, series, parallel and series/parallel networks. The relationships between voltages,
currents and resistances for these networks are considered through calculations.
From Ohm’s law:
V1 = IR1,V2 = IR2,V3 = IR3 and V = IR
where R is the total circuit resistance.
Since V = V1 + V2 + V3
then IR =IR1+IR2+IR3
Dividing throughout by I gives:
In a series circuit:
R = R1 + R2 + R3
Series Circuit (a) The current I is the same in all
parts of the circuit and hence the
same reading is found on each of the
two ammeters shown.
resistance is obtained by adding
(b) The sum of the voltages V1, V2 and together the values of the separate
V3 is equal to the total applied resistances.
voltage, V , i.e. V = V1 + V2 + V3
Thus for a series circuit, the total
Series Circuit
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION
Determine (a) the battery voltage V ,
(b) the total resistance of the circuit,
and (c) the values of resistance of
resistors R1, R2 and R3, given that
the p.d.s across R1, R2 and R3 are 5
V, 2 V and 6 V,
(b) Total circuit resistance :
R = V / I = 13V/4 A=3.25 ohms
(c) Resistance R1 = V1/ I = 5V /4a
=1.25 ohm
Resistance R2 = V2 /I = 2V /4a
=0.5 ohms
Resistance R3 = V3 /I = 6V /4a
=1.5 ohms
(a) Battery voltage : (Check: R1 + R2 + R3 =1.25 + 0.5 + 1.5 =3.25=
V =V1 + V2 + V3 R)
=5 + 2 + 6
=13V
Series Circuit
EXAMPLE 2: SOLUTION
Determine the p.d. across resistor P.d. across R3,
R3. If the total resistance of the V3 =25 − 10− 4=11V
circuit is 100, determine the current P3 = 11V(0.25A) = 2.75W
flowing through resistor R1. Find also Current I = V / R = 25V
the value of resistor R2., /100ohms =0.25 A,
which is the current flowing in each
resistor Resistance R2 = V2/ I = 4V
/0.25 A=16 ohms
Potential Divider
The voltage distribution for the circuit
shown in Figure 5.5(a) is given by:
The circuit shown in Figure(b) is often referred
to as a potential divider circuit. Such a
circuit can consist of a number of similar A potential divider is the simplest way
elements in series connected across a of producing a source of lower e.m.f.
voltage source, voltages being taken from from a source of higher e.m.f., and is
connections between the elements. the basic operating mechanism of the
Frequently the divider consists of two potentiometer, a measuring device
resistors, as shown in Figure 5.5(b), where
for accurately measuring potential
differences
Divider EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE 1: 2:
Potential
Determine the value of voltage V
shown in Figure
SOLUTION
Two resistors are connected in series
across a 24 V supply and a current of
3 A flows in the circuit. If one of the
resistors has a resistance of 2,
determine (a) the value of the other resistor. If the circuit is connected for
resistor, and (b) the p.d. across the 2 50 hours, how much energy is used?
Potential Divider
SOLUTION
Value of unknown resistance,
(a) Total circuit resistance Energy used = power× time = V
RT = V/ I = 24 V/ 3 a =8 ohms × I × t
= (24V × 3a) (50 hr)
Rx =8ohms − 2ohms=6 V1 =IR1=3 × 2=6 V
ohms V2 = IRx = 3a x 6ohms =
18 V
(b) P.d. across 2 resistor, = 3600Wh = 3.6 kWh
Parallel Networks
Figure shows three resistors, R1, R2 and R3,
connected across each other, i.e. in parallel,
across a battery source of V volts.
In a parallel circuit:
(a) The sum of the currents I1, I2 and I3 is equal
to the total circuit current, I, i.e. I =I1 +I2 +I3
(b) The source p.d., V volts, is the same across
each of the resistors
the total resistance R of a parallel circuit.
For the special case of two resistors in
parallel.
From Ohm’s law:
Parallel Networks
This equation must be used when finding
where R is the total circuit
resistance. Since I =I1 + I2 + I3
then V/ R = V/ R1 + V /R2 + V
/R3 Dividing throughout by V
gives:
Networks
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION
Parallel
Determine (a) the reading on the
ammeter, and (b) the value of resistor
supply voltage V .
Hence supply voltage,
V =8 A× 5ohms=40V
(a) Reading on ammeter,
I3 = V/ R3 = 40V /20ohms =2 A
(b) Current flowing through
I2 =11A−8A−2A=1A
Hence,
R2 R2 = V /I2 = 40 V/ 1A =40 ohms
P.d. across R1 is the same as the
Parallel Networks
SOLUTION
EXAMPLE 2: (a) The total circuit
resistance R is given by T wo resistors, of
resistance 3 and 6,
are connected in parallel across a
battery having a voltage of 12 V.
Determine (a) the total circuit
resistance and (b) the current flowing
in the 2 resistor
ohms Hence,
R = 6/ 3 = 2 ohms
Alternatively,
(b) Current flowing in the 2 resistor
I = V/R = 12V/2ohms =6 amp
1 / R = (2 + 1)/ 6 = 3 / 6
Current Division
resistance, RT , is given
For the circuit shown, the total circuit
by :
and
Summarizing, with reference to circuit
Similarly,
It is important to note that current division
can only be applied to two parallel
resistors. If there are more than two
parallel resistors, then current division
cannot be determined using the above
Division
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION
Current
For the series-parallel arrangement shown in
Figure, find (a) the supply current, (b) the
current flowing through each resistor and (c)
the p.d. across each resistor.
The equivalent resistance Rx of R2 and
R3 in parallel is:
RT = 2.5 + 1.5 + 4 = 8 ohms
Supply current I = V / RT
= 200V / 8ohms
The equivalent resistance RT of R1, Rx I = 25A
and R4 in series is:
Current Division
SOLUTION (c) The equivalent circuit of given is shown
(b) The current flowing through R1 and R4 is The current flowing through R3
25 A The current flowing through R2
below
p.d. across R1, i.e. V1 =IR1
=(25)(2.5)=62.5 V p.d. across Rx , i.e.
Vx =IRx =(25)(1.5)=37.5 V p.d. across
R4, i.e. V4 =IR4 =(25)(4)=100 V Hence
the p.d. across R2 =p.d. across R3
=37.5 V
(a) (Note that the currents flowing through R2 and R3 must add up to the total
current flowing into the parallel arrangement, i.e. 25 A
Division
EXAMPLE 2: SOLUTION
Current
For the circuit shown ; calculate (a) the value of resistor Rx such that the
total power dissipated in the circuit is =25, where RT is the equivalent circuit
2.5 kW, and (b) the current flowing in resistance.
each of the four resistors. The equivalent resistance of R1 and R2
in parallel is
(15 × 10) /(15 + 10) = 150 / 25 = 6
ohms The equivalent resistance of
resistors R3 and Rx in parallel is equal
to 25 − 6, i.e. 19. There are three
methods whereby Rx can be
determined.
(a) Power dissipated P =VI
watts, hence 2500= (250)(I)
i.e. I = 2500W/ 250V = 10A SOLUTIONMethod 1
From Ohm’s law, RT = V / I = 250/ 10
I3 = V2 / R3 = 190 /38 =5A.
Current Division Thus I4 =5A also,
since I =10A
Thus Rx = V2/ I4 = 190/5a
=38 ohms
of R3 and Rx in parallel is 19,
Method 2 Since the equivalent
resistance 19 = (38Rx)/(38+Rx) i.e. product sum
The voltage V1 =IR, where R is 6, Hence
from above, 19(38 + Rx ) = 38Rx
i.e. V1=(10)(6)=60V 722 + 19Rx = 38Rx
Hence 722 = 38Rx − 19Rx
V2=250V − 60V=190V = 19Rx
190V =p.d. across R3 Thus Rx = 722 /19 = 38 ohms
=p.d. across Rx
Current Division
SOLUTION
Method 3
When two resistors having the
same value are connected in parallel
the equivalent resistance is always
half the value of one of the
resistors. Thus, in this case, since
RT =19 and R3 =38, then Rx = 38
could have been deduced on
sight.
WYE-DELTA TRANSFORMATIONS
Situations often arise in circuit analysis when the resistors are neither in parallel nor in
series. These are the wye (Y) or tee (T) network shown in the figure (a) and the delta or pi
network shown in the figure (b). These networks occur by themselves or as part of a larger
network. They are used in three-phase networks, electrical filters, and matching networks. Our
main interest here is in how to identify them when they occur as part of a network and how to
apply wye-delta transformation in the analysis of that network.
WYE-DELTA TRANSFORMATIONS
Wye to Delta Connected Resistors
To obtain the conversion formulas sum of all possible products of Y
for transforming a wye network to resistors taken two at a time, divided by
an equivalent delta network. the opposite Y resistor.
Each resistor in the delta network is the
Wye to Delta Connected Resistors
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION
Transform the circuit Y to delta
Delta to Wye
Conversion
Each resistor in the Y network is the
product of the resistors in the two
adjacent delta branches, divided by the
sum of the three delta resistors.
Delta to Wye Conversion
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION
Transform the circuit from delta to Y
For Video Binge:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-Xy2_3tIUE
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Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
The maximum power transfer theorem
states: ‘The power transferred from a
supply source to a load is at its maximum
when the resistance of the load is equal
to the internal resistance of the source.’
Hence, in Figure, when R =r the power
transferred from the source to the load is
a maximum.Typical practical applications of the
maximum power transfer theorem are
found in stereo amplifier design, seeking
to maximize power delivered to speakers,
and in electric vehicle design, seeking to
maximize power delivered to drive a
motor
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION
A d.c. source has an open-circuit
voltage of 30 V and an internal
resistance of 1.5. State the value of
load resistance that gives maximum
power dissipation and determine the
value of this power.
RL =r=1.5
From Figure, current
=((10)^2)(1.5)
I = E r / Rt = 30 V/(1.5+1.5 )=10 A =150 W
W=maximum power dissipated.
Power
P = (I^2) RL
Batteries and Cell
A battery is a device that converts chemical energy to electricity. If
an appliance is placed between its terminals the current generated will
power the device. Batteries are an indispensable item for many
electronic devices and are essential for devices that require power
when no mains power is available. For example, without the battery
there would be no mobile phones or laptop computers.
Batteries and Cell
Batteries tend to be split into two categories – primary, which are
not designed to be electrically re-charged, i.e. are disposable , and
secondary batteries, which are designed to be re-charged, such as
those used in mobile phones . In more recent years it has been
necessary to design batteries with reduced size, but with increased
lifespan and capacity. If an application requires small size and high
power then the 1.5 V battery is used. If longer lifetime is required then
the 3 to 3.6 V battery is used. In the 1970s the 1.5 V manganese
battery was gradually replaced by the alkaline battery. Silver oxide
batteries were gradually introduced in the 1960s and are still the
preferred technology for watch batteries today. Lithium-ion batteries
were introduced in the 1970s because of the need for longer lifetime
applications.
Some chemical effects of electricty
A material must contain charged particles to be able to conduct
electric current. In solids, the current is carried by electrons.
Copper, lead, aluminium, iron and carbon are some examples of
solid conductors. In liquids and gases, the current is carried by the
part of a molecule which has acquired an electric charge, called
ions. These can possess a positive or negative charge, and
examples include hydrogen ion H+, copper ion Cu++ and hydroxyl
ion OH−. Distilled water contains no ions and is a poor conductor of
electricity, whereas salt water contains ions and is a fairly good
conductor of electricity.
Some chemical effects of electricty
Electrolysisis the decomposition of a liquid compound by the
passage of electric current through it. Practical applications of
electrolysis include the electroplating of metals (see below), the
refining of copper and the extraction of aluminium from its ore. An
electrolyte is a compound which will undergo electrolysis. Examples
include salt water, copper sulphate and sulphuric acid. The
electrodes are the two conductors carrying current to the electrolyte.
The positive connected electrode is called the anode and the
negative-connected electrode the cathode.
Some chemical effects of electricty
When two copper wires connected to a battery are placed in a
beaker containing a salt water solution, current will flow through the
solution. Air bubbles appear around the wires as the water is
changed into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis. Electroplating
uses the principle of electrolysis to apply a thin coat of one metal to
another metal. Some practical applications include the tin-plating of
steel, silver-plating of nickel alloys and chromium-plating of steel. If
two copper electrodes connected to a battery are placed in a beaker
containing copper sulphate as the electrolyte it is found that the
cathode (i.e. the electrode connected to the negative terminal of the
battery) gains copper whilst the anode loses copper.
The Simple Battery
The purpose of an electric cell is to convert chemical energy into
electrical energy. A simple cell comprises two dissimilar
conductors (electrodes) in an electrolyte. Such a cell is shown in
Figure on the next, comprising copper and zinc electrodes. An
electric current is found to flow between the electrodes. Other
possible electrode pairs exist, including zinc–lead and zinc–iron.
The Simple Battery
The electrode potential (i.e. the p.d.
measured between the electrodes)
varies for each pair of metals. By
knowing the e.m.f. of each metal with
respect to some standard electrode, the
e.m.f. of any pair of metals may be
determined. The standard used is the
hydrogen electrode. The electrochemical
series is a way of listing elements in
order of electrical potential, and Table
shows a number of elements in such a
series.
Corrosion
Corrosion is the gradual destruction of a metal in a damp
atmosphere by means of simple cell action. In addition to the presence
of moisture and air required for rusting, an electrolyte, an anode and a
cathode are required for corrosion. Thus, if metals widely spaced in the
electrochemical series are used in contact with each other in the
presence of an electrolyte, corrosion will occur. For example, if a brass
valve is fitted to a heating system made of steel, corrosion will occur.
Corrosion
The effects of corrosion include the weakening of structures, the
reduction of the life of components and materials, the wastage of
materials and the expense of replacement. Corrosion may be prevented
by coating with paint, grease, plastic coatings and enamels, or by
plating with tin or chromium. Also, iron may be galvanized, i.e. plated
with zinc, the layer of zinc helping to prevent the iron from corroding.
