1. What is a System?

Ans:
When a number of elements or components are connected in a sequence to perform a
specific function, the group of elements that all constitute a System

2. What is Control System?

Ans:
In a System the output and inputs are interrelated in such a manner that the output
quantity or variable is controlled by input quantity, then such a system is called Control
System.
The output quantity is called controlled variable or response and the input quantity is
called command signal or excitation.

3. What are different types of Control Systems?

Ans:
Two major types of Control Systems are 1) Open loop Control System 2) Closed Loop
Control Systems
Open loop Control Systems:The Open loop Control System is one in which the Output
Quantity has no effect on the Input Quantity. No feedback is present from the output
quantity to the input quantity for correction.
Closed Loop Control System:The Closed loop Control System is one in which the
feedback is provided from the Output quantity to the input quantity for the correction so
as to maintain the desired output of the system.

4. What is a feedback in Control System?

Ans:
The Feedback in Control System in one in which the output is sampled and proportional
signal is fed back to the input for automatic correction of the error ( any change in
desired output) for futher processing to get back the desired output.

5. Why Negative Feedback is preffered in the Control

System?
Ans:
The role of Feedback in control system is to take the sampled output back to the input
and compare output signal with input signal for error ( deviation from the desired result).
Negative Feedback results in the better stability of the system and rejects any
disturbance signals and is less sensitive to the parameter variations. Hence in control
systems negative feedback is considered.

6. What is the effect of positive feedback on stability of the

system?
Ans:
Positive feedback is not used generally in the control system because it increases the
error signal and drives the system to instability. But positive feedbacks are used in
minor loop control systems to amplify certain internal signals and parameters

7. What is Latching current?

Ans:
Gate signal is to be applied to the thyristor to trigger the thyristor ON in safe mode.
When the thyristor starts conducting the forward current above the minimum value,
called Latching current, the gate signal which is applied to trigger the device in no
longer require to keep the scr in ON position.

8. What is Holding current ?

Ans:
When scr is conducting current in forward conduction state, scr will return to forward
blocking state when the anode current or forward current falls below a low level called
Holding current
Note: Latching current and Holding current are not same. Latching current is associated
with the turn on process of the scr whereas holding current is associated with the turn
off process. In general holding current will be slightly lesser than the latching current.

9. Why thyristor is considered as Charge controlled device?

Ans:
During the triggering process of the thyristor from forward blocking state to forward
conduction state through the gate signal, by applying the gate signal (voltage between
gate and cathode) increases the minority carrier density in the p-layer and thereby
facilitate the reverse break over of the junction J2 and thyristor starts conducting. Higher
the magnitude of the gate current pulse, lesser is the time required to inject the charge
and turning on the scr. By controlling the amount of charge we can control the turning
on time of the scr.

10. What are the different losses that occur in thyristor while
operating?
Ans:
Different losses that occur are
a)Forward conduction losses during conduction of the thyristor
b)Loss due to leakage current during forward and reverse blocking.
c)Power loss at gate or Gate triggering loss.
d)Switching losses at turn-on and turn-off.

11. What is meant by knee point voltage?

Ans:
Knee point voltage is calculated for electrical Current transformers and is very important
factor to choose a CT. It is the voltage at which a CT gets saturated.(CT-current
transformer).

12. What is reverse power relay?

Ans:
Reverse Power flow relay are used in generating stations’s protection. A generating
stations is supposed to fed power to the grid and in case generating units are off,there
is no generation in the plant then plant may take power from grid. To stop the flow of
power from grid to generator we use reverse power relay.

13. What will happen if DC supply is given on the primary of

a transformer?
Ans:
Mainly transformer has high inductance and low resistance.In case of DC supply there
is no inductance ,only resistance will act in the electrical circuit. So high electrical
current will flow through primary side of the transformer.So for this reason coil and
insulation will burn out.

14. What is the difference between isolators and electrical

circuit breakers? What is bus-bar?
Ans:
Isolators are mainly for switching purpose under normal conditions but they cannot
operate in fault conditions .Actually they used for isolating the CBs for maintenance.
Whereas CB gets activated under fault conditions according to the fault detected.Bus
bar is nothing but a junction where the power is getting distributed for independent
loads.

15. What are the advantage of free wheeling diode in a Full

Wave rectifier?
Ans:
It reduces the harmonics and it also reduces sparking and arching across the
mechanical switch so that it reduces the voltage spike seen in a inductive load.

16. Mention the methods for starting an induction motor?

Ans:
The different methods of starting an induction motor:
a)DOL:direct online starter
b)Star delta starter
c)Auto transformer starter
d)Resistance starter
e)Series reactor starter

17. What is the power factor of an alternator at no load?

Ans:
At no load Synchronous Impedance of the alternator is responsible for creating angle
difference. So it should be zero lagging like inductor.

18. What is the function of anti-pumping in circuit breaker?

Ans:
When breaker is close at one time by close push button,the anti pumping contactor
prevent re close the breaker by close push button after if it already close.

19. What is stepper motor.what is its uses?

Ans:
Stepper motor is the electrical machine which act upon input pulse applied to it. it is one
type of synchronous motor which runs in steps in either direction instead of running in
complete cycle.so, in automation parts it is used.
20. There are a Transformer and an induction machine.
Those two have the same supply. For which device the load
current will be maximum? And why?
Ans:
The motor has max load current compare to that of transformer because the motor
consumes real power.. and the transformer is only producing the working flux and its not
consuming.. hence the load current in the transformer is because of core loss so it is
minimum.

21. What is SF6 Circuit Breaker?

Ans:
SF6 is Sulpher hexa Flouride gas.. if this gas is used as arc quenching medium in a
Circuitbreaker means SF6 CB.

22. What is ferrantic effect?

Ans:
Output voltage is greater than the input voltage or receiving end voltage is greater than
the sending end voltage.

23. What is meant by insulation voltage in cables? explain it?

Ans:
It is the property of a cable by virtue of it can withstand the applied voltage without
rupturing it is known as insulation level of the cable.

24. What is the difference between MCB & MCCB, Where it

can be used?
Ans:
MCB is miniature circuit breaker which is thermal operated and use for short circuit
protection in small current rating circuit. MCCB moulded case circuit breaker and is
thermal operated for over load current and magnetic operation for instant trip in short
circuit condition.under voltage and under frequency may be inbuilt. Normally it is used
where normal current is more than 100A.
25. Where should the lighting arrestor be placed in
distribution lines?
Ans:
Near distribution transformers and out going feeders of 11kv and incomming feeder of
33kv and near power transformers in sub-stations.

26. Define IDMT relay?

Ans:
It is an inverse definite minimum time relay.In IDMT relay its operating is inversely
proportional and also a characteristic of minimum time after which this relay operates.It
is inverse in the sense ,the tripping time will decrease as the magnitude of fault current
increase.

27. What are the transformer losses?

Ans:
TRANSFORMER LOSSES – Transformer losses have two sources-copper loss and
magnetic loss. Copper losses are caused by the resistance of the wire (I2R). Magnetic
losses are caused by eddy currents and hysteresis in the core. Copper loss is a
constant after the coil has been wound and therefore a measurable loss. Hysteresis
loss is constant for a particular voltage and current. Eddy-current loss, however, is
different for each frequency passed through the transformer.

28. what is the full form of KVAR?

Ans:
We know there are three types of power in Electricals as Active, apparent & reactive. So
KVAR is stand for “Kilo Volt Amps with Reactive component.

29. Two bulbs of 100w and 40w respectively connected in

series across a 230v supply which bulb will glow bright and
why?
Ans:
Since two bulbs are in series they will get equal amount of electrical current but as the
supply voltage is constant across the bulb(P=V^2/R).So the resistance of 40W bulb is
greater and voltage across 40W is more (V=IR) so 40W bulb will glow brighter.
30. Why temperature rise is conducted in bus bars and
isolators?
Ans:
Bus bars and isolators are rated for continuous power flow, that means they carry heavy
currents which rises their temperature. so it is necessary to test this devices for
temperature rise.

31. What is the difference between synchronous generator &

asynchronous generator?
Ans:
In simple, synchronous generator supply’s both active and reactive power but
asynchronous generator(induction generator) supply’s only active power and observe
reactive power for magnetizing.This type of generators are used in windmills.

32. What is Automatic Voltage regulator(AVR)?

Ans:
AVR is an abbreviation for Automatic Voltage Regulator.It is important part in
Synchronous Generators, it controls theoutput voltage of the generator by controlling its
excitation current. Thus it can control the output Reactive Power of the Generator.

33. Difference between a four point starter and three point

starter?
Ans:
The shunt connection in four point stater is provided separately form the line where as
in three point stater it is connected with line which is the drawback in three point stater

34. Why the capacitors works on ac only?

Ans:
Generally capacitor gives infinite resistance to dc components(i.e., block the dc
components). it allows the ac components to pass through.

35. How many types of colling system it transformers?

Ans:
1. ONAN (oil natural,air natural)
2. ONAF (oil natural,air forced)
3. OFAF (oil forced,air forced)
4. ODWF (oil direct,water forced)
5. OFAN (oil forced,air forced)

36. Operation carried out in Thermal power stations?

Ans:
The water is obtained in the boiler and the coal is burnt so that steam is obtained this
steam is allowed to hit the turbine , the turbine which is coupled with the generator
generates the electricity.

37. What is 2 phase motor?

Ans:
A two phase motor is a motor with the the starting winding and the running winding have
a phase split. e.g;ac servo motor.where the auxiliary winding and the control winding
have a phase split of 90 degree.

38. What is the principle of motor?

Ans:
Whenever a current carrying conductor is placed in an magnetic field it produce turning
or twisting movement is called as torque.

39. What is meant by armature reaction?

Ans:
The effect of armature flu to main flux is called armature reaction. The armature flux
may support main flux or opposes main flux.

40. What is the difference between synchronous generator &

asynchronous generator?
Ans:
In simple, synchronous generator supply’s both active and reactive power but
asynchronous generator(induction generator) supply’s only active power and observe
reactive power for magnetizing.This type of generators are used in windmills.

 
41. Whats is MARX CIRCUIT?
Ans:
It is used with generators for charging a number of capacitor in parallel and discharging
them in series.It is used when voltage required for testing is higher than the available.

42. What are the advantages of speed control using

thyristor?
Ans:
Advantages :
1. Fast Switching Characterstics than Mosfet, BJT, IGBT
2. Low cost
3. Higher Accurate.

43. What is ACSR cable and where we use it?

Ans:
ACSR means Aluminium conductor steel reinforced, this conductor is used in
transmission & distribution.

44. Whats the one main difference between UPS & inverter ?
And electrical engineering & electronics engineering ?
Ans:
Uninterrupt power supply is mainly use for short time . means according to ups VA it
gives backup. ups is also two types : on line and offline . online ups having high volt and
amp for long time backup with with high dc voltage.but ups start with 12v dc with 7 amp.
but inverter is startwith 12v,24,dc to 36v dc and 120amp to 180amp battery with long
time backup.

45. What will happen when power factor is leading in

distribution of power?
Ans:
If their is high power factor, i.e if the power factor is close to one:
a)Losses in form of heat will be reduced,
b)Cable becomes less bulky and easy to carry, and very cheap to afford, &
c)It also reduces over heating of tranformers.
46. What are the advantages of star-delta starter with
induction motor?
Ans:
(1). The main advantage of using the star delta starter is reduction of current during the
starting of the motor.Starting current is reduced to 3-4 times Of current of Direct online
starting.
(2). Hence the starting current is reduced , the voltage drops during the starting of motor
in systems are reduced.

47. Why Delta Star Transformers are used for Lighting

Loads?
Ans:
For lighting loads, neutral conductor is must and hence the secondary must be star
winding. and this lighting load is always unbalanced in all three phases. To minimize the
current unbalance in the primary we use delta winding in the primary. So delta / star
transformer is used for lighting loads.

48. Why computer humming sound occurred in HT

transmission line?
Ans:
This computer humming sound is coming due to ionization (breakdown of air into
charged particles) of air around transmission conductor. This effect is called as Corona
effect, and it is considered as power loss.

49. What is rated speed?

Ans:
At the time of motor taking normal current (rated current)the speed of the motor is called
rated speed. It is a speed at which any system take small current and give maximum
efficiency.

50. If one lamp connects between two phases it will glow or

not?
Ans:
If the voltage between the two phase is equal to the lamp voltage then the lamp will
glow. When the voltage difference is big it will damage the lamp and when the
difference is smaller the lamp will glow depending on the type of lamp.
 

51. What happens when two positively charged material is

placed together?
Ans:
When two positively charged material place together it will repel.

52. What is referred to the electron in the outer orbit?

Ans:
Electron in the outer orbit is known as valence.

53. Define the term Capacitance and Inductance?

Ans:
Capacitance: It is the amount of charge that is stored inside a capacitor at a given
voltage.
Inductance: It is defined as the property of a coil to resist any changes in electric current
flowing through it. Mutual inductance happens when a secondary coil opposes current
change in the primary coil.

54. Mention what is the difference between generator and

alternator?
Ans:
Both generator and alternator work on the same principle they convert mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
Generator: It converts induced emf (Electro Motive Force) into direct current, where it
based on stationary magnetic field and revolving conductor which rolls on the armatures
with slip rings and brushes riding against each other.
Alternator: It has rotating magnetic and stationary armature for high voltage and
stationary magnetic field and a rotating armature for low voltage

55. Mention what are the different kind of cables used for
transmissions?
Ans:
Cables are categorized into three forms according to its thermal capacity
Low tension cables- transmits voltage upto 1000 volts
High tension cables- transmits voltage up to 23000 volts
Super tension cables- transmits voltage up to 66kv to 132kv

56. Mention what are the different colors on wires indicates?

Ans:
This is a must know question for any good Electrical Engineer
Black wire: This wire is used for power supply in all circuits. Any circuits with this color is
considered hot or live. It is never used for a neutral or ground wire.
Red wire: This color wire is a secondary live wire in a 220 volt circuit and used in some
types of interconnection. You can join the red wire to another red wire or to a black wire
Blue and Yellow wire: These wires are also used to carry power but are not wiring the
outlets for common plug-in electrical devices. They are used for the live wire pulled
through the conduct. You will see yellow wire in the fan, structure lights, and switched
outlets.
White and Gray: This color wire is used as a neutral wire. It carries the current
(unbalanced load) to the ground. You can join white and gray only to other white and
gray wires
Green: It is connected to the grounding terminal in an outlet box and run from the outlet
box to the ground bus bar within an electric panel

57. Explain RLC circuit?

Ans:
An RLC circuit carries an electrical circuit consisting of a resistor (R) and inductor (L)
and a capacitor (C), connected in parallel or series. This circuit is called a second order
circuit as any voltage or current in the circuit can be described by a second order
differential equation.

58. Explain how you decide what size of electrical wire do

you need?
Ans:
Wire is sized by American Wire Gauge system. Your installation of conductors will
depend on a few factors like gauge of the wire, wire capacity, etc. For wires, smaller the
wire gauge larger the ampacity or capacity of the wire to handle current. For example,
low voltage lighting and lamp cords will have 18 gauge, electric furnaces or large
electric heaters are of 6 gauge.

59. Mention what are the types of semi-conductors?

Ans:
There are two types of semi-conductors intrinsic and extrinsic. Again in extrinsic semi-
conductors you will have N-type semiconductors and P-type semiconductors.

60. Explain what is transistors comprised of?

Ans:
Transistors are comprised of several combination of n-type and p-type semi-conductors.

61. Mention what is the role of transistor in Circuit?

Ans:
Transistor has the ability to amplify the current, due to the reason that output power can
be higher than the input power.

62. Mention how NPN and PNP transistor works?

Ans:
In a circuit when NPN is used,
No current flowing from A to D = No flow from X to Z
Current flowing from A to D = Current allowed to flow from X to Z
When PNP is used,
No current flowing from A to D = Current is allowed to flow from X to Z
Current flowing from A to D = No current flow from X to Z

63. What will be the current if the resistance total in a series

circuit doubles?
Ans:
If the resistance total in a series circuit doubles the current will reduce to half.

64. What happens if the series current double?

Ans:
If the series current gets double then, the resistance is halved.

65. Explain what does a string of resistors in a series will do?

Ans:
When a string of resistors in a series will divide the source voltage into proportion to
their values.

66. What is meant by reverse polarity and how it can be

fixed?
Ans:
Reverse polarity is referred in a condition where one or more of your receptacles are
connected incorrectly. To fix the reverse polarity, check the wire connection at the outlet
and inspect your receptacle. A receptacle with reverse polarity will have the white wire
screwed to the hot side and the black wire will be connected to the neutral side, if that
the case swap the wires and it will resolves the problem. If it persists, a licensed
electrician will be needed.

67. Explain what rectifiers is and what are the types of

rectifiers?
Ans:
A rectifier is an electrical device that transforms A.C or alternating current into direct
current (D.C), which flows in only one direction. The types of rectifiers are
Half wave rectifier: It uses one p-n junction
Full wave rectifier: It uses two p-n junction

68. Explain what is Zener diode?

Ans:
Zener diode is a type of seme-conductor diode that allows current to flow in the opposite
direction when exposed to enough voltage.

69. Mention the difference between Analogue and Digital

circuit?
Ans:
Analogue Digital
 These circuits operate on continuous valued signals  These circuits operate
 No conversion of the input signal required before transmitting, the circuit which exist at two leve
directly executes various logical operations and produces an analogue  Before the signal is tra
output converted into digital f
 There is no probability of losing any information as there is no conversion  During signal conversi
 Analogue lacks flexibility information is lost
 Digital circuits anticipa
 flexibility

70. Explain what is laser diodes?

Ans:
Laser diodes are compact transistor like packages with two or more electrical leads.
Lasing occurs when stimulated emission results into the amplification of photon
confined to the lasing mode. These photons hit back and forth between the back and
front mirror, and hence a diverging beam emits from the laser diode packages.

71. Why star delta starter is preferred with induction

motor?
Ans:
Star delta starter is preferred with induction motor due to following reasons:
• Starting current is reduced 3-4 times of the direct current due to which voltage drops
and hence it causes less losses.
• Star delta starter circuit comes in circuit first during starting of motor, which reduces
voltage 3 times, that is why current also reduces up to 3 times and hence less motor
burning is caused.
• In addition, starting torque is increased and it prevents the damage of motor winding.

72. State the difference between generator and alternator

Ans:
Generator and alternator are two devices, which converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy. Both have the same principle of electromagnetic induction, the only
difference is that their construction. Generator persists stationary magnetic field and
rotating conductor which rolls on the armature with slip rings and brushes riding against
each other, hence it converts the induced emf into dc current for external load whereas
an alternator has a stationary armature and rotating magnetic field for high voltages but
for low voltage output rotating armature and stationary magnetic field is used.

73. Why AC systems are preferred over DC systems?

Ans:
Due to following reasons, AC systems are preferred over DC systems:
a. It is easy to maintain and change the voltage of AC electricity for transmission and
distribution.
b. Plant cost for AC transmission (circuit breakers, transformers etc) is much lower than
the equivalent DC transmission
c. From power stations, AC is produced so it is better to use AC then DC instead of
converting it.
d. When a large fault occurs in a network, it is easier to interrupt in an AC system, as
the sine wave current will naturally tend to zero at some point making the current easier
to interrupt.

74. How can you relate power engineering with electrical

engineering?
Ans:
Power engineering is a sub division of electrical engineering. It deals with generation,
transmission and distribution of energy in electrical form. Design of all power
equipments also comes under power engineering. Power engineers may work on the
design and maintenance of the power grid i.e. called on grid systems and they might
work on off grid systems that are not connected to the system.

75. What are the various kind of cables used for

transmission?
Ans:
Cables, which are used for transmitting power, can be categorized in three forms:
• Low-tension cables, which can transmit voltage upto 1000 volts.
• High-tension cables can transmit voltage upto 23000 volts.
• Super tension cables can transmit voltage 66 kV to 132 kV.

76. Why back emf used for a dc motor? highlight its

significance.
Ans:
The induced emf developed when the rotating conductors of the armature between the
poles of magnet, in a DC motor, cut the magnetic flux, opposes the current flowing
through the conductor, when the armature rotates, is called back emf. Its value depends
upon the speed of rotation of the armature conductors. In starting, the value of back emf
is zero.

77. What is slip in an induction motor?

Ans:
Slip can be defined as the difference between the flux speed (Ns) and the rotor speed
(N). Speed of the rotor of an induction motor is always less than its synchronous speed.
It is usually expressed as a percentage of synchronous speed (Ns) and represented by
the symbol ‘S’.

78. Explain the application of storage batteries.

Ans:
Storage batteries are used for various purposes, some of the applications are
mentioned below:
• For the operation of protective devices and for emergency lighting at generating
stations and substations.
• For starting, ignition and lighting of automobiles, aircrafts etc.
• For lighting on steam and diesel railways trains.
• As a supply power source in telephone exchange, laboratories and broad casting
stations.
• For emergency lighting at hospitals, banks, rural areas where electricity supplies are
not possible.

79. Explain advantages of storage batteries

Ans:
Few advantages of storage batteries are mentioned below:
• Most efficient form of storing energy portably.
• Stored energy is available immediately because there is no lag of time for delivering
the stored energy.
• Reliable source for supply of energy.
• The energy can be drawn at a fairly constant rate.

80. What are the different methods for the starting of a

synchronous motor.
Ans:
Starting methods: Synchronous motor can be started by the following two methods:
• By means of an auxiliary motor: The rotor of a synchronous motor is rotated by
auxiliary motor. Then rotor poles are excited due to which the rotor field is locked with
the stator-revolving field and continuous rotation is obtained.
• By providing damper winding: Here, bar conductors are embedded in the outer
periphery of the rotor poles and are short-circuited with the short-circuiting rings at both
sides. The machine is started as a squirrel cage induction motor first. When it picks up
speed, excitation is given to the rotor and the rotor starts rotating continuously as the
rotor field is locked with stator revolving field.
 

81. Name the types of motors used in vacuum cleaners,

phonographic appliances, vending machines, refrigerators,
rolling mills, lathes, power factor improvement and cranes.
Ans:
Following motors are used: –
• Vacuum cleaners- Universal motor.
• Phonographic appliances – Hysteresis motor.
• Vending machines – Shaded pole motor.
• Refrigerators – Capacitor split phase motors.
• Rolling mills – Cumulative motors.
• Lathes – DC shunt motors.
• Power factor improvement – Synchronous motors.

82. State Thevenin’s Theorem:

Ans:
According to thevenin’s theorem, the current flowing through a load resistance
Connected across any two terminals of a linear active bilateral network is the ratio open
circuit voltage (i.e. the voltage across the two terminals when RL is removed) and sum
of load resistance and internal resistance of the network. It is given by Voc / (Ri + RL).

83. State Norton’s Theorem

Ans:
The Norton’s theorem explains the fact that there are two terminals and they are as
follows:
• One is terminal active network containing voltage sources
• Another is the resistance that is viewed from the output terminals. The output terminals
are equivalent to the constant source of current and it allows giving the parallel
resistance.
The Norton’s theorem also explains about the constant current that is equal to the
current of the short circuit placed across the terminals. The parallel resistance of the
network can be viewed from the open circuit terminals when all the voltage and current
sources are removed and replaced by the internal resistance.

84. State Maximum power transfer theorem

Ans:
The Maximum power transfer theorem explains about the load that a resistance will
extract from the network. This includes the maximum power from the network and in this
case the load resistance is being is equal to the resistance of the network and it also
allows the resistance to be equal to the resistance of the network. This resistance can
be viewed by the output terminals and the energy sources can be removed by leaving
the internal resistance behind.

85. Explain different losses in a transformer.

Ans:
There are two types of losses occurring in transformer:
• Constant losses or Iron losses: The losses that occur in the core are known as core
losses or iron losses. Two types of iron losses are:
o eddy current loss
o Hysteresis loss.
These losses depend upon the supply voltage, frequency, core material and its
construction. As long as supply voltage and frequency is constant, these losses remain
the same whether the transformer is loaded or not. These are also known as constant
losses.
• Variable losses or copper losses: when the transformer is loaded, current flows in
primary and secondary windings, there is loss of electrical energy due to the resistance
of the primary winding, and secondary winding and they are called variable losses.
These losses depend upon the loading conditions of the transformers. Therefore, these
losses are also called as variable losses.

86. Explain different types of D.C motors? Give their

applications
Ans:
Different type of DC motors and their applications are as follows:-
• Shunt motors: It has a constant speed though its starting torque is not very high.
Therefore, it is suitable for constant speed drive, where high starting torque is not
required such as pumps, blowers, fan, lathe machines, tools, belt or chain conveyor etc.
• Service motors: It has high starting torque & its speed is inversely proportional to the
loading conditions i.e. when lightly loaded, the speed is high and when heavily loaded, it
is low. Therefore, motor is used in lifts, cranes, traction work, coal loader and coal cutter
in coalmines etc.
• Compound motors: It also has high starting torque and variable speed. Its advantage
is, it can run at NIL loads without any danger. This motor will therefore find its
application in loads having high inertia load or requiring high intermittent torque such as
elevators, conveyor, rolling mill, planes, presses, shears and punches, coal cutter and
winding machines etc.
87. Explain the process of commutation in a dc machine.
Explain what are inter-poles and why they are required in a
dc machine.
Ans:
Commutation: It is phenomenon when an armature coil moves under the influence of
one pole- pair; it carries constant current in one direction. As the coil moves into the
influence of the next pole- pair, the current in it must reverse. This reversal of current in
a coil is called commutation. Several coils undergo commutation simultaneously. The
reversal of current is opposed by the static coil emf and therefore must be aided in
some fashion for smooth current reversal, which otherwise would result in sparking at
the brushes. The aiding emf is dynamically induced into the coils undergoing
commutation by means of compoles or interpoles, which are series excited by the
armature current. These are located in the interpolar region of the main poles and
therefore influence the armature coils only when these undergo commutation.

88. Comment on the working principle of operation of a

single-phase transformer.
Ans:
Working principle of operation of a single-phase transformer can be explained as
An AC supply passes through the primary winding, a current will start flowing in the
primary winding. As a result, the flux is set. This flux is linked with primary and
secondary windings. Hence, voltage is induced in both the windings. Now, when the
load is connected to the secondary side, the current will start flowing in the load in the
secondary winding, resulting in the flow of additional current in the secondary winding.
Hence, according to Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction, emf will be induced in
both the windings. The voltage induced in the primary winding is due to its self
inductance and known as self induced emf and according to Lenze’s law it will oppose
the cause i.e. supply voltage hence called as back emf. The voltage induced in
secondary coil is known as mutually induced voltage. Hence, transformer works on the
principle of electromagnetic induction.

89. Define the following terms:-

Ans:
• Reliability,
• Maximum demand,
• Reserve-generating capacity,
• Availability (operational).
Reliability: It is the capacity of the power system to serve all power demands without
failure over long periods.
Maximum Demand: It is maximum load demand required in a power station during a
given period.
Reserve generating capacity: Extra generation capacity installed to meet the need of
scheduled downtimes for preventive maintenance is called reserve-generating capacity.
Availability: As the percentage of the time a unit is available to produce power whether
needed by the system or not.

90. Mention the disadvantages of low power factor? How can

it be improved?
Ans:
Disadvantages of low power factor:
• Line losses are 1.57 times unity power factor.
• Larger generators and transformers are required.
• Low lagging power factor causes a large voltage drop, hence extra regulation
equipment is required to keep voltage drop within prescribed limits.
• Greater conductor size: To transmit or distribute a fixed amount of power at fixed
voltage, the conductors will have to carry more current at low power factor. This
requires a large conductor size.

91. State the methods of improving power factor?

Ans:
Methods of improving power factor:
• By connecting static capacitors in parallel with the load operating at lagging power
factor.
• A synchronous motor takes a leading current when over excited and therefore
behaves like a capacitor.
• By using phase advancers to improve the power factor of induction motors. It provides
exciting ampere turns to the rotor circuit of the motor. By providing more ampere-turns
than required, the induction motor can be made to operate on leading power factor like
an overexcited synchronous motor.

92. State the factors, for the choice of electrical system for an
aero turbine.
Ans:
The choice of electrical system for an aero turbine is guided by three factors:
• Type of electrical output: dc, variable- frequency ac, and constant- frequency ac.
• Aero turbine rotational speed: constant speed with variable blade pitch, nearly
constant speed with simpler pitch- changing mechanism or variable speed with fixed
pitch blades.
• Utilization of electrical energy output: in conjunction with battery or other form of
storage, or interconnection with power grid.

93. What are the advantages of VSCF wind electrical

system?
Ans:
Advantages of VSCF wind electrical system are:
• No complex pitch changing mechanism is needed.
• Aero turbine always operates at maximum efficiency point.
• Extra energy in the high wind speed region of the speed – duration curve can be
extracted
• Significant reduction in aerodynamic stresses, which are associated with constant –
speed operation.

94. Explain the terms real power, apparent power and

reactive power for ac circuits and also the units used.
Ans:
• Real Power: It is the product of voltage, current and power factor i.e. P = V I cos j and
basic unit of real power is watt. i.e. Expressed as W or kW.
• Apparent power: It is the product of voltage and current. Apparent power = V I and
basic unit of apparent power is volt- ampere. Expressed as VA or KVA.
• Reactive Power: It is the product of voltage, current and sine of angle between the
voltage and current i.e. Reactive power = voltage X current X sinj or Reactive power = V
I sin j and has no other unit but expressed in VAR or KVAR.

95. Define the following: Average demand, Maximum

demand, Demand factor, Load factor.
Ans:
• Average Demand: the average power requirement during some specified period of
time of considerable duration is called the average demand of installation.
• Maximum Demand: The maximum demand of an installation is defined as the greatest
of all the demand, which have occurred during a given period. It is measured
accordingly to specifications, over a prescribed time interval during a certain period.
• Demand Factor: It is defined as the ratio of actual maximum demand made by the load
to the rating of the connected load.
• Load Factor: It is defined as the ratio of the average power to the maximum demand.

96. Explain forward resistance, static resistance and

dynamic resistance of a pn junction diode.
Ans:
• Forward Resistance: Resistance offered in a diode circuit, when it is forward biased, is
called forward-resistance.
• DC or Static Resistance: DC resistance can be explained as the ratio of the dc-voltage
across the diode to the direct current flowing through it.
• AC or Dynamic Resistance: It can be defined as the reciprocal of the slope of the
forward characteristic of the diode. It is the resistance offered by a diode to the
changing forward current.

97. How does Zener phenomenon differ from Avalanche

breakdown?
Ans:
The phenomenon when the depletion region expands and the potential barrier
increases leading to a very high electric field across the junction, due to which suddenly
the reverse current increases under a very high reverse voltage is called Zener effect.
Zener-breakdown or Avalanche breakdown may occur independently or both of these
may occur simultaneously. Diode junctions that breakdown below 5v are caused by
Zener Effect. Junctions that experience breakdown above 5v are caused by avalanche-
effect. The Zener-breakdown occurs in heavily doped junctions, which produce narrow
depletion layers. The avalanche breakdown occurs in lightly doped junctions, which
produce wide depletion layers.

98. Compare JFET’s and MOSFET’s.

Ans:
Comparison of JFET’s and MOSFET’s:
• JFET’s can only be operated in the depletion mode whereas MOSFET’s can be
operated in either depletion or in enhancement mode. In a JFET, if the gate is forward-
biased, excess-carrier injunction occurs and the gate-current is substantial.
• MOSFET’s have input impedance much higher than that of JFET’s. Thus is due to
negligible small leakage current.
• JFET’s have characteristic curves more flat than that of MOSFET is indicating a higher
drain resistance.
• When JFET is operated with a reverse-bias on the junction, the gate-current IG is
larger than it would be in a comparable MOSFET.

99. Explain thin film resistors and wire-wound resistors

Ans:
a. Thin film resistors- It is constructed as a thin film of resistive material is deposited on
an insulating substrate. Desired results are obtained by either trimming the layer
thickness or by cutting helical grooves of suitable pitch along its length. During this
process, the value of the resistance is monitored closely and cutting of grooves is
stopped as soon as the desired value of resistance is obtained.
b. Wire wound resistors – length of wire wound around an insulating cylindrical core are
known as wire wound resistors. These wires are made of materials such as Constantan
and Manganin because of their high resistivity, and low temperature coefficients. The
complete wire wound resistor is coated with an insulating material such as baked
enamel

100. What is a differential amplifier? Also, explain CMRR.

Ans:
Differential Amplifier: The amplifier, which is used to amplify the voltage difference
between two input-lines neither of which is grounded, is called differential amplifier. This
reduces the amount of noise injected into the amplifier, because any noise appearing
simultaneously on both the input-terminals as the amplifying circuitry rejects it being a
common mode signal.
CMRR: It can be defined as the ratio of differential voltage-gain to common made
voltage gain. If a differential amplifier is perfect, CMRR would be infinite because in that
case common mode voltage gain would be zero.

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