Introduction

Electrical
Utilities
EEUTI130 – CIV221, CIV222, CIV223/224
Electricity is a form of energy
resulting from the existence of
charged particles (such as electrons
or protons), either statically as an
accumulation of charge or
dynamically as a current. It is a
versatile and widely used form of
energy that powers various devices,
appliances, and industrial processes.
There are different sources of
electricity, and they can be broadly
categorized into two main types:
renewable and non-renewable
Non-renewable Sources:
1. Fossil Fuels:

Coal: Coal-fired power plants burn coal to generate steam,

which drives turbines connected to generators.

Natural Gas: Natural gas can be burned directly or used

to generate steam for electricity generation .

Oil: Oil-fired power plants work similarly to coal and

natural gas plants.

2. Nuclear Power:
Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from
nuclear fission reactions to produce steam and drive
turbines.
Renewable Sources:
1. Solar Power:
Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity
through the photovoltaic effect.
Solar thermal power plants use sunlight to heat a fluid,
which then produces steam to drive turbines.

2. Wind Power:
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind
into mechanical energy, which is then transformed
into electricity.

3. Hydropower:
Hydropower plants harness the energy of flowing
water or falling water to generate electricity.
Renewable Sources:
4. Biomass:
Biomass power plants burn organic materials, such as
wood, crop residues, or municipal solid waste, to generate
electricity.

5. Geothermal Power:
Geothermal power plants use heat from the Earth's
interior to produce steam and generate electricity .
Other Sources:

1. Tidal Power:
Tidal energy is generated by harnessing the
gravitational forces between the Earth, moon, and
sun. Tidal power plants use the rise and fall of tides
to generate electricity.

2. Wave Power:
Wave energy is captured from the motion of ocean
waves and converted into electricity.

3. Piezoelectricity:
This involves generating electricity from the
mechanical stress or pressure applied to certain
materials.
Electricity Source:
The choice of electricity sources
depends on factors such as availability,
cost, environmental impact, and
technological advancements. Increasing
emphasis is being placed on
transitioning to renewable energy
sources due to concerns about climate
change and the finite nature of non-
renewable resources
Introduction to
Electricity:
Electricity is a fundamental form of energy that
powers a wide array of devices and systems in our
modern world. It is the result of the movement of
charged particles, usually electrons, through
conductive materials. The study of electricity
encompasses a range of phenomena, including
electric charge, voltage, current, resistance, and
electromagnetic fields. Understanding these
principles is crucial for designing, operating, and
maintaining electrical systems.
Electric Concepts
Electric Charge
Is a fundamental property of matter.
Objects can be positively or
negatively charged, and like charges
repel each other, while opposite
charges attract.
Voltage (Potential Difference)
often referred to as potential
difference, is the force that drives the
movement of electric charges. It is
measured in volts (V) and represents
the energy per unit charge.
Electric Concepts
Current
is the flow of electric charge. It
is measured in amperes (A) and
represents the rate of flow of
electric charge through a
conductor.
Resistance
opposes the flow of electric
current in a conductor. It is
measured in ohms (Ω). Ohm's
Law, which states that voltage
equals current multiplied by
resistance (V = I * R), is a
fundamental equation in
understanding electrical circuits
Circuit
is a closed loop through which
electric current can flow. It
typically consists of a power
source (like a battery or
generator), conductors (wires),
and loads (devices consuming
electrical energy).
Electrical Systems: An electrical system
involves the generation, distribution, and utilization
of electrical energy. It encompasses a variety of
components and technologies to ensure a reliable
and safe supply of electricity. Here are key aspects
of electrical systems:
Generation
Electricity is often generated at power
plants. These can use diverse sources such as
fossil fuels, nuclear energy, solar power,
wind, hydropower, or geothermal energy to
produce electricity.
Transformers
Transformers are used to change the voltage
level of electricity during transmission and
distribution, ensuring efficiency and safety.
End-Use Devices
These are the devices that consume electrical
energy, ranging from household appliances
and lighting to industrial machinery and
electronic gadgets.
Transmission and
Distribution
Once generated, electricity is transmitted
over long distances through high-voltage
transmission lines. Subsequently,
distribution networks deliver electricity to
homes, businesses, and industries.
Switchgear and
Protection
Switchgear controls the flow of electricity
within a system, and protective devices (like
circuit breakers) safeguard against overloads
and faults.
Series Circuit:
Definition: In a series circuit, components are connected in a single path, and the same current
flows through each component.

Parallel Circuit:
Definition: In a parallel circuit, components are connected in separate branches, and the voltage
across each component is the same, while the current may vary.

Capacitance:
Definition: Capacitance is the ability of a system to store an electric charge. Capacitors are
electronic components used to store and release electrical energy.

Inductance:
Definition: Inductance is the property of an electrical circuit that opposes a change in current.
Inductors are components that store energy in a magnetic field.

Conductors:
- Materials that allow easy flow of electric charge.
Insulators:
- Materials that resist the flow of electric charge.
Direct Current (DC):
Definition: Direct current is the continuous flow of electric charge in a single direction.
Batteries and most electronic devices use DC power.
Alternating Current (AC):
Definition: Alternating current periodically changes direction. It is the form of electricity
delivered to homes and businesses by the power grid.
Frequency:
Definition: Frequency is the number of cycles of an alternating current per second, measured
in hertz (Hz).
Resistors:
Definition: Resistors are electronic components that introduce resistance into a circuit. They
are used to control current and voltage levels.
Diodes:
Definition: Diodes are semiconductor devices that allow current to flow in one direction only.
They are often used in rectifiers and electronic circuits.
Transistors:
Definition: Transistors are semiconductor devices that can amplify or switch electronic
signals. They are fundamental to modern electronics.
In electrical systems, various units of measurement are used to quantify different properties and
characteristics of components. Here are some important units:

Amperes (A):
Definition: Amperes, often abbreviated as "A," represent the unit of electric current. One ampere is equal
to the flow of one coulomb of charge per second.
Symbol: A

Volts (V):
Definition: Volts measure electric potential difference or voltage. One volt is the potential difference
across a conductor when one ampere of current results in a power dissipation of one watt.
Symbol: V

Watts (W):
Definition: Watts measure power. One watt is equivalent to one joule of energy per second.
Symbol: W

Ohms (Ω):
Definition: Ohms measure electrical resistance. One ohm is the resistance that allows one ampere of
current to flow when one volt of potential difference is applied across it.
Symbol: Ω
Ampacity:
Definition: Ampacity refers to the maximum current-carrying capacity of a conductor or device without
exceeding its temperature rating. It is crucial for ensuring that wires and components do not overheat.

Units: Ampacity is measured in amperes (A).

These units are fundamental to understanding and quantifying the behavior of electrical components and
systems.

Amperes (A): Unit of electric current.

Volts (V): Unit of electric potential difference or voltage.

Watts (W): Unit of power.

Ohms (Ω): Unit of electrical resistance.

Ampacity: Maximum current-carrying capacity of a conductor or device, measured in amperes.

Ohm's Law:

Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in electrical engineering that relates the voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit.
The law is named after the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm, who first formulated it.

Ohm's Law is mathematically expressed as:

Ohm’s Law
Power Formula:

The power (P) in an electrical circuit is the rate at which work is done or the rate at which energy is transferred. The power
formula is derived from Ohm's Law:
Power Formula:
Problem Solving: