Free Expert Guides on Power Systems, Circuit Design & Electrical Troubleshooting

What is an Electrical Fuse?Electrical Fuse DefinitionAn electrical fuse is a protective device that breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a predetermined value to prevent damage.Fuse Wire FunctionThe fuse wire carries normal current without excessive heating but melts and breaks the circuit when excess current flows through.Major Parameter Minimum Fusing Current Current Rating of Fuse Fusing Factor Prospective Current in Fuse Melting Time of Fuse Operating Time of FuseFuse LawMaterials for

What are Dielectric Gaes ?Dielectric Gas DefinitionA dielectric gas is defined as an insulating gas that prevents electrical discharge and can be polarized by an electric field.Breakdown in GasesBreakdown in gases occurs when the applied voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage, causing the gas to conduct electricity.Paschen’s LawThis law states that the breakdown voltage depends on the product of the gas pressure and the gap length between electrodes.Breakdown MechanismThe breakdown mechanism vari

What is a Shunt Reactor?Shunt Reactor DefinitionA shunt reactor is defined as an electrical device used in high voltage power systems to stabilize voltage during load changes.Voltage StabilizationIt controls dynamic overvoltage and provides capacitive reactive power compensation in systems above 400kV.Impedance TypesShunt reactors come in gapped core or magnetically shielded air core types to maintain constant impedance and avoid harmonic currents.Loss Measurement MethodsLosses are measured at l

What is Electrical Reactor ?Electrical Reactor DefinitionAn electrical reactor, also known as a line reactor or choke, is a coil that creates a magnetic field to limit current rise, reducing harmonics and protecting electrical drives from power surges.Types of Reactors Shunt Reactor Current Limiting and Neutral Earthing Reactor Damping Reactor Tuning Reactor Earthing Transformer Arc Suppression Reactor Smoothing ReactorShunt Reactor FunctionShunt reactors absorb reactive power to balance the cap

What is Power Factor?Power Factor DefinitionPower factor is defined as the ratio of real power used by a system to the apparent power transmitted through the circuit.Understanding Reactive PowerReactive power does no useful work itself, but it supports the active power in accomplishing useful work.Power Factor FormulaThe power factor is calculated as the cosine of the phase angle between the source voltage and current.Power Factor Improvement Methods Capacitor banks Synchronous condensers Phase

What is Hydrant System ?Hydrant System DefinitionA hydrant system is a water-based fire protection setup in thermal power plants, including components like valves, hoses, and nozzles.Components of a Hydrant System Isolation gate valves installed above ground on RCC pedestals around areas to be protected. Hydrant valves (external/internal) Hose cabinets Couplings Branch pipeHydrant System RequirementsThe system must maintain 3.5 Kg/cm² pressure at the farthest point, with a max velocity of 5 m/s

What is Wind Turbine?Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine DefinitionA horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) is defined as a wind turbine with a horizontal rotation axis parallel to the ground, commonly used for large-scale power generation.Main Components The rotor, which consists of the blades and the hub that connects them to the shaft. The generator, gearbox, brake, yaw system, and other mechanical and electrical components. The tower supports the nacelle and the rotor and elevates them above the groun

What is a Solar Lantern ?Solar Lantern DefinitionA solar lantern is a portable solar electric system used for temporary lighting both indoors and outdoors.Main Components Electric lamp Battery Electronic control circuitFunctionalityThe solar PV module charges the battery, which powers the lamp, providing efficient lighting.Different ModelsSolar lanterns come in various configurations based on lamp type, battery capacity, and PV module rating.LED BenefitsLED-based solar lanterns are energy-effici

What is a Solar Cell?Solar Cell DefinitionA solar cell (also known as a photovoltaic cell) is an electrical device that transforms light energy directly into electrical energy using the photovoltaic effect.Working PrincipleThe working of solar cells involves light photons creating electron-hole pairs at the p-n junction, generating a voltage capable of driving a current across a connected load.Construction DetailsSolar cells consist of a thin p-type semiconductor layer atop a thicker n-type laye

What is Solar Electricity?Solar Electricity DefinitionSolar electricity is produced by sunlight hitting photovoltaic cells, generating power.Photovoltaic EffectSolar energy electrical engineering relies on the photovoltaic effect, where sunlight creates electricity in semiconductor materials.Structure of Solar CellsA solar cell consists of a thin n-type layer on top of a thicker p-type layer, with a depletion region at their junction.Charge SeparationSunlight causes electrons to move to the n-la