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

What is Ferranti Effect?The Ferranti effect is a phenomenon that describes the increase in voltage that occurs at the receiving end of a long transmission line relative to the voltage at the sending end. The Ferranti effect is more prevalent when the load is very small, or no load is connected (i.e. an open circuit). The Ferranti effect can be stated as a factor, or as a percent increase.In general practice we know, that for all electrical systems current flows from the region of higher potentia

What is Power Factor?In electrical engineering, the power factor (PF) of an AC electrical power system is defined as the ratio of working power (measured in kilowatts, kW) absorbed by the load to the apparent power (measured in kilovolt amperes, kVA) flowing through the circuit. Power factor is a dimensionless number in the closed interval of −1 to 1.The “ideal” power factor is one (also referred to as “unity”). This is when there is no reactive power through the circuit, and hence apparent powe

What is Power Factor Correction?Power factor correction (also known as PFC or Power Factor Improvement) is defined as a technique used to improve the power factor of AC circuits by reducing the reactive power present in the circuit. Power factor correction techniques aim to increase the efficiency of the circuit and reduce the current drawn by the load.Generally, capacitors and synchronous motors are used in circuits to reduce the inductive elements (and hence the reactive power). These techniqu

A transmission line is a conductor that carries electrical power or signals from one point to another. Transmission lines can be made of different materials, shapes, and sizes, depending on the application and the distance involved. However, when transmission lines are used for alternating current (AC) systems, they may exhibit a phenomenon called the skin effect, which affects their performance and efficiency.What is Skin Effect in Transmission Lines?Skin effect is defined as the tendency of an

Conductor is a physical medium to carry electrical energy form one place to other. It is an important component of overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems. The choice of conductor depends on the cost and efficiency. An ideal conductor has following features. It has maximumelectrical conductivity. It has high tensile strength so that it can withstand mechanical stresses. It has least specific gravity i.e. weight/unit volume. It has least cost without sacrificing

This test is used to determine the DC resistance of copper or aluminum conductors. Resistance of a conductor tells us how easily a conductor allows the flow of current through it. Higher the resistance, lesser the current will flow though the conductor. Resistance of a conductor is influenced by conductor dimension and construction, conditions like, temperature and resistivity. It is normally expressed as ohms per km.This test will make use of either Kelvin Double Bridge with accuracy of 0.2 per

This test is done on aluminum wire used as conductor in power cables to determine its ductility. Ductility of a conductor is nothing but the property of how easily it can be wound and twisted. Higher the ductility, easily the material can be wound and twisted without its breaking. This property plays the significant role during manufacturing and installation process where the cable is subjected to torsion due to axial twist and might break. Hence, this wrapping test ensures suitability of alumin

This test covers the technique to confirm the thickness of insulation and sheath of electric power cables. Adequate thickness of insulation and sheath is provided to power cable meet up the voltage stresses and mechanical stresses imposed on the cable during its service life. The measurement of such thickness is necessary to verify whether it is as per specified limit or not. These dimensions ensure safe and reliable performance of the cable.Apparatus required to test for thickness of insulation

This test is performed only to confirm tensile strength of aluminum wires used for conductor in electric power cables. This test is significantly performed on conductor material to judge the strength of this material. A cable conductor is often subjected to pull from one end during laying, installing and manufacturing hence it should be strong enough to tolerate the pulling force as well. Hence it becomes necessary to ensure that the conductor material has sufficient tensile strength.Apparatus r

This test is normally carried on annealed copper wires, aluminum wires for welding cables and solid conductors of electric power cables. The current carrier conductors of power cable is subjected to twist and bend during laying and installation hence it should be flexible enough to take any desired bending and twisting without breaking and cracking. Annealing test for wires and conductors is performed to confirm the durability of conductor during twisting and bending.Process of annealing test fo