This unit (NEE2101) focuses mainly on Alternating-Current (AC) circuit analysis. A revision on DC circuit analysis will be given in the beginning of the semester. Definitions of instantaneous power, the load convention, active electrical circuit elements (sources) and passive electrical circuit elements (sinks) will then be introduced. Time domain voltage-current relationships of ideal capacitors and ideal inductors are explored. These will lead to the calculation of energy storage in a capacitor and an inductor. Analysis of simple RC and RL circuits in time domain will then be covered. Steady-state sinusoidal analysis of series RL, RC, and RLC circuits will be performed with phasors and complex numbers. The concepts of impedances, admittance, average power, RMS values, and crest and form factors will also be covered. The Nodal Voltage Method, the Principle of Superposition, Thevenin's Theorem, Norton's theorem, and equivalent circuits will be emphasised. For applications in the power engineering area, students will learn to calculate real power, reactive power, complex power, and power factor along with power factor correction for single phase and balanced three-phase circuits.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NEE2101

Prerequisites

NEF1205 - Engineering Fundamentals

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Comprehensively analyse RC and RL circuits;  
  2. Analyse simple AC circuits by Nodal Voltage Method, the Principle of Superposition, Thevenin's Theorem, and Norton's theorem;  
  3. Differentiate the concepts of frequency, impedance and admittance as they relate to AC circuits;  
  4. Analyse balanced three-phase AC circuits;  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Laboratory Work Practical Lab Assessment 20%
Report Two Team Lab Reports 30%
Test Tests (3) 50%

Required reading

Fundamentals of Electric Circuits. 7th ed.
Alexander, C.K. and M.N.O. Sadiku. (2020).
McGraw-Hill.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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