Module Details

Module Code: ELEC6028
Title: Alternating Current Principles
Long Title: Alternating Current Principles
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5220 - Electrical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: An introduction to alternating current (AC) theory including impedance, reactance and resonance. The practical application of formulae and analysis techniques to AC circuits is also explored.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply single phase AC theory to the analysis and solution of practical problems involving electrical AC quantities.
LO2 Describe electrical and magnetic terms and quantities. Analyse and perform fundamental calculations involving these quantities, and discuss practical applications.
LO3 Use simulation software and circuit analysis to calculate operating parameters of AC circuits including current, voltage, phase, root mean square (RMS), power and power factor, and to confirm by experimentation and measurement.
LO4 Write short laboratory reports in accordance with accepted engineering professional standards
LO5 Conduct themselves in accordance with professional engineering standards while collecting and reporting on experimental data and in their dealings with others.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Electromagnetism
Ferromagnetism, hysteresis loops, electromagnetic devices, electromagnetic induction, Faraday's Law, Lenz's Law, transformer theory, construction and application.
Sinusoidal waveforms
AC vs DC, AC generation, AC amplitude and frequency, average and RMS values, peak and form factor, trigonometric expression, phasors and basic phasor analysis.
Practical exploration of AC electrical circuits
Analysis of AC circuits involving resistance, inductance and capacitance. Solution of networks involving simple series or parallel combinations. Work and energy. Reactance and impedance of RLC AC circuits, resonance in AC circuits, power in AC circuits, power factor and power factor correction.
Electromagnetic applications
Electromagnetic forces and the operation of different devices including motors, generators, coils etc.
Lab programme
AC waveforms, RLC circuits, reactance and impedance in AC circuits. Resonance in AC circuits, power factor, practical applications.
Written report
Correct use of passive voice, spelling & grammar, units, figures & diagrams, tables.
Personal and Professional Conduct
Use of Peer review, ethical conduct considerations, plagiarism and due recognition of sources, Health and Safety considerations of practical work.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Formal (maximum 2000 words) report on the simulation, confirmation and analysis of RLC networks.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Midterm exam on topics covered to date
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Formal (min 2000 words) report on the simulation, confirmation and analysis of resonance, or power factor correction, or the practical application of electromagnetism.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on AC theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Weekly assessment of practical competency through laboratory-based assignments with reports. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Re-visit notes and solve problem sets. Report writing. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on AC theory Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact Assessment of practical competency through laboratory-based assignments with reports. Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Re-visit notes and solve problem sets. Report writing. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John Bird. (2017), Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology, 6th. Routledge, [ISBN: 978-113867349].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Edward Hughes, Dr John Hiley et al. (2016), Electrical & Electronic Technology, 12th. Pearson, [ISBN: 978-129209304].
  • Christopher R. Robertson. (2008), Fundamental electrical and electronic principles, 3rd. Newnes, [ISBN: 978-0750687379].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 2 Mandatory
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 2 Mandatory