Catalogo dei Corsi di studio

This course explains the fundamental methods for the analysis of single and three phase circuits, the operating principle and operating characteristics of the main electrical machinery and criteria and design methods of lines for transmission and distribution of electricity. Particular emphasis is given to those aspects and applications of intersection with the normal activities of a clinical engineer.
After completing this course the student will have a basic preparation that will enable understanding of the phenomena associated with the generation, transmission and use of electricity and will be able to evaluate the performance of the main electrical machinery, in relation to specific needs and know the major problems associated with their use.

Programme

Introduction to electric circuits
Basic circuit elements. Passive and active sign convention. Ideal current and e.m.f. sources. I-V characteristics of basic circuit elements. Real sources and their I-V characteristics.

Direct current networks
Kirchhoff’s circuit laws. Equivalent resistance. Superposition principle. Network theorems (Thevenin, maximum power transfer, etc.). Mesh current method. Node voltage method.

Alternating current networks
Phasors. I-V characteristics of basic circuit elements in AC. Series and parallel resonance. AC powers. Network analysis theorems in AC. Node voltage method. Power factor correction. Network analysis in the presence of mutual inductances.

Three-phase systems
Balanced three phase systems. Equivalent one-phase circuit. Unbalanced three phase systems. Power in three phase systems. Power factor correction of a three phase load.

Transformers
Ideal transformer and equivalent circuit. Physical structure. Equivalent circuit of the real transformer. Introduction to the three-phase transformer.

The induction motor
Electromechanical energy conversion. The rotating magnetic field. The induction motor. Operating principle. Physical structure of the induction motor. Equivalent one-phase circuit. Power and torque. Mechanical characteristic and torque speed-curve. Motor starting issues.

The synchronous generator
Operating principles. Physical structure. Equivalent one-phase circuit. Armature reaction. No load and on-load operation. Power and torque. Applications

Introduction to Electrical power systems
General considerations over the production, transmission and distribution of electrical energy. Voltage drops. Overvoltages and overcurrents. Distribution networks. Ground connections. IT, TT, TN systems.

Electrical safety issues

Adopted texts

-Elettrotecnica, volume II, Marcello D'Amore, Ed. Siderea;

Elettrotecnica, Vol I (Principi) e II (Applicazioni), G.Chitarin, F.Gnesotto, M.Guarnieri, A.Maschio, A.Stella. società editrice Esculapio

-Principi ed applicazioni di elettrotecnica, volume II, Guarnieri-Stella, Edizioni progetto Padova.

Exam modes

Evaluation consists of a written exam, divided into two parts: the first part, lasting 90 min, consists in the solution of a typical engineering problem, namely an electrical circuit in the periodic sinusoidal regime, aimed at verifying the students’ ability in combining theoretical concepts with a classical practical problem, concerning electrical networks in AC. The second part, lasting 60 min, consists of two open questions over the entire course programme. The final score is the average of the scores of both parts. Oral examination is on a voluntary basis.