ELM253 - AC Circuits for Electrical Systems

Subject Title
AC Circuits for Electrical Systems

Subject Description
This course provides students with the basic principle of AC circuits and main electric motors. Major topics of this course include basic AC circuit components, series-parallel AC circuits, polyphase AC circuits (balanced and unbalanced system with PSpice simulation), powers and power factor correction, electric motors (three and single phase induction motors, synchronous AC motors, and DC motors). Upon completion of the course the students will acquire a solid foundation in AC circuits analysis, principle and operation of electric motors. Students will also be able to read line diagrams/ladder diagrams for protection and control of motors. Using PSpice simulation tools, students will learn to investigate unbalanced polyphase AC circuits in details.

Credit Status

One Subject Credit within the Electromechanical Engineering Technology Automation (EMA) Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.      Identify critical characteristics of sinusoidal AC signals

2.      Calculate impedance for resistors, inductors, and capacitors

3.      Construct and test simple AC circuits

4.      Apply the main circuit laws (Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and Divider rules) to the analysis of series, parallel, and series-parallel AC circuits

5.      Analyze polyphase AC circuits for balanced and unbalanced loads with PSpice simulation

6.      Evaluate and measure powers (apparent, real, and reactive power) in AC circuits

7.      Determine power factor and correct power factor for complex AC circuits

8.      Understand electromagnetic induction and simplify a real transformer to an ideal transformer

9.      Describe the principle of three-phase AC induction motors, single-phase AC induction motors, synchronous AC motors, and DC motors

10.  Familiarize characteristics of motors such as speed regulation and match motors to the loads

11.  Explain, connect, and execute various operation for motors: start, stop, brake, and adjust speed or torque

12.  Read and understand line diagrams/ladder diagrams for protection and control of motors

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.