Introduction To Network Analysis
Network Analysis is the branch of electronics as well as electrical engineering. It is basically defined as the interconnection of the electrical components. It helps in finding a lot of parameters like voltage of the circuit, current of the circuit which is traveling through the network components. In calculating the supply of voltage and current, the series and parallel combinations are taken to find their values. These make the connections in series or parallel the connections are made on what type of combination we are going to choose. Below there are some terminologies that are discussed.
Terminologies Used in Network Analysis
Terminal: It is a point through which the connection in the whole circuit will be maintained.
Component: A component is made by using one or more terminal, which will help in the supply of the current.
Nodes: Node is a point through which two or more than two circuits or the element of the circuits can be connected to each other.
Branch: The branch is defined as the connection between two nodes.
Ports: Ports are basically input and output signals.
Mesh: Mesh is a complete circuit of terminals and having different branches that are connected to each other through ports and forming a working circuit.
There are Different Types of Circuits that are Discussed Below:
Series Circuit: In this circuit, the resistance is connected in series and they are added directly using the formulation of the series circuit. The single battery and voltage are used and we get the value of all these quantities by using only law that is the Ohm’s law.
Parallel Circuits: In these circuits, the number of resistance is not attached in a single branch but they are attached on different branches and that branches are connected to each other through ports. They are making the circuit in which the current through them is the same but each resistance has a different voltage.
Bridge circuits: In the bridge circuits are of two types one is the balanced bridge circuits and the other one is unbalanced circuits. The balanced bridge circuits mean when the ratio of four resistance divided into two different groups is equal. Like R1/R2 is equal to R3/R4. But in the unbalanced circuits, these ratios are not equal to each other.
Circuit Analysis Important Questions:
A few important questions are discussed below:
1. What do you Understand by the Terms Bilateral and Unilateral Network?
The bilateral is defined as the connection of voltage and current and terms like resistance, inductor, and capacitor are used in the circuit for the flow of current in the same direction. On the other hand, the unilateral network is defined as the flow of current but in different directions. Here in the unilateral, the examples are diode, vacuums.
2. What Do You Mean by Electrical Circuits?
Electrical circuits are the combination or the interlinking of the resistance with current or voltage that forms the complete circuit. Also with resistance, we can put inductor or capacitor.
3. Name the Property that is Used in the Additivity of the Electrical Circuit Analysis?
The name of the property is a superposition that is used in the additivity.
4. State Ohm’s law?
Ohm’s law states that in an electrical circuit, the current flowing through the circuit is directly proportional to the voltage of the circuit, and resistance throughout the circuit remains the same. The ohm’s law is valid only for the cases when the physical conditions like temperature, resistivity, and material of the conduction remain the same.
Network Analysis Model Question Paper:
The model questions of the network analysis are given below:
1. What will be the Value of the Voltage When the Current is Zero?
The value of voltage will also be zero as the current is zero.
2. What is the Meaning of Impedances?
It is defined as the matching of resistance with other resistance which is important to pass the band.
3. Define Kirchhoff’s Current Law?
The total sum of the incoming and the outgoing current will be equal to zero.
Fun Facts
There are two types of transformation of network analysis that delta connected and stay connected. The amazing thing is that to get star connected transformation we need to convert the delta or vice-versa.
To change the ports we just need to change the series and parallel combination in the circuit.
These circuits of different combinations sometimes series and sometimes parallel, or they can be a mesh of branches. They are always following some kind of topology.
FAQs on Network Analysis
1. What is meant by network analysis in Physics?
In Physics, network analysis refers to a set of techniques used to determine the unknown quantities in an electrical circuit, such as the voltage across or the current through any component. The primary purpose is to analyse the behaviour of complex circuits by applying fundamental principles like Kirchhoff's Laws. It helps in designing and troubleshooting electrical systems effectively.
2. What are the fundamental methods used in electrical network analysis?
Several fundamental methods are used to solve electrical networks, each suited for different circuit configurations. The main methods include:
- Kirchhoff's Laws: These include Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL), which form the basis of all network analysis.
- Mesh Analysis: This method uses KVL to solve for unknown currents in the closed loops (meshes) of a circuit.
- Nodal Analysis: This method uses KCL to find the unknown voltages at the different nodes (junctions) in a circuit.
- Superposition Theorem: Used in linear networks with multiple sources to find the effect of each source independently.
3. What are the basic components or terminologies of an electrical network?
An electrical network is described using several key terms:
- Network: An interconnection of electrical elements like resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
- Node: A point or junction in a network where two or more circuit elements are connected.
- Branch: A path between two nodes that contains a circuit element.
- Loop: Any closed path within a circuit where a current can flow. A mesh is a special type of loop that does not contain any other loops within it.
4. How does Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) relate to the principle of conservation of energy?
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law is a direct expression of the principle of conservation of energy. KVL states that the algebraic sum of all voltages around any closed loop in a circuit must be zero. This means that the total energy supplied by voltage sources in a loop must be equal to the total energy dissipated by the components like resistors. A charge completing a path around the loop returns to its starting potential, having gained and lost equal amounts of energy.
5. In what scenarios would nodal analysis be more efficient than mesh analysis for solving a circuit?
The choice between nodal and mesh analysis often depends on the circuit's topology. Nodal analysis is generally more efficient when a circuit has significantly fewer nodes than meshes. Since it solves for node voltages, it is very direct if the goal is to find the potential at various points. Conversely, mesh analysis is preferable when the number of meshes is smaller than the number of nodes, especially if you primarily need to find the currents flowing in different branches.
6. How does network analysis change when dealing with AC circuits compared to DC circuits?
Network analysis becomes more complex for AC circuits. In DC circuits, analysis primarily involves resistance. However, in AC circuits, components like capacitors and inductors introduce phase differences between voltage and current. To handle this, we use:
- Impedance (Z): A complex quantity that combines resistance and reactance (opposition from capacitors and inductors).
- Phasors: Rotating vectors that represent the magnitude and phase of AC voltages and currents, allowing us to apply circuit laws using complex algebra.
7. Why is the concept of an 'ideal transformer' useful in network analysis if no real transformer is truly ideal?
The concept of an ideal transformer is a powerful simplification used in circuit analysis. An ideal transformer assumes 100% efficiency with no power loss (i.e., no winding resistance or core losses). While no real transformer achieves this, the ideal model allows us to analyse the fundamental voltage, current, and impedance transformation properties of a circuit without the complexity of secondary loss effects. It provides an excellent first-order approximation that is often sufficient for initial design and analysis.
8. What is the reason for rating a transformer in kVA instead of kW?
Transformers are rated in kVA (kilo-volt-amperes) because their losses are dependent on voltage and current, not the power factor of the load. A transformer's total losses are a sum of:
- Copper Losses: Dependent on the current (I²R).
- Core/Iron Losses: Dependent on the voltage.
