In a computer system, power supply or power supply unit is a hardware component that supplies required electrical power to other components of the computer system. The power supply unit converts a 220 V AC (Alternating Current) supply into a low voltage DC (Direct Current) supply. The major function that a computer power supply unit performs are − Rectification − Conversion of alternating current supply into direct current supply. Voltage transformation − Decreases the high AC voltage into low voltages. Voltage regulation − Regulates the output voltage to make it constant even when the input voltage is fluctuating. ... Read More

An electric motor is an energy conversion device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Therefore, the input to an electric motor is electricity, while the output of the electric motor is mechanical energy in the form of rotation of the shaft. Based on the type of electrical energy that motor requires to operate, the electric motors are classified into two types, i.e. AC Motor and DC Motor. An AC Motor or alternating current motor is one that transforms electrical energy in the form of alternating current into rotational mechanical energy. On the other hand, an electric motor which transforms ... Read More

In electronics, a device that coverts energy from one form to some other form is known as a transducer. For example, a loudspeaker converts electrical energy into sound, hence it is a transducer. Another common examples of transducers include microphone, thermometer, pressure sensor, antenna and other position sensors, etc. Based on excitation system, transducers are broadly classified into the following two types namely, Active Transducer Passive Transducer The most fundamental difference between active and passive transducer is that an active transducer does not need any external power supply to generate output, whereas a passive transducer needs an additional ... Read More

Volt-Ampere and Watts are power measurement units. Volt-ampere is used to measure the total power that is being consumed by a device. Watts is used to power the device so it can perform its useful work. The product of voltage and current in an AC (alternating current) circuit is known as a unit of apparent power, or VA. It shows the overall power used by a device, which includes both the useful power used and the power lost as a result of inefficiencies like reactive power. The real power used by a gadget to carry out productive work is measured ... Read More

Chain drive and belt drive are the common methods for transmitting power between two spinning shafts in various mechanical systems. Both of these drives are commonly used in applications including autos, industrial machinery, and agricultural equipment to transfer power from one place to another. Belt drive uses pulleys and a flexible belt to transmit power, whereas chain drive uses a metal chain and sprockets to transmit power between two spinning shafts. Read this article to find out more about Chain Drive and Belt Drive and how they are different from each other. What is a Chain Drive? The chain ... Read More

The method in which no energy is drawn from the supply system during braking period and some energy is fed back to the supply system is known as regenerative braking.Calculation of Energy Returned During RegenerationWhen the train is accelerated up to a certain speed, then it acquires energy, (known as kinetic energy), corresponding to that speed and this kinetic energy is given by, $$\mathrm{KE\mathrm{\: =\: }\frac{1}{2}\mathit{mv^{\mathrm{2}}}}$$During coasting period, a part of this stored energy is utilized in propelling the train against frictional and other resistances to motion and hence the speed of the train falls. Under ideal conditions, i.e. no ... Read More

Energy output is the energy required for the propulsion of a train, it is mainly for accelerating the train from the rest to maximum velocity (Vm) and the energy required to overcome the gradient and track resistance to motion.The specific energy output is defined as −$$\mathrm{Specific\: Energy\: Output\mathrm{\: =\: }\frac{Energy\: output\: in \: watt \: hours}{Weight\: of\: train\: in\: tons\times distance\: of\: run\: in \: km}}$$The specific energy output is measured in watt-hours per ton-km. The specific energy output is used for comparing the dynamic performances of trains operating to different schedules.Determination of Specific Energy Output of an Electric TrainAssume ... Read More

In this article, we will see what a synchronous motor is and how it differs from an asynchronous motor. We will compare and contrast the various features of synchronous and asynchronous motors.What is an Electric Motor?The electrical machines that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy are known as electric motors. Based on the electric supply input to the motor, they are of two types viz.: AC motor and DC motor. The AC motors are further classified into two types viz. − synchronous motors and asynchronous motors. These motors have some similarities and some differences in their construction, operation and performance.What ... Read More

Both Metro trains and conventional trains are popular modes of transportation used by the public for moving from one place to another. In this brief article, we will see how these two types of trains differ in their features.Metro TrainMetro trains are high-speed trains that are powered by the electricity grid. In general, a metro train has four to five air-conditioned coaches. Actually, the metro trains are the new era transportation concept developed by many countries to control the pollution created by conventional vehicles and traffic caused by them. The metro train is one of the fastest ways to travel ... Read More

In this article, we will compare and contrast the features of a capacitor and highlight how it differs from an inductor, considering various parameters such as stored energy, flow of current, behaviour in AC and DC circuits, types and applications, etc.What is a Capacitor?An electric circuit element which has ability to store the charge in electrostatic field is known as capacitor. The capacitor is a passive circuit element because it cannot generate and amplify the power in a circuit. Generally, a capacitor consists of two metallic plates, placed parallel to each other and are separated by a dielectric medium. The ... Read More