Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) PDF Download

1. Basic Concepts

  • Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): The sum of voltages around a closed loop circuit is equal to zero.
    Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
  • Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL): The algebraic sum of electrical current that merge in a common node of a circuit is zero.
    ∑ IIN = ∑IOUT 
  • NODAL ANALYSIS
    Follow these steps while solving any electrical network or circuit using Nodal analysis: 
    • Step 1: Identify the principal nodes and choose one of them as reference node. We will treat that reference node as the Ground.
    • Step 2: Label the node voltages with respect to Ground from all the principal nodes except the reference node.
    • Step 3: Write nodal equations at all the principal nodes except the reference node. Nodal equation is obtained by applying KCL first and then Ohm’s law.
    • Step 4: Solve the nodal equations obtained in Step 3 in order to get the node voltages.
  • Now, we can find the current flowing through any element and the voltage across any element that is present in the given network by using node voltages.

Example: Find out the nodal voltage at each node & current in each loop by using the Nodal method?
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)

Solution: First of all we have labeled all elements and identified all relevant nodes in the circuit.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)

There are a few general guidelines that we need to remember as we make the selection of the reference node.

  1. A useful reference node is one which has the largest number of elements connected to it.
  2. A useful reference node is one which is connected to the maximum number of voltage sources.

For the next step we assign current flow and polarities
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
For node n1 voltage of the voltage source is known so v1 = Vs      ……………………………(1)
& KCL at node n2 associated with voltage v2 gives: i1 = i2 + i3     ….………………………… (2)
The currents i1, i2, i3 are expressed in terms of the voltages v1, v2, v3 as follows
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) ……….. (3)
From the relation (1) (2) & (3) we get…. 
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) ……………  (4)  
Rewrite the above expression as a linear function of the unknown voltages vand v3 gives.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)………. (5) 
KCL at node n3 associated with voltage v3 gives:
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
or  Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) ....……. (6) 
Now we can write equation (5) & (6) in matrix form for the node voltage v2 & v3.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Or  
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)  ……… (7) 
In defining the set of simultaneous equations, we want to end up with a simple and consistent form. The simple rules to follow and check are

  • Place all sources (current and voltage) on the right hand side of the equation, as inhomogeneous drive terms.
  • The terms comprising each element on the diagonal of the matrix Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)must have the same sign.
  • If you arrange so that all diagonal elements are positive, then the off-diagonal elements are negative and the matrix is symmetric: Aij = Aji. If the matrix does not have this property there is a mistake somewhere.

Once we put the equations in matrix form and perform the checks detailed above the solutions then there is a solution if the Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) the unknown voltage VK is given by:
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)  …………  (8) 
WhereNetwork Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)is the matrixNetwork Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)with the k-th column replaced by the vector V.
So for our example the voltages v2 and v3 are given by:
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)  ……… (9) 
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) ……. (10)

Nodal Analysis with Floating Voltage Sources. (THE SUPERNODE)
If a voltage source V2 is not connected to the reference node it is called a floating voltage source and special care must be taken when performing the analysis of the circuit.  In the circuit of given figure below the voltage source V2 is not connected to the reference node and thus it is a floating voltage source. Here v2 is the node voltage while V2 is the source voltage between node n2 & n3.

Circuit with a Supernode
The part of the circuit enclosed by the dotted ellipse is called a supernode. Kirchhoff’s current law may be applied to a supernode in the same way that it is applied to any other regular node. This is not surprising considering that KCL describes charge conservation which holds in the case of the supernode as it does in the case of a regular node.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
In our example application of KCL at the supernode gives I1 = i2 + I3 ……….  (11) 
In term of the node voltages Equation (11) becomes:
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)  ………… (12) 
The relationship between node voltages v1 and v2 is the constraint that is needed in order to completely define the problem. The constraint is provided by the voltage source V2.
V2 = v3 - v2   ………(13)
From equation (12) & (13)…..
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
and  Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)    ..……..(14) 
Example- Nodal Analysis with supernode.
Determine the node voltages v1, v2, and v3 of the circuit in Figure below?
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Solution: We have applied the first five steps of the nodal method and now we are ready to apply KCL to the designated nodes. In this example, the current source Is constraints the current i3 such that i3.
KCL at node n2 gives…
I1 = I2+Is …………….. (1)
And with the application of Ohm’s law
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)  ………… (2)
Where we have used v1 = Vs at node n1.
The current source provides a constraint for the voltage v3 at node n3.
V3 = ISR3  ………. (3)
Now combining the equation (2)& (3).
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)……..  (4)

MESH ANALYSIS 
A mesh is defined as a loop which does not contain any other loops The procedure for obtaining the solution is similar to that followed in the Node method and the various steps are given below. 

  1. Clearly, label all circuit parameters and distinguish the unknown parameters from the known. 
  2. Identify all meshes of the circuit & assign mesh currents and label polarities. 
  3. Apply KVL to each mesh and express the voltages in terms of the mesh currents. 
  4. Solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the mesh currents. 
  5. Now that the mesh currents are known, the voltages may be obtained from Ohm’s law.

EXAMPLE- Find out the mesh current i1 & i2 for mesh 1 & mesh 2?
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Solution: Our circuit example has three loops but only two meshes as show,the meshes of interest are mesh1 and mesh2.
In the next step we will assign mesh currents, define current direction and voltage polarities. The direction of the mesh currents I1 and I2 is defined in the clockwise direction as shown in the next figure.
The branch of the circuit containing resistor R2 is shared by the two meshes and thus the branch current (the current flowing through R2) is the difference of the two mesh currents.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Considering mesh1. For clarity we have separated mesh1 from the circuit in doing this, care must be taken to carry all the information of the shared branches. Here we indicate the direction of mesh current I2 on the shared branch.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Apply KVL to mesh1. Starting at the upper left corner and proceeding in a clock-wise direction the sum of voltages across all elements encountered is
I1R1+ (I1-I2) R2-VS = 0 …………. (1)
Similarly, consideration of mesh2 : we have indicated the direction of the mesh current I1 on the shared circuit branch.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Apply KVL to mesh2:
I2 (R3 + R4) + (I2-I1) R2 = 0  ………………. (2)
From equation (1) & (2)…..
I1(R1+ R2) - I2 R2 = VS  …………. (3)
-I1R2 + I2 (R2+R3+R4) = 0 ………… (4)
In matrix form equations (3) & (4) becomes…..
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)  …………..    (5) 
Equation (5) may now be solved for the mesh currents  I1 and I2.
Note: It is evident from Figure next figure below that the branch currents are i1 , i2 & i3 are obtained from the mesh currents I1 & I2 such as.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
I1 = i1       i2 = I1 – I2      i3 = I2

MESH ANALYSIS WITH CURRENT SOURCES
1. If a current source exists only in one mesh.
(i) The mesh current is defined by the current source.
(ii) Number of variables is reduced.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
2. If a current source exists between two meshes.
(i) The two nodes form a Supermesh.
(ii) Use one current variable for both meshes. The current difference between these two meshes is known. 

(iii) Apply KVL to the Supermesh.
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Example: Find out the unknown mesh current I1?
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Solution: Consider the circuit in the figure which contains a current source. The application of the mesh analysis for this circuit does not present any difficulty once we realize that the mesh current of the mesh containing the current source is equal to the current of the current source:
i.e. I2 = IS ……………………………… (1)
In defining the direction of the mesh current, we have used the direction of the current IS. We also note that the branch current I3 = IS.
Applying KVL around mesh1 we obtain
I1R1 + (I1 + IS) R2 = VS ……………………………(2)
The above equation simply indicates that the presence of the current source in one of the meshes reduces the number of equations in the problem.
The unknown mesh current is
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)

PRACTICE PROBLEMS WITH ANSWERS.
Q.1.
Determine the currents in the given circuits with reference to the indicated direction?
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)

Q.2.  Determine the currents in the given circuits with reference to the indicated direction?
Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)
Answer: i1 = 3.31A, i2 = 1.68A, i3 =1.63A, i4 = 0.627A, v2 = 8.39V, v3 = 6.51V 

The document Network Equation & Solution Methods | Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE) is a part of the Electrical Engineering (EE) Course Network Theory (Electric Circuits).
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FAQs on Network Equation & Solution Methods - Network Theory (Electric Circuits) - Electrical Engineering (EE)

1. What is a network equation?
Ans. A network equation is a mathematical representation of a network, which consists of interconnected components or nodes. It describes the relationships between different elements in the network, such as voltage, current, and resistance. By solving network equations, we can determine the behavior and properties of the network.
2. What are the solution methods for network equations?
Ans. There are several solution methods for network equations, depending on the complexity of the network. Some commonly used methods include: 1. Kirchhoff's laws: Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws are fundamental principles used to analyze circuits. By applying these laws, we can write equations that describe the behavior of the network. 2. Nodal analysis: Nodal analysis is a systematic method to solve network equations by considering the voltages at each node in the network. It involves writing equations based on Kirchhoff's current law and solving them simultaneously. 3. Mesh analysis: Mesh analysis is another systematic method to solve network equations by considering the currents flowing in each mesh or loop of the network. It involves writing equations based on Kirchhoff's voltage law and solving them simultaneously. 4. Thevenin's and Norton's theorems: Thevenin's theorem states that any linear network can be replaced by an equivalent circuit consisting of a voltage source and a series resistor. Norton's theorem is similar but replaces the network with a current source and a parallel resistor. These theorems are useful for simplifying complex networks. 5. Superposition theorem: The superposition theorem allows us to analyze the network by considering the effect of each individual source separately. We can solve the network equations for each source and then combine the results.
3. How are network equations used in electrical engineering?
Ans. Network equations are fundamental tools used in electrical engineering for analyzing and designing electrical circuits. They help us understand the behavior of the circuits by describing the relationships between different electrical quantities such as voltage, current, and resistance. By solving the network equations, we can determine important circuit parameters, such as voltage drops, current flows, and power dissipation. This information is crucial for designing and optimizing circuits for specific applications, ensuring their proper functioning and efficiency.
4. Are there any software tools available for solving network equations?
Ans. Yes, there are several software tools available for solving network equations. These tools are commonly known as circuit simulators or circuit analysis software. They provide a graphical user interface where users can design and simulate electrical circuits. By inputting the circuit components and connections, the software automatically generates and solves the network equations, providing accurate results for various circuit parameters. Some popular circuit simulation software include SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis), LTspice, and NI Multisim.
5. How can network equations be applied in real-life applications?
Ans. Network equations have numerous applications in various fields, including electrical engineering, telecommunications, and computer networks. In electrical engineering, network equations help in analyzing and designing circuits for power distribution, electronic devices, and communication systems. In telecommunications, network equations are used to analyze and optimize the performance of communication networks, such as telephone networks and data networks. In computer networks, network equations are employed to study the flow of data, analyze network traffic, and optimize network design for efficient data transmission. Overall, network equations play a crucial role in understanding, analyzing, and optimizing the behavior of interconnected systems in real-life applications.
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