An introduction to Complex Numbers in Electrical Engineering

Phil Illingworth

Learning Objectives
To understand how to represent a quantity in both Complex Cartesian and Polar forms (and convert between the two forms) To be able to manipulate (add, subtract, and multiply) these complex numbers
Complex numbers are widely used in the analysis of electrical networks supplied by alternating voltages, such as:
In deriving balance equations with AC bridges, in analyzing AC circuits using Kirchhoffs laws, mesh and nodal analysis, the superposition theorem, with Thevenins and Nortons theorems, and with delta-star and star-delta transforms.

Why use Complex Numbers?

One dimension or two? From Scalar to Vector Complex numbers extend the idea of a 1 dimensional number line, to a 2 dimensional complex plane

y
Cartesian

x
Polar

The Complex Plane

The complex plane (known as an Argand diagram) allows us to represent magnitude and direction

Imaginary axis (j)

Magnitude: resistance, reactance, voltage or current Direction: phase shift

real axis

j is known as the j-operator, and indicates a phase shift of 90o The phase shift is measured with regard to the reference signal

Note: j is used in engineering, but i is often used in pure maths

Cartesian and Polar Representation in the Complex Plane

For a complex quantity with an in-phase element (a), and an out of phase element (b), in this case +90o, we can represent this in both Cartesian (rectangular) and polar forms
Imaginary axis (j)
Imaginary axis (j)

Z b a Cartesian

a + jb
r
real axis

r
real axis

Polar

The j-operator shows a 90o phase shift

Converting between Cartesian and Polar

Z = a + jb
Z = r cos + j r sin
Imaginary axis (j)

Z = r
How do we write r (or |Z|) in terms of a and b?

r is called the modulus (magnitude of Z), written mod Z or |Z|

Z b

r or |Z| = (a2 + b2 )
is called the argument of Z (arg Z). In terms of a and b?

a=r a cos

b=r sin
real axis

arg Z or = tan-1 (b/a)

How do we write a and b in terms of r and ?

Manipulating Complex Numbers

j has a numerical value which is negative when squared. j is defined as -1 and therefore j2 = -1

Adding and Subtracting Cartesian Complex Numbers

We simply collect the real elements together and the imaginary elements together, for example: a. (3 + j2) + (2 j4) = (5 - j2) b. (3 + j2) - (2 j4) = (1 + j6) Multiplying Cartesian Complex Numbers We simply multiply brackets together remembering that j2 = -1, for example : c. (3 + j2) (2 j4) = (14 j8)

Using the Complex Numbers in context

Imaginary axis (j)

Analysing an AC circuit (series)

V

VL VR

real axis

And so, an impedance expressed as (3 + j4) means that the resistance is 3 and the given by: The supply voltage Vinductive reactance is 4
V = VR + j VL
R-L Series Circuit As current I is common to both, impedance Z = R + j XL

Assessment
1. What is another name for the complex plane? 2. What does the real axis represent in a complex plane? 3. What does the imaginary axis represent in a complex plane? 4. Find the modulus and argument of (3 + j 4) 5. If two complex numbers are equal, then their real parts are equal and their imaginary parts are equal. Hence solve:
a. (2 + j)(-2 + j) = x + j y

Objectives Achieved?
To understand how to represent a quantity in both Complex Cartesian and Polar forms (and convert between the two forms) To be able to manipulate (add, subtract, and multiply) these complex numbers

Name:

Assessment
1. What is another name for the complex plane? 2. What does the real axis represent in a complex plane? 3. What does the imaginary axis represent in a complex plane? 4. Find the modulus and argument of (3 + j 4)

5. If two complex numbers are equal, then their real parts are equal and their imaginary parts are equal. Hence solve:
a. (2 + j)(-2 + j) = x + j y

Using the Complex Numbers in context

Imaginary axis (j)

Analysing Impedance in an AC circuit (series)

IR VR

real axis

Pure resistance

The impedance Z, is given by

VR 0o Z R o I R 0