Electrical Engineering 2022 Paper II 50 marks Solve

Paper II — Q7

(a) A full-controlled full-wave bridge AC/DC converter is fed from a single-phase, 230 V, 50 Hz supply, and is in turn feeding to…

(a)

A full-controlled full-wave bridge AC/DC converter is fed from a single-phase, 230 V, 50 Hz supply, and is in turn feeding to an R-L load (R = 10 Ω and L = 100 mH). The firing angle α = 60°. Investigate whether load current remains continuous or not. Compute r.m.s. load current considering only the dominant harmonic, and determine the power absorbed by the load. Also compute voltage ripple factor. 20 marks

(b)

For the electromechanical system shown below, the air-gap flux density under steady-state operating condition is given by

B(t) = Bₘ sin ωt

Find the instantaneous coil voltage and current along with force of magnetic field origin : 20 marks

(c)
(i)

In case of a circuit breaker, define the terms 'restriking voltage' and 'RRRV', and express their maximum values in terms of system voltage.

(ii)

Which circuit breaker is preferred for voltages 132 kV and above?

(iii)

In a 132 kV system, the reactance per phase up to the location of circuit breaker is 5 Ω and capacitance to earth is 0·03 µF. Calculate the maximum value of restriking voltage, the maximum value of RRRV and frequency of transient oscillation. 20 marks

Q7 of the 2022 UPSC Mains Electrical Engineering Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2022 Electrical Engineering paper

The figure this question refers to, in words

The question paper is a scan and the diagram did not survive as text. This is the figure as read from the original page — every component, value and label — so the question can be worked from the text below.

(b) The question text refers to an 'electromechanical system shown below', but the specific diagram or figure for this system is not present on the provided page. The text only provides the equation for air-gap flux density: B(t) = Bm sin wt.

What "Solve" is asking you to do

Choose the method, then carry it through to a final answer. Identifying what kind of problem this is and why that method applies is the first thing marked; a correct figure arrived at invisibly earns almost nothing.

Structure that answers it

Given data and what is required → method chosen, with the reason it applies → set-up (equation, circuit, free body, trial balance) → working, step by step → answer with units and any condition of validity

Where marks are lost

Doing the middle steps mentally and writing only the result. In mathematics papers, a further loss comes from giving a decimal where the exact value in surds or fractions was wanted, or from skipping the justification a part explicitly asks for.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

(a) calculate: given > formula > substitution > result with units > interpretation | (b) calculate: given > formula > substitution > result with units > interpretation | (c(i)) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (c(ii)) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c(iii)) calculate: given > formula > substitution > result with units > interpretation Full marks: Complete derivations with correct formulas, accurate calculations, and clear physical interpretation of all results.

Key points expected

  • Calculate load impedance and critical firing angle for continuity
  • Compute RMS load current using dominant harmonic
  • Determine power absorbed by the R-L load
  • Calculate voltage ripple factor
  • Derive coil voltage from flux linkage
  • Calculate instantaneous current in the coil
  • Determine force of magnetic field origin
  • Relate force to air-gap flux density

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. (a) Determine load current continuity, RMS current, power, and ripple factor for the AC/DC converter. 20 marks

    calculate— given → formula → substitution → result with units → interpretation

    Must cover

    • Calculate load impedance and critical firing angle for continuity
    • Compute RMS load current using dominant harmonic
    • Determine power absorbed by the R-L load
    • Calculate voltage ripple factor

    Loses marks

    • Assumes continuous current without verification
    • Ignores inductive reactance in impedance calculation
    • Incorrect harmonic analysis for RMS current

    Earns more

    • Correctly identifies continuous vs discontinuous mode
    • Uses appropriate Fourier series for output voltage
    • Considers phase shift in load current

    Extra mark

    • Includes phasor diagram of load current
    • Provides graphical representation of current waveform
  2. (b) Find instantaneous coil voltage, current, and magnetic force for the electromechanical system. 20 marks

    calculate— given → formula → substitution → result with units → interpretation

    Must cover

    • Derive coil voltage from flux linkage
    • Calculate instantaneous current in the coil
    • Determine force of magnetic field origin
    • Relate force to air-gap flux density

    Loses marks

    • Confuses flux density with flux linkage
    • Ignores spring force in equilibrium
    • Incorrect differentiation of flux expression

    Earns more

    • Correctly applies Faraday's law for voltage
    • Considers spring constant in force balance
    • Uses energy method for force calculation

    Extra mark

    • Includes free-body diagram of the armature
    • Shows time-domain waveforms of voltage and force
  3. (c(i)) Define restriking voltage and RRRV, expressing maximum values in terms of system voltage.

    define— precise definition → the distinguishing feature → one example

    Must cover

    • Define restriking voltage in circuit breaker context
    • Define RRRV (Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage)
    • Express maximum restriking voltage in terms of system voltage
    • Express maximum RRRV in terms of system voltage

    Loses marks

    • Confuses restriking voltage with recovery voltage
    • Fails to express values in terms of system voltage
    • Incorrect definition of RRRV

    Earns more

    • Distinguishes between transient and steady-state voltages
    • References standard circuit breaker terminology

    Extra mark

    • Includes typical values for common voltage levels
    • References relevant IEEE or IEC standards
  4. (c(ii)) Identify the preferred circuit breaker type for voltages 132 kV and above.

    describe— define → structure or process in order → labelled diagram → significance

    Must cover

    • Name the preferred circuit breaker type
    • Justify selection for 132 kV and above
    • Mention key advantages of this type

    Loses marks

    • Names incorrect breaker type for high voltage
    • Fails to justify the selection
    • Confuses low-voltage and high-voltage applications

    Earns more

    • References specific breaker technology (e.g., SF6, vacuum)
    • Consists of reliability and maintenance factors

    Extra mark

    • Includes comparison with other breaker types
    • Mentions specific manufacturers or models
  5. (c(iii)) Calculate maximum restriking voltage, RRRV, and transient oscillation frequency for the 132 kV system.

    calculate— given → formula → substitution → result with units → interpretation

    Must cover

    • Calculate maximum restriking voltage
    • Determine maximum RRRV value
    • Compute frequency of transient oscillation
    • Use given reactance and capacitance values

    Loses marks

    • Incorrect use of reactance and capacitance
    • Fails to convert units properly
    • Wrong formula for oscillation frequency

    Earns more

    • Correctly applies LC circuit formulas
    • Considers system parameters accurately
    • Provides units for all calculated values

    Extra mark

    • Includes phasor diagram of transient response
    • Shows step-by-step calculation process

Model answer coming soon

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