The analogy between Electrical System and Mechanical System

Electrical Networks are the study of Electrical Systems based on various parameters. But, do you know that electrical systems can also be understood on the basis of actual mechanical systems? Comparing electrical systems with mechanical systems makes you more relatable while studying the subject. Let’s see how.

Some common analogies for Electrical and Mechanical systems

1. Voltage and Pressure: In an electrical system, voltage represents the potential difference between two points in a circuit, just as pressure represents the potential energy difference between two points in a fluid system.
2. Current and Flow: Electrical current is the flow of electrons through a circuit, similar to how fluid flows through a pipe.
3. Resistance and Friction: Electrical resistance is the opposition to the flow of current in a circuit, similar to how friction resists the movement of a mechanical system.
4. Capacitance and Inertia: Capacitance in an electrical system is the ability to store electrical charge, similar to how inertia in a mechanical system is the ability to resist changes in motion.
5. Inductance and Momentum: Inductance in an electrical system is the ability to store magnetic energy, similar to how momentum in a mechanical system is the ability to resist changes in velocity.

By understanding these analogies, we can better understand the behavior and operation of both electrical and mechanical systems.

Let’s understand this with the help of simple water-tank and turbine system.

Mechanical system here which is containing a water tank. There is a valve and there is a turbine.

So we can quickly understand this the mechanism of this system and it says that when the valve opens the water will flow and this water will make the turbine rotate in some direction.

Now simply let’s try to correlate this mechanical system with a small electrical system.

So, here we see a small electrical system and let’s one by one correlate a mechanical component with the electrical system.

Now the driving force in the mechanical system is the water tank and the driving force in an electrical system is this voltage source.

Now the opposition to the flow of the current will be provided by this valve, why because the opening of this valve will make the water flow through the pipe.

So, more the opening more the flow of water. In the same case in the similar case the resistance is going to provide opposition to the flow of current.

So more the value of resistance the Lesser will be the current.

Now, because of this flow of water all over the turbine the turbine blades will start rotating in a particular direction.

In the same way when the current will flow through the circuit the bulb will glow with some intensity.

So, the working mechanism in case of this water system is nothing but this flow of water and in the electrical system the working medium is the current.

In case of the Mechanical System, the output is the speed of rotation of this turbine and in case of the electrical circuit the intensity of this electric bulb is the output of the circuit.

So, you can easily correlate the electrical system with the mechanical system. Simple!