Topic 4: Representing engineering systems and signals using

complex numbers
Complex numbers in Electrochemical Engineering
The introduction of a complex, imaginary plane to science brings about a revolutionary
perspective of many different subject areas. It is, for example, extensively used in astronomy
and many other fields within physics. In engineering, more specifically, complex numbers are
used to tackle situations involving electrical systems: impedance problems (as you will see
below) rely on the use of complex numbers to be solved.
Chemical engineers encounter complex numbers in
electrochemistry, which involves the research,
improvement and modification of, for example,
batteries and fuel cells. The mathematics used in
these systems are closely intertwined with the AC
impedance theory, which aims to mathematically
understand and explain the method of function of the
aforementioned devices.
Bear in mind that in engineering, the letter j rather than
the letter i is used for imaginary numbers, as i tends to represent current.
Unlike Direct Current, the excitation signal in AC currents, expressed as a function of time,
has the form:
= 0 sin()
where is the potential at time t, E0 is the amplitude of the signal, and
is the radial frequency.
The relationship between radial frequency (expressed
radians/second) and frequency f (expressed in hertz) is:

in

= 2
In a linear system, the response signal (current), It, is shifted in phase () and has a different
amplitude than I0.
= 0 sin( + )
An expression analogous to Ohm's Law allows us to calculate the impedance of the system
as:
=

0 sin()
sin()
=
= 0 .
0 sin( + )
sin( + )

Where the impedance is therefore expressed in terms of a magnitude, Zo, and a phase shift,
.
With Eulers relationship,
= cos() + ()

It is possible to express the impedance as a complex function. The potential is described as,
= 0 .

and the current response as,

= 0 . ()
The impedance is then represented as a complex number,
() =

= 0 . = 0 (cos() + ().

Questions
1. Determine the fifth roots of 32 using complex numbers and represent the given points
on an Argand diagram
Solution
The best way to tackle this problem is to first represent it using a
graph which involves the real and imaginary plane:
As you will immediately notice upon inspection of the image, the
modulus of this number would be its value, 32. The argument is
also clearly 0. Hence, 32 can be represented in complex form as
32 0 .
When solving for the nth roots of any number (and assuming we
want to include the complex roots), there must be a total of n answers for the roots; this implies
that 2 does not suffice as a sole answer for this question.
The problem can therefore be solved as follows:
0 + 2
0 + 2
) + (
))
32 (cos (
5
5

Where k = 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (or any 5 consecutive numbers). Each solution for the above formula
yields a different root with each different value for k, and hence a different solution to the
problem.
The roots are:

When plotted on an Argand diagram, you will soon realise that

the points are equidistant and fit perfectly in the borders of a
circle of a radius of 2 units from the origin:

2. Impedance of a circuit is given in the polar form of:

() = 0 (cos() + ())

Where the magnitude of impedance at t0 is 5 ohms and the phase difference of the waves is
= 36 at a time t1.
a) Write the resistance at time t1 in Eulers form and draw its argand diagram.
Solution
Substituting Z0 = 5 ohms and = 36 into the equation yields:
4.05 + 2.94j

b) The potential of the circuit at time t1 is given by = 1.32 + 0.67. Using the
relationship

= , calculate the current I at time t1.

Solution
Using the above relationship, =
Hence, = 0.29 0.05

1.32+0.67
.
4.05+2.94

Standardising: =

1.32+0.67
4.05+2.94

4.052.94
4.052.94

3. The current and the voltage of an AC circuit is given by:

= 0 . , = 0 . ()
=

Where 0 = 5.8, 0 = 5.8 and the frequency of the voltage being 61.1Hz and the
current 35.1Hz. If the current is not out of phase, find the impedance at = 0.5.
Solution:
First, to ease our process, we need to change the voltage and the current into rectangular
form:

= + ; tan() = , 2 = 2 + 2 ,
We find using the formulas given and then the exponential forms:
= 2 = 383.90 1
= 2 = 220.54 1
= 5.8 191.95
= 5.8 110.27
=

5.8191.95
=
= 81.68
5.8110.27

Expanding using Eulers formula yields that = 1.