Calculating current and voltage of a rectifier circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the current and voltage in a half-wave rectifier circuit using a step-down transformer. Participants are addressing a homework problem that involves analyzing the circuit parameters, including transformer turns ratio, diode resistance, and load resistance, to find average and RMS values of load current and voltage.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the secondary RMS voltage as 23 V based on the turns ratio and questions their results when comparing to provided answers of 16.1624 V for RMS voltage and 4.0406 mA for RMS current.
  • Another participant suggests that the diode forward resistance varies, implying that the load RMS voltage should be adjusted accordingly, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the diode's behavior in the circuit.
  • A third participant emphasizes the importance of sketching waveforms to aid in understanding the problem, suggesting that visual representation is crucial for solving electronics problems.
  • Another participant proposes modeling the circuit as an ideal transformer while considering the secondary resistance, suggesting a voltage divider approach to compute the output voltage and current, and questions the relevance of some equations cited by the original poster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the approach to solving the problem, particularly regarding the treatment of the diode resistance and the necessity of visual aids. No consensus is reached on the correct method or values for the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note assumptions such as the ideal transformer model and the treatment of diode resistance, which may affect the accuracy of the calculations. There is also mention of the sinusoidal nature of the mains voltage, which may not have been fully accounted for in the initial analysis.

mooncrater
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Homework Statement


The question is :
"A step down transformer having turns ratio 10:1 and input 230 V,50 Hz is used in a half wave rectifier. The diode forward resistance is 15 ohms and resistance of secondary winding is 10 ohms . For a load resistance of 4 kilo ohms, calculate the average and R.M.S values of load current and voltage".

Homework Equations


$$I_{R.M.S}=I_{MAX}/2$$
$$I_{avg}=I_{MAX}/pi$$---(For a half-wave rectifier)
$$I_{R.M.S}=V_{R.M.S}/R_{Total}$$
$$E_{s,R.M.S}/E_{p,R.M.S}=N_2/N_1$$

The Attempt at a Solution


So, using the ##4^{th}## equation :
##E_{s,R.M.S}/230=1/10##
So,
$$E_{s,R.M.S}=23 V$$
Because of which,
$$ I_{R.M.S}=23/(4025) A$$
So , ##I_{R.M.S}=5.71 mA##
But even looking at the answer at this point of time , I realized that both of these answers were wrong.
The given value of ##E_{R.M.S}=16.1624 V## and ##I_{R.M.S}=4.0406 mA ##
so, where am I wrong ?
 
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The diode forward resistance is 15 ohms half the time and infinite resistance half the time, so the load RMS voltage is half your value.
 
mooncrater said:
so, where am I wrong ?
.
The first place where you went wrong is to be attempting this problem without first sketching a large, clear diagram of the waveforms under investigation. A diagram is an essential aid to electronics problems.

Also, remember that a mains voltage of 230V is a sinusoid of peak value (i.e., max) 230√[/size]2 V
 
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mooncrater said:

Homework Statement


The question is :
"A step down transformer having turns ratio 10:1 and input 230 V,50 Hz is used in a half wave rectifier. The diode forward resistance is 15 ohms and resistance of secondary winding is 10 ohms . For a load resistance of 4 kilo ohms, calculate the average and R.M.S values of load current and voltage".
Model the circuit as an ideal transformer but with the given secondary resistance. I guess primary resistance is assumed zero which is unrealistic but then so are most textbook problems.

So form a voltage divider between the transformer secondary resistance, the diode resistance and the 4K load. The compute the half-rectified output voltage and current.

Most of the equations you cite look of questionable relevance. Try to work from math principles instead.
 
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