Computation of Thevenin Equivalent

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation of the Thevenin equivalent for a given circuit, focusing on determining the absolute value of impedance, maximum power dissipated on the load, and current amplitude through the load. The context is a homework problem involving AC circuit analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempt at solving the problem, detailing the calculations for Thevenin resistance and expressing confusion over the results for maximum power and current amplitude.
  • Another participant suggests looking up the maximum power transfer theorem for AC circuits as a potential resource for the second question.
  • A different participant provides a calculation for the RMS voltage and discusses the conditions for maximum power transfer, indicating that the load impedance should match the Thevenin impedance under certain conditions.
  • This participant also calculates the load current and maximum power, presenting their results as consistent with the problem's requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct approach to the problem, as participants offer different insights and calculations. Some participants agree on the application of the maximum power transfer theorem, while others express uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific formulas and conditions relevant to the problem, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the calculations and assumptions made, particularly concerning the Thevenin equivalent and the application of the maximum power transfer theorem.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying AC circuit analysis, particularly those working on homework related to Thevenin equivalents and maximum power transfer in electrical engineering contexts.

peroAlex
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Hello!
Recently I was going through some old exams and upon encountering this problem (which seemed pretty easy) I got stuck. Exams at my university are composed of individual tasks, each having three subquestions with four plausible answers respectively. Solution sheet gives results only, so there’s no way for me to check where my attempt at solution went wrong. I ask members of this forum for help, maybe someone will see where I made a mistake. Your help is very appreciated, so thank you in advance.

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Homework Statement



Task gives a circuit with following data: ## u(t) = 60 \cos{\omega t} ##, ## R = 10 \Omega ##, ##X_C = -3j \Omega ##, ## X_{L1} = 10j \Omega ## and ##X_{L2} = 20j \Omega ##.

First question asks for absolute value of impedance ##|Z_b|##.
Second question asks for maximum power dissipated on the load ##Z_b##.
Third question asks for current amplitude through load ##Z_b##.

Homework Equations



My university provides a formula sheet, so for this question I believe only ##P_max = \frac{|U_{Th}|^2}{8 \cdot R_{Th}} ## is relevant here. If anyone thinks I’m missing some equation, please mention it in reply.

The Attempt at a Solution



So first of all, computing Thevenin resistance (first question) was pretty simple, just use $$ R_{Th} = jX_{L2} + \frac{ (R+jX_{L1}) (jX_C) }{(R+jX_{L1}) + (jX_C)} = 0.604 + 16.577j \Omega$$ and for the final touch compute absolute value of complex number ## |R_{Th}| = 16.588 \Omega ##. Solution sheet agrees with me.

Now for second and third question I’ve been banging my head for the past 6 hours. Correct result should be that power dissipated on the load is ##P_{max} = 45 W ## and that current amplitude through the load should be ##I_0 = 12.2 A##. My very first attempt was finding current in each loop.

Solving system of equations ## I_1 (R + jX_{L1} + jX_C) + I_2 (jX_C) = -60 ## and ##I_2 (16.588 + jX_{L2} + jX_C) + I_1(X_C) = 0 ## yields two complex currents ##I_1 = -4.088 + 2.680i ## and ##I_2 = -0.606 – 0.118i ##. So using second current (in absolute) times previously computed resistance yields ##U_Th = 10.241 U## and ##P_{max} = 0.790 W##.
I don’t know how to solve this task, been through videos on YouTube, visited sites like Hyper Physics (which helped me compute Thevenin impedance. Could someone please help me? At least a hint or by pointing me in the right direction.

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By the way, I really hope you’re having a lovely Monday!
 

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At first the voltage- in rms[root mean square]- has to be 60/sqrt(2) since u(t)=60*cos(wt) 60 it is maximum value Um=sqrt(2)*U.
Second, according to the article presented by cnh1995 the maximum power will be when Xload=-Xth and Rload=Rth.
Iload=Vth/(Zth+Zload)
Iload=-4.95-j7.07 A
Iload =sqrt(4.95^2+7,07^2)= 8.63 A [RMS] or
Iload max=sqrt(2)*8,63=12.20 maxim.
Pload max=0.604*8.63^2=45 W
 
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Likes   Reactions: peroAlex
Thank you so much, to the both of you! I cannot express my gratitude enough! It's been bugging me for a long time... and now as I see how easy it actually is. Thanks again!
 

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