Efficiency - how to get the maximum efficiency in a circuit?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on achieving maximum efficiency in electrical circuits, specifically comparing two scenarios: one with 4 Volts and 2.0Ω producing 8 watts at 2.0 amps, and another with 5 Volts and 3.1Ω also producing 8 watts at 1.6 amps. Both configurations demonstrate 100% efficiency for heat output but are 0% efficient for light output due to the absence of a light-emitting diode (LED) in the circuit. The conversation emphasizes the importance of specifying the desired output type when evaluating circuit efficiency.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (P=UI)
  • Familiarity with electrical power calculations (P=I^2R, P=U^2/R)
  • Knowledge of circuit components, specifically LEDs
  • Basic concepts of electrical efficiency
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of LEDs in circuit efficiency
  • Learn about power loss in resistive circuits
  • Explore methods to optimize circuit design for specific outputs
  • Investigate the impact of voltage and resistance on circuit performance
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, hobbyists designing circuits, students studying circuit efficiency, and anyone interested in optimizing power usage in electronic devices.

alexmath
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efficiency -- how to get the maximum efficiency in a circuit?

Homework Statement



I don't quite understand how to get the maximum efficiency in a circuit.

Exemple.

4 Volts and 2.0Ω will produce 8 watts with a current of 2.0 amps.
5 Volts and 3.1Ω will produce 8 watts with a current of 1.6 amps.

There are infinitely ways to do so. Also we have an led which has to be connected.



Homework Equations


P=UI=I^2*R=U^2/R


The Attempt at a Solution


My intuition says that the first one is more efficient, but the battery will drain faster. I really want to know how to mix this information together for my circuit.
 
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Hello Lex,
What is the question ? How to most efficiently do what exactly ?
 
More details are required.

4 Volts and 2.0Ω will produce 8 watts with a current of 2.0 amps.
5 Volts and 3.1Ω will produce 8 watts with a current of 1.6 amps.

Both are 100% efficient if the wanted output is heat.

Both are 0% efficient if the wanted output is light (because there is no light bulb or LED in the circuit as described so far).
 

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