Find the average power delivered by the voltage source

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the average power delivered by a voltage source in an AC circuit. The total impedance was calculated as Zt = j10 + (50 || 20 + j10) = 15 + j5 Ω, leading to a current of I = 240 / (15 + j5) = 8 - j8 A (rms). Participants clarify that average power cannot have a j component and should be calculated using real values of voltage and current. The correct formula for average power is P = Vrms * Irms * cos(θv - θi), emphasizing that Vrms is typically the RMS value unless specified otherwise. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding phasor notation and impedance in AC power calculations.
jkface
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


P = 1/2 Vm*Im*cos(θv - θi)


The Attempt at a Solution


First I added all the impedance values to find the total impedance seen by the source.

Zt = j10 + (50 || 20 + j10) = 15 +j5 Ω

Now since the circuit is not purely resistive, I can't just go Vrms^2 / R to find the average power. So I divided 240 by the total impedance to find I.

I = 240 / (15 + j5) = 8 - j8 A (rms)

The answer I get is as follows.

P = 1/2 240*(8-j8)*cos(45°) = 678.8 - j678.8 W

Am I correct in how i solved the problem? Thanks in advance.
 
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Oh - I thought the average power would be the product of the average voltage and the average current.
But context is important and you are the one doing the course.
 
Power does not have a j component.
Power = i^2 * Re{Zt} so find i = V/|Zt|.
 
I think you forgot to add the first j10 term:
Zt = j10 + (50 || (20 + j10)) = ?

This:
P = 1/2 Vm*Im*cos(θv - θi)

gives you the real/average power when Vm and I am are the peak amplitudes (real number) of the voltage and current, respectively.

If 240 V is the RMS amplitude of the voltage source, you have:
P = 1/2*sqrt(2)*Vrms*sqrt(2)*Irms*(θv - θi) = Vrms*Irms*(θv - θi)
 
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rude man said:
Power does not have a j component.
Power = i^2 * Re{Zt} so find i = V/|Zt|.

I think if you multiply 1/2 to the power equation this approach would be correct. but why do you think I can't get the same answer when I try to solve the problem like how I stated in the problem?

Since Average Power = 1/2 Vm*Im*cos(θv - θi), and I = 8 - j8 = 11.3∠-45°, can't I just go

(1/2)*240*11.3*cos(0-(-45)°)?

This would give 958.8 W while your method gives 2840.9 W.
 
milesyoung said:
I think you forgot to add the first j10 term:
Zt = j10 + (50 || (20 + j10)) = ?

This:
P = 1/2 Vm*Im*cos(θv - θi)

gives you the real/average power when Vm and I am are the peak amplitudes (real number) of the voltage and current, respectively.

If 240 V is the RMS amplitude of the voltage source, you have:
P = 1/2*sqrt(2)*Vrms*sqrt(2)*Irms*(θv - θi) = Vrms*Irms*(θv - θi)

I'm confused. Isn't Vm (not V rms) 240 V?
 
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jkface said:
I'm confused. Isn't Vm (not V rms) 240 V?

No. V is always in rms unless specifically contraindicated.

If it said 240sin(wt) V then yes.
 
rude man said:
No. V is always in rms unless specifically contraindicated.

If it said 240sin(wt) V then yes.

The original problem states the voltage source privodes 240∠0° V. Since this is a complex number isn't it the same thing as saying 240cos(wt) V (hence Vm = 240V) ?
 
jkface said:
The original problem states the voltage source privodes 240∠0° V. Since this is a complex number isn't it the same thing as saying 240cos(wt) V (hence Vm = 240V) ?

<br /> 240 \angle 0^\circ = 240 e^{j 0}<br />
It's a constant, there's no time dependency. In your book there should be a section that explains what the convention for phasor magnitude is. It's usually the RMS amplitude of the sinusoidal function unless otherwise noted, especially in AC power, but your book might differ.
 
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