Frequency Question -- 24 VAC, 60 Hz versus 24 VAC, 20 Hz

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of two alternating current (AC) sources, specifically 24 VAC at 60 Hz and 24 VAC at 20 Hz, on a purely resistive load. Participants explore how the frequency of the AC sources influences current flow and power dissipation in the load.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that for a purely resistive load, the frequency does not alter the power delivered, as the waveform spends equal time in positive and negative cycles.
  • Others argue that the frequency can have significant effects if the load is not purely resistive, such as when inductive or capacitive elements are present.
  • A participant mentions that the RMS value of the current is independent of frequency, while another highlights that the power dissipation is determined by the instantaneous voltage across the load.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of frequency on devices like transformers and electric motors, noting that frequency differences can lead to operational issues.
  • There is a mention of parasitic elements like capacitance and inductance, which could be affected by frequency, suggesting that real-world conditions complicate the analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of frequency in relation to power dissipation and current flow. While some agree that frequency does not matter for purely resistive loads, others contend that it becomes crucial when other components are involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall impact of frequency on the load.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of their assumptions, such as the idealization of a purely resistive load and the neglect of parasitic elements, which could influence the outcomes in practical scenarios.

nicy12
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Suppose that I have two sources: 1. 24 VAC, 60 Hz and 2. 24 VAC, 20 Hz
Then I will use it to power into certain load (maybe we can assume a purely resistive load to simplify the question). What would be the effect of those sources to the load? How about the current flowing? I think (1) and (2) would produce same magnitude but does its frequency follows the the frequency of inputs? or it will differ?
 
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The power dissipated in the resistor is I*I*R. Where I is the RMS (root mean square) of the sinusoidal current.

The RMS of a sinusoid is 0.707 of the peak value and independent of frequency.
 
nicy12 said:
Suppose that I have two sources: 1. 24 VAC, 60 Hz and 2. 24 VAC, 20 Hz
Then I will use it to power into certain load (maybe we can assume a purely resistive load to simplify the question). What would be the effect of those sources to the load? How about the current flowing? I think (1) and (2) would produce same magnitude but does its frequency follows the the frequency of inputs? or it will differ?
Series connection of such voltage sources and the load (in the most simple case) gives voltage drop waveform like this one
If the load is resistor current is of the same shape i(t)=v(t)/R
 
Its hard to understand exactly what you are asking. You want to connect one supply or the other to the load? Or, you are connecting them in series to the load? And I have no idea what you mean by "the effect of those sources to the load"

But the current at any time is the result of the instantaneous voltage across the load.

The power dissipation due to the sum of 2 AC waveforms depends on the correlation between the waveforms. If they are phase coherent (exact frequency multiples) the end result is different than if they are not exact frequency multiples. (read about summing RMS voltages)
 
nicy12 said:
Then I will use it to power into certain load (maybe we can assume a purely resistive load to simplify the question).
I understand you to be using one source at a time. As others have explained, for a resistive load the frequency does not alter the power delivered. The waveform still spends half of its time positive, and the other half negative, regardless of frequency of that sinewave. So with equal amplitudes of sinewave, the power will be the same for either source.
 
nicy12 said:
Suppose that I have two sources: 1. 24 VAC, 60 Hz and 2. 24 VAC, 20 Hz
Then I will use it to power into certain load (maybe we can assume a purely resistive load to simplify the question). What would be the effect of those sources to the load? How about the current flowing? I think (1) and (2) would produce same magnitude but does its frequency follows the the frequency of inputs? or it will differ?

If your load is not purely resistive (like if it includes a transformer), then the frequency makes a *big* difference.
 
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berkeman said:
If your load is not purely resistive (like if it includes a transformer), then the frequency makes a *big* difference.

yes indeed, and people that bring back to their own country devices with electric motors in them, they get a transformer to convert the AC voltage 110-220V or 220 - 110 VAC for example that then wonder why their unit plays music at the wrong speed and other problems the 50 / 60 Hz makes quite a difference

Dave
 
nicy12 said:
Suppose that I have two sources: 1. 24 VAC, 60 Hz and 2. 24 VAC, 20 Hz
Then I will use it to power into certain load (maybe we can assume a purely resistive load to simplify the question). What would be the effect of those sources to the load? How about the current flowing? I think (1) and (2) would produce same magnitude but does its frequency follows the the frequency of inputs? or it will differ?

To Clarify My Question, I made an image to show it:
frequency difference.JPG


What will be the effect of each sources to the 10K resistor? is there any siginificant difference when the frequency was change?
 
Assuming 24VAC RMS sinewave. Also, assuming no parasitic capacitance or inductance (which is impossible in the real world)
In both cases the circuit will conduct 2.4ma AC and the resistors will dissipate 57.6mW.
You could theoretically have a resistive element with a fast enough thermal time constant that could be detected by a temperature sensor of some sort. Other than that, there is no difference.

You could draw in parasitic elements such as capacitance and inductance, radiation resistance, etc. Those elements would be affected by frequency.
 
  • #10
meBigGuy said:
Assuming 24VAC RMS sinewave. Also, assuming no parasitic capacitance or inductance (which is impossible in the real world)
In both cases the circuit will conduct 2.4ma AC and the resistors will dissipate 57.6mW.
You could theoretically have a resistive element with a fast enough thermal time constant that could be detected by a temperature sensor of some sort. Other than that, there is no difference.

You could draw in parasitic elements such as capacitance and inductance, radiation resistance, etc. Those elements would be affected by frequency.

So in this example, you are favoring for source with 60 Hz rather than the source with 20 Hz?
 
  • #11
I have no idea what you mean. I'm not "favoring for" anything. In what way do you conclude I am "favoring". I don't think I said or implied anything judgmental about either source. I'm not even sure what your overall point is in this thread. Am I missing something?

The only real difference I see is that the 60Hz circuit is on the left.

When I said "In both cases the circuit will conduct 2.4ma AC and the resistors will dissipate 57.6mW." I probably should have added that the 60Hz source produces 60 Hz current and vice versa, but I thought that was too obvious to have to even mention.

What are you getting at?
 
  • #12
I am afraid that I misunderstood your comment. But regardless of that, I think this quote answered the difference of the above circuits (which have different frequencies) :
meBigGuy said:
You could draw in parasitic elements such as capacitance and inductance, radiation resistance, etc. Those elements would be affected by frequency.

Thank You for Your Answer and Concern
 
  • #13
I'm glad that quote works for you, because I also felt it pretty much summed up the differences. Glad to help
 

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