How Do You Find the Thevenin Equivalent Circuit for Complex Loads?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Thevenin equivalent circuit for a complex load in a given circuit. Participants share their attempts at solving the problem, express confusion, and seek guidance on the appropriate methods to use.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses difficulty in applying Thevenin's theorem to a complex circuit and mentions unsuccessful attempts using superposition.
  • One participant suggests redrawing the circuit to simplify the analysis and outlines steps to find the open-circuit voltage and equivalent resistance.
  • The OP acknowledges confusion about removing the load resistor (RL) and calculating the voltage across the terminals.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need to remove RL during analysis and critiques the OP's use of 'total' voltage and resistance.
  • The OP expresses frustration and a desire for someone to solve the problem for them.
  • A participant inquires about alternative methods to the Loop Current, Node Voltage, and Branch Current methods, specifically asking if superposition can be used.
  • Several posts express concern about moderation issues related to providing direct answers versus guidance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to solve the problem, and multiple views on methods and analysis remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding circuit analysis techniques and the challenges of applying theoretical concepts to complex problems. There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific calculations needed for the Thevenin equivalent.

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Homework Statement


This is in norwegian but hopefully you can understand it.
Here is the assignment and circuit:

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/3619/krets.jpg
Find the equivalent Thevenin circuit when when RL is the load

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I really don't know how to do this, I tried using superposition but that didnt work so good. I know how to do really easy circuits like in my book, but when it gets slighty bit complicated I am very lost.

Would really appreciate some help

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Welcome to PhysicsForums!

First step: redraw the circuit so that the load resistor, RL, is on the right. Everything you want to replace with a Thevenin equivalent will be on the left, and this will probably resemble the 'easy' examples you've gotten in the past. Nevertheless, I'll go over the steps below

Second step: figure out what the open-circuit voltage is. Take out RL and find the voltage across the terminals that RL is connected to.

Third step: figure out what the equivalent resistance at the terminals is. Either remove the voltage sources (replace them with short circuits) and then calculate the equivalent resistance, OR figure out the short circuit current: replace RL with a 0-ohm wire, and determine the amount of current that flows through it. The Thevenin resistance will be Voc / Isc.

Good luck!
 
Hi, thanks for help!
But I am stuck as ever. I know I have to redraw and remove RL but I am uncapable of doing so. I must be an idiot that doesn't see it. I also have no idea how to exactly calculate voltage across the terminals RL is connected to.

I tried to use superposition and found total resistance and total current from voltage sources 1 & 2. And tried to add this together. So then I got a total voltage and total resistance and I called them Rth and Vth.

I feel I am way off..
 
HINT: Notice that when RL is removed, all that is left is a single LOOP.

EDIT: 'Total' voltage and 'total' resistance make no sense in this context, as RL must be removed during the analysis.
 
I gave up.. seems I cannot do it.

If anybody is capable and kind, and has enough time to do this I wouldn't mind. It would make me super happy! I want to be able to get this assignment.
 
Also, is there any other method of doing this other than Loop Current method, Node Voltage method and Branch Current method?

Can you use something else, like superposition? It doesn't say so I am completely lost as to what exactly I need to calculate things with.
 
Why wasnt my post posted? I spent 2 hours on it...
 
steffan said:
Why wasnt my post posted? I spent 2 hours on it...

Wow.. I hope you are kidding, if not, I am so sorry ;(:cry:
 
Well, I don't know if I got the correct answer, because I'm working with the same problem as you (In 'Høgskolen i Vestfold'). But this helped me a lot: http://utwired.engr.utexas.edu/rgd1/lesson09.cfm"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
Look at this: http://utwired.engr.utexas.edu/rgd1/lesson09.cfm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
steffan said:
Why wasnt my post posted? I spent 2 hours on it...

It is a difficult situation. Your post basically provided the step-by-step answer, which is generally not allowed here. If you were the original poster (OP) and posted that work, that would be fine. But since the OP is having problems with working out the answer, your providing the answer to him is basically allowing cheating. It's just a difficult situation having you both in the same class and posting here.

On the other hand, having you post the tutorial info link that you did is fine, since the OP still has to do their own work for themselves.

Your post was actually automatically put into Moderation, perhaps for working out so much of the problem, or maybe for some other reason. We were discussing the post just now in the Mentor forums.

I'll PM you a copy of the post, in case you didn't save a copy.
 

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