How is KVL used in the node method KCL equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) in the context of the node method for circuit analysis, specifically how KVL relates to the formulation of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) equations. Participants explore the reasoning behind using KCL directly with node voltages and resistors' values, questioning the necessity of KVL in this process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how KVL is utilized when writing KCL equations in the node method, noting that KCL is used alongside substitutions from element laws without a clear role for KVL.
  • Another participant references Ohm's Law and KVL, providing equations that relate voltages and currents in the circuit, but does not clarify KVL's application in the node method.
  • A different participant suggests that KVL can be derived from Faraday's law and KCL from Ampere's law, indicating a theoretical connection but not directly addressing the original question.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about KVL's role in the nodal method, with one stating a preference for KCL as a more intuitive approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not agree on the role of KVL in the node method, with multiple views expressed regarding its necessity and application. The discussion remains unresolved regarding how KVL integrates with KCL in this context.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the clarity of how KVL is applied in conjunction with KCL, as well as the assumptions made about the sufficiency of using KCL alone without KVL.

zenterix
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TL;DR
The book I am reading, "Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits" by Agarwal has a section on the node method of circuit analysis that says that the KCL equations used in this method contain within them all the information from all the independent KVL equations. I can't seem to see this use of the KVL equations, however.
Consider the following electric circuit in which we have node voltages labeled

1696835576621.png

I have a question about the reasoning present in the book I am reading about the node method of circuit analysis.

If we write KVL equations around the loops we get

$$-V+(V-e)+e=0$$

$$-e+e=0$$

...this choice of voltage variables automatically satisfies KVL. So to solve the circuit it is not necessary to write KVL. Instead, we will directly proceed with writing KCL equations. Furthermore, to save time the KCL equations can be written directly in terms of the node voltages and the resistors' values. Since we have only one unknown, e, we need only one equation. Hence, at node 2,

$$\frac{e-V}{R_1}+\frac{e}{R_2}-I=0\tag{3.5}$$

Notice that the preceding step is actually two substeps bundled into one: (1) writing KCL in terms of currents and (2) substituting immediately node voltages and element parameters for the currents by using KVL and element laws.

Then

Note that in one step we have one unknown and one equation, whereas by the KVL and KCL method of Chapter 2 we would have written eight equations in eight unknowns. Further, note that both the device law for every resistor and all independent statements of KVL for the circuit have been used in writing Equation 3.5.

I don't understand in what way the independent statements of KVL are used when writing out a KCL equation in the node method.

As far as I can see, we are using KCL and then subbing in the expressions for the currents, which come from the element laws.

Where exactly is KVL?
 
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Ohm Law
## E _ { R _ 1 } = I _ { R _ 1 } \cdot R _ 1 \Rightarrow I _ { R _ 1 } = \frac { E _ { R _ 1 } } { R _ 1 } ##
Kirchhoff Voltage Law
## - V - E _ { R _ 1 } + E _ { R _ 2 } = 0 \Rightarrow E _ { R _ 1 } = - V + E _ { R _ 2 } = - V + e = e - V ##
Ohm Law and Kirchhoff Voltage Law
## I _ { R _ 1 } = \frac { e – V } { R _ 1 } ##
 
zenterix said:
I don't understand in what way the independent statements of KVL are used when writing out a KCL equation in the node method.
alan123hk said:
I'm not sure how KVL is used in the nodal method KCL equation
Yeah, for me it is one or the other, not some combination. I prefer KCL usually, since that is a more intuitive method for me.
 

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