Engineering How Is Total Power Calculated in AC Circuits?

AI Thread Summary
Total power in AC circuits is calculated using the formula P_TOT = (1/2) ∑(V_n I_n cos φ_n), where V and I represent voltage and current components, respectively. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the relationship between the provided solution and the equation for calculating power, particularly concerning the use of cosine and sine functions. The solution appears to simplify the calculations by focusing on specific terms while seemingly neglecting others, leading to questions about the validity of ignoring cosine terms. A reference to HyperPhysics is suggested for further clarification on average power calculations. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurately determining total power in AC circuits.
Simon.T
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Ok guys this one is straight out of a textbook, (Tooley, M. and Dingle, L. (2008) Higher National Engineering, 2nd ed. Oxford: Elsevier, p.353.)

Homework Statement


v=50sin(\omega t)+10sin(3\omega t + \pi /2)
i=3.54sin(\omega t + \pi /4) + 0.316sin(3\omega t +0.321)

Homework Equations


\sum_{n=1}^{n=m} \frac {V_nI_ncos\phi_n} 2

The Attempt at a Solution


The solution given is
P_{TOT} =\frac {50\times 3.54} 2 cos(-\pi /4) + \frac {10\times 0.316} 2 cos(\pi /2 - 0.321)

I don't understand how the solution in part 3 relates to the equation in part 2. The solution implies cos(a-b) = sin(wt + \phi_1)\times sin(wt+\phi_2) but I cannot find this written anywhere apart from here

cos(a-b)=cos(a)cos(b)+sin(a)sin(b) So we are just ignoring the cos terms?

I'm really quite tired so I am sorry if this seems like a stupid question, I swear this textbook is useless.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
4K
Back
Top