Maximizing Power Transfer in Circuits: Seeking Help with Homework Statement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around maximizing power transfer to a resistor in a circuit analysis context. The original poster is attempting to determine the Thevenin equivalent voltage (Vth) for their circuit, but is encountering difficulties in arriving at the correct answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster outlines their approach using Kirchhoff's laws and provides equations related to the circuit. They express uncertainty about the correctness of their calculated Thevenin voltage. Other participants question the signs of the voltages and the direction of current flow, suggesting a need for clarification on these aspects.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the interpretation of potential differences and current flow in the circuit. There is an exploration of the original poster's reasoning, but no consensus has been reached regarding the errors in their calculations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has referenced specific circuit components and values, indicating a structured approach to the problem. However, there is an acknowledgment of potential sign errors and the need for careful consideration of voltage directions.

DollarBill
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Homework Statement


I'm looking for the maximum power transferred to resistor R. I know how to approach the problem, but not getting the right answer and was wondering if someone could just look over my work.
[PLAIN]http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/1412/screenshot20110604at115.png

Homework Equations


V=i*R
i1 -> Far Left Loop, Clockwise
i2 -> Middle Loop, Clockwise
i3 -> Far Right Loop (loop containing the current source and 30 kilo-Ohm Resistor), Clockwise
V1 -> Voltage through current source

The Attempt at a Solution



Only concerned about Vth for now:
[PLAIN]http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/7527/image001tr.jpg

(1) 100 + 10*i1 - 40(i1-i2) = 0
(2) 40(i1-i2) + 22*i2 + V1 = 0
(3) -30*i3 - V1 = 0
(4) i3 - i2 = 0.003v0 = 0.003(40)(i1-i2)

Simplified:
(1) -30i1 + 40i2 = -100
(2) 40i1 - 18i2 + V1 = 0
(3) 30i3 + V1 = 0
(4) 0.12i2 + 0.88i2 - i3 = 0


Vth = V1 = 903.87 V (Which I know isn't right)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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The potential decreases across the resistor in the direction of the current.

ehild
 
Could you be a little more specific? I've checked my signs a few times, but am still having trouble seeing where I messed up.
 
You have 100 V potential at the upper left corner of the first loop. Then you follow the current through the 10 kohm resistor. The current flows from the higher potential to the lower one, as the water flows from a hill to the valley. Is the potential higher of lower at the other end of it?

ehild
 

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