The peak-to-peak ripple voltage

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    Ripple Voltage
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the peak-to-peak ripple voltage (Vpp) in a circuit using a bridge rectifier with a given power supply and load. Participants explore the application of formulas related to ripple voltage in the context of a homework problem involving a 9 V power supply, a 230 V AC input, and a 0.047 farad reservoir capacitor.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the formula Vpp = 1/(2FCRL) * VC and questions if the factor of 2 in the equation accounts for the frequency doubling due to the bridge rectifier.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the equation's derivation and its units, suggesting the use of LaTeX for clarity.
  • A participant provides an alternative formula for ripple voltage, noting that it assumes a straight-line discharge curve and acknowledges that the actual discharge may be more complex.
  • Several participants discuss the values used in the formula, specifically the load current and resistance, with one participant initially misinterpreting the load current as resistance.
  • Corrections are made regarding the interpretation of the load current and its role in the ripple voltage calculation, leading to adjustments in the calculations presented by participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correct interpretation of the load current and resistance in the context of the formulas. There is no consensus on the correct application of the formulas, and multiple interpretations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the formulas used make certain assumptions about the discharge characteristics of the capacitor, which may not hold true in all scenarios. There is also confusion regarding the correct identification of the load resistance based on the problem statement.

gazp1988
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Homework Statement


A 9 V power supply delivers 2 A to a resistive load. The a.c. supply is 230 V, 50 Hz and a bridge rectifier is used in conjunction with a 0.047 farad reservoir capacitor.

Homework Equations


Vpp = 1/(2FCRL) * VC

The Attempt at a Solution


1/(2*50*0.047*2) * 9
=0.957v
after doing research it says that the frequency will be double due to it being a bridge rectifier because its a full wave. if this is the case then is the 2 in the equation taking this into consideration. am i on the right track with my answer

cheers :smile:
 
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gazp1988 said:
Vpp = 1/(2FCRL) * VC
Could you clarify this equation? Where did you get it? Are the parenthesis correct? The units don't seem consistent to me -- for example, the units of the LHS are Volts, but the units of the RHS don't seem to come out as Volts (unless I'm misinterpreting the parenthesis.

BTW, it helps if you can post equations in LaTeX format -- that usually removes the ambiguity. A tutorial on LaTeX can be found here: https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

Finally, it would help if we could have a figure to talk this problem through. I'll post one that I found via a Google Images search:

http://macao.communications.museum/images/exhibits/2_16_0_12_eng.png
2_16_0_12_eng.png
 
Thank you for your quick reply.

Vpp=/ frac{1} {2FCRl} {Vc}

This equation came from my notes that were attached to the assignment equation
 
gazp1988 said:
Thank you for your quick reply.

Vpp=/ frac{1} {2FCRl} {Vc}

This equation came from my notes that were attached to the assignment equation
Is this intended to be this?
Vpp = \frac{1}{2FCRI} Vc
 
The common approximation for the ripple voltage for a full-wave rectifier is

##V_{pp} = \frac{V_o}{2 f C R_L}##

where ##V_o## is the DC output voltage, ##R_L## is the load resistance.

Since ##V_o / R_L## is the DC load current, it can also be written as:

##V_{pp} = \frac{I}{2 f C}##

This approximation makes certain assumptions about the form of the discharge curve (straight line assuming constant load current) and that the discharge occurs over the full time interval between the waveform peaks. In reality the curve will be an exponential decay and the discharge is "caught" by the rising sinewave voltage just prior to the next peak. As a result the approximation formula will produce a value that is slightly high.
 
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thank you for your responses.
yes berkeman, its suppose to be like that.

i have used both above formula and gave me the same answer of 0.957

Vpp = 9/(2 x 50 x 0.047 x 2) = 0.957
Vpp = 4.5/(2 x 50 x 0.047) = 0.957
 
gazp1988 said:
Vpp = 9/(2x50x0.047x2) = 0.957
Vpp = 4.5/(2x50x0.047) = 0.957
Can you explain each of the quantities in the formulae? What value are you giving the load resistance?
 
9 = dc output
2 = double the frequency
50 = frequency
0.047 = reservoir capacitor
2 = load resistance given in the question, is this information you wanted
 
  • #10
gazp1988 said:
9 = dc output
2 = double the frequency
50 = frequency
0.047 = reservoir capacitor
2 = load resistance given in the question, is this information you wanted
All is good except for the load resistance. How did you obtain its value? It was not given directly in the problem statement.
 
  • #11
i was assuming that 2A stated in the question was the load resistance or as quoted in the question resistive load
 
  • #12
gazp1988 said:
i was assuming that 2A stated in the question was the load resistance or as quoted in the question resistive load
2 A has unit A for Amperes. It's the load current. Let me re-write the opening statement of the problem:

"A 9 Volt power supply delivers 2 Amps to a resistive load."
 
  • #13
i see i have made a mistake now.
using the second formula above:
gneill said:
Since Vo/RLVo/RLV_o / R_L is the DC load current, it can also be written as:

Vpp=I2fCVpp=I2fCV_{pp} = \frac{I}{2 f C}

Vpp= 4.5/(2 x 50 x 0.047)
 
  • #14
I think you're plugging things into the wrong places in the formulas. The formula I believe that you're trying to use now is:

##V_{pp} = \frac{I}{2 f C}##

where ##I## is the load current. There is no load resistance value in this version.
 
  • #15
i see what i have done, sorry.
I = 2...
Vpp = 2 / (2 x 50 x 0.047) = 0.426
 
  • #16
Yes. Much better :smile:
 

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