Thevenin Resistance Homework: Find max Power Transferred & Delivered

[diffeqnoob]

Homework Statement

• Basically asking me to find the Thevenin/Norton's equivalent across a-b.
• Then figure out the maximum power transferred
• Then figure out max power delivered

Homework Equations

• Maximum power is transferred when R_{l} = R_{th} .
  [*]Max power delivered is \frac{V_2}{4R_{th}}
  

The Attempt at a Solution

I honestly don't know where to start this. I know Thevenin equivalent requires me to break this down into a voltage source, one resistor in series, but I really have no clue where to start. I tried using nodal analysis but this left me with nothing.

--My poor attempt at nodal analysis--

Node1:
-IR = 4

I = \frac{-4}{R}

Node2:
5I_1 = -3I_1

--sub \frac{-4}{R} for I_1--5\frac{-4}{R} = -3\frac{-4}{R}

\frac{-20}{R}= \frac{12}{R}

-20 = 12
?

A push in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dashkin111]

You will need to do nodal analysis twice. Once with the independent sources on, once with them off (the later to find the Thevenin/Norton equivalent resistance).

Set the bottom to the ground node and the top is V_{th}. This will yield one equation with one unknown- a straightforward solution.


To find R_{th} turn off the independent source (the 4A current source), connect a test source between A and B and find the equivalent resistance from there.

 

[diffeqnoob]

Thank you very much! I will try this tomorrow morning and post my results. Again, thanks for the response.

 

[dashkin111]

No problem, it was good review for me as I have an exam on it monday :P

 

[diffeqnoob]

Okay. I think I got it.

Now, using KCL at the node above the dependent current source I have:

0 = 4 - 3_i_1 - i_1
4 = 4_i_1
\ldots i_1 = 1 amp

V_{oc} = 5 V \ldots V_T = 5 V
I_{sc} = 4 A

R_{th} = \frac{V_{oc}}{I_{sc}}

R_{th} = \frac{5}{4} \Omega

So, a voltage source of 5V in series with a resistor of \frac{5}{4} \Omega. Now to figure out the max power delivered and max power transferred.