Weird problem for finding load resistance value.

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in electrical engineering concerning the calculation of load resistance in a circuit to maximize power transfer from a DC voltage source with internal resistance. Participants explore the conditions for maximum power transfer and the implications of precision in the calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that maximum power transfer occurs when the load resistance equals the internal resistance of the source.
  • Another participant questions the significance of the 0.1 Ω precision requirement in the problem.
  • A participant suggests that they need to calculate several resistance values and corresponding power outputs to demonstrate the maximum power transfer condition.
  • There is a mention of using Scilab for calculations, with a request for examples of how to implement this.
  • Another participant proposes using traditional optimization techniques from calculus to find the maximum power transfer condition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the principle that maximum power transfer occurs when load and internal resistances are equal. However, there is uncertainty regarding the requirement for precision in the calculation and the method to demonstrate this in Scilab. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of the precision requirement and the specific methods to use for calculations in Scilab. There are also references to optimization techniques that are not fully explored.

Vasile Ghe
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hello 2 all !

I am a student on electrical engineering, and i have the following problem to solve:

Homework Statement



An electrical circuit includes a dc voltage source with an internal
resistance, and a load resistance. Determine the value of the load resistance R (with a precizion of 0.1 Ω) for which the power delivered by the source will be maximum, knowing that U = 12V and rs = 2.5 Ω.


The Attempt at a Solution



If i understand the problem correctly, the maximum power transfer occurs when the load resistance value equals the internal resistance of the source.
Is this not correct ?
Why am i asked to calculate the load resistance with a precision of 0.1 Ω ?
Is there something that i am missing here ?

I am attaching the circuit schematic as a reference.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.
 

Attachments

  • circ1.jpg
    circ1.jpg
    1.9 KB · Views: 450
Physics news on Phys.org
Vasile Ghe said:
Hello 2 all !

I am a student on electrical engineering, and i have the following problem to solve:

Homework Statement



An electrical circuit includes a dc voltage source with an internal
resistance, and a load resistance. Determine the value of the load resistance R (with a precizion of 0.1 Ω) for which the power delivered by the source will be maximum, knowing that U = 12V and rs = 2.5 Ω.


The Attempt at a Solution



If i understand the problem correctly, the maximum power transfer occurs when the load resistance value equals the internal resistance of the source.
Is this not correct ?
Why am i asked to calculate the load resistance with a precision of 0.1 Ω ?
Is there something that i am missing here ?

I am attaching the circuit schematic as a reference.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.

You are correct that maximum power is transferred when the load impedance equals the complex conjugate of the source impedance (or in the case of pure resistances, when the resistances are equal).

I have no idea why they mention the 0.1 Ohm number...

Do they want you to derive the result, or just state it?
 
I guess they want me to calculate it.

I think i have to get several values for resitances and calculate power for each one and thus prove that the maximum power transfer occurs when the load resistance/impedance equals the internal resistance/impedance of the source.

The problem is that i need to do this in Scilab.

How can i do this in Scilab ?

Can you give me an example ?

Thanks
 
Vasile Ghe said:
I guess they want me to calculate it.

I think i have to get several values for resitances and calculate power for each one and thus prove that the maximum power transfer occurs when the load resistance/impedance equals the internal resistance/impedance of the source.

The problem is that i need to do this in Scilab.

How can i do this in Scilab ?

Can you give me an example ?

Thanks

You would normally show it using the traditional optimization technique from calculus (set derivative equal to zero). If you have to simulate it, just run through a range of values, or do an optimum seeking algorithm to zero in on the optimum value.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
846