What is the Power Dissipated in a Bulb with a Set Firing Angle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the power dissipated in a bulb with a specified firing angle of ##\alpha = \frac{\pi}{3}##. Participants explore the calculations involved, including the conversion of voltage from RMS to peak values, and the determination of load voltage and current through the bulb. The context includes homework-related problem-solving in electrical engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the peak voltage from the RMS value of 230V, arriving at 325V, and attempts to compute the load voltage using a specific formula.
  • Another participant suggests deriving the expression for RMS voltage in terms of source voltage and firing angle, and recommends plotting the output voltage.
  • A participant points out the importance of maintaining precision in calculations, particularly in the intermediate steps for current and resistance, which could affect the final results.
  • After switching from degrees to radians, one participant successfully computes the load voltage as approximately 206.125V and recalculates the current and resistance values accordingly.
  • The same participant concludes with a calculated power dissipation of approximately 80.3168W, expressing gratitude for the assistance received.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculations involved but have differing approaches and experiences regarding the use of radians versus degrees, as well as the precision of intermediate calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall accuracy of the final power dissipation value.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on the correct interpretation of the firing angle and the precision of intermediate values. The discussion does not resolve whether the final power dissipation value is definitive, as it is based on participant calculations that may vary.

David J
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Homework Statement


If the firing angle is set to ##\alpha = \frac{\pi}{3}## estimate the power dissipated in the bulb if it is rated at ##100w## and the voltage source is ##230V## @ ##50Hz##

Homework Equations


[/B]
##Vpeak = \frac{230}{0.707}## = 325V

##Vload = 325\sqrt\frac{\left(2\pi -\left(\frac{2\pi}

{3}\right)+\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right)\right)}{4\pi}##

##Vload = 206Vrms##

The bulb is rated at 100w so ##100=\frac{230}{I}##

##I rms=\frac{100}{230}=0.43A##

##R=\frac{230}{0.43}=534.884##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I have just started looking at this question and picked up on an old post from 2015
(Triac - Power dissipated in light bulb)
In that post they had taken the given voltage of 230V (assuming it to be rms) and calculated the peak value by dividing by 0.707 to give a peak value of 325V. I get that part.
The next part is to calculate the "load" voltage using ##Vload = 325\sqrt\frac{\left(2\pi -\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right)+\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right)\right)}{4\pi}##.

I am a little confused by this as I have tried following this equation many times and I cannot end up with a value of 206 and I was wondering if someone could give a little advice.

I am guessing that ##\alpha=\frac{\pi}{3}## is the time / part of the wave when the firing takes place so it maybe at a lower part of the sine wave so to speak. This the value that everyone was getting of 206V rms

If I can understand how to arrive at the value of 206 I should be able to complete this and was wondering is anyone could point out why I cannot arrive at 206. Is the equation wrong or probably I am not carrying out the calculation correct ?

Tanks in advance for any help with this
 
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You can derive the expression for Vrms in terms of source voltage and firing angle.
Plot the output voltage and use the definition of rms voltage.
 
You should keep more digits during your calculation of the bulb resistance. In particular, you've kept only two digits in the intermediate value for the current, truncating after the second digit. As a result your bulb's resistance value will be a bit high.

For your calculation of Vload, is your calculator set to degrees or radians mode?Edit: FYI, the previous thread being referred to is here:
Triac - Power dissipated in light bulb
 
I was working in degrees. I changed it to radians and it worked out correctly

##v peak= \frac{230}{0.707}##

##Vload=325\sqrt\frac{\left(2\pi-\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right)+\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right)\right)}{4\pi}##

##Vload=325\sqrt\frac{\left(6.283185307-2.094395102\right)+0.866025403}{12.56637061}##

##Vload=325\sqrt\frac{4.188790205+0.866025403}{12.56637061}##

##Vload=325\sqrt\frac{5.054815608}{12.56637061}##

##Vload=325\sqrt {0.402249445}##

##Vload=325\times0.634231381##

##Vload=206.125199 V##

I found the ##I rms## using ##\frac{100}{230}=0.434782608 amps##

I found the ##R## using ##\frac{230}{0.434782608}=529 \Omega##

So the current flowing through the filament at the firing time will be equal to ##I=\frac{206.125199}{529}=0.389650659 amps##

So the Power dissipated in the filament during the firing time will be equal to ##I=206.125199\times 0.389650659=80.3168\omega##

I think this is correct now. Thanks once again for the help, much appreciated
 

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