Network Analysis

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

(15th Week)
 Objectives
At the end of this topic you should be able to:

 State and use Maximum Power Transfer Theorem to

determine unknown currents, voltages and the maximum
power transfer to the load in d.c. circuits.
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
• The maximum power transfer theorem states:

“The power transferred from a supply source to a load is at its

maximum when the resistance of the load is equal to the internal
resistance of the source."
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
• Typical practical applications of the maximum power transfer
theorem are found in stereo amplifier design, seeking to
maximize power delivered to speakers;

• Electric vehicle design, seeking to maximize power delivered

to drive a motor.
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 1:
• The circuit diagram below shows
dry cells of source e.m.f. 6 V, and
internal resistance 2.5-. If the load
resistance RL is varied from 0- to
5- in 0.5- steps, calculate the
power dissipated by the load in
each case. Plot a graph of RL
(horizontally) against power
(vertically) and determine the
maximum power dissipated.
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 1:
Solution:
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 1:
Solution:
The maximum value of power is
3.60 W which occurs when RL
is 2.5-, i.e. maximum power
occurs when RL = r, which is
what the maximum power transfer
theorem states.
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 2:
• A d.c. source has an open-circuit voltage of 30 V and an internal
resistance of 1.5-. State the value of load resistance that gives
maximum power dissipation and determine the value of this
power.
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 2:
• A d.c. source has an open-circuit voltage of 30 V and an internal
resistance of 1.5-. State the value of load resistance that gives
maximum power dissipation and determine the value of this
power.
Solution:
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 3:
• Find the value of the load resistor RL shown that gives
maximum power dissipation and determine the value of this
power.

-
-
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 3:
• Find the value of the load resistor RL shown that gives
maximum power dissipation and determine the value of this
power.
Solution:
Using the procedure for Thévenin’s theorem:

(i) Resistance RL is removed from the circuit as shown.

-
-
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 3:
• Find the value of the load resistor RL shown that gives
maximum power dissipation and determine the value of this
powe
Solution:
Using the procedure for Thévenin’s theorem:

(ii) Removing the voltage source,

- -
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 3:
• Find the value of the load resistor RL shown that gives
maximum power dissipation and determine the value of this
power.
Solution:
Using the procedure for
Thévenin’s theorem:

(iii) The equivalent Thévenin’s

circuit supplying terminals AB -
is shown, from which, current,
I = E/(r + RL )
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 3:
• Find the value of the load resistor RL shown that gives
maximum power dissipation and determine the value of this
power.
Solution:
Using the procedure for Thévenin’s
theorem:

(iii) The equivalent Thévenin’s circuit

supplying terminals AB is shown, -
from which, current, I = E/(r + RL )
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Example 3:
• Find the value of the load resistor RL shown that gives
maximum power dissipation and determine the value of this
power.
Solution:
Using the procedure for Thévenin’s theorem:

-