EXPERIMENT NO.

To Study and Verify

Maximum Power
Transfer Theorem
Name of Student
Class
Roll No.
D.O.P.
D.O.S.
Grade
Lab Incharge
Sign
Circuit Diagram: -
Aim: - To study and verify Maximum power transfer Theorem and hence obtain
the value of maximum power.
Apparatus: - Maximum power transfer theorem kit, Digital multimeter,
Connecting wires.
Theory: -
A resistive load will abstract maximum power from a network when the
resistance is equal to the resistance of the network as viewed from the output
terminals, with all energy sources removed, leaving behind their internal
resistance.

Power consumed by the load is,

From the above expression, the power delivered depends on the values of RTH
and RL. However, as the Thevenin’s equivalent is a constant, the power
delivered from this equivalent source to the load entirely depends on the load
resistance RL. To find the exact value of RL, we apply differentiation to PL with
respect to RL and equating it to zero as shown below.
Calculations: -

R1 =
R2 =
R3 =
R4 =
V(source) =
Rth ( observed)=
Rth ( calculated)
Vth ( observed)=
Vth ( calculated)
Therefore, this is the condition of matching the load where the maximum power
transfer occurs when the load resistance is equal to the Thevenin’s resistance of
the circuit. By substituting the RTH = RL in the previous equation, we get:

The maximum power delivered to the load is,

Hence, the maximum power transfer theorem expresses the state at which
maximum power is delivered to the load i.e., when the load resistance is equal
to the Thevenin’s equivalent resistance of the circuit. Below figure shows a
curve of power delivered to the load with respect to the load resistance. Note
that the power delivered is zero when the load resistance is zero as there is no
voltage drop across the load during this condition. Also, the power will be
maximum, when the load resistance is equal to the internal resistance of the
circuit (or Thevenin’s equivalent resistance). Again, the power is zero as the
load resistance reaches to infinity as there is no current flow through the load.
⮚ Steps to be followed in Maximum power transfer Theorem: -
1. Remove the load resistance RL.
2. Find the open circuit voltage Vth across the points A and B.
3. Find the resistance Rth as seen from points A and B with the voltage
source and current sources replaced by internal resistance.
4. Replace the network by voltage sources Vth in series with resistance Rth.

5. For maximum power to be transfer in the circuit, RL= Rth

6. Find the value of maximum power by, Pmax = V2th / 4 Rth

Applications of Maximum Power Transfer

In a communication system, maximum power transfer is always sought. For

example, in a public address system, the circuit is adjusted for maximum power
transfer by making load resistance (speaker) equal to the source resistance
(amplifier). When source and load have the same resistance, they are said to be
matched.
In car engines, the power delivered to the starter motor of the car will depend
upon the effective resistance of the motor and the internal resistance of the
battery. If the two resistances are equal, maximum power will be transferred to
the motor to turn to the engine.
Observation Table: -

P = VL*IL
Sr No 𝑉𝐿 (𝑉) 𝐼𝐿 (𝑚𝐴) RL ( KΩ)= 𝑉𝐿 / 𝐼𝐿
(mW)

Pmax (observed)

Pmax (calculated)
Procedure: -
a. Adjust the input voltage = ------V and make the connections in the kit.
b. Remove (open circuit) the load resistance RL and measure open
circuit voltage Vth across ‘XY’ in ‘ON’ condition.
c. Short circuit the input voltage source and measure the resistance Rth.

d. Connect the circuit as shown in the circuit diagram on the kit.

e. Connect millimeters in series to measure the current and voltmeter to

measure the voltage across resistance RL.

f. Measure VL and IL for different values RL and take one observation
for RL-RTH.
2
g. Calculate the value of maximum power by Pmax = V th / 4 Rth and
compare it with the calculated value of PL.
h. Plot the graph of Power and RL and show the value of Pmax for
the respective value of RL.

Result: -
The experimental value of maximum power is mW and theoretical value
of maximum power is mW.

Conclusion: -