1. DC Networks – Maximum Power Transfer
Maximum power is transferred from a source to a load when the load resistance
is of the same value as the internal resistance of the source.
This theorem also applies to AC circuits in which case resistance is replaced by
impedance.
Using the Thevenin equivalent maximum power is transferred to the load
when RLOAD = RTH.
RTH
VTH
RLOAD PLOAD = I2
RLOADPSOURCE = I2
RTH
I
2. DC Networks – Maximum Power Transfer
Maximum power is transferred from a source to a load when the load resistance
is of the same value as the internal resistance of the source.
Using the Thevenin equivalent maximum power is transferred to the load
when RLOAD = RTH.
47.50
48.00
48.50
49.00
49.50
50.00
50.50
1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8
RLOAD
PLOAD
RLOAD
VTH 20V
R TH 2Ω
3. Activity
1. For the example shown determine the value of load resistor RL that would result in
maximum power dissipation in this load and the value of this power.
DC Networks – Maximum Power Transfer
2. For the above example determine the power dissipated in both the load and source
when the load value is adjusted to ±20% .
B
A
RL
rint = 1Ω
E = 20V
R2 = 6Ω
R1= 8Ω