Sukkur Institute of Business Administration University

Department of Electrical Engineering

ELE-121: Linear Circuit Analysis

Handout # 08: Verification of Maximum Power Transfer

Theorem

Instructor: Engr. Mahnoor Mughal

Note: Submit this lab hand-out in the next lab with attached solved activities and exercises

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Lab Learning Objectives:

 To verify Maximum Power Transfer theorem for complex electric circuits.

 Gain proficiency in using Lab equipment & software for simulation.

Lab Hardware and Software Required:

 Multimeter
 Power Supply
 Connecting Leads
 Breadboard
 Few Resistors
 Ohmmeter
 Voltmeter
 Ammeter
 NI Multisim

Background Theory:

Maximum power transfer theorem deals with the transfer of maximum power from a source to
load. This theorem is particularly useful for analysing communication network because it is
usually desirable to deliver maximum power to a load.

Statement. “In a d.c network, maximum power is transferred

from a source to load, when the load resistance is equal to the
internal resistance of the source”.

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USEFUL POINTS:

1. This theorem is applicable to linear circuits only.

2. The efficiency at maximum power transfer is only 50%.

3. This theorem is very useful in electronics and communication circuits because in

communication engineering it is usually desirable to deliver maximum power to a load.

4. The application of this theorem to power transmission and distribution network is

limited because in this case the goal is high efficiency and not maximum power transfer.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER THEOREM:

The procedure for using this theorem to solve d.c network is as follows:

1. Remove the branch or load resistance through which current is to be calculated. (same as

Thevenin’s and Norton’s Theorem).

2. Calculate the Thevenin’s voltage, Vth across open circuit terminals.

3. Calculate the Thevenin’s resistance, Rth by all voltage sources shorted and current

sources opened.

4. If RL=Rth then it gives the condition for maximum power transfer to load.

5. The maximum power is given by;

𝑉𝑡ℎ 2
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
4𝑅𝐿

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Lab Activities:

1. Design a series circuit using two resistors label them as RTH and RL respectively along

with a dc supply VTH as shown in figure 1.

FIGURE 1

2. Make the load resistance RL equal to Thevenin’s resistance RTH.

3. Find the power consumed by load as given by the equation;

𝑃 = 𝐼 2 × 𝑅𝐿
2
𝑉𝑇𝐻
𝑃=[ ] × 𝑅𝐿
𝑅 𝑇𝐻 +𝑅𝐿

4. Vary the load resistance RL below and above RTH, find the power consumed by the load

at five different intervals. Fill the results and measurements in Table 2 given in Lab

exercise.

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Lab Exercises:

TABLE 1

Parameter Nominal Measured

VTH
RTH

TABLE 2
Intervals RL PL
1
2
3
4
5

Detailed readings:

 Introductory Circuit Analysis Robert. L Boylestad, 12th Edition.

 A textbook of Electrical Technology, Volume 1. BL Theraja