Maximum power transfer theorem states that the maximum amount of power can be transferred from a source to a load when the load impedance matches the complex conjugate of the source impedance. Thevenin's theorem and Norton's theorem provide two equivalent methods to analyze and solve circuits, and both can be used to find the load impedance for maximum power transfer.
Let's focus on Thevenin's theorem, which states that any linear electric network containing voltage and current sources can be replaced by an equivalent circuit comprising a single voltage source (Vth) in series with a single impedance (Zth). Thevenin's theorem helps simplify complex circuits and allows us to determine the equivalent Thevenin voltage (Vth) and the Thevenin impedance (Zth) seen from the load's perspective.
To achieve maximum power transfer using Thevenin's theorem:
Calculate the Thevenin voltage (Vth):
Disconnect the load resistor from the original circuit.
Determine the voltage across the load terminals (where the load resistor was connected) with all sources present.
This voltage is the Thevenin voltage (Vth).
Calculate the Thevenin impedance (Zth):
Remove all independent sources (voltage and current sources) from the original circuit.
Set all dependent sources (controlled sources) to their internal resistances.
Calculate the impedance between the load terminals with all sources removed. This impedance is the Thevenin impedance (Zth).
Find the load impedance (Zload):
Connect the load resistor back to the original circuit.
Calculate the load impedance (Zload) at the load terminals.
For maximum power transfer:
Make sure that the load impedance (Zload) is the complex conjugate of the Thevenin impedance (Zth): Zload = Zth*.
When the load impedance matches the Thevenin impedance conjugate, the load will receive the maximum amount of power from the source. In this case, the load impedance matches the internal impedance of the source, allowing the power to be fully transferred.
It's important to note that maximum power transfer is not always the most practical or efficient way to design circuits since it results in half of the power being dissipated as heat in the internal impedance. In practical applications, the load impedance is often chosen based on other considerations, such as efficiency, voltage regulation, and overall performance.