Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

CHAPTER TWO
CIRCUIT THEOREM (ANALYSIS METHODS)

2.1 Branch Current Method

This is a method in which current is assigned to each branch in an active network. Kirchhoff’s current law is
then applied at the principal nodes whilst KVL is applied to identifiable loops. This produces a set of equations,
which can be solved simultaneously to obtain the currents.

Example 2.1
Find the currents in all parts of the circuit in figure 2.1.
2Ω 4Ω

32 V 8Ω 20 V

Figure 2.1 for example 2.1

Solution 2.1
Denote unknown currents by the symbols 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼3 .
2Ω 4Ω I2
B I1 C D

I3

32 V 8Ω 20 V

A F E
Figure 2.2 for solution 2.1

Applying KVL to the loop ABCFA

−32 + 2𝐼1 + 8𝐼3 = 0 ⟹ 2𝐼1 + 8𝐼3 = 32 (2.1)
Likewise, applying KVL to EDCFE
−20 + 4𝐼2 + 8𝐼3 = 0 ⟹ 4𝐼2 + 8𝐼3 = 20 (2.2)
Applying KCL at node C
𝐼1 + 𝐼2 = 𝐼3 (2.3)
Now, solving equations (2.1), (2.2) and (2.3) simultaneously 𝐼1 = 4 𝐴; 𝐼2 = −1 𝐴; 𝐼3 = 3 𝐴

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Example 2.2
Find the currents in all parts of the circuit in Figure 2.3

2Ω 5Ω 2Ω

7V 3Ω 2Ω 10 V

2Ω

Figure 2.3 for example 2.2

Solution 2.2
2Ω 5Ω 2Ω
I1 c I2 d e
b
I3

I1 – I2 I2 – I3

7V 3Ω 2Ω 10 V

2Ω
a h g f

Figure 2.4 for solution 2.2

Let the currents in the sides, bc, cd, and de be denoted by 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼3 respectively.
Applying KCL at node c makes the current in the side ch, 𝐼1 − 𝐼2 .
Also the current in the side dg now becomes 𝐼2 − 𝐼3
With three unknown variables, 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼3 , three independent equations are required to determine them.
Applying KVL to loop abcha
−7 + 2𝐼1 + 3(𝐼1 − 𝐼2 ) = 0 ⟹ 2𝐼1 + 3(𝐼1 − 𝐼2 ) = 7 (2.4)
Applying KVL to cdghc
5𝐼2 + 2(𝐼2 − 𝐼3 ) + 2𝐼2 − 3(𝐼1 − 𝐼2 ) = 0
⟹ −3𝐼1 + 12𝐼2 − 2𝐼3 = 0 (2.5)
Applying KVL to loop efgde
−10 − 2(𝐼2 − 𝐼3 ) + 2𝐼3 = 0 ⟹ −2𝐼2 + 4𝐼3 = 10 (2.6)

Solving equations (2.4), (2.5) and (2.6) simultaneously yield

𝐼1 = 2 𝐴; 𝐼2 = 1 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼3 = 3 𝐴

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

2.2 Mesh Analysis

This provides general procedure for analysing circuits, using mesh currents as the circuit variables. A mesh is
a loop that does not contain any other loop within it. Mesh analysis applies KVL to find unknown currents.

R1 I2 R2
I1

I3

V1 i1 i2 V2
R3

Figure 2.5 for Mesh Analysis

2.2.1 Determining Mesh Currents

a) Assign mesh currents 𝑖1 , 𝑖2 , 𝑖3 … … 𝑖𝑛 to n meshes. Hence mesh currents 𝑖1 and 𝑖2 are assigned to
meshes 1 and 2.

b) Apply KVL to each of the n meshes.

−𝑉1 + 𝑅1 𝑖1 + 𝑅3 (𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ) = 0 ⟹ (𝑅1 + 𝑅3 )𝑖1 − 𝑅2 𝑖2 = 𝑉1 (2.7)
Also
𝑅2 𝑖2 + 𝑉2 + 𝑅3 (𝑖2 − 𝑖1 ) = 0 ⟹ −𝑅3 𝑖1 + (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 )𝑖2 = −𝑉2 (2.8)

c) Solve for mesh currents.

Example 2.3
Find the currents 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 and 𝐼3 using mesh analysis.
2Ω 4Ω
I1 I2

I3

i1 8Ω i2 20 V
32 V

Figure 2.6 for Example 2.3

Solution 2.3
−32 + 2𝑖1 + 8(𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ) = 0 ⟹ 10𝑖1 − 8𝑖2 = 32 (2.9)
4𝑖2 + 20 + 8(𝑖2 − 𝑖1 ) = 0 ⟹ 8𝑖1 − 12𝑖2 = 20 (2.10)

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Solving equations (2.9) and (2.10) respectively

𝑖1 = 4 𝐴 and 𝑖2 = 1 𝐴

From the circuit

𝐼1 = 𝑖1 = 4𝐴; 𝐼2 = −𝑖2 = −1𝐴; 𝐼3 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 = 4 − 1 = 3𝐴

Example 2.4

I1 5Ω I2 6Ω

I3

10 Ω
15V 4Ω

10V

Figure 2.7 for example 2.4

Find the currents 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 and 𝐼3 using mesh analysis.

Solution 2.4 6Ω
I1 5Ω I2

I3

10 Ω
i1 i2
15V 4Ω

10V

Figure 2.8 for Solution 2.4

Applying KVL to mesh 1

−15 + 5𝑖1 + 10(𝑖1 − 𝑖2 ) + 10 = 0 ⟹ 3𝑖1 − 2𝑖2 = 1 (2.11)

For mesh 2
6𝑖2 + 4𝑖2 − 10 + 10(𝑖2 − 𝑖1 ) = 0 ⟹ −𝑖1 + 2𝑖2 = 1 (2.12)
Solving equations (2.11) and (2.12) simultaneously
𝑖1 = 1𝐴; and 𝑖2 = 1𝐴

Thus 𝐼1 = 𝑖1 = 1𝐴; 𝐼2 = 𝑖2 = 1𝐴; 𝐼3 = 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 = 0

Remember, this is just for mathematical analysis.

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Exercise
𝑅1 𝑅3
If 𝑉1 = 10𝑉, 𝑉2 = 5𝑉, 𝐼1 𝐼3

𝑅1 = 3Ω; 𝑅2 = 5Ω; 𝑅3 = 6Ω
𝐼2
Find the currents in the three resistors in Figure 2.9
using mesh analysis. 𝑉1 𝑉2
𝑅2

Answer:
𝑰𝟏 = 𝒊𝟏 = 𝟐. 𝟏𝟒𝟑𝑨;
𝑰𝟐 = −(𝒊𝟏 − 𝒊𝟐 ) = −𝟎. 𝟕𝟏𝟒𝑨; Figure 2.9 for Exercise

𝑰𝟑 = 𝒊𝟐 = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟐𝟗 𝑨

2.3 Nodal Analysis

2.3.1 Nodal Analysis without Voltage Source
a) Steps to Determine Node Voltages
𝐼2

1 2
𝑅2

𝐼1
𝑅1 𝑅3

Figure 2.10: Determining Node Voltages

i. Select a node as the reference node. Assign voltages 𝑉1 , 𝑉2 … 𝑉𝑛−1 to the remaining 𝑛 − 1 nodes. The
voltages are referenced with respect to the reference node.
𝐼2

𝑉1 𝑖2
𝑉2

/ 𝑖1 𝑅2 𝑖3

𝐼1 𝑅1 𝑅3

Figure 2.11: Assigning Voltages to Nodes including Reference Node

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

ii. Apply KCL to each of the 𝑛 − 1 non-reference nodes. Use ohm’s law to express the branch currents in
terms of node voltages.
𝐼1 = 𝑖1 + 𝑖2 + 𝐼2 (2.13)
𝐼2 + 𝑖2 = 𝑖3 (2.14)
Also,
𝑉1 −0 𝑉1
𝑖1 = ⟹ 𝑖1 = (2.15)
𝑅1 𝑅1
𝑉1 −𝑉2
𝑖2 = (2.16)
𝑅2
𝑉2 −0 𝑉2
𝑖3 = ⟹ 𝑖3 = (2.17)
𝑅3 𝑅3

Thus from (2.13), (2.15) and (2.16)

𝑉1 𝑉1 −𝑉2
𝐼1 = 𝐼2 + + (2.18)
𝑅1 𝑅2
And from (2.14), (2.16) and (2.17)
𝑉1 −𝑉2 𝑉
𝐼2 + = 𝑅2 (2.19)
𝑅2 3

iii. Solve the resulting simultaneous equations to obtain the unknown node voltages.

NB: Reference node is also called datum node or ground or zero-potential node.

Example 2.5
Calculate the node voltage in the circuit shown in figure 2.12.
5A

1 2
4Ω

2Ω 6Ω 10 A

Figure 2.12: Circuit for example 2.5

Solution 2.5
At node 1
𝑉1 −𝑉2 𝑉1 −0 𝑉1
𝑖1 = 𝑖2 + 𝑖3 ; 𝑖1 = 5 𝑖2 = and 𝑖3 = =
4 2 2
Thus
𝑉1 −𝑉2 𝑉1
+ =5 ⟹ 3𝑉1 − 𝑉2 = 20 (2.20)
4 2

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem
5A

𝑖1 = 5 𝑖2 𝑉2 𝑖4 = 10
V1
4Ω
𝑖3 𝑖5

2Ω 6Ω 10 A

Figure 2.13: Assigning Voltages to Non-Reference Nodes

At node 2
𝑖2 + 𝑖4 = 𝑖1 + 𝑖5
𝑉1 −𝑉2 𝑉2
+10 = 5 +
4 6
−3𝑉1 + 5𝑉2 = 60 (2.21)

Solving equations (2.20) and (2.21) simultaneously

𝑉1 = 13.33 𝑉 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉2 = 20 𝑉

For the currents

𝑉1 −𝑉2 13.33−20
𝑖1 = 5 𝐴; 𝑖2 = = = −1.67 𝐴
4 4
𝑉1 13.33 𝑉2 20
𝑖3 = = = 6.67 𝐴 𝑖4 = 10 𝐴 𝑖5 = = = 3.33 𝐴
2 2 6 6

Example 2.6

Determine the voltages at the nodes in the figure 2.14 below.

4Ω

𝑖𝑥 2
1 3
2Ω 8Ω

3A 4Ω
2𝑖𝑥

Figure 2.14: Circuit for Example 2.6

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Solution 2.6
4Ω
𝑖1

𝑖𝑥 𝑉2 𝑖2
𝑉1 𝑉3
2Ω 8Ω
𝑖3

3A 4Ω
2𝑖𝑥

Figure 2.15: Circuit for Solution 2.6

At node 1
3 = 𝑖1 + 𝑖𝑥
𝑉1 −𝑉3 𝑉1 −𝑉2
But 𝑖1 = and 𝑖𝑥 =
4 2
𝑉1 −𝑉3 𝑉1 −𝑉2
⟹ + =3
4 2
Or 3𝑉1 − 2𝑉2 − 𝑉3 = 12 (2.22)

At node 2
𝑖𝑥 = 𝑖2 + 𝑖3
𝑉2 −𝑉3 𝑉2
Now 𝑖2 = and 𝑖3 =
8 4
𝑉1 −𝑉2 𝑉2 −𝑉3 𝑉2
⟹ = +
2 8 4
4𝑉1 − 7𝑉2 + 𝑉3 = 0 (2.23)

At node 3
𝑖1 + 𝑖2 = 2𝑖𝑥
𝑉1 −𝑉3 𝑉2 −𝑉3 𝑉1 −𝑉2
+ =2( )
4 8 2

6𝑉1 − 9𝑉2 + 3𝑉3 = 0

Or 2𝑉1 − 3𝑉2 + 𝑉3 = 0 (2.24)

Solving (2.22), (2.23) and (2.24) simultaneously, yield

𝑉1 = 4.8 𝑉; 𝑉2 = 2.4 𝑉; 𝑉3 = −2.4 𝑉

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

2.3.2 Nodal Analysis with Voltage Sources

Rules
1. If a voltage source is connected between the reference node and a non-reference node, the voltage
source is simply set to the voltage at the non-reference node.
2. If a voltage source (dependent or independent) is connected between two non-reference nodes, the
non-reference nodes form a generalized node or supernode. In other words, a supernode is formed by
enclosing a voltage source connected between 2 non-reference nodes and any elements connected in
parallel with it.
4Ω
𝑖4
5V
𝑖1 𝑉2
𝑉1 +- 𝑉3
2Ω
𝑖2 𝑖3

10 V
+
8Ω
- 6Ω

Figure 2.16: Circuit for Nodal Analysis with Voltage Sources

In figure 2.16,
𝑖1 + 𝑖4 = 𝑖2 + 𝑖3 and 𝑉1 = 10 𝑉 (according to rule 1 above)

𝑉1 −𝑉2 𝑉2 𝑉3 𝑉1 −𝑉3
But 𝑖1 = ; 𝑖2 = 𝑖3 = 𝑖4 =
2 8 6 4
𝑉1 −𝑉2 𝑉1 −𝑉3 𝑉2 𝑉3
Thus + = +
2 4 8 6
10−𝑉2 10−𝑉3 𝑉2 𝑉3
⟹ + = +
2 4 8 6
Or 3𝑉2 + 2𝑉3 = 36 (2.25)

5V
+
+ +

𝑉2 𝑉3

-
Figure 2.17: Applying KVL to supernode

Dealing with the supernode

−𝑉2 + 5 + 𝑉3 = 0 ⟹ 𝑉2 − 𝑉3 = 5 (2.26)
Solving equations (2.25) and (2.26) simultaneously gives
𝑉2 = 9.2 𝑉 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉3 = 4.2 𝑉

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Exercise
Find the node voltages in figure 2.18.
10 Ω

2V
1 +- 2

2A
2Ω 4Ω 7A

Figure 2.18: Circuit for the exercise

2.3 Thevenin’s Theorem

The theorem states that: any linear circuit connected between two terminals can be replaced by a Thevenin’s
voltage, VTH in series with a Thevenin’s resistance RTH where VTH is equal to the open-circuit voltage
appearing between the two terminals and RTH is equal to the resistance viewed between the two terminals
when all internal sources are deactivated (that is, voltage sources short-circuited, and current sources open-
circuited).

Example 2.7
Using Thevenin’s Theorem, determine the current in the 4 - Ω resistor in figure 2.19.
2Ω 4Ω

32 V 8Ω 20 V

Figure 2.19: Circuit for Example 2.7

Solution 2.7
Step 1: Remove the 4 - Ω resistor leaving behind the portion of the network across which the Thevenin
equivalent circuit is to be found.
Step 2: Mark the terminals of the network.
Step 3: Determine the VTH indicated as the open-circuit voltage appearing across the marked terminals. (Refer
to figure 2.20)

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

2Ω A B
I

VTH

32 V 8Ω 20 V

Figure 2.20: Circuit for steps 1 – 3

Apply KVL to loop involving 32 – V source.

32
Thus 32 = 2𝐼 + 8𝐼 ⟹𝐼= A
10
Also, applying KVL to loop involving 20 – V source gives
−20 − 𝑉𝑇𝐻 + 8𝐼 = 0
⟹ 𝑉𝑇𝐻 = 8𝐼 − 20 = 8(32⁄10) − 20
28
Or 𝑉𝑇𝐻 = V = 5.6 𝑉
5

Step 4: Determine RTH with all sources deactivated. RTH is the total resistance between the marked terminals
with all voltage sources replaced by short circuits and all current sources replaced by open circuits as
depicted in figure 2.21.
2Ω
A B
RTH 2Ω

8Ω ⟹ A B

8Ω
Figure 2.21: Circuit for step 4
2×8 8
𝑅𝑇𝐻 = 2 // 8 = = Ω
2+8 5

Step 5: Substitute the Thevenin equivalent circuit for the network external to the 4 - Ω resistor and solve for
the current.
RTH
𝐼4

VT 4Ω

Figure 2.22: Circuit for step 5

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Step 6: Using the reduced circuit, find the current in the 4 - Ω resistor.
𝑉𝑇𝐻 = 𝐼4 (𝑅𝑇𝐻 + 4)
𝑉𝑇𝐻 5.6
Or 𝐼4 = = = 1𝐴
𝑅𝑇𝐻 +4 1.6+4

Example 2.8
Find the current in the 10 - Ω resistor of figure 2.23.

5Ω 10 Ω 12 Ω

4V 15 Ω 8Ω 6V

Figure 2.23: Circuit for Example 2.8

2.4 Norton’s Theorem

The theorem states that any linear circuit connected between two terminals can be replaced by a Norton
current source IN in parallel with a Norton resistance RN connected between the same two terminals.

The Norton current IN is equal to the current that flows in a short circuit connected between the two terminals.
The Norton resistance RN is equal to the resistance viewed between the terminals when all sources are
deactivated.
𝑉
NB: 𝑅𝑁 = 𝑅𝑇𝐻 ; 𝐼𝑁 = 𝑇𝐻⁄𝑅 (2.27)
𝑇𝐻

Example 2.9:
Using Norton’s theorem, determine the current in the 4 - Ω resistor of example 2.7
2Ω 4Ω

32 V 8Ω 20 V

Figure 2.24: Circuit for Example 2.9

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Solution 2.9:
Step 1: Obtain the two-terminal network to be reduced and mark the terminals.
Step 2: Determine IN, which is the current in a short circuit placed between the terminals.
I1 IN

2Ω
I1 - IN

8Ω 20 V
32 V

.
Figure 2.25: Circuit for Solution 2.9

Apply KVL to loop involving 32 – V source.

32 = 2𝐼1 + 8(𝐼1 − 𝐼𝑁 ) ⟹ 10𝐼1 − 8𝐼𝑁 = 32 (2.28)

Apply KVL to loop involving 20 – V source

20 = 8(𝐼1 − 𝐼𝑁 ) ⟹ 8𝐼1 − 8𝐼𝑁 = 20 (2.29)

From equations (2.28) and (2.29)

𝐼𝑁 = 7⁄2 𝐴

Step 3: Determine RN
Since 𝑅𝑁 = 𝑅𝑇𝐻 , then 𝑅𝑁 = 8⁄5 Ω (from example 2.7)

Step 4: Substitute the Norton equivalent circuit for the network external to the 4 - Ω resistor and solve for the
current:
I4
A

IN RN 4Ω

B
Figure 2.26: Circuit for step 4

Using current divider rule

𝑅𝑁
𝐼4 = ( ) 𝐼𝑁
𝑅𝑁 +4
8⁄
That is, 𝐼4 = (8 5 ) × 7⁄2 = 1𝐴
⁄5+4

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

2.5 Superposition Theorem

It states that the current through (or the voltage across) any elements in a multiple-source linear circuit can
be found by taking the algebraic sum of the current (or the voltage across) that element due to each individual
source acting alone.

Application of this theorem means finding the response in an element due to each source (all other sources
replaced by their internal resistances) and adding these individual responses to obtain the overall response.

Example 2.10
Battery A in figure 2.27 has an Emf of 32 V and an internal resistance of 2 Ω and that of battery B is 20 V
and 4 Ω respectively. The two batteries are connected in parallel across an 8 - Ω resistor. Calculate the current
supplied by the battery B.

I
2Ω 4Ω
8Ω
32 V 20 V

Figure 2.27: Circuit for example 2.10

Solution 2.10
Step 1: The 20 – V source is short-circuited (and replaced by its internal resistance). The total resistance of the
circuit in Figure 2.28a is
8×4 14
𝑅𝑇32 = 2 + (8 // 4) = 2 + = Ω
8+4 3
32 48
Thus the total current from the 32 – V source is 14 = A.
⁄3 7

8 48 32
∴ 𝐼32 = × = A
8+4 7 7

I32 I20
2Ω 4Ω 2Ω 4Ω
8Ω
8Ω
32 V 20 V

(a) (b)
Figure 2.28: The circuits depicting steps 1 and 2

Step 2: In deactivating the 32 – V source, the total resistance of the circuit in figure 2.28b is
8×2 28
𝑅𝑇20 = 4 + (8 // 2) = 4 + = Ω
8+2 5
20 25 25
Now total current from 20 – V source is 28 = A Thus 𝐼20 = A
⁄5 7 7

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Hence the current I by superposition theorem is 𝐼 = 𝐼20 − 𝐼32

25 32
= − = −1𝐴
7 7

2.6 Star(Wye) – Delta /Delta – Star Transformations

Figures 2.29 a and b show three-element, three terminal network. The arrangements in Figure 2.29a and 2.29b
are said to be delta and star – connected respectively.
A
A

Ra

R2 R3
Rc
Rb

C B C B
R1 (b)
(a)
Figure 2.29: Delta – and – Star connected Resistors

It is possible to transform one into another using the following equations:

Delta – to – Star transformation (∆→ 𝒀):

𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅3 𝑅1 𝑅1 𝑅2
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑅𝑏 = 𝑅𝑐 =
𝑅1 +𝑅2 +𝑅3 𝑅1 +𝑅2 +𝑅3 𝑅1 +𝑅2 +𝑅3

Star – to – Delta transformation (𝒀 → ∆)

𝑅𝑏 𝑅𝑐 𝑅𝑎 𝑅𝑐 𝑅𝑎 𝑅𝑏
𝑅1 = 𝑅𝑏 + 𝑅𝑐 + 𝑅2 = 𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑐 + 𝑅3 = 𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑏 +
𝑅𝑎 𝑅𝑏 𝑅𝑐
These transformations may have to be carried out before some networks will permit a straightforward
reduction by series and parallel combinations.

Example 2.11
Determine the voltage Vo in the circuit in figure 2.30 below.
6Ω

a
2Ω 2Ω

10 V 2Ω 6Ω Vo

b
Figure 2.30: Circuit for example 2.11

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Solution 2.11

To solve this problem it will be appropriate to simplify the circuit by transforming the star-connection to delta
connection. This could be observed in figure 2.31(a) and (b). The figure 2.31 (b) was obtained based on the
formula
2×2
𝑅1 = 2 + 2 + = 6 Ω. The same applies to 𝑅2 and 𝑅3 which are both 6 Ω each.
2

6Ω
6Ω

R2 6Ω a

2Ω 2Ω

10 V 2Ω 10 V
R1 R3 6Ω 6Ω
6Ω 6Ω

(a) (b)
Figure 2.31: Circuit for Star – to – Delta Transformation for Solution 2.11

Now, from figure 2.31 (b), two sets of the 6 Ω resistors are parallel, hence they could be reduced further by
6×6
using = 3 Ω. Thus the circuit is further reduced to figure 2.32.
6+6

3Ω
a

10 V 6Ω
3Ω Vo

b
Figure 2.32: Circuit for Series/Parallel Arrangement

The voltage drop across the 6 Ω resistor is 10 V and so is the total voltage across the two 3 Ω resistors since
the 6 Ω is parallel to the two 3 Ω resistors.
Thus the voltage Vo across ab is given by
3
Vo = × 10 𝑉 = 5 𝑉
3+3

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Alternatively,
6×(3+3)
Total resistance, RT = = 3Ω
6+3+3
10
Hence total current produced, IT is A
3
6 10 5
Thus current through 3 Ω resistors = × = A
6+3+3 3 3
5
Thus voltage Vo = 3 × =5V
3

Example 2.12
Using delta – star transformations find the resistance between terminals XY of the bridge circuit shown in
figure 2.33.
A
X

4Ω 6Ω

2Ω
B C

10 Ω 14 Ω

Y
D

Figure 2.33: Circuit for example 2.12

Solution 2.12 A
X
Delta ABC is reduced to its star equivalent

𝑅𝐴𝐵 ×𝑅𝐴𝐶 6×4

𝑅𝐴 = = =2Ω 4Ω 6Ω
𝑅𝐴𝐵 +𝑅𝐴𝐶 +𝑅𝐵𝐶 6+4+2

𝑅𝐴𝐵 ×𝑅𝐵𝐶 6×2

𝑅𝐵 = = = 1Ω
𝑅𝐴𝐵 +𝑅𝐴𝐶 +𝑅𝐵𝐶 6+4+2
B C
𝑅𝐵𝐶 ×𝑅𝐴𝐶 2×4 2Ω
𝑅𝐶 = = = 2⁄3 Ω
𝑅𝐴𝐵 +𝑅𝐴𝐶 +𝑅𝐵𝐶 6+4+2

10 Ω 14 Ω

Y
D
Figure 2.34: Circuit Introducing Delta – Star Transformation

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Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

The circuit can thus be redrawn as A

X

2Ω

2⁄ Ω 1Ω
3
B C

10 Ω 14
Y Ω
D
Figure 2.35: Circuit for solution 2.12

From figure 2.35, the 2⁄3 − Ω resistor is in series with that of the 10 − Ω, whilst the 1 − Ω resistor is also in
series with that of the 14 − Ω resistor. The resultant are parallel.
Thus 𝑅𝑋𝑌 = 2 + [(2⁄3 + 10) ∕∕ (1 + 14)]
= 2 + (32⁄3 ∕∕ 15)
= 8.23 Ω

2.7 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

It states that: A resistive load, served through a resistive network, will abstract maximum power when the load
resistance value is the same as the resistance “viewed by the load as it looks into the network”.
This is also called the output resistance of the network or the resistance presented to the output terminals by
the network.
This is the resistance 𝑅𝑇𝐻 seen in Thevenin’s Theorem or 𝑅𝑁 (in Norton’s Theorem).[Refer to figure 2.36 (a)]
The load resistance, 𝑅𝐿 will draw maximum power when it is equal to 𝑅𝑇𝐻 i.e. 𝑅𝐿 = 𝑅𝑇𝐻 and the maximum
𝑉𝑜𝑐 2
power drawn will be equal to
4𝑅𝐿
𝑉𝑜𝑐 2
That is 𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
4𝑅𝐿
where, 𝑉𝑂𝐶 = 𝑉𝑇𝐻 is the open-circuit voltage at the terminals from which 𝑅𝐿 has been disconnected.
𝑅𝑇𝐻

𝑉𝑂𝐶 𝑅𝐿 𝐼𝑆𝐶 𝐺𝑇𝐻

𝐺𝐿

(a) (b)

Figure 2.36: Circuit for Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

Similarly for a current source as illustrated in Figure 2.36 (b)

32
Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Example 2.13
Find the value of load resistance, 𝑅𝐿 in the circuit of figure 2.37 for maximum power transfer. Determine the
maximum power transferred.

30 Ω 38 Ω

LOAD
50 V 20 Ω

Figure 2.35: Circuit for Example 2.13

Step 1: Determine 𝑅𝑇𝐻

𝑅𝑇𝐻 = 38 + 20 ∕∕ 30
20×30
= 38 + = 38 + 12 = 50 Ω
20+30
Maximum power will be transferred to load resistance 𝑅𝐿 when it is equivalent to Thevenin’s equivalent
resistance, 𝑅𝑇𝐻 i.e. 𝑅𝐿 = 𝑅𝑇𝐻 = 50 Ω

Step 2: Determine the open-circuit voltage, 𝑉𝑂𝐶 = 𝑉𝑇𝐻

Open-circuit voltage, 𝑉𝑂𝐶 = 𝑉𝑇𝐻 = voltage across 20 Ω resistor
20
= × 50 = 20 𝑉
20+30

𝑉𝑇𝐻 2 202
Maximum power transferred, 𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 2𝑊
4𝑅𝐿 4×50

Exercise
1. Solve the circuit shown in figure 2.36 using the mesh method of analysis and determine the currents in
all parts of the circuit.
5Ω 10 Ω 12 Ω

4V 15 Ω 8Ω 6V

Figure 2.36: Circuit for Exercise 1

2. Using Thevenin’s Theorem, obtain current in 13 Ω resistor in Figure 2.37..

80 V

33
200 V 15 Ω 12 Ω
Applied Electricity Chapter Two: Circuit Theorem

Figure 2.37: Circuit for Exercise 2

3. Find the current I drawn from the source voltage of 100 V in the circuit shown in figure 2.38
A
X

10 Ω

20 Ω 30 Ω
100 V 50 Ω

50 Ω 45 Ω
Y

Figure 2.38: Circuit for Exercise 3

34