Maximum Power Transfer Theorem – Examples and Applications

August 21, 2019 By Wat Electrical Leave a Comment

In an electrical system, the maximum amount of power is required to be transmitted to the load
side. For example, in an audio amplifier system, the maximum amount of power is transmitted
from the amplifier to the speaker. In the same way, the maximum amount of power is transmitted
from the power amplifier to the antenna in the case of a Radio system. So, to transmit the
maximum amount of power to the load side the load resistance should be of ideal value.
Therefore, the value of load resistance should be of ideal value. If it is either less than or greater
than the ideal value the maximum amount of power will not be transmitted. So, to maintain the
ideal value of load resistance we developed a theorem I,e maximum power transfer theorem. It
assists in detecting the maximum power transmitted to the load. In this article, we will study
what is Maximum Power Theorem? Definition, steps to solve different circuits, solving some
examples, and applications.

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem (MPT) Definition

In a linear bilateral network, across the load circuit, if the network is replaced by a single voltage
source with series impedance (Thevenin’s theorem), then the maximum power is transferred
from the source to the load circuit. The load impedance is the complex conjugate of the source
impedance.

Maximum Power Transfer circuit

Zs = Rs + JXs , Zl = RL+ JXl

Where

Rs = source resistance,

Xs = source reactance,
Rl = Load resistance,

Xl = Load reactance.

Thevenin’s Resistance

In the given circuit, Thevenin’s resistance is observed by switching off all the independent
sources available considering only the resistance.

Thevenin’s Theorem

In any circuit, Thevenin’s equivalent is represented as the voltage source in series with the
Thevenin’s resistance.

For maximum power transfer theorem,

Zl = Zs*

(RL + JXl) = (Rs + JXs)*

(RL + JXl) = Rs – JXs

RL= Rs ; Xl = Xs

Properties or Applications of Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

 This theorem is applicable for linear networks I.e the networks with R, L, C, and linear controlled
sources as elements.
 The presence of dependent sources makes the network active and hence, this theorem is used
for both active as well as passive networks.
 Maximum power transfer theorem is applicable only when the load is variable. Otherwise,
choose the minimum internal impedance of the source which results in maximum current
through the fixed load. Hence, maximum power is dissipated by the load circuit.

Steps to Solve Maximum Transfer Power Theorem

1. DC Source with Variable Resistor

 DC Source with Variable Resistor

PRl = (IRl)2 RL

(Vs/ Rs + RL)2 RL ,

For MPT ( Maximum power transfer theorem)

Dp/dRL= 0

d/dRl (sV2. Rl/(Rl+Rl)2) = 0

(Rs + Rl)2 = 2.Rl (Rs + Rl )

Rs + Rl = 2.Rl

Rl = Rs

Therefore, Pmax = sV2. Rl/(2.Rl)2

Pmax = (Vs)2. Rl/(4.(Rl)2

Pmax = (Vs)2/4.Rl Watts

2. AC Source with Variable Load Impedance

 Load Resistor which is only Variable.

AC Source with Variable Load Resistor

I = Vs /Zs + Zl

Pl = (Is)2 . RL

For MPT dPl/dRL = 0

RL= √(Rs)2 + ( Xl + Xs )2
 Imax at RL = √(Rs)2 + ( Xl + Xs )2 = Vs /Zs + Zl Amperes

Pmax = (Imax)2.RL Watts

 Load Reactance which is only Variable

AC Source with Variable Load Reactance

I = Vs /Zs + Zl

Pl = (Is)2 . RL

For MPT dPl/dXl = 0

Xl = Xs

Imax at ( Xl = Xs )= Vs /Zs + Zl Amperes

Pmax = (Imax)2.RLWatts

 Load Impedance is Variable

AC Source with Variable Load Impedance

I = Vs /Zs + Zl
 Pl = (Is)2 . RL

For MPT dPl/dZl = 0

Zl = Zs*

Pmax = = (Vs)2/4.RL Watts

 AC Source with only Variable ‘R’ as Load

AC Source with Only Variable Load Resistor

I = Vs /Zs + Zl

Pl = (Is)2 . Rl

For MPT dPl/dRl = 0

Rl = √(Rs)2 + ( Xs )2

Imax at Rl = √(Rs)2 + ( Xs )2 = Vs /(Zs + Zl )Amperes

Pmax = (Imax)2.(R)l Watts

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem problems with Solutions
Find Rl for MPT to Load?
Similar to Case 3

I = Vs /Zs + Zl

Zs = Rs + JXs = 2 + j. 2πfl;

Xl = 2πfl = 2π(1/π).1 = 2Ω
Find RL Value for MPT?

Find RL by MPTT

Convert the given circuit into Thevenin’s equivalent circuit

Equivalent Resistance

For Rth short circuit voltage source

(6 +j8) parallel to ( 6 + j8)

Zth = Rth + jXth = ( 3 + j4 ) Ω

Rl = √(Rs)2 + ( Xs )2 = √32 + 42 = 5Ω

Find the Power in RL

Power in Rl

From Sub Case 2

For MPT, Xl = Xs

Xc = 10 Ω

Pmax = = (Vs)2/4.Rl Watts = 1002 / 4*10 =250 W

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

The Maximum Power Transfer Theorem can be defined as, a resistive load is connected to a
DC-network, when the load resistance (RL) is equivalent to the internal resistance then it receives
highest power is known as Thevenin’s equivalent resistance of the source network. The theorem
defines how to select the load resistance (RL) when the source resistance is given once. It is a
general misunderstanding for applying the theorem in the reverse situation. It doesn’t mean that
how to select the source resistance for a specific load resistance (RL). Actually, the source
resistance that makes the best use of power transfer is constantly zero, apart from the value of load
resistance. This theorem can be expanded to AC circuits that comprise reactance and defines that
highest power transmission happens when the load impedance (ZL) must be equivalent to the
ZTH (complex conjugate of corresponding circuit impedance).
If we consider the η (efficiency) as the fraction of power dissolved through the load R to power
extended with the source, VTH, then it is simple to compute the efficiency as

η = (Pmax/P) X 100 = 50%

Where; the maximum power (Pmax)

Pmax = V2TH RTH / (RTH + RTH)2 = V2TH / 4RTH

And the power supplied (P) is

P = 2 V2TH / 4RTH = V2TH / 2RTH

The η is only 50% when the highest power transfer is attained, although reaches 100% as the R L
(load resistance) reaches infinity, while the whole power stage tends to zero.

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem for A.C Circuits

As in active arrangement, the highest power is transmitted to the load while the impedance of the
load is equivalent to the complex conjugate of a corresponding impedance of a given set-up as
observed from the terminals of the load.

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem For A.C

Circuits

The above circuit is equivalent circuit of Thevenin’s. When the above circuit is considered across
the terminals of the load, then the flow of current will be given as

I = VTH / ZTH + ZL

Where ZL = RL + jXL

ZTH = RTH + jXTH

Therefore,

I = VTH / (RL + jXL + RTH + jXTH )

= VTH / ((RL+ RTH) + j(XL + XTH ))

The power circulated to the load,

PL = I2 RL

PL = V2TH × RL / ((RL+ RTH)2 + (XL + XTH )2) ……(1)

For highest power the above equation derivative should be zero, later than simplification we can
get the following.

XL + XTH = 0

XL = – XTH

Substitute the XL value in the above equation 1, and then we can get the following.

PL = V2TH × RL / ((RL+ RTH) 2

Again for highest power transfer, the above equation derivation must be equivalent to zero, after
solving this we can get

RL+ RTH = 2 RL

RL = RTH

Therefore, the highest power will be transmitted from the source to load, if RL (load resistor) =
RTH & XL = – XTH in an AC circuit. This means that the load impedance (ZL) must be equivalent
to the ZTH (complex conjugate of corresponding circuit impedance)

ZL = ZTH

This maximum power transmitted (Pmax) = V2TH/ 4 RL or V2TH / 4 RTH

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem Proof

In some applications, the purpose of a circuit is to provide maximum power to a load. Some
examples:

 Stereo amplifiers
 Radio transmitters
 Communications equipment

If the entire circuit is replaced by its Thevenin equivalent circuit, except the load, as shown below,
the power absorbed by the load is:
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem Proof

PL = i2 RL = (Vth/Rth + RL)2 x RL = V2th RL/ (Rth + RL)2

As VTH and RTH are fixed for a given circuit, the load power is a function of the load resistance
RL.

By differentiating PL with respect to RL and set the result equal to zero, we have the following
maximum power transfer theorem; Maximum power occurs when RL is equal to RTH.

When the maximum power transfer condition is met, i.e., RL=RTH, the maximum power
transferred is:

Differentiating PL with respect to RL

PL = V2th RL / [Rth + RL]2 = V2th Rth/ [Rth + RL]2 = V2th/ 4 Rth

Steps To Solve Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

Below steps are used to solve the problem by Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

Step 1: Remove the load resistance of the circuit.

Step 2: Find the Thevenin’s resistance (RTH) of the source network looking through the open-
circuited load terminals.

Step 3: As per the maximum power transfer theorem, RTH is the load resistance of the network,
i.e., RL = RTH that allows maximum power transfer.

Step 4: Maximum Power Transfer is calculated by the below equation

(Pmax) = V2TH / 4 RTH

Applications of Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

The theorem of maximum power transfer can be applicable in many ways to determine the load
resistance’s value that receives the maximum power from the supply and the maximum power
under the state of highest power transfer. Below are a few applications of the Maximum power
transfer theorem:

1. This theorem is always sought in a communication system. For instance, in a community

address system, the circuit is attuned for highest power transfer with making speaker (load
resistance) equivalent to the amplifier (source resistance). When the load and source have
matched then it has the equal resistance.
2. In automobile engines, the power transmitted to the motor starter of the automobile will
depend on the effective resistance of the motor & the batteries inner resistance. When the
two resistances are equivalent, then the highest power will be transmitted to the motor to
activate the engine.

This is all about maximum power theorem. From the above information, finally, we can conclude
that this theorem is used often to assure that the highest power can be transmitted from a source of
power to a load. Here is a question for you, what is the advantage of maximum power transfer
theorem?

The amount of power received by a load is an important parameter in electrical and electronic
applications. In DC circuits, we can represent the load with a resistor having resistance of RL
ohms. Similarly, in AC circuits, we can represent it with a complex load having an impedance of
ZL ohms.

Maximum power transfer theorem states that the DC voltage source will deliver maximum
power to the variable load resistor only when the load resistance is equal to the source resistance.

Similarly, Maximum power transfer theorem states that the AC voltage source will deliver
maximum power to the variable complex load only when the load impedance is equal to the
complex conjugate of source impedance.

In this chapter, let us discuss about the maximum power transfer theorem for DC circuits.

Proof of Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

Replace any two terminal linear network or circuit to the left side of variable load resistor having
resistance of RL ohms with a Thevenin’s equivalent circuit. We know that Thevenin’s equivalent
circuit resembles a practical voltage source.

This concept is illustrated in following figures.

The amount of power dissipated across the load resistor is

PL=I2RL

Substitute I=VThRTh+RL

in the above equation.

PL=⟮VTh(RTh+RL)⟯2RL

⇒PL=VTh2{RL(RTh+RL)2}
Equation 1

Condition for Maximum Power Transfer

For maximum or minimum, first derivative will be zero. So, differentiate Equation 1 with respect
to RL and make it equal to zero.
 dPLdRL=VTh2{(RTh+RL)2×1−RL×2(RTh+RL)(RTh+RL)4}=0
⇒(RTh+RL)2−2RL(RTh+RL)=0
⇒(RTh+RL)(RTh+RL−2RL)=0
⇒(RTh−RL)=0
⇒RTh=RLorRL=RTh

Therefore, the condition for maximum power dissipation across the load is RL=RTh

. That means, if the value of load resistance is equal to the value of source resistance i.e.,
Thevenin’s resistance, then the power dissipated across the load will be of maximum value.

The value of Maximum Power Transfer

Substitute RL=RTh&PL=PL,Max

in Equation 1.

PL,Max=VTh2{RTh(RTh+RTh)2}
PL,Max=VTh2{RTh4RTh2}
⇒PL,Max=VTh24RTh
⇒PL,Max=VTh24RL,sinceRL=RTh
Therefore, the maximum amount of power transferred to the load is

PL,Max=VTh24RL=VTh24RTh

Efficiency of Maximum Power Transfer

We can calculate the efficiency of maximum power transfer, ηMax

using following formula.

ηMax=PL,MaxPS
Equation 2

Where,

 PL,Max

 is the maximum amount of power transferred to the load.

 PS
  is the amount of power generated by the source.

The amount of power generated by the source is

PS=2I2RTh+I2RL
⇒PS=2I2RTh,sinceRL=RTh

 Substitute I=VTh2RTh

 in the above equation.

PS=2⟮VTh2RTh⟯2RTh
⇒PS=2⟮VTh24RTh2⟯RTh
⇒PS=VTh22RTh

 Substitute the values of PL,Max

and PS

 in Equation 2.

ηMax=⟮VTh24RTh⟯⟮VTh22RTh⟯
⇒ηMax=12
We can represent the efficiency of maximum power transfer in terms of percentage as follows −

%ηMax=ηMax×100%
⇒%ηMax=⟮12⟯×100%
⇒%ηMax=50%
Therefore, the efficiency of maximum power transfer is 50 %.

Applications of Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

1. In electronic circuits, especially in communication system the signal present at the
receiving antenna is of low strength. In order to receive the maximum signal from the
 antenna, impedance of (TV) receiver and (TV) antenna should be matched.

2. In an audio amplifier with audio speaker arrangement in public addressing systems, speaker
resistance must be equal to the amplifier resistance in order to transfer maximum power

from amplifier to the speaker.

3. In case of a car engine starting system, starter motor resistance must be matched with
internal resistance of the battery. If the battery if full and these resistances are matched,
maximum power will be transferred to the motor to turn ON the engine.

Good to Know:

Summary of Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

 Maximum power transfer theorem can be applied to both DC and AC circuits, but the only
difference is that the resistance is replaced with impedance in AC circuit.
 In an AC electrical network the maximum power will be transferred from source section
to the load section when the impedance of the load is complex conjugate of the source
impedance.
 It is important to note that in AC circuit, source also possesses an internal reactance.
Therefore in order to have maximum power transfer the load must possess same value of
reactance but it should be of opposite type. This means that the load must have an
equivalent capacitive reactance, if source has inductive reactance, and vice versa.
 The efficiency is 50 percent only at maximum power transfer condition. So in power
system network, this condition causes a large voltage drop in the lines. But the goal of the
power system network is to increase the efficiency rather than maximum power. Therefore,
power system never operated under maximum power transfer.