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Each mid-ordinate value of the voltage waveform is added to the next and the summed total, V1 to V12 is divided by the number of mid-ordinates
used to give us the Average Voltage. Then the average voltage (VAV) is the mean sum of mid-ordinates of the voltage waveform and is given as:
and for our simple example above, the average voltage is therefore calculated as:
So as before lets assume again that an alternating voltage of 20 volts peak varies over one half cycle as follows:
Voltage
Angle
36o
54o
72o
90o
0V
Then the Average Voltage value using the graphical method is given as: 12.64 Volts.
By approximating the areas of the rectangles under the curve, we can obtain a rough idea of the actual area of each one. By adding together all
these areas the average value can be found. If an infinite number of smaller thinner rectangles were used, the more accurate would be the final
result as it approaches 2/.
The area under the curve can be found by various approximation methods such as the trapezoidal rule, the mid-ordinate rule or Simpsons rule.
Then the mathematical area under the positive half cycle of the periodic wave which is defined as V(t) = Vp.cos(t) with a period of T using
integration is given as:
Where: 0 and are the limits of integration since we are determining the average value of voltage over one half a cycle. Then the area below the
curve is finally given as Area = 2VP. Since we now know the area under the positive (or negative) half cycle, we can easily determine the average
value of the positive (or negative) region of a sinusoidal waveform by integrating the sinusoidal quantity over half a cycle and dividing by half the
period.
For example, if the instantaneous voltage of a sinusoid is given as: v=Vp.sin and the period of a sinusoid is given as: 2, then:
Which is therefore given as the standard equation for the Average Voltage of a sine wave as:
Then the average voltage (VAV) of a sinusoidal waveform is determined by multiplying the peak voltage value by the constant 0.637, which is two
divided by pi (). The average voltage, which can also be referred to as the mean value, depends on the magnitude of the waveform and is not a
function of either the frequency or the phase angle.
Referring to our graphical example above, the peak voltage, (Vpk) was given as 20 Volts. Using the analytical method the average voltage is
therefore calculated as:
VAV=Vpkx0.637=20x0.637=12.74V
Which is the same value as for the graphical method. However, multiplying the peak or maximum value by the constant 0.637 ONLY applies to
sinusoidal waveforms.
One final comment about using Average Voltage and RMS Voltage. Both values can be used to represent the Form Factor of a sinusoidal
alternating waveform. Form factor is defined as being the shape of an AC waveform and is the RMS voltage divided by the average voltage (form
factor = rms value/average value).
So for a sinusoidal or complex waveform the form factor is given as: (/(22)) which is approximately equal to the constant, 1.11. Form factor is
a ratio and therefore has no electrical units. If the form factor of a sinusoidal waveform is known, then the average voltage can be found using
the RMS voltage value and vice-versa.
AC
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Tina
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Which value is higher? The Average DC Value or The Average AC Value? Trying to figure out the difference.
Reply (/accircuits/average-voltage.html?replytocom=2071#respond)
ichael
There seems to be an error
Adding all the voltages above I get 126.4 not 127.4. I did the addition several times.
Tell me Im wrong.
That aside you do explain it all very well.
Thanks
Mike
Reply (/accircuits/average-voltage.html?replytocom=1877#respond)
JohnBS
( /(22) ) which is exactly equal to the constant, 1.11
Not exactly: the value is 1.1107.. to 4dp, so rounds to 1.111
Reply (/accircuits/average-voltage.html?replytocom=1174#respond)
Jonhny Magtulis
Thanks alot
Reply (/accircuits/average-voltage.html?replytocom=1139#respond)
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