How is KVL used in the node method KCL equations?

In summary, Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) is utilized in the node method alongside Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) to analyze electrical circuits by establishing equations that relate the voltages and currents at various nodes. KVL is applied to loops within the circuit to express the sum of voltage drops and rises, while KCL is used to set up equations based on the currents entering and leaving each node. By combining these laws, engineers can systematically solve for unknown voltages and currents in complex networks.
  • #1
zenterix
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TL;DR Summary
The book I am reading, "Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits" by Agarwal has a section on the node method of circuit analysis that says that the KCL equations used in this method contain within them all the information from all the independent KVL equations. I can't seem to see this use of the KVL equations, however.
Consider the following electric circuit in which we have node voltages labeled

1696835576621.png

I have a question about the reasoning present in the book I am reading about the node method of circuit analysis.

If we write KVL equations around the loops we get

$$-V+(V-e)+e=0$$

$$-e+e=0$$

...this choice of voltage variables automatically satisfies KVL. So to solve the circuit it is not necessary to write KVL. Instead, we will directly proceed with writing KCL equations. Furthermore, to save time the KCL equations can be written directly in terms of the node voltages and the resistors' values. Since we have only one unknown, e, we need only one equation. Hence, at node 2,

$$\frac{e-V}{R_1}+\frac{e}{R_2}-I=0\tag{3.5}$$

Notice that the preceding step is actually two substeps bundled into one: (1) writing KCL in terms of currents and (2) substituting immediately node voltages and element parameters for the currents by using KVL and element laws.

Then

Note that in one step we have one unknown and one equation, whereas by the KVL and KCL method of Chapter 2 we would have written eight equations in eight unknowns. Further, note that both the device law for every resistor and all independent statements of KVL for the circuit have been used in writing Equation 3.5.

I don't understand in what way the independent statements of KVL are used when writing out a KCL equation in the node method.

As far as I can see, we are using KCL and then subbing in the expressions for the currents, which come from the element laws.

Where exactly is KVL?
 
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Ohm Law
## E _ { R _ 1 } = I _ { R _ 1 } \cdot R _ 1 \Rightarrow I _ { R _ 1 } = \frac { E _ { R _ 1 } } { R _ 1 } ##
Kirchhoff Voltage Law
## - V - E _ { R _ 1 } + E _ { R _ 2 } = 0 \Rightarrow E _ { R _ 1 } = - V + E _ { R _ 2 } = - V + e = e - V ##
Ohm Law and Kirchhoff Voltage Law
## I _ { R _ 1 } = \frac { e – V } { R _ 1 } ##
 
  • #4
zenterix said:
I don't understand in what way the independent statements of KVL are used when writing out a KCL equation in the node method.
alan123hk said:
I'm not sure how KVL is used in the nodal method KCL equation
Yeah, for me it is one or the other, not some combination. I prefer KCL usually, since that is a more intuitive method for me.
 

FAQ: How is KVL used in the node method KCL equations?

What is KVL and KCL?

KVL (Kirchhoff's Voltage Law) states that the sum of all electrical voltages around a loop is zero. KCL (Kirchhoff's Current Law) states that the sum of currents entering a node is equal to the sum of currents leaving the node.

How is KVL used in the node method?

In the node method, KVL is used to express the voltage drops around loops in terms of node voltages. This helps in setting up the relationships between different node voltages which are then used in KCL equations to solve for unknowns.

Why do we need to use KVL in node method KCL equations?

KVL is necessary in node method KCL equations to relate the voltages at different nodes. It ensures that the potential differences around loops are accurately represented, which is crucial for applying KCL correctly at each node.

Can we use KCL without KVL in the node method?

No, using KCL without KVL in the node method would not provide sufficient information to solve for the node voltages. KVL provides the necessary voltage relationships that complement the current relationships given by KCL.

How do you apply KVL when setting up KCL equations?

To apply KVL when setting up KCL equations, identify loops in the circuit and write down the voltage drops in terms of node voltages. These expressions are then used to form the KCL equations at each node, ensuring that all voltage and current relationships are accurately captured.

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