Article Dans Une Revue American Journal of Physics Année : 2025

Active charge and discharge of a capacitor: Scaling solution and energy optimization

David Guéry-Odelin
Carlos Plata
Antonio Prados
  • Fonction : Auteur

Résumé

We study—both theoretically and experimentally—charging and discharging capacitors that are actively controlled using a voltage source. We show how an appropriate choice of control voltage allows the charging or discharging to take place very slowly (quasistatically). Conversely, we study the price to be paid in terms of Joule heat when we speed up these processes. Finally, we develop optimal processes that minimize energy consumption for a finite charging time. Our study combines fundamental concepts in thermodynamics, classical mechanics, and electrical circuits. This topic lends itself well to an experimental project in the classroom, involving computer control of a voltage source, data acquisition, and processing.

Dates et versions

hal-05058107 , version 1 (06-05-2025)

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Citer

Stéphane Faure, David Guéry-Odelin, Carlos Plata, Antonio Prados. Active charge and discharge of a capacitor: Scaling solution and energy optimization. American Journal of Physics, 2025, 93 (4), pp.328-335. ⟨10.1119/5.0217194⟩. ⟨hal-05058107⟩
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