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Theefficiency of a system inelectronics andelectrical engineering is defined as useful power output divided by the total electrical power consumed (afractionalexpression), typically denoted by theGreek small lettereta (η – ήτα).
If energy output and input are expressed in the same units, efficiency is adimensionless number.[1] Where it is not customary or convenient to represent input and output energy in the same units, efficiency-like quantities have units associated with them. For example, theheat rate of afossil fuel power plant may be expressed inBTU perkilowatt-hour.Luminous efficacy of a light source expresses the amount of visible light for a certain amount of power transfer and has the units oflumens per watt.
Efficiency should not be confused witheffectiveness: a system that wastes most of its input power but produces exactly what it is meant to is effective but not efficient. The term "efficiency" makes sense only in reference to the wanted effect. Alight bulb, for example, might have 2% efficiency at emitting light yet still be 98% efficient at heating a room (In practice it is nearly 100% efficient at heating a room because the light energy will also be converted to heat eventually, apart from the small fraction that leaves through the windows). Anelectronic amplifier that delivers 10 watts of power to its load (e.g., aloudspeaker), while drawing 20 watts of power from a power source is 50% efficient. (10/20 × 100 = 50%)
As a result of themaximum power theorem, devices transfer maximum power to a load when running at 50% electrical efficiency. This occurs when the load resistance (of the device in question) is equal to the internalThevenin equivalent resistance of the power source. This is valid only for non-reactive source and load impedances.
High efficiency is particularly relevant insystems that can operate frombatteries. Inefficiency may require weighing the cost either of the wasted energy, or of the requiredpower supply, against the cost of attaining greater efficiency. Efficiency can usually be improved by choosing different components or by redesigning the system. Inefficiency probably produces extra heat within the system, which must be removed if it is to remain within itsoperating temperature range. In a climate-controlled environment, like a home or office, heat generated by appliances may reduce heating costs or increase air conditioning costs.
Impedance bridging connections have a load impedance much larger than the source, which helps transfer voltagesignals at high electrical efficiency.