Phase Controlled Rectifiers

Question 1 WRONG

A single-phase, full-bridge, fully controlled thyristor rectifier feeds a load comprising a

10Ω resistance in series with a very large
inductance. The rectifier is fed from an ideal 230 V, 50 Hz sinusoidal source through cables which have negligible internal resistance
and a total inductance of 2.28 mH. If the thyristors are triggered at an angle α = 45∘ ,
the commutation overlap angle in degree
(rounded off to 2 decimal places) is_____.

2.4

4.8

C 6.4

D 8.2

GATE EE 2020 Power Electronics

Question 1 Explanation: 
1 − ϕ SCR bridge rectifier
α = 45∘ , R = 10 Ω
supply 230 V, 50 Hz
Ls = 2.28 mH
​

μ =?
Vm
ΔVd = [cos α − cos(α + μ)]
​

​ ​

π
= 4f Ls I0 ​ ​

2Vm
V0 = cos α − 4f Ls I0
​

​ ​ ​ ​

π
2Vm
I0 R = cos α − 4f Ls I0
​

π
​ ​ ​ ​

Find I0 ​

2 × 230 2 ​ ​

I0 × 10 = cos 45
​

π
​ ​

− 4 × 50 × 2.28 × 10−3 I0 ​

I0 (10 + 0.456) = 146.42

​

146.49
I0 = = 14.0036 A
10.456
​ ​

230 2
ΔVd0 = [cos 45 − cos(45 + μ)]
​

​ ​

π
= 4 × 50 × 2.28 × 10−3 × 14
= 6.384
cos 45∘ − cos(45∘ + μ) = 0.061659
45 + μ = 49.80
∴ μ = 4.80∘

Question 2 WRONG

Consider the diode circuit shown below. The diode, D, obeys the current-voltage
characteristic ID = IS (exp ( nV
VD
T
) − 1), where
​ ​
​

​
​

n > 1, VT > 0, VD is the voltage across

the diode and ID is the current through it. The circuit is biased so that voltage, V > 0 and
​ ​ ​

current, I < 0. If you had to design this circuit to transfer maximum power from
the current source (I1 ) to a resistive load (not
​

shown) at the output, what values R1 and R2 would you choose? ​ ​

 Large R1 and large R2 . ​ ​

B Small R1 and small R2 . ​ ​

C Large R1 and small R2 . ​ ​

Small R1 and large R2 . ​ ​

GATE EE 2020 Power Electronics

Question 2 Explanation: 
R1 -low, R2 - high
​ ​

VD = V × R1R+2R2
​

​
​

If R2 is large VD becomes high

​ ​

If R1 is less VD = V
​ ​

So for maximum power, R1 is small and R2 is large. ​ ​

Question 3 WRONG
Thyristor T1 is triggered at an angle α (in degree), and T2 at angle 180∘ + α, in each
cycle of the sinusoidal input voltage. Assume
​ ​

both thyristors to be ideal. To control the

load power over the range 0 to 2 kW, the minimum range of variation in α is:

0∘ to 60∘

0∘ to 120∘

C 60∘ to 120∘

D 60∘ to 180∘

GATE EE 2020 Power Electronics

Question 3 Explanation: 
As per GATE official answer key, MTA (Marks to All)

As load is capacitive, for any α :

 1/2
1
[π − α + sin 2α]
Vm
Vor =
​

2π 2
​ ​ ​

2
P0 = ( ) ×R
Vor ​

​ ​

z
Vor2 Vor2
= ×5=
​ ​

100 20
​ ​

​ ​

∘
For α = 0
Vm
Vor = = 200
​

2
​ ​

200
P0 = = 2KW
20
​ ​

For α = 120∘ , as current distinguishes, so P = 0.

So, α should be 0∘  to 120∘ .

Question 4 WRONG

A single-phase, full-bridge diode rectifier fed from a 230 V, 50 Hz sinusoidal source

supplies a series combination of finite resistance.
R, and a very large inductance, L,
The two most dominant frequency components in the source current are:

50 Hz, 0 Hz

B 50 Hz, 100 Hz

50 Hz, 150 Hz

D 50 Hz, 250 Hz

GATE EE 2020 Power Electronics

Question 4 Explanation: 
For full bridge rectifier, High inductive load

∞
4I0 nπ
Isource = ∑ sin nd sin sin(nωt + ϕn )
​

2
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

n=1,3,5
nπ
π
2d = π, d =
2
​

∞
For n = 1, 3, 5, ... ​

4I0 π
Isource = ∑ sin2 n ( ) sin(nωt + ϕn )
​

2
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

nπ n=1,3,5
Isource 
=0​ ​

Since the most dominant frequency component will be f , 3f , f = 50

So dominant frequency = 50Hz, 150Hz.

Question 5 WRONG
A single-phase fully-controlled thyristor converter is used to obtain an average voltage of 180 V with 10 A constant current to feed a
DC load. It is fed from single-phase AC supply of 230 V, 50 Hz. Neglect the source impedance. The power factor (round off to two
decimal places) of AC mains is________

0.25

B 0.55

0.78

D 0.95

GATE EE 2019 Power Electronics

Question 5 Explanation: 
Vsr Isr cos ϕ = V0 I0
​ ​ ​ ​

For single-phase fully controlled converter,

I0 = Isr = 10A
​ ​

cos ϕ = VVsr0 = 180

230 = 0.78
​

​
​ ​

Question 6 CORRECT
A fully-controlled three-phase bridge converter is working from a 415V, 50 Hz AC supply. It is supplying constant current of 100 A at
400 V to a DC load. Assume large inductive smoothing and neglect overlap. The rms value of the AC line currentin amperes (round off
to two decimal places) is ________.

81.65

B 41.25

C 66.45

D 69.85

GATE EE 2019 Power Electronics

Question 6 Explanation: 
2 2
AC line current rms = (Is )rms = I0 ​ ​ ​

3 ​ ​ = 100 × 3 ​ ​ = 81.65A

Question 7 WRONG
A six-pulse thyristor bridge rectifier is connected to a balanced three-phase, 50Hz AC source. Assuming that the DC output current of
the rectifier is constant, the lowest harmonic component in the AC input current is

100Hz

B 150Hz

250Hz

D 300Hz

GATE EE 2019 Power Electronics

Question 7 Explanation: 
For 6 pulse converter harmonics present in AC current are 6k ± 1
Lowest order harmonic =5
Lowest harmonic frequency = 5 x 50 =250Hz
Question 8 WRONG

A phase controlled single phase rectifier, supplied by an AC source, feeds power to an

R-L-E load as shown in the figure. The rectifier
output voltage has an average value given
by
V0 = V2πm (3 + cos α), where Vm = 80π volts and α is the firing angle. If the power delivered to the lossless battery is 1600 W, α in
​
​

​ ​

degree is________ (up to 2 decimal places).

45

90

C 60

D 30

GATE EE 2018 Power Electronics

Question 8 Explanation: 
Vm
V0 = (3 + cos α)
​

2π
​ ​

Eb I0 = 1600W ​ ​

1600
I0 = = 20A
80
​ ​

V0 = Eb + I0 Ra ​

​
​ ​ ​

Vm
(3 + cos α) = 80 + (20 × 2)
​

2π
​

80π
(3 + cos α) = 80 + 40
2π
​

α = 90∘

Question 9 CORRECT
The waveform of the current drawn by a semi-converter from a sinusoidal AC voltage
source is shown in the figure. If I0 =20 A, the rms
​

value of fundamental component of the

current is ___________A (up to 2 decimal places).

17.39

B 18.92

C 24.67

D 14.86

GATE EE 2018 Power Electronics

Question 9 Explanation: 

4I
 4I0 α
is1 = cos
​

2
​ ​ ​

π
2 2 α
= I0 ⋅ cos
​

Is1(rms)
π 2
​ ​ ​ ​

​ ​

2 2 30∘
= × 20 × cos ( )
​

π 2
​ ​

= 17.39A

Question 10 WRONG

A single phase fully controlled rectifier is supplying a load with an anti-parallel diode as shown in the figure. All switches and diodes
are ideal. Which one of the following is true for instantaneous load voltage and current?

v0 ≥ 0 and i0 < 0
​ ​

B v0 < 0 and i0 <  0

​ ​

v0 ≥ 0 and i0 ≥ 0
​ ​

D v0 < 0 and i0 ≥ 0
​ ​

GATE EE 2018 Power Electronics

 Phase Controlled Rectifiers
Question 11 WRONG

In the circuit shown in the figure, the diode used is ideal. The input power factor is _______.
(Give the answer up to two decimal places.)

A 0.55

0.25

0.71

D 0.95

GATE EE 2017-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 11 Explanation: 

Vor Vm /2
PF = =
​ ​

Vm / 2
​ ​

Vsr ​

​ ​

1 ​

= = 0.707
2
​

Question 12 WRONG
The figure below shows the circuit diagram of a controlled rectifier supplied from a 230 V, 50
Hz, 1-phase voltage source and a 10:1 ideal transformer.
Assume that all devices are ideal. The
firing angles of the thyristors T1 and T2 are 90∘ and 270∘ , respectively.
​ ​

The RMS value of the current through diode D3 in amperes is ____

​

C 2

D 3

GATE EE 2017-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 12 Explanation: 
Diode current,
ID3(rms) = 0
​

FD will not conduct for resistive load.

Question 13 WRONG
A phase-controlled, single-phase, full-bridge converter is supplying a highly inductive DC load.
The converter is fed from a 230 V, 50 Hz, AC source. The
fundamental frequency in Hz of the
voltage ripple on the DC side is

A 25

50

100

D 300

GATE EE 2017-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 13 Explanation: 

All even harmonics are present.

Fundamental frequency = 2fs = 2 × 50 = 100Hz
​

Question 14 WRONG
In the circuit shown, the diodes are ideal, the inductance is small, and Io 
​ = 0. Which one of the following statements is true?
​

D1 conducts for greater than 180∘ and D2 conducts for greater than 180∘
​ ​

D2 conducts for more than 180∘ and D1 conducts for 180∘

​ ​

C D1 conducts for 180∘ and D2 conducts for 180∘

​ ​

D D1 conducts for more than 180∘ and D2 conducts for 180∘

​ ​

GATE EE 2017-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 14 Explanation: 

Both diodes will conduct for more than 180∘ .

Question 15 WRONG

The figure below shows an uncontrolled diode bridge rectifier supplied form a 220
V, 50 Hz 1-phase ac source. The load draws a constant current
Io = 14A. The
conduction angle of the diode D1 in degrees is___________.
​ ​

A 180.25

44.64

224.17

D 28.48

GATE EE 2017-SET-1 Power Electronics

Question 15 Explanation: 
Average reduction in output voltage due to source inductance = ΔVd0 ​

ΔVd0 = 4f Ls I0
​ ​ ​

= 4 × 50 × (10.10−3 ) × 14
= 28V
Vm
ΔVd0 = [(cos α − cos(α + μ))]
​

​ ​

π
α = 0,
Vm
28 = [1 − cos α]
​

π
​

​ ​

0.282 = 1 − cos α
cos α = 0.717
μ = 44.17∘
∴ Conduction angle of diode
= 180∘ + 44.17∘
= 224.17∘

Question 16 WRONG
A single-phase bi-directional voltage source converter (VSC) is shown in the figure below. All devices are ideal. It is used to charge a battery at 400 V
with power of 5 kW from a source Vs =220 V (rms), 50 Hz sinusoidal AC mains at unity p.f. If its AC side interfacing inductor is 5 mH and the switches
​

are operated at 20 kHz, then the phase shift (δ ) between AC mains voltage (Vs ) and fundamental AC rms VSC voltage (Vc1 ), in degree, is _________.
​ ​

A 2.6

6.8

9.2

D 8.7

GATE EE 2016-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 16 Explanation: 
 P = Vs Is p.f . ​ ​

3
5 × 10 = 220 × Is × 1 ​

Is = 22.72A ​

Is Xs
tan δ =
​ ​

Vs ​

δ = tan−1 ( )
Is Xs
​ ​

​ ​

Vs ​

22.72 × 2π × 50 × 5 × 10−3
δ = tan−1 ( )
220
​

δ = 9.21∘

Question 17 WRONG
A full-bridge converter supplying an RLE load is shown in figure. The firing angle of the bridge converter is 120∘ . The supply voltage vm (t) =
​

200πsin(100πt)V , R = 20Ω, E=800 V. The inductor L is large enough to make the output current IL a smooth dc current. Switches are lossless. The
​

real power fed back to the source, in kW, is __________.

A 4

D 7

GATE EE 2016-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 17 Explanation: 
Vm
V0 = 2 cos α
​

π
​ ​

200π
=2 cos 120∘
π
​

V0 = −200V
​

∣V0 ∣ = 200V
​

Power balance equation
EI0 = I02 R + V0 I0
​
​
​ ​ ​
​

800I0 = ​ + 200I0 I02 (20)

​ ​

I + 0 = 30A
Power fed to source
= V0 I0 ​ ​

= 200 × 30
= 6kW

Question 18 WRONG
A three-phase diode bridge rectifier is feeding a constant DC current of 100 A to a highly inductive load. If three-phase, 415 V, 50 Hz AC source is
supplying to this bridge rectifier then the rms value of the current in each diode, in ampere, is _____________.

A 24.6

36.4

57.7

D 92.4

GATE EE 2016-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 18 Explanation: 
In the 3 − ϕ diode bridge rectifier each diode conducts for 120∘ for one complete cycle.
2π/3
1
IDrms = ∫ I02 dωt
2π 0
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

2π
​

= I0 ​

2π × 3
​ ​ ​

I0 100
= = = 57.7A
​

3 3
​ ​

​ ​

Question 19 WRONG

A single-phase thyristor-bridge rectifier is fed from a 230 V, 50 Hz, single-phase AC mains. If it is delivering a constant DC current of 10 A, at firing angle
of 30∘ , then value of the power factor at AC mains is

A 0.87

0.9

0.78

D 0.45

GATE EE 2016-SET-1 Power Electronics

Question 19 Explanation: 
Input power factor = power factor at ac mains =C.D.F . × D.F .
= 2 π 2 cos α = 2 π 2 cos 30∘ = 0.78
​

​
​

Question 20 WRONG

In the given rectifier, the delay angle of the thyristor T1 measured from the positive going zero crossing of Vs is 30∘ . If the input voltage Vs is
​ ​ ​

100sin(100π t) V, the average voltage across R (in Volt) under steady-state is _______.

A 32.32

45.82

61.53

D 82.45

GATE EE 2015-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 20 Explanation: 
 π 2π
1
V0 = [∫ Vm sin ωt ⋅ d(ωt) − ∫ Vm sin ωt ⋅ d(ωt)]
2π α
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

π
Vm
= [3 + cos α]
​

​ ​

2π
​

100
= [3 + cos 30∘ ] = 61.53V
2π
​
Question 21 WRONG

In the following circuit, the input voltage Vin is 100sin(100π t). For 100π RC=50, the average voltage across R (in Volts) under steady-state is nearest to
​

100

B 31.8

200

D 63.6

GATE EE 2015-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 21 Explanation: 
Given,
100πRC = 50
RC
100π ⋅ = 25
2
​
​ ​

ωτ = 25

For one cycle ωτ = 2π rad = 6.28

[ωτ = 25] >> [ωτ = 2π rad = 6.28]
Each capacitor voltage is approximately equal to
Vm = 100V
​

V0 = 2Vm ≃ 200V
​ ​

​ ​

Question 22 WRONG

A diode circuit feeds an ideal inductor as shown in the figure. Given

vs = 100 sin(ωt)V, where ω = 100π rad/s, and L = 31.83mH. The initial value of
​

inductor current is zero. Switch S is closed at t = 2.5ms. The peak value of inductor current iL (in A) in the first cycle is _____.
​

8.45

17.07

C 22.62

D 28.28

GATE EE 2014-SET-3 Power Electronics

Question 22 Explanation: 
 At t=2.5 ms the circuit is as shown below

−Vs + VL = 0
​ ​

di
VS = L ​ ​

dt ​

VS
dt = di
​

L
​

Integrating on both sides

Vm sin ωtd(ωt)
∫ = ∫ di
​

ωL
​

Vm
​ ​

i(t) = [− cos(ωt)] + K
​

ωL
​

when t=0.0025 sec, at this instant i(t)=0

100
0=
100π × 31.83 × 10−3
​

[− cos(100π × 0.0025)] + K
​ ​

= −7.07 + K
K = 7.07
The peak value of the inductor current will be at (ωt = π c )
Vm
i(t)max = [− cos(π)] + K
​

ωL
​ ​

100
Imax = ​

+ 7.07 ​

100π × 31.83 × 10−3

​ ​

Imax = 17.07​

Question 23 WRONG

A three-phase fully controlled bridge converter is fed through star-delta transformer as shown in the figure.

The converter is operated at a firing angle of 30∘ . Assuming the load current (I0 ) to be virtually constant at 1 p.u. and transformer to be an ideal one,
​

the input phase current waveform is

C C

D D

GATE EE 2014-SET-3 Power Electronics

Question 23 Explanation: 
 Let us assume all the impedance are Z and to flow I0 only closed path is required. So, in three phases one phase is open circuited.
​

According to correct division,

I0 2Z 2I0
IR = =
​ ​

3Z 3
​ ​ ​

2
= p.u. [∵ I0 = 1 p.u.]
3
​ ​
​ ​

I0 Z I0 1
IY B = = = p.u.
​ ​

3Z 3 3
​ ​ ​ ​

The transformer ratio is given as 1:K

2K
∴ IR(primary) = p.u.
3
​ ​

K ​ ​

IY B = p.u.
3
​ ​

According to 3 phase source waveform,

Question 24 WRONG
A fully controlled converter bridge feeds a highly inductive load with ripple free load current. The input supply (Vs ) to the bridge is a sinusoidal source.
​

Triggering angle of the bridge converter is α = 30∘ . The input power factor of the bridge is

0.25

B 0.50

0.78

D 0.98

GATE EE 2014-SET-2 Power Electronics

Question 24 Explanation: 
The input power factor (PF) is defined as
Vs Is1
P .F . = cos ϕ
​ ​

Vs Is
​

​ ​

Is1
= cos ϕ
​

Is ​

2 2
P .F . = cos α
​

​ ​

π
​

2 2
= cos 30∘
​

π
P .F . = 0.78( Lagging)

Question 25 WRONG

The figure shows the circuit diagram of a rectifier. The load consists of a resistance
10 Ω and an inductance 0.05 H connected in series. Assuming ideal
thyristor and
ideal diode, the thyristor firing angle (in degree) needed to obtain an average load
voltage of 70 V is ____.
 7

70

C 140

D 1400

GATE EE 2014-SET-1 Power Electronics

Question 25 Explanation: 

Vm
V0 = (1 + cos α)
​

2π
​ ​

70 × 2π
= cos α
325
​

70 × 2π
​ ​

α = cos −1
( − 1)
325
​

α = 69∘ 31′

Question 26 CORRECT

The figure shows the circuit of a rectifier fed from a 230 V (rms), 50-Hz sinusoidal
voltage source. If we want to replace the current source with a
resistor so that the
rms value of the current supplied by the voltage source remains unchanged, the
value of the resistance (in ohms) is _____.
(Assume
diodes to be ideal.)

23

B 46

C 13

D 79

GATE EE 2014-SET-1 Power Electronics

Question 26 Explanation: 

Vs
I0,rms =
​

​ ​

R
230​ ​

R= = 23Ω
10
​

Question 27 WRONG
Thyristor T in the figure below is initially off and is triggered with a single
pulse of width 10 μs. It is given that L = ( 100 100
π )μH and C = ( π )μF
​ ​

Assuming latching and holding currents of the thyristor are both zero and the initial charge on C is zero, T conducts for

10μs

B 50μs

100μs

D 200μs

GATE EE 2013 Power Electronics

Question 27 Explanation: 

Conduction time,
= π LC ​

100 100
​
=π ( × 10−6 ) (
​
× 10−6 )
​ ​

π π
​

= 100μs

Question 28 WRONG

A half-controlled single-phase bridge rectifier is supplying an R-L load. It is

operated at a firing angle α and the load current is continuous. The fraction
of
cycle that the freewheeling diode conducts is

1/2

B (1 − α/π)

C α/2π

α/π

GATE EE 2012 Power Electronics

Question 28 Explanation: 

Freewheeling diode conducts for 2α over complete cycle

∴  Fraction = 2α2π = π
α
​ ​

Question 29 CORRECT
The fully controlled thyristor converter in the figure is fed from a single-phase
source. When the firing angle is 0∘ , the dc output voltage of the
converter is 300
V. What will be the output voltage for a firing angle of 60∘ , assuming continuous
conduction
 150V

B 210V

C 300V

D 100V

GATE EE 2010 Power Electronics

Question 29 Explanation: 
For firing angle, α, average output voltage of the converter is given by
V0 = 2Vπm cos α
​
​

when, α = 0∘
2Vm
V0 = cos 0∘ = 300
​

​ ​

π
2Vm
= 300
​

π
​

when, α = 60∘
2Vm
​ ​

V0 = cos 60∘
​

π
​ ​

= 300 cos 60∘

= 150V

Question 30 WRONG
A three phase fully controlled bridge converter is feeding a load drawing a constant and ripple free load current of 10 A at a firing angle of 30∘ . The
approximate Total harmonic Distortion (%THD) and the rms value of fundamental component of input current will respectively be

31% and 6.8A

31% and 7.8A

C 66% and 6.8A

D 66% and 7.8A

GATE EE 2008 Power Electronics

Question 30 Explanation: 
Load current = I0 = 10A ​

RMS value of total source current

2 2
Is = I0
​ ​

3 ​ ​ = 10 3 ​ ​ = 8.165A
Supply current is can be expressed by fourier series, ​

is (t) = ∑∞
​
4I0
n=1,3,5 nπ sin 3 sin(nωt − nα)
nπ
​
​

​ ​

RMS value of fundamental current,

4I0 π
Is1 = sin
​

2π 3
​ ​ ​

4 × 10 3
Is1 = × = 7.8A
​

2π 2
​ ​ ​

Total Harmonic distortion
​ ​

2
( ) − 1 × 100
Is
=
​

Is1
​

2
8.165
= ( ) − 1 × 100 = 31%
7.8
​ ​
Question 31 WRONG

A single-phase half controlled converter shown in the figure feeding power to

highly inductive load. The converter is operating at a firing angle of 60∘ .

If the firing pulses are suddenly removed, the steady state voltage (v0 ) waveform of the converter will become
​

B B

D D

GATE EE 2008 Power Electronics

Question 31 Explanation: 

Single phase half controlled converter.

As load is highly inductive, it means laod current is continuous and almost constant.
 During,
0 < ωt < α
freewheeling by T2 D1 , V0 = 0 ​ ​ ​

α < ωt < π
T1 D1  conducts V0 = Vs
​ ​ ​ ​

π < ωt < π + α
​ ​

freewheeling by T1 D2 , V0 = 0 ​ ​ ​

π + α < ωt < 2π
T2 D2  conducts V0 = −Vs
​ ​ ​ ​

T1  is again triggered at 2π + α
​

So, during 2π + α < ωt < 3π, T1 D1 conducts. ​ ​

Now, if firing pulses are removed after T1 is triggered at 2π + α. ​

At ωt = 3π + α, no firing pulse will be available to trigger T2 . So, load current will flow through T1 D2 as load current is continuos. So during 3π + α < ωt <
​ ​ ​

4π, T1 D2 will continue to conduct and V0 = 0.

​ ​ ​

At ωt = 4π, D1 will become forward biassed and D2 will become reverse biased. So, D1 will conduct and T1 is already conducting.
​ ​ ​ ​

So, load current will flow through T1 D1 and V0 = Vs . ​ ​ ​ ​

Question 32 WRONG
A single phase fully controlled bridge converter supplies a load drawing constant
and ripple free load current, if the triggering angle is 30∘ , the input
power factor
will be

0.65

0.78

C 0.85

D 0.866

GATE EE 2008 Power Electronics

Question 32 Explanation: 
 Average output voltage
1 π+α
V0 = ∫ ​
Vm sin ωt ⋅ d(ωt) ​ ​ ​

π α
2Vm
V0 = cos α
​

​ ​

π ​ ​

For α = 30∘
3
V0 =
​

V
π m
​ ​ ​

Average output current = I0 (constant) ​

RMS value of supply current = Is = I0 ​ ​

RMS value of supply voltage = Vs = Vm2 ​

​

Input power factor,

Power delivered to load
=
Input VA
​

V0 I0
=
​ ​

Vs Is
​

​ ​

( 3 /π)Vm I0 ​

=
​ ​ ​

Vm / 2 ⋅ I0
​

​ ​ ​

6
= = 0.78
​

Question 33 WRONG
A single-phase, 230 V, 50 Hz ac mains fed step down transformer (4:1) is supplying
power to a half-wave uncontrolled ac-dc converter used for
charging a battery(12
V dc) with the series current limiting resistor being 19.04 Ω. The charging current
is

A 2.43 A

1.65 A

C 1.22 A

1.0 A

GATE EE 2007 Power Electronics

Question 33 Explanation: 

Input to the converter,

Vs = ( 14 ) 230 = 57.5V
​ ​

Diode conducts when Vs ≥ E

Vm sin θ1 = E ​ ​

57.5 2 sin θ1 = 12 ​ ​
​ ​

θ1 = 8.486∘ or 0.148 rad

​
 Charging current flows during θ1 ≤ ωt ≤ π − θ1 and can be expressed as, ​ ​

2π
1
I0 = ∫ i0 dωt
2π 0
​ ​ ​ ​

π−θ1
1 Vm sin ωt − E
∫ ( )
​

=
​

2π θ1 R
​ ​ ​

1
I0 = [2Vm cos θ1 − E(π − 2θ1 )]
2πR
​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​

1
= [2 × 57.5 2 × cos 8.486∘
2π × 19.04
​ ​

− 12 × (π − 2 × 0.148)]
= 1.06 ≈ 1A

Question 34 CORRECT

A single phase full-wave half-controlled bridge converter feeds an inductive load.

The two SCRs in the converter are connected to a common DC bus.
The converter
has to have a freewheeling diode.

A because the converter inherently does not provide for free-wheeling

B because the converter does not provide for free-wheeling for high values of triggering angles

or else the free-wheeling action of the converter will cause shorting of the
AC supply

D or else if a gate pulse to one of the SCRs is missed, it will subsequently

cause a high load current in the other SCR.

GATE EE 2007 Power Electronics

Question 34 Explanation: 

1 − ϕ full wave half controlled bridge converter without free wheeling diode is shown in the figure.

At ωt = α, T1 is fired and T1 starts conducting load current flows through T1 D1 for α < ωt < π .
​ ​ ​ ​

At ωt = π, Vs becomes negative and At D1 gets reverse biased and D2 is forward biased. So during π < ωt < π + α, free wheeling action takes place through T1
​ ​ ​ ​

and D2 and output voltage becomes zeros.

​

At ωt = π + α, Load T2 is triggered and load current is transferred from T1 to T2 . So, during π + α < ωt < 2π , T2 D2 conducts.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

At ωt = π + α, It may be possible that load current is not transferred completely from T1 to T2 , and T1 and T2 may be conducting simultaneously which results in
​ ​ ​ ​

short circuit of the supply for short direction.

Question 35 WRONG
A three-phase, fully controlled thyristor bridge converter is used
as line commutated inverter to feed 50 kW power 420 V dc to a
three-phase, 415
V(line), 50 Hz ac mains. Consider dc link current to be constant.
The rms current of the thyristor is

A 119.05A

B 79.37A

68.73A

39.68A
GATE EE 2007 Power Electronics

Question 35 Explanation: 
Let DC link current = Id ​

DC voltage applied to the inverter

Vd = 420V
​

Power fed to the inverter

P = Vd Id = 50kW ​ ​

420Id = 50 × 103 ​

​ ​

Id = 119.05A ​

Current through each thyristor flows for period of 2π/3.

So, rms current of thyristor.
2π/3
1
(Ith )rms = ∫ Id2 dωt
2π 0
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

119.05
​ ​

Id
= = = 68.73A
​

3 3
​ ​

​ ​

Question 36 CORRECT

A single-phase fully controlled thyristor bridge ac-dc converter is operating at a

firing angle of 25∘ and an overlap angle of 10∘ with constant dc output
current of
20 A. The fundamental power factor (displacement factor) at input ac mains is

A 0.78

B 0.827

0.866

D 0.9

GATE EE 2007 Power Electronics

Question 36 Explanation: 
μ
F DE = cos (α + )
2
​

10∘
= cos (25 +∘
) = 0.866
​ ​

2
​

Question 37 WRONG
A single-phase bridge converter is used to charge a battery of 200 V having an
internal resistance of 0.2 Ω as shown in figure. The SCRs are triggered
by a
constant dc signal. If SCR2 gets open circuited, what will be the average charging
current ? ​

23.8A

B 15A

11.9A

D 3.54A

GATE EE 2006 Power Electronics

Question 37 Explanation: 
T1 and T4 gets forward biased, when
​ ​

Vm sin θ1 ≤ E
​ ​
 Iavg = (average current)
​

π−θ1
1
∫
​

(Vm sin ωt − E)dθ =

2πR θ1
​ ​ ​

1
∴ I0 (avg) = [2Vm cos θ − E(π − 2θ1 )]
2πR
​ ​ ​ ​

1
= [2 × (230 × 2 ) cos θ1
2π × 2
​ ​ ​

− 200(π − 2θ1 )] ​

where, θ1 = sin−1 ( )
E ​ ​

Vm
​ ​

200
= sin−1 ( )
230 × 2
​

= 38∘ = 0.66 rad

1
∴ I0 (avg) = [2 2 × 230 cos 38∘
2π × 2
​ ​ ​

− 200(π − 2 × 0.66)]
= 11.9A

Question 38 WRONG
A 3-phase fully controlled bridge converter with free wheeling diode is fed from
400 V, 50 Hz AC source and is operating at a firing angle of 60∘ . The
load current
is assumed constant at 10 A due to high load inductance. The input displacement
factor (IDF) and the input power factor (IPF) of the
converter will be

A IDF = 0.867; IPF = 0.828

IDF = 0.867; IPF = 0.552

IDF = 0.5; IPF = 0.478

D IDF = 0.5; IPF = 0.318

GATE EE 2006 Power Electronics

Question 38 Explanation: 
Load current is constant
I0 = 10A
​

In 3 − ϕ full converter with free wheeling diode, input displacement factor (IDF) = cos α = cos 60∘ = 0.5
RMS value of source current
Is = I02 × 2π
​
1
3 × π = I0
2
3 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

RMS value of nth harmonic

Ish = 4I2nπ0
​ sin nπ
3 ​
​

​ ​

RMS value of fundamental current

Is1 = 2 π 2 I0 sin 60∘ = π6 I0
​
​

​ ​
​

​ ​

Current distortion factor (CDF)

= Is1 6
Is = π I0 ​
​

​
​

​ ​
× ( I10 ​
​

2)
3
​ ​

3
= π = 0.955
​

Input power factor (IP F ) = CDF × IDF = 0.955 × 0.5 ≈ 0.478

Question 39 WRONG
A single-phase half wave uncontrolled converter circuit is shown in figure. A
2-winding transformer is used at the input for isolation. Assuming the load
current
to be constant and V = Vm sin ωt, the current waveform through diode D2 will be
​
 A

B B

C C

GATE EE 2006 Power Electronics

Question 39 Explanation: 
Without considering source inductance i.e. (Transformer inductance)

After considering transformer leakage inductance.

Question 40 WRONG

Consider a phase-controlled converter shown in the figure. The thyristor is fired

at an angle α in every positive half cycle of the input voltage. If the
peak value
of the instantaneous output voltage equals 230 V, the firing angle α is close to

45∘

135∘

C 90∘

D 83.6∘

GATE EE 2005 Power Electronics

Question 40 Explanation: 
Supply voltage waveform is shown in figure (a). It has peak value of 230 2 V at ωt = π2 .
​ ​

If the thyristor is triggered at diring angle α < π2 , output voltage will also have peak value of 230 2 V
​ ​

The supply voltage at α = 135∘

Vs ∣α=135∘ = Vm sin 135∘ = 230 2 × 12 = 230V
​ ​ ​ ​

So, when thyristor is triggered at α = 135∘

230 V will appear across the load, it is also the peak value of the output voltage.
Question 41 WRONG

A three-phase diode bridge rectifier is fed from a 400 V RMS, 50 Hz, threephase
AC source. If the load is purely resistive, then peak instantaneous
output
voltage is equal to

A 400 V

400 2 V ​

2
400 3 ​ ​ V

D
400
3​
​
V

GATE EE 2005 Power Electronics

Question 41 Explanation: 
Maximum value of inout voltageV − m = 400 2 V ​

Since load is purely resistive, therefore peak instantaneous output voltage V − m = 400 2 V ​

Question 42 CORRECT

The circuit in figure shows a 3-phase half-wave rectifier. The source is a

symmetrical, 3-phase four-wire system. The line-to-line voltage of the source is
100 V. The supply frequency is 400 Hz. The ripple frequency at the output is

A 400 Hz

B 800 Hz

1200 Hz

D 2400 Hz

GATE EE 2004 Power Electronics

Question 42 Explanation: 
By drawing the output voltage.

Each diode conducted for 120∘ only.

there are three pulses of output voltage during one cycle of inout voltage.
So, frequency of ripple =3f=3 x 400=1200 Hz

Question 43 WRONG

The triggering circuit of a thyristor is shown in figure. The thyristor requires a

gate current of 10 mA, for guaranteed turn-on. The value of R required
for the
thyristor to turn on reliably under all conditions of Vb variation is
​
 A 10000Ω

B 1600Ω

1200Ω

800Ω

GATE EE 2004 Power Electronics

Question 43 Explanation: 
Vb = 12 ± 4V
​

Vb(min) = 8V and Bb(max)

​

​
​

= 16V
The thyristor must turn on even for minimum value of Vb . ​

Vb(min) 8
Gate current for gauranteed turn-on = Ib = 10mA, neglecting voltage between gate and cathode. Therefore, required value of R = = = 800Ω
​

Ig​
​

10mA ​

Question 44 WRONG

The circuit in figure shows a full-wave rectifier. The input voltage is 230 V
(rms) single-phase ac. The peak reverse voltage across the diodes D1 and D2 ​ ​

is

100 2 V ​

B 100 V

50 2 V ​

D 50 V

GATE EE 2004 Power Electronics

Question 44 Explanation: 

When 'a' is positive with resoect to 'b' diode D1 conducts and diode D2 is reverse baised.
​

Applying KVL, VD2 = 100V (rms)

So, diode D2 is subjected to reverse voltage of 100 V (rms). Similarly, during negative half cycle, D1 is subjected to reverse voltage of 100 V (rms). Thus, for diode D1
​ ​ ​

and D2 peak reverse voltage is 100 2 V (maximum value of the voltage across the diodes.)
​ ​

Question 45 CORRECT
A phase-controlled half-controlled single-phase converter is shown in figure. The
control angle α = 30∘
The output dc voltage wave shape will be a s shown in

A Fig. A

Fig. B

C Fig. C

D Fig. D

GATE EE 2003 Power Electronics

Question 45 Explanation: 
Due to free wheeling action, negative voltage is eliminated and power factor is improved in single-phase half controlled rectifier.

Question 46 WRONG

A fully controlled natural commutated 3-phase bridge rectifier is operating with

a firing angle α = 30∘ , The peak to peak voltage ripple expressed as a
ratio of
the peak output dc voltage at the output of the converter bridge is

0.5

3 /2

C (1 − 3 /2)
​

D 3−1

GATE EE 2003 Power Electronics

Question 46 Explanation: 
∘
Peak to peak ripple voltage
P eakoutputdcvoltage ​= VM L −VVMMLLsin 150 = 0.5
​ ​

​
​

Question 47 CORRECT
In the single phase diode bridge rectifier shown in figure, the load resistor is
R = 50Ω. The source voltage is V=200 sin ωt, where ω = 2π × 50
radians
per
second. The power dissipated in the load resistor R is
 A 3200
π
​
W

B 400
π
​
W

400 W

D 800 W

GATE EE 2002 Power Electronics

Question 47 Explanation: 
Vrms = Vm2
​
​

​
​

2 2
P = R = V2R
Vrms
m ​

​
​

2002
= 2×50 = 400W ​

Question 48 WRONG

A three phase thyristor bridge rectifier is used in a HVDC link. The firing angle a
(as measured from the point of natural commutation) is constrained to
lie
between 5∘ and 30∘ . If the dc side current and ac side voltage magnitudes are
constant, which of the following statements is true (neglect
harmonics in the ac
side currents and commutation overlap in your analysis)

A Reactive power absorbed by the rectifier is maximum when α = 5∘

Reactive power absorbed by the rectifier is maximum when α = 30∘

Reactive power absorbed by the rectifier is maximum when α = 15∘

D Reactive power absorbed by the rectifier is maximum when α = 10∘

GATE EE 2002 Power Electronics

Question 49 WRONG

A six pulse thyristor rectifier bridge is connected to a balanced 50 Hz three phase

ac source. Assuming that the dc output current of the rectifier is
constant, the
lowest frequency harmonic component in the ac source line current is

A 100Hz

150Hz

250Hz

D 300Hz

GATE EE 2002 Power Electronics

Question 49 Explanation: 
Ia nπ
is ∝ ⋅ cos where n ∈ 1, 3, 5
​

n 6
​ ​ ​

For, n = 3
is = 0 ​

​ ​

For, n = 5
Ia
is ∝ −
​

5
​ ​

Lowest harmonic present is fifth harmonic. Its frequency = 50x5=250 Hz.

Question 50 WRONG

A half-wave thyristor converter supplies a purely inductive load, as shown in

figure. If the triggering angle of the thyristor is 120∘ , the extinction angle
will
be
 240∘

180∘

C 200∘

D 120∘

GATE EE 2001 Power Electronics

Question 50 Explanation: 
di
Vm sin ωt = L
​ ​

dt
di Vm
= sin ωt
​

​ ​

dt L
i
Vm t
∫ di = ∫ sin ωt dt
​

L α
​ ​ ​

0
Vm
i= cos ωt∣αt
​

​ ​

ωL
Vm
i= (cos α − cos ωt) ...(i)
​

ωL
​
​ ​

For extinction angle, at ωt = β, i = 0
Vm
⇒ 0= (cos α − cos β)
​

ωL
​

Which gives,  cos α = cos β

β = 2nπ ± α
For, n = 1
β = 240∘ , 480∘
Question 51 WRONG

AC-to-DC circulating current dual converters are operated with the following
relationship between their triggering angles (α1 and α2 ).
​ ​

α1 + α2 = 180∘
​ ​

B α1 + α2 = 360∘
​ ​

α1 − α2 = 180∘
​ ​

D α1 + α2 = 90∘
​ ​

GATE EE 2001 Power Electronics