UNGKU OMAR POLYTECHNIC

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT

TEST 1

DJM40103 POWER ELECTRONICS 50

1. Explain the characteristics of SCR with symbol and operation.

a) Forward Conduction: Until a forward voltage, or anode positive relative to
cathode, is applied across the SCR, it is non-conducting. When the forward
voltage crosses a specific level, known as the "forward breakover voltage," the
SCR becomes conducting and permits current to pass through it.

b) Gate Control: When the anode is positive in relation to the cathode, a positive
pulse applied to the gate terminal of an SCR will cause it to conduct, in contrast
to a diode. Applications like phase control and power regulation are made
possible by this gate signal, which provides exact control over the SCR's on/off
timing.

c) Latching Action: Once the SCR is set to conduct, it stays in that condition as long
as the anode current—also referred to as the "holding current"—remains higher
than a threshold that is also referred to as the "latch current." This occurs even
after the gate signal is removed. During the AC cycle, this behavior—known as
"latching action"—is crucial for sustaining conduction until the current naturally
drops to zero.

d) Reverse Blocking: SCRs are unidirectional devices, which means that current can
only flow in one direction—forward. When the SCR is biassed in the opposite
way (anode negative relative to cathode), it inhibits current flow and functions as
an open circuit. But, if the reverse voltage is higher than the SCR's "reverse
breakdown voltage," the SCR may have a breakdown and conduct in the opposite
way, which, if improperly safeguarded, could harm the device.
UNGKU OMAR POLYTECHNIC
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT

TEST 1

e) Turn-off Capability: In contrast to turn-on, turning off an SCR usually entails

either providing a reverse voltage across the device or lowering the anode current
below a predetermined threshold, which is frequently zero. SCRs lack the
internal capacity to quickly turn-off like some other semiconductor devices (such
MOSFETs or IGBTs), hence in some applications, extra circuitry would be
needed for turn-off control.

(8 marks)
2. What are the different between uncontrolled and control rectifier.

a)Controlled Rectifier: - regulate: In a controlled rectifier, the firing angle of the

rectifying devices (usually thyristors or diodes) can be changed to regulate the output
voltage and current.
This makes it possible to control the DC voltage and current output.
-Types: Half-wave and full-wave controlled rectifiers are the two primary categories
of controlled rectifiers.
- Applications: Power supplies, motor drives, voltage regulators, and other devices
that require exact control over the output voltage and current employ controlled
rectifiers.

b)Uncontrolled Rectifier: -Control: When the input voltage is of the proper polarity
and surpasses the diode's forward voltage drop, the rectifying devices (often diodes)
in an uncontrolled rectifier conduct. It is not possible to control the output voltage
and current directly.
UNGKU OMAR POLYTECHNIC
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT

TEST 1

- Operation: Uncontrolled rectifiers lack the capacity to modify the phase angle of
the output waveform because they have preset firing angles.
- Applications: Uncontrolled rectifiers are frequently used in low-cost consumer
electronics, simple power supplies, battery charging, and other situations where basic
rectification is adequate and exact control over the output is not required.
(4 marks)

3. Define the terms of frequency rotor current and slip for induction motors. State the
formula related.
a)Frequency (f):
- Definition: Frequency refers to the number of complete cycles of alternating
current (AC) per second. In the context of induction motors, it represents the rate
at which the stator magnetic field rotates.
- Formula:
- For a motor operating at synchronous speed (no slip):

- Where:
- \( f \) = Frequency in Hertz (Hz)
- Frequency of supply = Frequency of the power source in Hertz
- Number of poles = Number of poles in the motor's stator winding
b)Rotor Current (I_R):

Definition: The alternating current that an induction motor's rotor bars experience
as a result of electromagnetic induction from the stator's rotating magnetic field is
referred to as rotor current.
UNGKU OMAR POLYTECHNIC
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT

TEST 1

- Formula: The precise formula for determining rotor current is complicated and is
dependent on a number of variables, such as the load, operating circumstances,
and motor design. Usually, numerical models or experimental observations are
used to determine it.
c)Slip: (S);
- Definition: Slip is the proportional difference between the rotor's real speed and
the synchronous speed of the revolving magnetic field created by the stator. It is
necessary for induction motors to produce torque.
- Formula

- Where:
- \( S \) = Slip (as a percentage)
- \( n_s \) = Synchronous speed in revolutions per minute (RPM)
- \( n_r \) = Actual rotor speed in revolutions per minute (RPM)

(8marks)

4. Explain the principle operation of a Step-down chopper with an aids of suitable

circuit diagram
A step-down chopper, also known as a buck chopper, is a type of DC-to-DC
converter that converts a higher DC voltage to a lower DC voltage. Its principle of
operation involves the controlled switching of a series-connected switch (usually a
semiconductor device like a transistor or an IGBT) to regulate the output voltage.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of how a step-down chopper operates:
i. **Input Stage**: The higher input DC voltage is applied across the input
terminals of the chopper.
UNGKU OMAR POLYTECHNIC
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT

TEST 1

ii. **Switching Action**: The chopper includes a switch (usually a transistor)

connected in series with an inductor and a freewheeling diode. The switch is
turned on and off at a high frequency by a control circuit or PWM (Pulse Width
Modulation) signal.
iii. **On-State (Conduction Mode)**: When the switch is turned on, current flows
through the inductor and the load. The inductor stores energy in the form of a
magnetic field, and the output voltage across the load is the input voltage minus
the voltage drop across the switch (which is typically small).
iv. **Off-State (Freewheeling Mode)**: When the switch is turned off, the inductor
current continues to flow through the freewheeling diode, completing the circuit.
The freewheeling diode provides a path for the inductor current to circulate,
preventing voltage spikes and allowing energy to be transferred to the load.
v. **Regulation**: By adjusting the duty cycle of the switch (the ratio of on-time to
off-time), the average output voltage can be controlled. A shorter on-time relative to
the off-time results in a lower average output voltage, effectively stepping down
the input voltage.
vi. **Output Filtering**: Capacitors are often used at the output to smooth the
voltage and reduce ripple, ensuring a more stable output voltage.
UNGKU OMAR POLYTECHNIC
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT

TEST 1

(10 marks)

5. Define the function of cyclo-converter.

An electrical device called a cycloconverter is used to change the frequency of
alternating current (AC) from one to another. Cycloconverters provide variable
frequency outputs, in contrast to fixed frequency outputs produced by standard
converters. They are frequently used in applications like industrial machinery, lifts,
and trains where variable speed control of AC motors is required.

A cycloconverter's operation is breaking up the input AC waveform into smaller

pieces using semiconductor switches, then reassembling them to create the desired
output waveform at the desired frequency. The speed and direction of the motor may
be precisely controlled thanks to this method. Because of their efficiency, small size,
and broad frequency range of operation, cycloconverters are preferred. Compared to
UNGKU OMAR POLYTECHNIC
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT

TEST 1

conventional speed control techniques, they also offer smooth operation and less
wear and tear on mechanical components.
(4 marks)

6. Explain operation of three phase induction motor squirrel cage..

Due to its simplicity, robustness, and dependability, a three-phase induction motor

with a squirrel cage rotor is a common type of electric motor that is widely utilised in
many industrial and commercial applications. Such a motor's operation can be
divided into five crucial steps:
a) Stator Electromagnetic Field: A spinning magnetic field is produced when the
stator windings receive three-phase AC electricity. Because of electromagnetic
induction, this revolving magnetic field causes a voltage to be induced in the
rotor windings.
b) Rotor Current Induction: The rotor of an induction motor that resembles a
squirrel cage is composed of a steel lamination cylindrical core that has
conductive bars arranged in equal spacing inside the slots, giving the appearance
of a squirrel cage. Per Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, currents are
induced when the stator's revolving magnetic field crosses these conductive bars.
c) Rotor Magnetic Field: The rotor conductors' induced currents produce a magnetic
field. A torque is generated in the rotor as a result of the interaction between the
rotor's magnetic field and the stator's revolving magnetic field.
d) Rotor Motion: The rotor rotates as a result of the torque produced by the
interaction of the revolving magnetic fields. The rotor attempts to match the
stator's revolving magnetic field by turning in the opposite direction.
e) Slip: A condition known as slip causes the rotor to never fully catch up to the
speed of the stator's revolving magnetic field in real-world terms. In order for the
motor to produce torque, slip is required. Slip is the difference between the
UNGKU OMAR POLYTECHNIC
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARMENT

TEST 1

rotor's actual speed and the synchronous speed—the speed of the revolving
magnetic field.
f) Torque Production: The torque generated by the motor is directly proportional to
the product of the rotor and stator magnetic fields and the angle sine of their
angle. The rotor rotates and does mechanical work as a result of this torque.
( 16marks)