Ped - Unit 2
Ped - Unit 2
Dual converters.
Unlike diode rectifiers, PCRs or phase controlled rectifiers has an advantage of regulating the output
voltage. The diode rectifiers are termed as uncontrolled rectifiers. When these diodes are switched with
Thyristors, then it becomes phase control rectifier. The o/p voltage can be regulated by changing the
firing angle of the Thyristors. The main application of these rectifiers is involved in speed control of DC
motor.
The term PCR or Phase controlled rectifier is a one type of rectifier circuit in which the diodes are
switched by Thyristors or SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers). Whereas the diodes offer no control over
the o/p voltage, the Thyristors can be used to differ the output voltage by adjusting the firing angle or
delay. A phase control Thyristor is activated by applying a short pulse to its gate terminal and it is
deactivated due to line communication or natural. In case of heavy inductive load, it is deactivated by
firing another Thyristor of the rectifier during the negative half cycle of i/p voltage.
The phase controlled rectifier is classified into two types based on the type of i/p power supply. And each
kind includes a semi, full and dual converter.
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Single-phase Controlled Rectifier
This type of rectifier which works from single phase AC i/p power supply
Half wave Controlled Rectifier: This type of rectifier uses a single Thyristor device to provide o/p
control only in one half cycle of input AC supply, and it offers low DC output.
Full wave Controlled Rectifier: This type of rectifier provides higher DC output
Full wave controlled rectifier with a center tapped transformer requires two Thyristors.
Full wave bridge controlled rectifiers do not need a center tapped transformer
This type of rectifier which works from three phase AC i/p power supply
A semi converter is a one quadrant converter that has one polarity of o/p voltage and current.
A full converter is a a two quadrants converter that has polarity of o/p voltage can be either +ve or –ve
but, the current can have only one polarity that is either +ve or -ve.
Dual converter works in four quadrants – both o/p voltage and o/p current can have both the polarities.
The basic working principle of a PCR circuit is explained using a single phase half wave PCR circuit with
a RL load resistive shown in the following circuit.
A single phase half wave Thyristor converter circuit is used to convert AC to DC power conversion. The
i/p AC supply is attained from a transformer to offer the required AC supply voltage to the Thyristor
converter based on the o/p DC voltage required. In the above circuit, the primary and secondary AC
supply voltages are denoted with VP and VS.
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Figure: 2.2. Single phase half wave rectifier circuit
During the +ve half cycle of i/p supply when the upper end of the transformer secondary winding is at a +
ve potential with respect to the lower end, the Thyristor is in a forward biased state.
The thyristor is activated at a delay angle of ωt =α, by applying an appropriate gate trigger pulse to the
gate terminal of thyristor. When the thyristor is activated at a delay angle of ωt =α, the thyristor behaviors
and assuming a perfect thyristor. The thyristor acts as a closed switch and the i/p supply voltage acts
across the load when it conducts from ωt =α to π radians For a purely resistive load, the load current io
that flows when the thyristor T1 is on, is given by the expression.
Phase controlled rectifier applications include paper mills, textile mills using DC motor drives and DC
motor control in steel mills.
Reactor controls.
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Flexible speed industrial drives.
Battery charges.
As shown in figure below primary of transformer is connected to ac mains supply with which SCR
becomes forward bias in positive half cycle. T1 is triggered at an angle α, T1 conducts and voltage is
applied across R.
Figure: 2.3 Single phase half wave rectifier with R load with waveforms
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i.e Area under one cycle.
Therefore T=2π&Vo(ωt) = Vm sinωt from α to π& for rest of the period Vo(ωt)=0
Figure: 2.4 Single phase half wave rectifier with RL load with waveforms
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Figure above shows the single phase half wave rectifier with RL Load.
R= Resistance of coil.
Drop across SCR is small & neglected so output voltage is equal to supply voltage.
At ‘π’, supply voltage is at zero where load current is at its max value.
In positive half cycle, inductor stores energy & that generates the voltage.
In negative half cycle, the voltage developed across inductor, forward biases SCR & maintains its
conduction.
Output current & supply current flows in same loop, so all the time io=is.
After π the energy of inductor is given to mains & there is flow of ‘io’. The energy reduces as if gets
consumed by circuit so current also reduces.
At ‘β’ energy stored in inductance is finished, hence ‘io’ becomes zero & ‘T1’ turns off.
I0 = π
α β
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Single phase half controlled converter with RLE load
The diode D2 and D4 conducts for the positive and negative half cycle of the input voltage waveform
respectively. On the other hand T1 starts conduction when it is fired in the positive half cycle of the input
voltage waveform and continuous conduction till T3 is fired in the negative half cycle. Fig. shows the
circuit diagram and the waveforms of a single phase half controlled converter supplying an R – L – E
load.
Figure: 2.5 single phase half controlled converter with RLE load
Referring to Fig T1 D2 starts conduction at ωt = α. Output voltage during this period becomes equal to
vi. At ωt = π as vi tends to go negative D4 is forward biased and the load current commutates from D2 to
D4 and freewheels through D4 and T1. The output voltage remains clamped to zero till T3 is fired at ωt =
π + α. The T3 D4 conduction mode continues upto ωt = 2π. Where upon load current again free wheels
through T3 and D2 while the load voltage is clamped to zero. From the discussion in the previous
paragraph it can be concluded that the output voltage (hence the output current) is periodic over half the
input cycle. Hence
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Single phase half controlled converter with RLE load and freewheeling diode
Figure: 2.6 single phase half controlled converter with RLE load and freewheeling diode
Numerical problems
1. A single phase 230V, 1 Kwheater is connected across 1 phase 230V, 50Hz supply through an
SCR. For firing angle delay of 450 and 900, calculate the power absorbed in the heater element.
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The rms value of voltage is Vor =
= = 155.071V
= 454.57W
Vor = = 115V
= 250W
2. A resistive load of 10Ω is connected through a half-wave controlled rectifier circuit to 220V, 50
Hz, single phase source. Calculate the power delivered to the load for a firing angle of 60ᵒ. Find
also the value of input power factor
3. A single phase semi converter delivers to RLE load with R=5Ω, L = 10mH and E = 80V. The source
voltage is 230V, 50Hz. For continuous conduction, Find the average value of output current for
firing angle = 50o.
Figure below shows the Single phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifiers with R load
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Figure: 2.8 single phase full converter circuit with R load input and output waveforms
• The single phase fully controlled rectifier allows conversion of single phase AC into DC. Normally this
is used in various applications such as battery charging, speed control of DC motors and front end of UPS
(Uninterruptible Power Supply) and SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply).
• All four devices used are Thyristors. The turn-on instants of these devices are dependent on the firing
signals that are given. Turn-off happens when the current through the device reaches zero and it is reverse
biased at least for duration equal to the turn-off time of the device specified in the data sheet.
• In positive half cycle Thyristors T1 & T2 are fired at an angle α .
• When T1 & T2 conducts
Vo=Vs
IO=is=Vo/R=Vs/R
• In negative half cycle of input voltage, SCR’s T3 &T4 are triggered at an angle of (π+α)
• Here output current & supply current are in opposite direction
∴ is=-io
T3 & T4 becomes off at 2π.
V0 = =
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Single Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifier with ‘RL’ load:
Figure below shows Single phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifiers with RL load.
Figure: 2.10 single phase full converter circuit with RL load input and output waveforms
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Operation of this mode can be divided between four modes
Mode 1 (α toπ)
• In positive half cycle of applied ac signal, SCR’s T1 & T2 are forward bias & can be turned on at an
angle α.
• Load voltage is equal to positive instantaneous ac supply voltage. The load current is positive, ripple
free, constant and equal to Io.
• Due to positive polarity of load voltage & load current, load inductance will store energy.
Mode 2 (π toπ+α)
• At wt=π, input supply is equal to zero & after π it becomes negative. But inductance opposes any
change through it.
• In order to maintain a constant load current & also in same direction. A self inducedemf appears across
‘L’ as shown.
• Due to this induced voltage, SCR’s T1 & T2 are forward bais in spite the negative supply voltage.
• The load voltage is negative & equal to instantaneous ac supply voltage whereas load current is positive.
• Thus, load acts as source & stored energy in inductance is returned back to the ac supply.
• At wt=π+α SCR’s T3 & T4 are turned on & T1, T2 are reversed bias.
• Thus , process of conduction is transferred from T1,T2 to T3,T4.
• Load voltage again becomes positive & energy is stored in inductor
• T3, T4 conduct in negative half cycle from (π+α) to 2π
• With positive load voltage & load current energy gets stored
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• Thus VL is negative & equal to instantaneous ac supply voltage. Whereas load current continues to be
positive.
• Thus load acts as source & stored energy in inductance is returned back to ac supply
• At wt=α or 2π+α, T3 & T4 are commutated and T1,T2 are turned on.
V0 = =
The circuit diagram of a full wave bridge rectifier using thyristors in shown in figure below. It consists of
four SCRs which are connected between single phase AC supply and a load.
Figure: 2.11 single phase full converter circuit with RLE load
Figure: 2.12 single phase full converter circuit with RLE load input and output waveforms
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In positive half-cycle of the input, Thyristors T1 and T2 are forward biased while T3 and T4 are reverse
biased. Thyristors T1 and T2 are triggered simultaneously at some firing angle in the positive half cycle,
and T3 and T4 are triggered in the negative half cycle.
The load current starts flowing through them when they are in conduction state. The load for this
converter can be RL or RLE depending on the application.
By varying the conduction of each thyristor in the bridge, the average output of this converter gets
controlled. The average value of the output voltage is twice that of half-wave rectifier.
Voavg =
π
= π
= π
= π
=
π
If Voavg max = π
If Voavg = 0
Ioavg =
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Ioavg = π
Vrms =
Vrms =
Vrms =
If Vrms =
If Vrms = 0
= =
= Vs
6. Input power factor: It is defined as the ratio of total mean input power to the total rms input volt
amperes
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Input power factor =
7. Form factor: Form factor is defined as the ratio of RMS voltage to the average DC voltage
Form Factor =
Rf = = = =
TUF =
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Effect of source inductance in single phase rectifier
Fig. below shows a single phase fully controlled converter with source inductance. For simplicity it has
been assumed that the converter operates in the continuous conduction mode. Further, it has been
assumed that the load current ripple is negligible and the load can be replaced by a dc current source the
magnitude of which equals the average load current. Fig. shows the corresponding waveforms
It is assumed that the Thyristors T3 and T4 were conducting at t = 0. T1 and T2 are fired at ωt = α. If
there were no source inductance T3 and T4 would have commutated as soon as T1 and T2 are turned ON.
The input current polarity would have changed instantaneously. However, if a source inductance is
present the commutation and change of input current polarity cannot be instantaneous. s. Therefore, when
T1 and T2 are turned ON T3 T4 does not commutate immediately. Instead, for some interval all four
Thyristors continue to conduct as shown in Fig. 2.14. This interval is called “overlap” interval.
Figure: 2.13 single phase full converter circuit with source inductance
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Figure: 2.14 single phase full converter output waveforms with source inductance
1. During overlap interval the load current freewheels through the thyristors and the output voltage
is clamped to zero. On the other hand, the input current starts changing polarity as the current
through T1 and T2 increases and T3 T4 current decreases. At the end of the overlap interval the
current through T3 and T4 becomes zero and they commutate, T1 and T2 starts conducting the
full load current
2. The same process repeats during commutation from T1 T2 to T3T4 at ωt = π + α . From Fig. 2.14
it is clear that, commutation overlap not only reduces average output dc voltage but also reduces
the extinction angle γ which may cause commutation failure in the inverting mode of operation if
α is very close to 180º.
3. In the following analysis an expression of the overlap angle “μ” will be determined. From the
equivalent circuit of the converter during overlap period.
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The Equation can be represented by the following equivalent circuit
Equivalent circuit representation of the single phase fully controlled rectifier with source inductance
The simple equivalent circuit of Fig. 2.15 represents the single phase fully controlled converter with
source inductance as a practical dc source as far as its average behavior is concerned. The open circuit
voltage of this practical source equals the average dc output voltage of an ideal converter (without source
inductance) operating at a firing angle of α. The voltage drop across the internal resistance “RC”
represents the voltage lost due to overlap shown in Fig. 2.14 by the hatched portion of the Vo waveform.
Therefore, this is called the “Commutation resistance”. Although this resistance accounts for the voltage
drop correctly there is no power loss associated with this resistance since the physical process of overlap
does not involve any power loss. Therefore this resistance should be used carefully where power
calculation is involved.
Numerical problems
1. For the single phase fully controlled bridge is connected to RLE load. The source voltage is 230
V, 50 Hz. The average load current of 10A continuous over the working range. For R= 0.4 Ω and
L = 2mH, Compute (a) firing angle for E = 120V (b) firing angle for E = -120V (c) in case output
current is constant find the input power factors for both parts a and b
Solution:
a) For E = 120 the full converter is operating as a controlled rectifier
= E+I0R
= 53.210
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b) For E = -120 the full converter is operating as a controlled rectifier
= E+I0R
= 124.10
2. A single phase two pulse converter feeds power to RLE load with R= 6Ω, L= 6mH, E= 60V, AC
source voltage is 230V, 50Hz for continuous condition. Find the average value of load current for
a firing angle of 50ᵒ. In case one of the 4 SCRs gets open circuited. Find the new value of average
load current assuming the output current as continuous.
3. For the single phase fully controlled bridge converter having load of ‘R’, determine the average
output voltage, rms output voltage and input power factor if the supply is 230V, 50 Hz, single
phase AC and the firing angle is 60 degrees
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Operation of three phase half wave rectifier with R and RL loads
Figure: 2.17 input and output waveforms of three phase half wave rectifier
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We define three line neutral voltages (3 phase voltages) as follows
V YN = V bn = V m sin (wt-
V BN = V cn = V m sin (wt-
The 3-phase half wave converter combines three single phase half wave controlled
rectifiers in one single circuit feeding a common load. The thyristor T 1 in series with one of the
supply phase windings 'a-n' acts as one half wave controlled rectifier The second thyristor T 2 in
series with the supply phase winding 'b-n' acts as the second half wave controlled rectifier. The
third thyristor T 3 in series with the supply phase winding acts as the third half wave controlled
rectifier.
The 3-phase input supply is applied through the star connected supply transformer as shown in
the figure. The common neutral point of the supply is connected to one end of the load while the
other end of the load connected to the common cathode point.
When the thyristor T 1 is triggered at ωt=(∏/6 + α)=(30° + α) , the phase voltage V an appears
across the load when T 1 conducts. The load current flows through the supply phase winding 'a-
n' and through thyristor T 1 as long as T 1 conducts.
When thyristor T 2 is triggered at ωt=(5∏/6α), T 1 becomes reverse biased and turns-off. The load
current flows through the thyristor and through the supply phase winding 'b-n' . When
T 2 conducts the phase voltage v bn appears across the load until the thyristor T 3 is triggered .
When the thyristor T 3 is triggered at ωt=(3∏/2 + α)=(270°+α) , T 2 is reversed biased and hence
T 2 turns-off. The phase voltage V an appears across the load when T 3 conducts.
When T 1 is triggered again at the beginning of the next input cycle the thyristor T 3 turns off as it
is reverse biased naturally as soon as T 1 is triggered. The figure shows the 3-phase input supply
voltages, the output voltage which appears across the load, and the load current assuming a
constant and ripple free load current for a highly inductive load and the current through the
thyristor T 1 .
For a purely resistive load where the load inductance ‘L = 0’ and the trigger angle α >(∏/6) , the
load current appears as discontinuous load current and each thyristor is naturally commutated
when the polarity of the corresponding phase supply voltage reverses. The frequency of output
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ripple frequency for a 3-phase half wave converter is f s , where f s is the input supply frequency.
3
The 3-phase half wave converter is not normally used in practical converter systems because of
the disadvantage that the supply current waveforms contain dc components (i.e., the supply
current waveforms have an average or dc value).
To derive an expression for the average output voltage of a 3-phase half wave converter for
continuous load current
The reference phase voltage is v RN =v an =V m sinωt. The trigger angle is measured from the cross
over points of the 3-phase supply voltage waveforms. When the phase supply voltage V an begins
its positive half cycle at ωt=0 , the first cross over point appears at ωt=(∏/6)radians 30°.
The trigger angle α for the thyristor T 1 is measured from the cross over point at . The
thyristor T 1 is forward biased during the period ωt=30° to 150° , when the phase supply
voltage v an has higher amplitude than the other phase supply voltages. Hence T 1 can be triggered
between 30° to 150°. When the thyristor T 1 is triggered at a trigger angle α, the average or dc
output voltage for continuous load current is calculated using the equation
π
α
Vavg = π
π
α
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Three phase half wave controlled rectifier output voltage waveforms for different trigger
angles with R load
Figure: 2.19 input and output waveforms of three phase half controlled rectifier with R load
Three single phase half wave converters can be connected to form a three phase half wave converter.
Similarly three phase semi converter uses 3 SCRs T1, T3 & T5 and 3 diodes D2, D4&D6 In the circuit
shown above when any device conducts, line voltage is applied across load. so line voltage are necessary
to draw Phase shift between two line voltages is 60 degree & between two phase voltages it is 120 degree
Each phase & line voltage is sine wave with the frequency of 50 Hz.
R,Y,B are phase voltages with respect to ‘N’.
In the case of a three-phase half wave controlled rectifier with resistive load, the thyristor T 1 is
triggered at ωt=(30°+α)and T 1 conducts up to ωt=180°=&pron; radians. When the phase supply
voltage decreases to zero at , the load current falls to zero and the thyristor T 1 turns off.
Thus T 1 conducts from ωt=(30° + α) to (180°).
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Hence the average dc output voltage for a 3-pulse converter (3-phase half wave controlled
rectifier) is calculated by using the equation
π π
α
The average output voltage V avg = π π
π α
Figure: 2.19 Input and output waveforms of three phase half controlled rectifier with RL load
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Numerical Problems on three phase rectifiers:
1. A three phase semi converter feeds power to a resistive load of 10Ω. For a firing angle delay of
300 the load takes 5 Kw. Find the magnitude of per phase input supply voltage.
Solution:
π π
α
Vor = π π π
α
Vor2 =
Vor =
For α = 300
P = V2/R
5000x10 =
2. A three-phase half-wave controlled rectifier has a supply of 200V/phase. Determine the average
load voltage for firing angle of 0o, 30oand 60o assuming a thyristor volt drop of 1.5V and
continuous load current
3. A three phase half wave converter is supplying a load with a continuous constant current of 50A
over a firing angle from 0o to 600. What will be the power dissipated by the load at these limiting
values of firing angle. The supply voltage is 415V (line).
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Operation of three phase fully controlled rectifier with R and RL loads
Three phase full converter is a fully controlled bridge controlled rectifier using six thyristors
connected in the form of a full wave bridge configuration. All the six thyristors are controlled
switches which are turned on at a appropriate times by applying suitable gate trigger signals.
The three phase full converter is extensively used in industrial power applications upto about
120kW output power level, where two quadrant operations is required. The figure shows a three
phase full converter with highly inductive load. This circuit is also known as three phase full
wave bridge or as a six pulse converter.
The thyristors are triggered at an interval of (∏/3) radians (i.e. at an interval of 30°). The
frequency of output ripple voltage is 6f s and the filtering requirement is less than that of three
phase semi and half wave converters.
Figure: 2.20 circuit diagram three phase fully controlled rectifier with R and RL load
At ωt=(∏/6 +α) , thyristor is already conducting when the thyristor is turned on by applying the
gating signal to the gate of . During the time period ωt=(∏/6 +α) to (∏/2 +α), thyristors and
conduct together and the line to line supply voltage appears across the load.
At ωt=(∏/2 +α), the thyristor T 2 is triggered and T 6 is reverse biased immediately and T 6 turns
off due to natural commutation. During the time period ωt=(∏/ +α) to (5∏/6 +α),
thyristor T 1 and T 2 conduct together and the line to line supply voltage appears across the load.
The thyristors are numbered in the circuit diagram corresponding to the order in which they are
triggered. The trigger sequence (firing sequence) of the thyristors is 12, 23, 34, 45, 56, 61, 12,
23, and so on. The figure shows the waveforms of three phase input supply voltages, output
voltage, the thyristor current through T 1 and T 4 , the supply current through the line ‘a’.
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We define three line neutral voltages (3 phase voltages) as follows
V YN = V bn = V m sin (wt-
V BN = V cn = V m sin (wt-
π
V RY = V ab = V an - V bn =
π
V YB = V bc = V bn – V cn =
π
V BR = V ca = V cn – V an =
To derive an expression for the average output voltage of three phase full converter with highly
inductive load assuming continuous and constant load current
The output load voltage consists of 6 voltage pulses over a period of 2∏ radians, hence the
average output voltage is calculated as
π
α
Vavg = π
π
α
π
Vo = Vab =
π
α π
Vavg = π
π α
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The RMS value of the output voltage is found from
π
α
Vorms = π
π
α
π
α
= π
π
α
π
α π
= π
π
α
Figure: 2.21 Input and output waveforms of three phase fully controlled rectifier
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Operation of three phase half wave rectifier with RLE loads
A three phase fully controlled converter is obtained by replacing all the six diodes of an uncontrolled
converter by six thyristors as shown in Figure
Figure: 2.22 circuit diagram of three phase fully controlled rectifier with RLE load
For any current to flow in the load at least one device from the top group (T1, T3, T5) and one from the
bottom group (T2, T4, T6) must conduct. It can be argued as in the case of an uncontrolled converter only
one device from these two groups will conduct.
Then from symmetry consideration it can be argued that each thyristor conducts for 120° of the input
cycle. Now the thyristors are fired in the sequence T1 → T2 → T3 → T4 → T5 → T6 → T1 with 60°
interval between each firing. Therefore thyristors on the same phase leg are fired at an interval of 180°
and hence can not conduct simultaneously. This leaves only six possible conduction mode for the
converter in the continuous conduction mode of operation. These are T1T2, T2T3, T3T4, T4T5, T5T6,
T6T1. Each conduction mode is of 60° duration and appears in the sequence mentioned. Each of these
line voltages can be associated with the firing of a thyristor with the help of the conduction table-1. For
example the thyristor T1 is fired at the end
of T5 T6 conduction interval. During this period the voltage across T1 was vac. Therefore T1 is fired α
angle after the positive going zero crossing of vac. similar observation can be made about other thyristors.
Fig. 2.23 shows the waveforms of different variables. To arrive at the waveforms it is necessary to draw
the conduction diagram which shows the interval of conduction for each thyristor and can be drawn with
the help of the phasor diagram of fig. 2.22. If the converter firing angle is α each thyristor is fired “α”
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angle after the positive going zero crossing of the line voltage with which it’s firing is associated. Once
the conduction diagram is drawn all other voltage waveforms can be drawn from the line voltage
waveforms and from the conduction table of fig. 2.22. Similarly line currents can be drawn from the
output current and the conduction diagram. It is clear from the waveforms that output voltage and current
waveforms are periodic over one sixth of the input cycle. Therefore this converter is also called
the “six pulse” converter. The input current on the other hand contains only odds harmonics of the input
frequency other than the triplex (3rd, 9th etc.) harmonics. The next section will analyze the operation of
this converter in more details.
Figure: 2.23 Input and output waveforms of three phase fully controlled rectifier in rectifier mode
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Figure: 2.24 Input and output waveforms of three phase fully controlled rectifier in inversion mode
Effect of source inductance in three phase rectifiers
The three phase fully controlled converter was analyzed with ideal source with no internal impedance.
When the source inductance is taken into account, the qualitative effects on the performance of the
converter is similar to that in the case of a single phase converter. Fig. 2.25 shows such a converter. As in
the case of a single phase converter the load is assumed to be highly inductive such that the load can be
replaced by a current source.
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Figure: 2.25 circuit diagram for three phase rectifier with source inductance
Figure: 2.26 waveforms for three phase rectifier with source inductance
As in the case of a single phase converter, commutations are not instantaneous due to the presence of
source inductances. It takes place over an overlap period of “μ ” instead. During the overlap period three
1
thyristors instead of two conducts. Current in the outgoing thyristor gradually decreases to zero while the
incoming thyristor current increases and equals the total load current at the end of the overlap period. If
the duration of the overlap period is greater than 60º four thyristors may also conduct clamping the output
voltage to zero for some time. However, this situation is not very common and will not be discussed any
further in this lesson. Due to the conduction of two devices during commutation either from the top group
or the bottom group the instantaneous output voltage during the overlap period drops (shown by the
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hatched portion of Fig. 2.26 resulting in reduced average voltage. The exact amount of this reduction can
be calculated as follows.
In the time interval α < ωt ≤ α + μ, T and T from the bottom group and T from the top group conducts.
6 2 1
The equivalent circuit of the converter during this period is given by the circuit diagram of Fig. 2.27
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Introduction to dual converters
Dual converter, the name itself says two converters. It is really an electronic converter or circuit which
comprises of two converters. One will perform as rectifier and the other will perform as inverter.
Therefore, we can say that double processes will occur at a moment. Here, two full converters are
arranged in anti-parallel pattern and linked to the same dc load. These converters can provide four
quadrant operations. The basic block diagram is shown below
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Figure: 2.28 Block diagram of dual converter
There are two functional modes: Non-circulating current mode and circulating mode.
One converter will perform at a time. So there is no circulating current between the converters.
During the converter 1 operation, firing angle (α1) will be 0<α1< 90o; Vdc and Idc are positive.
During the converter 2 operation, firing angle (α2) will be 0<α2< 90o; Vdc and Idc are negative.
Two converters will be in the ON condition at the same time. So circulating current is present.
The firing angles are adjusted such that firing angle of converter 1 (α1) + firing angle of converter 2
(α2) = 180o.
Converter 1 performs as a controlled rectifier when firing angle be 0<α1< 90o and Converter 2
performs as an inverter when the firing angle be 90o<α2< 180o. In this condition, Vdc and Idc are
positive.
Converter 1 performs as an inverter when firing angle be 90o<α1< 180o and Converter 2 performs
as a controlled rectifier when the firing angle be 0<α2< 90o In this condition, Vdc and Idc are
negative.
The four quadrant operation is shown below
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Figure: 2.29 Four quadrant operations of dual converter
The term ‘ideal’ refers to the ripple free output voltage. For the purpose of unidirectional flow of DC
current, two diodes (D1 and D2) are incorporated between the converters. However, the direction of
current can be in any way. The average output voltage of the converter 1 is V01 and converter 2 is V02. To
make the output voltage of the two converters in same polarity and magnitude, the firing angles of the
Thyristors have to be controlled.
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Single Phase Dual Converter
The source of this type of converter will be single-phase supply. Consider, the converter is in non-
circulating mode of operation. The input is given to the converter 1 which converts the AC to DC by the
method of rectification. It is then given to the load after filtering. Then, this DC is provided to the
converter 2 as input. This converter performs as inverter and converts this DC to AC. Thus, we get AC as
output. The circuit diagram is shown below.
Output voltage,
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Figure: 2.32 output voltage variation with firing angle
Here, three-phase rectifier and three-phase inverter are used. The processes are similar to single-phase
dual converter. The three-phase rectifier will do the conversion of the three-phase AC supply to the DC.
This DC is filtered and given to the input of the second converter. It will do the DC to AC conversion and
the output that we get is the three-phase AC. Applications where the output is up to 2 megawatts. The
circuit is shown below.
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UNIT – IV
DC – DC converters
Introduction to Choppers
A chopper uses high speed to connect and disconnect from a source load. A fixed DC voltage is applied
intermittently to the source load by continuously triggering the power switch ON/OFF. The period of
time for which the power switch stays ON or OFF is referred to as the chopper’s ON and OFF state
times, respectively.
Choppers are mostly applied in electric cars, conversion of wind and solar energy, and DC motor
regulators.
Symbol of a Chopper
In DC-DC converters, the average output voltage is controlled by varying the alpha (α) value. This is
achieved by varying the Duty Cycle of the switching pulses. Duty cycle can be varied usually in 2 ways:
In this post we shall look upon both the ways of varying the duty cycle. Duty Cycle is the ratio of ‘On
Time’ to ‘Time Period of a pulse’.
Time Ratio Control: As the name suggest, here the time ratio (i.e. the duty cycle ratio Ton/T) is varied.
This kind of control can be achieved using 2 ways:
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Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
In this technique, the time period is kept constant, but the ‘On Time’ or the ‘OFF Time’ is varied. Using
this, the duty cycle ratio can be varied. Since the ON time or the ‘pulse width’ is getting changed in this
method, so it is popularly known as Pulse width modulation.
In this control method, the ‘Time Period’ is varied while keeping either of ‘On Time’ or ‘OFF time’ as
constant. In this method, since the time period gets changed, so the frequency also changes accordingly,
so this method is known as frequency modulation control.
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Figure: 3.3 Frequency modulation waveforms
As is obvious from its name, in this control strategy, a specific limit is applied on the current variation.
In this method, current is allowed to fluctuate or change only between 2 values i.e. maximum current (I
max) and minimum current (I min). When the current is at minimum value, the chopper is switched ON.
After this instance, the current starts increasing, and when it reaches up to maximum value, the chopper is
switched off allowing the current to fall back to minimum value. This cycle continues again and again.
Classification of Choppers
Depending on the voltage output, choppers are classified as −
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3. Step Up/Down Chopper (Buck-boost converter)
Depending upon the direction of the output current and voltage, the converters can be classified into five
classes namely
This is also known as a buck converter. In this chopper, the average voltage output V O is less than the
input voltage VS. When the chopper is ON, VO = VS and when the chopper is off, VO = 0
VS=(VL+V0), VL=VS−V0,
Ldi/dt=VS−V0,
LΔi/TON=Vs+V0
VS=(VL+V0),
VL=VS−V0,
Ldi/dt=VS−V0,
LΔi/TON=Vs+V0
Δi= TON
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Figure: 3.5 Step down chopper
Where FD is free-wheel diode.
When the chopper is OFF, polarity reversal and discharging occurs at the inductor. The current passes
through the free-wheel diode and the inductor to the load. This gives,
Ldi/dt=V0
Rewritten as LΔi/TOFF=V0
LΔi/TOFF=V0
Δi=V0TOFF/L
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Current and Voltage Waveforms
For a step down chopper the voltage output is always less than the voltage input. This is shown by the
waveform below.
Step Up Chopper
The average voltage output (Vo) in a step up chopper is greater than the voltage input (Vs). The figure
below shows a configuration of a step up chopper.
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Figure: 3.7 circuit diagram of step up chopper
V0 (average voltage output) is positive when chopper is switched ON and negative when the chopper is
OFF as shown in the waveform below.
Where
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TON – time interval when chopper is ON
VL – Load voltage
Vs – Source voltage
Vo is given by −
V0 =
When the chopper (CH) is switched ON, the load is short circuited and, therefore, the voltage output for
the period TON is zero. In addition, the inductor is charged during this time. This gives VS = VL
Δi = is the inductor peak to peak current. When the chopper (CH) is OFF, discharge occurs through the
inductor L. Therefore, the summation of the Vs and VL is given as follows −
V0=VS+VL, VL=V0−VS
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Step Up/ Step Down Chopper
his is also known as a buck-boost converter. It makes it possible to increase or reduce the voltage input
level. The diagram below shows a buck-boost chopper
When the chopper is switched ON, the inductor L becomes charged by the source voltage Vs. Therefore,
Vs = VL.
When the chopper is switched OFF, the inductor’s polarity reverses and this causes it to discharge
through the diode and the load.
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Hence,
V0 = −VL
V0 =
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Figure: 3.10 circuit diagram and quadrant operation of Type A chopper
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Class B Chopper
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Figure: 3.13 Output voltage and current waveforms of type B chopper
Class C chopper
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Figure: 3.14 circuit diagram and quadrant operation of Type C chopper
Class D chopper
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• Output voltage vO = – V.
• Average load voltage is positive if chopper ON time is more than the OFF time
• Average output voltage becomes negative if tON < tOFF .
• Hence the direction of load current is always positive but load voltage can be positive or negative.
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Class E Chopper
• Class E is a four quadrant chopper
• When CH1 and CH4 are triggered, output current iO flows in positive direction through CH1 and CH4,
and with output voltage vO = V.
• This gives the first quadrant operation.
• When both CH1 and CH4 are OFF, the energy stored in the inductor L drives iO through D2 and D3 in
the same direction, but output voltage vO = -V.
• Therefore the chopper operates in the fourth quadrant.
• When CH2 and CH3 are triggered, the load current iO flows in opposite direction & output voltage vO
= -V.
• Since both iO and vO are negative, the chopper operates in third quadrant.
• When both CH2 and CH3 are OFF, the load current iO continues to flow in the same direction D1 and
D4 and the output voltage vO = V.
• Therefore the chopper operates in second quadrant as vO is positive but iO is negative.
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Numerical problems
1. A step up chopper has an input voltage of 150V. The voltage output needed is 450V. Given, that the
thyristor has a conducting time of 150μseconds. Calculate the chopping frequency.
Solution −
The new voltage output, on condition that the operation is at constant frequency after the halving the
pulse width.
2. In a type A chopper, the input supply voltage is 230 V the load resistance is 10Ω and there is a
voltage drop of 2 V across the chopper thyristor when it is on. For a duty ratio of 0.4, calculate the
average and rms values of the output voltage. Also find the chopper efficiency
3. A step-up chopper supplies a load of 480 V from 230 V dc supply. Assuming the non conduction
period of the thyristor to be 50 microsecond, find the on time of the thyristor
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Buck regulator
With power being a key parameter in many designs, step down or "buck" regulators are widely used.
Although a resistor would enable voltage to be dropped, power is lost, and in applications such as the
many battery powered items used today, power consumption is a crucial element.
As a result step down switch mode converters or as they are more commonly termed, buck regulators are
widely used.
The most basic form of step down transition is to use a resistor as a potential divider or voltage dropper.
In some cases a zener diode may also be used to stabilize the voltage.
The issue with this form of voltage dropper or step down converter is that it is very wasteful in terms of
power. Any voltage dropped across the resistor will be dissipated as heat, and any current flowing through
the zener diode will also dissipate heat. Both of these elements result on the loss of valuable energy.
The fundamental circuit for a step down converter or buck converter consists of an inductor, diode,
capacitor, switch and error amplifier with switch control circuitry.
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Figure: 3.20 circuit diagram of Buck regulator
The circuit for the buck regulator operates by varying the amount of time in which inductor receives
energy from the source.
In the basic block diagram the operation of the buck converter or buck regulator can be seen that the
output voltage appearing across the load is sensed by the sense / error amplifier and an error voltage is
generated that controls the switch.
Typically the switch is controlled by a pulse width modulator, the switch remaining on of longer as more
current is drawn by the load and the voltage tends to drop and often there is a fixed frequency oscillator to
drive the switching.
When the switch in the buck regulator is on, the voltage that appears across the inductor is Vin - Vout.
Using the inductor equations, the current in the inductor will rise at a rate of (Vin-Vout)/L. At this time
the diode D is reverse biased and does not conduct.
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When the switch opens, current must still flow as the inductor works to keep the same current flowing. As
a result current still flows through the inductor and into the load. The diode, D then forms the return path
with a current Idiode equal to Iout flowing through it.
With the switch open, the polarity of the voltage across the inductor has reversed and therefore the current
through the inductor decreases with a slope equal to -Vout/L.
Figure: 3.22 circuit diagram of Buck regulator during switch off condition
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In the diagram of the current waveforms for the buck converter / switching regulator, it can be seen that
the inductor current is the sum of the diode and input / switch current. Current either flows through the
switch or the diode.
It is also worth noting that the average input current is less than the average output current. This is to be
expected because the buck converter circuit is very efficient and the input voltage is greater than the
output voltage. Assuming a perfect circuit, then power in would equal power out, i.e. Vin ⋅ In = Vout ⋅
Iout. While in a real circuit there will be some losses, efficiency levels greater than 85% are to be
expected for a well-designed circuit.
It will also be seen that there is a smoothing capacitor placed on the output. This serves to ensure that the
voltage does not vary appreciable, especially during and switch transition times. It will also be required to
smooth any switching spikes that occur.
Boost regulator
One of the advantages of switch mode power supply technology is that it can be used to create a step up
or boost converter / regulator.
Boost converters or regulators are used in many instances from providing small supplies where higher
voltages may be needed to much higher power requirements.
Often there are requirements for voltages higher than those provided by the available power supply -
voltages for RF power amplifiers within mobile phones is just one example.
The boost converter circuit has many similarities to the buck converter. However the circuit topology for
the boost converter is slightly different. The fundamental circuit for a boost converter or step up converter
consists of an inductor, diode, capacitor, switch and error amplifier with switch control circuitry.
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The circuit for the step-up boost converter operates by varying the amount of time in which inductor
receives energy from the source.
In the basic block diagram the operation of the boost converter can be seen that the output voltage
appearing across the load is sensed by the sense / error amplifier and an error voltage is generated that
controls the switch.
Typically the boost converter switch is controlled by a pulse width modulator, the switch remaining on of
longer as more current is drawn by the load and the voltage tends to drop and often there is a fixed
frequency oscillator to drive the switching.
When the switch is in the ON position, the inductor output is connected to ground and the voltage Vin is
placed across it. The inductor current increases at a rate equal to Vin/L.
When the switch is placed in the OFF position, the voltage across the inductor changes and is equal to
Vout-Vin. Current that was flowing in the inductor decays at a rate equal to (Vout-Vin)/L.
Figure: 3.25 circuit diagram of Boost regulator during switch off condition
Referring to the boost converter circuit diagram, the current waveforms for the different areas of the
circuit can be seen as below.
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Figure: 3.26 Input and output waveforms of Boost regulator
It can be seen from the waveform diagrams that the input current to the boost converter is higher than the
output current. Assuming a perfectly efficient, i.e. lossless, boost converter, the power out must equal the
power in, i.e. Vin ⋅ Iin = Vout ⋅ Iout. From this it can be seen if the output voltage is higher than the input
voltage, then the input current must be higher than the output current.
In reality no boost converter will be lossless, but efficiency levels of around 85% and more are achievable
in most supplies.
A simple buck converter can only produce voltages lower than the input voltage, and a boost converter,
only voltages higher than the input. To provide voltages over the complete range a circuit known as a
buck-boost converter is required.
There are many applications where voltages higher and lower than the input are required. In these
situations a buck-boost converter is required.
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Buck-Boost Converter basics
The buck-boost DC-DC converter offers a greater level of capability than the buck converter of boost
converter individually, it as expected it extra components may be required to provide the level of
functionality needed.
There are several formats that can be used for buck-boost converters:
+Vin, -Vout: This configuration of a buck-boost converter circuit uses the same number of
components as the simple buck or boost converters. However this buck-boost regulator or DC-DC
converter produces a negative output for a positive input. While this may be required or can be
accommodated for a limited number of applications, it is not normally the most convenient
format.
When the switch in closed, current builds up through the inductor. When the switch is opened the
inductor supplies current through the diode to the load.
Obviously the polarities (including the diode) within the buck-boost converter can be reversed to
provide a positive output voltage from a negative input voltage.
+Vin, +Vout: The second buck-boost converter circuit allows both input and output to be the
same polarity. However to achieve this, more components are required. The circuit for this buck
boost converter is shown below.
Figure: 3.28 circuit diagram of buck boost regulator with two switches
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In this circuit, both switches act together, i.e. both are closed or open. When the switches are open, the
inductor current builds. At a suitable point, the switches are opened. The inductor then supplies current to
the load through a path incorporating both diodes, D1 and D2.
Numerical probelms
1. In a dc chopper, the average load current is 30 Amps, chopping frequency is 250 Hz. Supply
voltage is 110 volts. Calculate the ON and OFF periods of the chopper if the load resistance is 2
ohms.
Solution:
2. A step up chopper has input voltage of 220 V and output voltage of 660 V. If the non-conducting
time of thyristor chopper is 100 micro sec compute the pulse width of output voltage. In case the
pulse width is halved for constant frequency operation , find the new output voltage
3. A chopper operating from 220V dc supply with for a duty cycle of 0.5 and chopping frequency of
1KHz drives an R L load with R = 1Ω , L=1mH and E = 105V. Find whether the current is
continuous and also find the values of Imax and Imin.
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