Experiment -3
Aim of the experiment: To study Single phase half wave-controlled rectifier.
Equipments required: Power electronics kit (Single phase half wave controlled rectifier trainer PE-3),
Patch cords, CRO and voltmeter.
Theory:
A single-phase half-wave-controlled rectifier is a type of rectifier circuit that converts single
phase AC voltage to DC voltage using a single thyristor (SCR) or power electronic device. The theory is
based on the following:
1. Circuit Configuration: The circuit consists of a single thyristor (SCR) connected in series with the
load and the AC input voltage.
2. Operation: - The thyristor is triggered at a specific angle (α) after the start of the positive half-
cycle of the AC input. - The thyristor conducts during the positive half-cycle, allowing current to
flow through the load. - The thyristor stops conducting during the negative half-cycle.
3. Output Voltage: - The output voltage is a pulsating DC voltage with a frequency equal to the
input AC frequency. - The average output voltage (Vdc) is controlled by adjusting the firing angle
(α) of the thyristor.
4. Current Flow: - The current flows through the load only during the positive half-cycle of the AC
input. - The current is unidirectional, flowing in the same direction during the positive half-cycle.
5. Advantages: - Simple circuit configuration - Low cost - High efficiency
6. Disadvantages: - Output voltage is pulsating DC - Ripple factor is high (around 121%) - Limited
control over output voltage
7. Applications: - Power supplies - Motor control - Lighting control
Waveforms:
Wiring sequence:
S.No. From To
1 + 24V 3
2 GND 4
3 5 7
4 6 8
5 Voltmeter (+) 9
6 Voltmeter (-) 10
7 CRO(+Ve) 7
8 CRO(-Ve) 8
9 To observe SCR gate firing pules, connect CRO
between tag No. 1 & 2
Procedure:
1) Keep firing set potentiometer at Anti clock wise direction.
2) Make the wiring connections as per circuit diagram/wiring sequence above.
3) Switch ON input supply switch.
4) Slowly rotate firing angle potentiometer at clockwise direction so that SCR will fire.
5) Adjust different firing angle and measure on CRO/DSO.
6) Calculate output voltage using formula Vo=Vp/2π (1+ Cos α)
7) Compare calculated output voltage and measured output voltage.
Observation Table: -
S.No. Firing Angle (α) Vp (V) Output Voltage
As per formula On DC meter
1
2
Conclusion: -
Thus, we concluded that a single-phase half-wave-controlled rectifier is a type of rectifier circuit
that converts single-phase AC voltage to DC voltage using a single thyristor (SCR) or power electronic
device.