Experiment No : 08

Name of the Experiment : Study of thyristor operation for AC switching using two thyristors
Objectives :
1. To demonstrate the use of the power thyristor for switching AC .
2. To observe the signal waveforms in power thyristor circuits .

Theory : A thyristor is a semiconductor device used for switching and controlling electrical
power in circuits. It is a four-layer, three-terminal device with an anode (A), cathode (K), and gate
(G). The thyristor remains in a non-conducting state until a small gate current is applied, triggering
it into conduction. Once turned on, the thyristor continues conducting until the current through it
drops below a certain threshold, known as the holding current.For AC switching applications, a
single thyristor cannot be used alone because it conducts only in one direction. To enable
conduction in both halves of the AC waveform, two thyristors are connected in anti-parallel. This
configuration allows one thyristor to conduct during the positive half-cycle and the other to
conduct during the negative half-cycle of the AC voltage.During the positive half-cycle of the AC
supply, the anode of the first thyristor (T1) is positive with respect to its cathode. If a gate pulse is
applied at the correct moment, T1 turns ON, allowing current to flow through the load. Meanwhile,
the second thyristor (T2) is reverse-biased and does not conduct.During the negative half-cycle,
the supply polarity reverses, making the anode of T2 positive. If a gate pulse is applied to T2, it
turns ON and conducts current through the load in the opposite direction. At this point, T1 becomes
reverse-biased and blocks current. This alternating operation ensures that current flows through
the load in both directions, enabling full AC control.The firing angle (α) determines when the gate
pulse is applied, which in turn controls the power delivered to the load. By delaying the gate pulse,
conduction starts later in the cycle, reducing the average power output. This technique, known as
phase angle control, is widely used in power electronics for applications such as light dimmers,
motor speed controllers, and industrial heating systems.

Figure-01 : Single phase full wave or bidirectional AC voltage controller rectifier circuit .
Circuit Diagram :

Figure-02 : Connection of the Single phase full wave or bidirectional

AC voltage controller rectifier circuit .

Required Apparatus :
SL No. Apparatus Name Quantity
1. Mobile Workstation (8110) 01
2. Resistive Load (8311) 01
3. Power Supply(8821) 01
4. Enclosure/ Power Supply 01
5. Power Thyristor (8841) 02
6. AC Ammeter (8412) 01
7. DC Voltmeter (8412) 01
8. DC Ammeter (8412) 01
9. Current Isolator (9056) 01
10. Voltage Isolator (9056) 01
11. Thyristor Firing Unit(9030) 02
12. Oscilloscope 02
13. Display 04
14. Wattmeter 01
15. Connecting wires As required
Data Table :
Line Voltage I1ac(A) i1(A) E1ac (V) e1 (V) R1
(Vac) (Ω)
100 0.01495 0.018 17.95 19.1 400

Calculation :
Three resistors of 1200 Ω are connected in parallel.
1 1 1 1
Equivalent resistance , = (1200 + 1200 + 1200 ) Ω
𝑅

1 3
=> 𝑅
= 1200 Ω

=> 𝑅 = 400 Ω

Output power , P0 = I21(ac) ×R W

= 0.014952×400 W = 0.0894 W

Output Curve : The output curve by the MATLAB simulation is given below ,

Figure-03 : Simulated output (current and voltage) curve of the Single phase
full wave or bidirectional AC voltage controller rectifier .

Discussion : An AC voltage source is used to supply the circuit, and two thyristors are connected
in an anti-parallel configuration. The gate terminals of the thyristors are triggered using pulse
signals, which are generated by a gating circuit. The triggering pulses are provided at appropriate
intervals to control the conduction period of each thyristor.A load is connected in series with the
thyristors, and the voltage across the load is monitored. The current flowing through the circuit is
measured using a current measurement device. The conduction of each thyristor is controlled based
on the polarity of the AC voltage. During the positive half-cycle, one thyristor is turned on, while
during the negative half-cycle, the other thyristor is triggered.The switching behavior of the
thyristors is observed, and the waveform of the output voltage is analyzed. The response of the
system is visualized using an oscilloscope, where the voltage and current waveforms are displayed.
The phase angle of triggering is varied, and its effect on the output voltage and current is
examined.The study is performed to understand the role of thyristors in AC switching applications.
The ability of thyristors to control power flow is analyzed, and their characteristics are evaluated
under different operating conditions. The results are observed, and conclusions regarding thyristor-
based AC switching are drawn based on the experimental data.

Conclussion : In conclusion, The study of thyristor operation for AC switching using two
thyristors has been conducted to understand the switching mechanism. The two thyristors are
connected in series, with one conducting during the positive half-cycle and the other during the
negative half-cycle. This arrangement allows for the regulation of AC power flow. The triggering
of the thyristors has been controlled by external signals, which initiate conduction at specific
intervals. The commutation process, where the current transitions from one thyristor to the other,
has been analyzed and confirmed to be crucial for maintaining current flow. It has been concluded
that this method of switching ensures effective AC power control and provides protection against
potential electrical faults, such as overvoltage and overcurrent conditions.