Power Electronics -BEE503

MODULE 4
A) Controlled Rectifiers
B) AC Voltage controllers

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4.1 Single phase half wave Controlled Rectifier circuit with RLE Load:

Fig 4.1 Single phase Half wave rectifier with RLE Load and wave forms
 A single-phase half –wave controlled converter with RLE load is shown in Figure The
counter emf E in the load may be due to a batter of a dc motor.
 The Minimum value of firing angle 𝜃1 = sin−1 𝐸 𝑉𝑚 In case thyristor T is fired at an
angle 𝛼 < 𝜃1 , then 𝐸 > 𝑉𝑠 , SCR is reverse biased and therefore it will not turn on .
 Maximum value of firing angle 𝜃2 = 𝜋 − 𝜃1 from the wave form it is clear that load
current 𝑖𝑜 is zero and 𝑣𝑜 = 𝐸. During the time 𝑖𝑜 is not zero and 𝑣𝑜 follows 𝑣𝑠 curve as
shown in the wave form.
 During positive half cycle T is fired at an angle α > θ1.

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 At α= 0 to θ1, as the thyristor is reverse biased, load current 𝑖𝑜 is zero and load voltage
𝑣𝑜 = 𝐸 .
 At wt = α, T is triggered and comes to ON state. The load voltage follows the source
voltage and 𝑖𝑜 increases.
 At wt=π, 𝑣𝑜 =0 and 𝑖𝑜 =0. Due to inductance in the load, the load current 𝑖𝑜 reaches to
zero at wt=β. The load voltage goes to negative and reaches to zero at wt=β.
 At wt=β, 𝑖𝑜 =0, then T is turned off automatically. During negative half cycle T is
reverse biased. During the period β to 2π+α, 𝑖𝑜 =0 , but 𝑣𝑜 = E.
Total output current is given by
𝑉𝑚 𝑅 𝐸 𝑅
𝑖𝑜 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 − 𝜙 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛼 − 𝜙 𝑒𝑥𝑝 − (𝜔𝑡 − 𝛼) − 1 − 𝑒𝑥𝑝 − (𝜔𝑡 − 𝛼)
𝑍 𝜔𝐿 𝑅 𝜔𝐿
The above equation is applicable for 𝛼 ≤ 𝜔𝑡 ≤ 𝛽. The extinction angle 𝛽 depends upon load
emf E, firing angle 𝛼 and load impedance angle 𝜙.
The average value of output current between 𝛼 to 𝛽 is given by
1 𝛽
𝐼𝑜 = 2𝜋𝑅 𝛼
𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡 − 𝐸 . 𝑑𝜔𝑡
1
𝐼𝑜 = 2𝜋𝑅 𝑉𝑚 (cos ∝ − cos 𝛽) + 𝐸(𝛼 − 𝛽) ----------1

Here conduction angle 𝛾 = 𝛽 − 𝛼. Substituting 𝛽 = 𝛾 + 𝛼 in equation 1

1
𝐼𝑜 = 2𝜋𝑅 𝑉𝑚 cos ∝ − cos 𝛾 + 𝛼 + 𝐸(𝛾)
γ γ
w.k.t cos ∝ − cos 𝛾 + 𝛼 = 2 sin α + 2 sin 2
1 γ γ
∴ 𝐼𝑜 = 2𝜋𝑅 𝑉𝑚 2 sin α + 2 sin 2 + 𝐸(𝛾) -----------2

Average Output voltage is given by

1 𝛽 2𝜋+𝛼
𝑉𝑑𝑐 = 𝑉𝑜𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 2𝜋 𝛼
𝑣𝑠 𝑑𝑤𝑡 + 𝛽
𝐸 𝑑𝑤𝑡
1 𝛽 2𝜋+𝛼 1 𝛽 2𝜋+𝛼
= 𝑉 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡
𝛼 𝑚
𝑑𝜔𝑡 + 𝛽
𝐸 𝑑𝜔𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡 𝛼 + 𝐸 𝜔𝑡 𝛽
2𝜋 2𝜋
1
=2𝜋 𝑉𝑚 (cos ∝ − cos 𝛽) + 𝐸(2𝜋 + 𝛼 − 𝛽) ----------3

If the load inductance L is zero, then extinction angle 𝛽 would be equal to 𝜃2 = 𝜋 − 𝜃1 , now
𝛽 < 𝜋. Substituting 𝛽 = 𝜋 − 𝜃1 , with L=0 the average value of output current is given by
𝑉𝑜𝑎𝑣𝑔 1
∴ 𝐼𝑜 = = 2𝜋𝑅 𝑉𝑚 (cos ∝ + cos 𝜃1 ) − 𝐸(𝜋 − (𝜃1 + 𝛼))
𝑅

Rms value of load current, with L=o is given by

𝛽 2 𝛽
1 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑤𝑡 −𝐸 1
𝐼𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑠 = . 𝑑𝑤𝑡 = (𝑉𝑚2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐸 2 − 2𝑉𝑚 𝐸 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡). 𝑑𝑤𝑡
2𝜋 𝛼 𝑅 2𝜋𝑅 2 𝛼

𝐼 2 𝑅+𝐼𝑜 𝐸 2𝜋+𝜃1 −𝛽
Supply Power factor = 𝑜𝑟𝑉 𝐼 and Turn off time of the circuit is sec.
𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝜔

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4.2 Single phase Full converters with RLE load.

Fig 4.2 Single phase Full wave controlled rectifier with RLE Load and wave forms
The circuit arrangement of a Single Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifier with R-L-E load is
shown in Fig (a). The working of the circuit is explained with the following points

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 During positive half cycle, thyristors TH1 and TH3 are forward biased and start conducting at
ωt = α. The load current flows through TH1, motor and TH3. At ωt = π, the supply voltages
reverses.
 Because of inductance L thyristors TH1 and TH3 continue to conduct beyond ωt = π.
 From ωt = π to ωt = 2π, thyristors TH3 and TH4 are forward biased. When TH2 and TH4 are
triggered at ωt = π + α, thyristors TH1 and TH3 are subjected to reverse bias and are turned off
by natural commutation. Load current is transferred from TH1 and TH3 to TH2 and TH4.
 This mode of operation continues till TH1 and TH3 are triggered in the next positive half
cycle. The quadrants of operation and wave shapes are shown in Figure.(b) and Figure (c).
 If the load is highly inductive, then time constant L/R is very high and the output current
𝐼𝑑𝑐 remains constant.
 The value of α should be such that when thyristors are triggered the instantaneous value of ac
input voltage 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 more than emf E. This sets a lower limit on firing angle α. The
average output voltage of the converter is obtained from the below equation
𝟏 𝝅+𝜶 𝟐𝑽𝒎
𝑽𝒅𝒄 = 𝝅 𝜶
𝑽𝒎 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝝎𝒕. 𝒅𝝎𝒕 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜶 ------------------1
𝝅

For continuous load current, we may write

𝟐𝑽𝒎
𝑽𝒅𝒄 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜶 = 𝑹𝑰𝒅𝒄 + 𝑬 -----------------2
𝝅

During the period from α to π, the input voltage and input current are positive, and the
power flows from the supply to the load. The converter is said to be operating in rectification
mode. During the period from π to π + α, the input voltage is negative but the input current is
positive and reverses power flows from the load to the supply. But the net power flow is from ac
source to dc load because (π – α) > α .

4.3 Dual Convertors: As the name itself says two converters.

 It is an electronic converter or circuit which comprises of two converters. One will perform
as a rectifier and the other will perform as an 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. Block diagram of dual convertor is shown
in the figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1 Block diagram of dual convertor

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4.4 Modes of Operation of Dual Converter

There are two functional modes: Non-circulating current mode and circulating mode.

1) Non Circulating Current 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.
2) Circulating Current Mode
 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) = 1800 .
 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< 90oIn this condition,
Vdc and Idcare negative.

The Four Quadrant operation of dual convertor is shown in figure 4.2

Figure 4.2 Four Quadrant operation of dual convertor

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4.5 Ideal Dual Converter:

The term ‘ideal’ refers to the ripple free output voltage. For the purpose of unidirectional flow of
DCcurrent, 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.

Figure 4.3 Block Diagram of Ideal dual convertor

4.6 Types of dual convertor

1) Single phase dual convertor
2) Three phase dual convertor

4.6.1 Single-Phase Dual Converters

 If two single-phase full converters are connected back-to-back, as shown in Figure 4.4 a, both
the output voltage and the load current flow can be reversed. The system provides a four-
quadrant operation and is called a dual converter.
 Dual converters are normally used in high-power variable-speed drives.
 If 𝛼1 and 𝛼2 are the delay angles of converters 1 and 2, respectively, the corresponding average
output voltages are Vdc1 and Vdc2. The delay angles are controlled such that one converter
operates as a rectifier and the other converter operates as an inverter; but both converters
produce the same average output voltage.
 Figures 4.4 b-f show the output waveforms for two converters, where the two average output
voltages are the same. Figure 10.2b shows the v-icharacteristics of a dual converter.

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Figure 4.3(a) Circuit diagram of single-phase dual convertor

The Average output voltages are
2𝑉𝑚
𝑉𝑑𝑐 1 = cos 𝛼1 ------------1
𝜋

and
2𝑉𝑚
𝑉𝑑𝑐 2 = cos 𝛼2 ------------2
𝜋

Because one converter is rectifying and the other one is inverting,

𝑉𝑑𝑐 1 = −𝑉𝑑𝑐 2 or
cos 𝛼2 = − cos 𝛼1 , w.k.t − cos 𝛼1 = cos(𝜋 − 𝛼1 )
𝛼2 = (𝜋 − 𝛼1 ) -------------3
 Because the instantaneous output voltages of the two converters are out of phase,there can be
an instantaneous voltage difference and this can result in circulating currentbetween the two
converters. This circulating current cannot flow through the loadand is normally limited by a
circulating current reactor Lr, as shown in Figure 4.4a.
 If vo1 and vo2 are the instantaneous output voltages of converters 1 and 2, respectively,the
circulating current can be found by integrating the instantaneous voltage difference starting
from ωt=(𝜋 − 𝛼1 ). Because the two average output voltages duringthe interval ωt= 𝜋 + 𝛼1 to
(2𝜋 − 𝛼1 )are equal and oppositive, their contributions tothe instantaneous circulating current
iris zero.
1 𝜔𝑡 1 𝜔𝑡
𝑖𝑟 = 𝜔 𝐿 𝜋−𝛼
𝑣𝑟 . 𝑑𝜔𝑡 = 𝜔 𝐿 𝜋−𝛼
(𝑣𝑜1 + 𝑣𝑜2 ) . 𝑑𝜔𝑡
𝑟 1 𝑟 1

𝑉 𝜔𝑡 𝜔𝑡
= 𝜔𝑚𝐿 2𝜋−𝛼 1
sin 𝜔𝑡 . 𝑑𝜔𝑡 − 2𝜋−𝛼 1
−sin 𝑤𝑡 . 𝑑𝜔𝑡
𝑟

2 𝑉𝑚 𝜋
= cos 𝛼1 − cos 𝜔𝑡 𝑖𝑟 > 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 0 ≤ 𝛼1 < ----------4
𝜔 𝐿𝑟 2
𝜋
𝑖𝑟 < 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ≤ 𝛼1 < 𝜋
2

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Figure 4.4 (b) Quadrant Operation, (c-f) Voltage waveforms

For α1 = 0, only the converter 1 operates; for α1 = π, only the converter 2 operates.
𝜋
For 0 ≤ 𝛼1 < 2 the converter 1 supplies a positive load current +io and thus thecirculating
current can only be positive.
𝜋
For 2 ≤ 𝛼1 < 𝜋, the converter 2 suppliesa negative load current -io and thus only a negative
circulating current can flow. At α1 = π/2, the converter 1 supplies positive circulating during the
first half-cycle, andthe converter 2 supplies negative circulating during the second half-
cycle.The instantaneous circulating current depends on the delay angle. For α1, = 0,its
magnitude becomes minimum when ωt= nπ, n = 0, 2, 4…., and maximum when ωt= nπ, n = 1, 3,
5…. If the peak load current is Ip, one of the convertersthat controls the power flow may carry a
4𝑉𝑚
peak current of 𝐼𝑃 + 𝜔𝐿𝑟 . The dual converters can be operated with or without a
circulating current. In case of operation without circulating current, only one converter operates
at a time and carries the load current, and the other converter is completely blocked by inhibiting
gate pulses.

However, the operation with circulating current has the following advantages:

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1. The circulating current maintains continuous conduction of both converters over

the whole control range, independent of the load.
2. Because one converter always operates as a rectifier and the other converter operates
as an inverter, the power flow in either direction at any time is possible.
3. Because both converters are in continuous conduction, the time response for
changing from one quadrant operation to another is faster.

Gating sequence. The gating sequence is as follows:

1. Gate the positive converter with a delay angle of α1 = α.
2. Gate the negative converter with a delay angle of α2 = π- αthrough gateisolating
circuits.

4.6.2 Three-Phase Dual Converters

Three-phase dual converters where two three-phase converters are connected back to
back as shown in Figure 4.5. The two converters are controlled in such a way that if α1 is the
delay angle of converter 1, the delay angle of converter 2 is α2 = π - α1. Figures 4.5 b–f show the
waveforms for input voltages, output voltages, and the voltage across inductor Lr. The operation
of each converter is identical to that of a three-phase full converter. During the interval (π/6 +
α1)≤ωt ≤ (π/2 + α1), the line-to-line voltage vab appears across the output of converter 1, and vbc
appears across converter 2.

Figure 4.5(a) Circuit diagram

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Figure 4.5 (b-f) Voltage waveforms

If the line-to-neutral voltages are defined as

𝑣𝑎𝑛 = 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡
2𝜋
𝑣𝑏𝑛 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 − 3
2𝜋
𝑣𝑐𝑛 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 3
The corresponding line-to-line voltages are
𝜋
𝑣𝑎𝑏 = 𝑣𝑎𝑛 − 𝑣𝑏𝑛 = 3𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 + 6
𝜋
𝑣𝑏𝑐 = 𝑣𝑏𝑛 − 𝑣𝑐𝑛 = 3𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 − 2
5𝜋
𝑣𝑐𝑎 = 𝑣𝑐𝑛 − 𝑣𝑎𝑛 = 3𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 + 6
If vo1 and vo2 are the output voltages of converters 1 and 2, respectively, the instantaneous
voltage across the inductor during interval (π/6 + α12)≤ωt≤ (π/2 + α12)is
𝑣𝑟 = 𝑣01 + 𝑣02 = 𝑣𝑎𝑏 − 𝑣𝑏𝑐
𝜋 𝜋
= 3𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 6 − sin 𝜔𝑡 − 2
𝜋
=3𝑉𝑚 cos 𝜔𝑡 −
6
The circulating current can be found from
1 𝜔𝑡 1 𝜔𝑡 𝜋
𝑖𝑟 𝑡 = 𝜔𝐿 𝜋 𝑣
− 𝛼1 𝑟
𝑑(𝜔𝑡)=𝜔𝐿 𝜋
+ 𝛼1
3𝑉𝑚 cos 𝜔𝑡 − 6 𝑑(𝜔𝑡)
𝑟 6 𝑟 6

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3𝑉 𝜋
= 𝜔𝐿𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 − 6 − sin 𝛼1
𝑟
The circulating current depends on delay angle α1 and on inductance Lr. This current
becomes maximum when ωt= 2π/3 and α1 = 0. Even without any external load, the converters
would be continuously running due to the circulating current as a result of ripple voltage across
the inductor. This allows smooth reversal of load current during the changeover from one
quadrant operation to another and provides fast dynamic responses, especially for electrical
motor drives.

Gating sequence. The gating sequence is as follows:

1. Similar to the single-phase dual converter, gate the positive converter with adelay angle
ofα1= α.
2. Gate the negative converter with a delay angle of α2= π- αthrough gate-isolating circuits.
Application of Dual Converter
 Direction and Speed control of DC motors.
 Applicable wherever the reversible DC is required.
 Industrial variable speed DC drives

NOTE : For single phase half wave and full wave controlled rectifiers with R, RL load
with and without freewheeling diode explanation and derivation refer the notes given in
the class.
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4.7 Single-Phase full wave AC voltage controller with R load

Figure 4.6(a)Circuit diagram Figure 4.7 (b) Waveforms

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A single phase full wave ac voltage controller with a resistive load is shown in the figure . It is
possible to control the ac power flow to the load in both the half cycles by adjusting the trigger
angle  . Hence the full wave ac voltage controller is also referred to as to a bidirectional
controller. Working of the single phase AC voltage controller is explained as below\

 From 0 to π The thyristor T1 is forward biased during the positive half cycle of the input
supply voltage. The thyristor T1 is triggered at a delay angle of  .Thyristor T1 is On,the
input supply voltage appears across the load resistor RL and the output voltage 𝑣𝑜 = 𝑣𝑠 .
During t  to  radians. The load current flows through the thyristor T1 and through the
load resistor RL in the downward direction. T1 conducts from t= to .
 At t  , when the input voltage falls to zero the thyristor current (which is flowing through
the load resistor RL ) falls to zero and hence T1 naturally turns off . No current flows in the
circuit during t  to .
 The thyristor T2 is forward biased during the negative cycle of input supply and thyristor T2
is triggered at a delay angle , the output voltage follows the negative half cycle of input
voltage from t ) to 2 as shown in the wave form . During this time the load current
flows in the reverse direction (upward direction) through T2. The time interval (spacing)
between the gate trigger pulses of T1 and T2 is kept at  radians or 180 . At  t 2, the input
supply voltage falls to zero and hence the load current also falls to zero and T2 turn off
naturally.
 Thyristor conducts between ∝ 𝑡𝑜 𝜋 and output voltage, current and input current waveforms
are symmetric their average values are zero. The Rms value of output voltage is given by
1 𝜋 2
𝑉𝑜 𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝑉 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝜔𝑡
𝜋 𝛼 𝑚
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜔𝑡
w.k.t 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 = 2

1 𝜋 2 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜔𝑡
= 𝛼
𝑉𝑚 𝑑𝜔𝑡
𝜋 2

𝑉𝑚2 𝜋 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜔𝑡 𝑉𝑚2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜔𝑡 𝜋

= 𝛼
𝑑𝜔𝑡 = 𝜔𝑡 −
𝜋 2 2𝜋 2 𝛼

𝑉𝑚2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜔𝑡

= (𝜋 − 𝛼) +
2𝜋 2

𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜔𝑡
(𝜋−𝛼)+
2
∴ 𝑉𝑜 𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝑉𝑚 2𝜋

When 𝛼 = 0 , 𝑉𝑜 𝑟𝑚𝑠 =0
Thus the output can be controlled from 0 to 𝑉𝑠 𝑟𝑚𝑠 by varying firing angle from zero to 𝜋.

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4.8 Single phase Bi- directional AC voltage controller with Inductive loads
If we consider a single phase full wave ac voltage controller controlling the speed of a single phase
ac induction motor, the load which is the induction motor winding is an RL type of load, where R
represents the motor winding resistance and L represents the motor winding inductance. A single phase
full wave ac voltage controller circuit (bidirectional controller) with an RL load using two thyristors T1
and T2 (T1 and T2 are two SCRs) connected in parallel is shown below

Figure 4.7(a) Single phase full wave AC voltage controller

Figure 4.7(b) Single phase full wave AC voltage controller

 The thyristor T1 is forward biased during the positive half cycle of input supply. Let us
assume that T1 is triggered at t 𝛼 , by applying a suitable gate trigger pulse.
 The output voltage across the load follows the input supply voltage when T1 is ON. The
load current 𝑖𝑜 flows through the thyristor T1 and through the load in the downward
direction. This load current pulse flowing through T1 can be considered as the positive
current pulse.
 Due to the inductance in the load, the load current 𝑖𝑜 flowing through T1 would not fall to
zero at t  , when the input supply voltage starts to become negative.

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 The thyristor T1 will continue to conduct the load current until all the inductive energy
stored in the load inductor L is completely utilized and the load current through T1 falls
to zero at t  , where  is referred to as the Extinction angle, (the value of t ) at which
the load current falls to zero.
 The extinction angle  is measured from the point of the beginning of the positive half
cycle of input supply to the point where the load current falls to zero. The thyristor T1
conducts from t to  . The conduction angle of T1 is 𝛾(, which depends on the
delay angle  and the load impedance angle  .
 The waveforms of the input supply voltage, the gate trigger pulses of T1 and T2 , the
thyristor current, the load current and the load voltage waveforms appear as shown in the
figure 4.7(b) Waveforms of single phase full wave ac voltage controller with RL load for
  . Discontinuous load current operation occurs for    and    ; i.e., -,
conduction angle 𝛾   .
 Thyristor conducts between ∝ 𝑡𝑜 𝛽 and assuming equal amount of voltage across both the
thyristor , Rms value of voltage is calculated as below
1 𝛽 2
𝑉𝑜 𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝛼
𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝜔𝑡
𝜋
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜔𝑡
w.k.t 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 =
2
1 𝛽 2 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜔𝑡
= 𝑉 𝑑𝜔𝑡
𝜋 𝛼 𝑚 2

𝑉𝑚2𝛽 𝑉𝑚2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜔𝑡 𝛽

= 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝜔𝑡 = 𝜔𝑡 −
2𝜋 𝛼 2𝜋 2 𝛼
𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝛼 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝛽
𝛽 −𝛼+ −
2 2
∴ 𝑉𝑜 𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝑉𝑚
2𝜋
Since the output voltage, current and input current waveforms are symmetric their average
values are zero.

4.8 Three phase AC voltage controller:

Figure 4.9(a) Three phase full wave AC voltage controller

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Figure 4.9(b) Three phase AC voltage controller Wave forms

Multiple topologies of three-phase AC voltage controllers can be utilized to provide three-phase

loads with variable RMS AC voltage. The operation of the arrangement indicated in Figure 4.9
will be discussed below.

This arrangement is distinguished by the inability of individual phase regulator currents to be

individually changed.

To establish the load current, at least two thyristors must be turned on at the same time. The
regulator operates symmetrically if the firing pulses of the thyristors in each phase have the same
sequence relative to the voltages of the three-phase system generator (input voltage). Thus, the
firing pulses of thyristors T3 and T6 must lag the firing pulses of thyristors T1 and T4 by an angle
of 2π/3, respectively, and the firing pulses of thyristors T5 and T2 must lag the firing pulses of
thyristors T1 and T4 by an angle of 4π/3.

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In addition, the firing pulses of thyristors in the same phase must be shifted by an angle of π, so
the thyristors must be turned on in the sequence T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T1, T2, ... with a spacing of
π/3.

Given the requirement of conducting at least two thyristors, each thyristor must have a
confirmation pulse that is delayed by π/3 in addition to the firing pulse. Once the firing pulse
sequence is known, the reference instant relative to which the firing angle is measured must be
determined. The highest load current is sought for a firing angle of α = 0 degrees because the
thyristors conduct as quickly as feasible. If the load is directly linked to the input voltage, the
maximum load current is attained, and given the resistive load, the current of independent loads
have the same waveform as the phase voltages of the three-phase system.

As a result, when α = 0 degrees, the moment of crossing the phase voltage through zero is
measured. The operation of this regulator will be examined for the characteristic firing angle of
30 degrees. Figure 3 (right) depicts the waveforms of the voltage on the load, i.e., load current.

For a firing angle of α = 60 degrees, at time ωt = α, thyristor T1 gets a firing impulse while
thyristor T6 receives a confirmation impulse, causing both thyristors to conduct and the load
voltage to become half of the line voltage uRS. Thyristor T2 gets a firing impulse at time ωt = α
+ π/3, causing all three phases (T1, T2, and T6) to conduct and the load voltage to become the
phase voltage eR.

At the same time, the phase voltage eS drops to zero and begins to reverse direction, forcing
T6 to cease conducting and only T1 and T2 to continue conducting, leading the load voltage to
drop to half of the line voltage uRT. Thyristor T3 is activated at time ωt = α + 2π/3, causing the
voltage eR to equal zero and reverse direction, forcing T1 to quit conducting. This operating
mode is suitable for firing angles ranging from 60 degrees to 90 degrees.

Three-phase AC voltage controllers are power electronic converters that alter the firing angle of
the power semiconductor switches to regulate the RMS and phase angle of the output voltage.
The primary switching devices in these controllers are thyristors or triacs, which are coupled in
various topologies such as antiparallel or series. The functioning of a three-phase AC voltage
controller is based on the phase control concept, in which the firing angle of each thyristor is
modified to regulate the conduction period and, as a result, the output voltage waveform.

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