CYCLOCONVERTERS

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SANTOSH BHARADWAJ REDDY
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INTRODUCTION:
It is well known that the cycloconverter, which means
that a cycloconverter is a type of power controller in which an
alternating voltage at supply frequency is converted directly to an
alternating voltage at load frequency without any intermediate DC
stage. In a line commutated cycloconverter, the supply frequency is
greater than the load frequency. The operating principles were
developed in the 1930 when the grid control mercury arc rectifier
became available. The techniques were applied in Germany, where the
three phase 50Hz supply was converted to single phase AC supply at

16 Hz for railway traction.

Single phase to three phase cycloconverter driven

induction motors are ideal for use in a single phase traction system.
Several attempts have been made to develop micro processor based
control strategies for controlling a cycloconverter. It has been observed
that for highly inductive loads as in case of induction motors, a simple
and straight forward firing sequence at constant angles results in a
direct short circuit of supply voltage due to simultaneous triggering of
semi conductor controlled rectifier (SCR) in the opposite groups, thus
leading to undesirable output waveforms and high short circuits
circulating.

The various methods that are normally employed to

overcome this problem include:

1 Open loop banking.

2 Closed loop banking.

3 In corporation of a circulating current inductor (CCI) to limit the

short circuit currents and

4 Forced commutation methods.

In this project here the different types of various load

conditions has been demonstrated that for low and medium loads

simply a CCI is connected in series with each SCR, but in the case of

high load a resistor is connected in series to SCR along with the

CCI. This is because of high short circuit currents caused due to high
value of inductance.

Harmonics:
The power electronics equipments, such as rectifier,
inverter, cycloconverters and choppers have switching devices and
their operation produces current and voltage harmonics into the
system from which they are working. These harmonics affect the
operation of other equipments connected to the same system through
conduction (or) radio interface.

The cycloconverter output voltage waveforms have

complex harmonics. Higher order harmonics are usually filtered by the
machine inductance, therefore the machine current has less
harmonics. The remaining harmonics causes harmonic losses and
torque pulsations. Note that in a cycloconverter, unlike other
converters, there are no inductors are conductors, i.e. no storage
devices. For this reason, the instantaneous input power and the output
power are equal.

There are several factors affecting the harmonic content

of the waveforms. In addition to this, the pulse number effects the
harmonic content of the waveforms. A greater number of pulses have
less harmonic content. Therefore, a 6-pulse (bridge) cycloconverter
produces fewer harmonics than a 3-pulse (half-wave) cycloconverter.
Moreover, if the output frequency gets closer to the input frequency,
the harmonics increases. Finally, low power factor and discontinuous
conduction, both contribute to harmonics.

For a typical p-pulse converter, the order of the input

harmonics is “pn+1” and that of the output harmonics is “pn”. Where p
is the pulse number and n is the integer.

The firing angle (α), in cycloconverter operation is

sinusoidally modulated. The modulated frequency is the same as the
output frequency and sideband harmonics are induced at the output.
Therefore, the output waveform is expected to have harmonics at
frequency related to both the input and output frequencies.

Scope of the project:

The objective of this project is reducing the short circuit
occurrences and at the same time helps to reduce the harmonics in the
load voltage waveform. Here different types of load conditions, it can
be demonstrated that a simple and a straight forward firing sequence
at constant firing angles results in direct short circuit of supply voltage
due to simultaneously triggering of SCR’s. Thus leads to undesirable
output waveforms. Those undesirable waveforms are reduced in high

loads by placing a resistance in conjunction with the SCR.

Organisation of thesis:
The thesis is organized in to 8 chapters; Chapter 1
describes about the introduction of the single phase to three phase
cycloconverter, the modeling, analysis and simulations for an existing
single phase to three phase cycloconverter wit 50Hz line frequency
and also deals with an elimination of harmonics.

Chapter 2 deals with an introduction to thyristors,

principle of operation, and some of the static characteristics of SCR.

Chapter 3 deals with an explanation of single phase

cycloconverters, Principle of operation, and analysis of single phase
Cycloconverters and also to get the output waveforms and at the same
time which can also deals with an explanation of three phase
cycloconverters, blocking mode cycloconverter, circulating current
cycloconverters and also to get an output waveforms of these two
modes.

Chapter 4 deals with implementation of conversion of

single phase to three phase to three phase cycloconverter was studied
in this chapter and also circuit diagram for single phase to three phase
cycloconverter was drawn along with the expected output waveforms.

In chapter 5, the discussion about an analysis of single

phase to three phase cycloconverter, simulation of single phase to

three phase cycloconverter, and also discuss with an analysis of low

loads, medium loads and high loads.

 In chapter 6, MATLAB/SIMULINK, the most widely used
software in industrial applications for modeling of the dynamic system
is explained. Analyzing the circuit using the MATLAB software was
explained.

In chapter 7, simulation results are presented for various

loads i.e., for along with

their harmonic waveforms.

The conclusion, future scope of the project and

applications of cycloconverters are presented in chapter 8.
 CHAPTER 2
2.1 HISTORY OF SCR
Power electronics originated at the beginning of the 19th
century. Many technical articles and several books on the subject were
published during the period from 1930-1947. These dealt primarily
with the application of grid-controlled gas filled tubes. Because of the
limitations of the mercury-arc rectifier and gas-filled thyratrons, only a
relatively number of equipments was manufactured.

It was in 1930 where the field-effect principle was first

disclosed in U.S. patent by Julius Lilifienfeld, a former professor of
physics at the University of Leipzig who has recently immigrated to the
United States.

In 1947, the point contact transistor was demonstrated by

Walter H. Brattain and John Bardeen (Shockley 1972 & 1976), with
William Shockley as an intensely interested observer. After an
additional week of further experimentation and polishing of the
demonstration, it was repeated for several key Bell Laboratories
managers on December 23, 1947, the date that has come to be taken
as the “official” date of reduction to practice. Walter H. Brattain, John
Bardeen and William Shockley shared a Nobel Prize for the transistor in
1956.

The invention of the bipolar junction transistor in 1948 was

the beginning of semiconductor electronics. This device and
semiconductor diodes spawned revolution electronics. Drastic
reduction in size, cost and power consumption were achieved
simultaneously with greatly increased equipment complexity and
capability.
 At the same time, in 1948 Shockley and Person tried
fabricating rudimentary field effect transistor (FET) using evaporated
layers of germanium on dielectric. However, it was not until Bardeen
theorized on the surface state phenomenon and Shockley published his
theoretical analysis of the unipolar field-effect transistor.

Semiconductor power diodes become available shortly

after 1950. However, it was not until late 1957, when the most popular
member f the thyristor family the SCR was announced by General
Electric (1957), that semiconductor power electronics really began,
starting from a single 16-Adevice, the thyristor family has grown
tremendously. Hundreds of thyristors are available from numerous
manufacturers through out the world.

2.2 TERMINAL CHARECTERISTICS OF SCR:

SCR is a four layer, three junction, p-n-p-n semiconductor

switching device. It has three terminals; anode, cathode and gate.
Figure 2.1(a) shows the structure of SCR. Basically a SCR consists of
four layers and three junctions. The layers are alternatively p and n
type, J1; J2 & J3 are the junctions which formed between adjacent
layers. The terminal connected to outer p region is called anode (A),
the terminal connected to outer n region is called cathode and that
connected to to inner p region is called gate (G). SCRs are available at
high ratings but they are switched on by a low voltage supply of about
1 A and 10 W and this gives immense power amplification capability of
this device. As SCRs are solid state devices, they are compact, posse’s
high reliability and have low loss. Because of these useful features,
SCR is almost universally employed these days for all power controlled
devices.

Unlike the diode, a SCR also blocks the current flow from anode to
cathode until it is triggered into conduction by a proper signal between
gate and cathode terminals.

2.3 Static V-I characteristics of SCR

 CHAPTER 3

3.1 SINGLE PHASE CYCLOCONVERTER:

In industrial applications, two forms of electrical energy are

used: Direct current (Dc) and Alternating current (Ac). Usually constant
voltage constant frequency single-phase (or) three phase Ac is readily
available. However, for different application, different forms,
magnitudes (or) frequencies are required. There are four different

conversions between Dc and Ac power sources.

These conversions are done by circuits called power converters. The

Converters are classified as:
1. Rectifiers: From single phase or three phase Ac to variable
voltage Dc. These Rectifiers use line voltages for their
commutation as such these are also called line-commutated (or)
naturally- commutated Ac to Dc converters. These are used in
Dc Drives, metallurgical and chemical industries, and excitation
systems for synchronous machines.
2. Choppers: A Dc chopper converts fixed Dc input voltage to a
controllable Dc output voltage. The chopper circuits require
force, (or) load, commutation transistors. Choppers find wide
application in Dc drivers, subway cars, trolley trucks, buttery –
driven vehicles.
3. Inverters: From Dc to variable magnitude and variable
frequency, single phase or three phase Ac. These converters
use line, load ( or ) forced commutation for turning – off the
thyristors, inverters find wide use in induction motor and
synchronous-motor drives, induction heating, UPS, HVDC
transmission.
4. Cycloconverter: from single phase are three phase Ac to
variable magnitude and variable frequency, single phase are
three phase Ac. Line commutation is more common in these
converters, through forced and load commutated
Cycloconverters are also employed. These are primarily used for
slow speed large Ac drives like rotary kiln.

. This article explains what Cycloconverters and their types, how they
operate and their applications.

Traditionally, Ac-Ac conversion using semiconductor switches is done

in two different ways:

1. Two stages ( Ac-Dc and then Dc-Ac ) as in Dc link converters

2. One stage ( Ac-Ac ) Cycloconverters as shown in Figure
Cycloconverters are used in high power applications driving
induction and Synchronous motors. They are usually phase-
controlled and they traditionally use thyristor due to their case
of phase commutation.

Fig 3.1: Block diagram of cycloconverter

There are other newer forms of cyclo conversion such as Ac-Ac

matrix Converters and high frequency Ac- Ac converters and these
uses self-controlled switches. These converters, however, are not
popular yet

Some applications of Cycloconverters are:

  Cement mill drives.
 Ship propulsion drives.
 Rolling mill drives.
 Scherbius drives.
 Ore grinding mills.
 Mine winders.

3.1.1 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION:

To understand the operation principles of cycloconverter,
the single phase to Single phase cycloconverter Figure 3.2 should be
studied first. This converter consists of back-to back connection of two
full-wave rectifier circuits. Figure 3.3 shows the operating waveforms
for this converter with a resistive load.

The input voltage V is an Ac voltage at a frequency f , as

shown in Figure 3.3(a). For easy understanding assume that all the
thyristor are fired at α = 00 firing angle, i.e., thyristor act like diodes.
Note that the firing angles are named as α p for the positive converter
and α n for the negative converter.

Consider the operation of the cycloconverter to get one-fourth of the

input frequency at the output. For the first two cycles of input voltage
Vs the positive Converter operates supplying current to the load. It
rectifies the input voltage therefore, the load sees 4 positive half
cycles as seen in Figure. In the next two cycles, the negative converter
operates supplying current to the load in the reverse direction. The
current waveforms are not shown in the figures because the resistive
load current will have the same waveform as the voltage but only
scaled by the resistance. Note that when one of the converters
operates the other one is disabled, so that there is no current
circulating between the two rectifiers

Fig 3.2: single phase to single phase cycloconverter

3.1.2 ANALYSIS OF SINGLE PHASE

CYCLOCONVERTER:

The frequency of the output voltage Vo in Figure 3.3 (b) is

4 times less than that of Vs, the input voltage, i.e. fo/ fi =1/4. Thus, this
is a step-down cycloconverter. On the other hand, cycloconverters that
have fo / fi ≥ 1 frequency relation are called Step-up cycloconverters.
Note that step-down cycloconverters are more widely used than the
step-up ones.

The frequency of Vo can be changed by varying the

number of cycles the positive and the negative converters work. It can
only change as integer multiples of f, in 1ϕ - 1ϕ cycloconverters.
 With the above operation, the 1ϕ -1ϕ cycloconverter can
only supply a certain voltage at a certain firing angleα . The Dc output
of each rectifier is:

Vd = (2 √2 /∏) V cos α (3.1)

Where V is the input rms voltage

The Dc value per half cycle is shown as dotted in Figure 3.3(d).

Then the peak of the fundamental output voltage is

Vo1 = (4 / ∏)(2 √2/∏) V cos α

(3.2)

Equation (3.2) implies that the fundamental output voltage depends on α .For α = 00.
V 01 = V d o * 1 = V d o (3.3)

Where V d o = 4 / ∏ (2 √2 )/∏ V (3.4)

If α is increased to π /3 as in the Figure 3.3 (d), then

V01 = Vdo * 0.5 (3.5)

Thus varying α , the fundamental output voltage can be controlled.

Constant α operation gives a crude output waveform with rich harmonic
content. The dotted lines in Figure 3.3(b) and Figure 3.3(c) show a square wave. If the
square wave can be modified to look more like a sine wave, the harmonics would be
reduced. For this reason α is modulated as shown in figure 3.3 (d). Now,, the six-
stepped dotted line is more like a sine wave with fewer harmonics. The more pulses there
are with different firing angles (α ), the less are the harmonics.
Fig 3.3 single phase to single phase cycloconverter waveforms of

(a) Input voltage

(b) Output voltage for zero firing angle

(c)Output voltage with firing angle ∏/3 rad

(d) Output voltage with varying firing angle

3.2 THREE PHASE CYCLOCONVERTERS:

Many alternative arrangements of cycloconverter circuit having
varying degrees of complexity, and providing singular or multi phase
outputs are feasible. As in the case of rectifier or phase controlled
converter circuit, from the view point of reducing the external
harmonics voltages and currents to a minimum, the pulse number of
the cycloconverter circuit should be as high as possible. Of course, this
necessarily implies that a relatively large number of the thyristors be
employed in the circuit and therefore, this requirement generally
cannot be met economically, unless the applications is such that the
large number of thyristors are required in any case, purely from the
view point of realizing the necessary output power. In practical
applications, the cycloconverter is commonly required to deliver a
three phase from a three input.

3.2.1THREE PHASE TO THREE PHASE

CYCLOCONVERTER:

If the outputs of three 3 ϕ - 1ϕ converters of the same kind are

connected in wye (or) delta and if the output voltages are radians
phase shifted from each other, the resulting converter is a three phase
to three phase (3 ϕ - 3 ϕ ) cycloconverter. The resulting
Cycloconverters are shown in Figure and Figure with wye connections.
If the three converters connected are half-wave converters, then the
new converter is called a 3 ϕ - 3 ϕ half-wave cycloconverter. If
instead, bridge converters are used, then the result is a 3ϕ - 3 ϕ
bridge cycloconverter. 3ϕ - 3 ϕ half-wave cycloconverter is also
called a 3- pulse cycloconverter or an 18- thyristor cycloconverter. On
the other hand, the 3 ϕ - 3 ϕ bridge cycloconverter is also called a 6-
pulse cycloconverter or a 36-thyristor cycloconverter. The operation of
each phase is explained in the previous section.
The three phase Cycloconverters are mainly used in Ac machine drive
systems running three phase synchronous and induction machines.
They are more advantages when used with a synchronous machine
due to their output power factor Characteristics. A cycloconverter can
supply lagging. Leading or unity power factor loads while its input is
always lagging. A synchronous machine can draw any power Factor
current from the converter. This characteristic operation matches the
cycloconverter to the synchronous machine. on the other hand,
induction machines can only draw lagging current, so the
cycloconverter does not have an edge compared to the other
converters in this aspect for running an Induction machine.
However, Cycloconverters are used in Scherbius drives for speed
control purposes driving wound rotor induction motors.

Cycloconverters produce harmonic rich output voltages,

which will be discussed in the following sections when
Cycloconverters are used to run an ac machine the leakage
inductance of the machine filters most of the higher frequency
harmonics are reduces the magnitudes of the lower order harmonics.

3.2.2 BLOCKING MODE CYCLOCONVERTER:

The operation of these Cycloconverters was explained

briefly before, they do Not let circulating current flow, and
therefore they do not need a bulky Inter Group Reactor
(IGR).when the current goes to zero, both positive and negative
converters are blocked. The converters stay off for a short delay
time to assure that the load current ceases. Then, depending on
the polarity, one of the converters is enabled. With each zero
crossing of the current, the converter, which was disabled before
the zero, can be used for this purpose. The operation waveforms
for a three-pulse blocking mode cycloconverter are given in
figure 3.6
 The blocking mode operation has some advantages and
disadvantages over the circulating mode operation during the delay
time, the current stays at zero distorting the voltage and current
waveforms. This distortion means complex harmonics patterns
compared to the circulating mode Cycloconverters. In addition to this,
the current reversal problem brings more control complexity. However,
no bulky IGRs are used. So the size and cost is less than of the
circulating current case. Another advantage is that only one converter
is in conduction at all times rather than two this means less losses and
higher efficiency.

Fig 3.6 Blocking mode operation waveforms

3.2.3 CIRCULATING CURRENT CYCLOCONVERTERS:

In this case, both of the converters operate at all times producing the
same fundamental output voltage. The firing angles of the converters
satisfy the firing angle condition

α r +α n =π

Thus when one converter is in rectification mode the other one is in

inversion mode and vice versa. If both of the converts are producing
pure sine waves, then there would not be any circulating current
because the instantaneous potential difference between the outputs of
the converters would be zero. In reality, an inter group reactor is
connected between the outputs of two phase-controlled converters.
The voltage waveform across the inter group reactor can be seen in
Figure. This is the difference of the instantaneous output voltages
produced by the two converters. The center tap voltage of inter group
reactor is the voltage applied to the load and it is the mean of the
voltages applied to the ends of inter group reactor, thus the load
voltage ripple is reduced.

The circulating current cycloconverter applies a smoother load voltage

with fewer harmonic compared to the blocking mode case. Moreover,
the control is simple because there is no current reversal problem.
However, the bulky inter group reactor is a big disadvantage for this
converter. In addition to this, the number of devices conducting at any
time is twice that of the blocking mode converter. Due to these
disadvantages, this cycloconverter is not attractive.

The blocked mode cycloconverter and the circulating current

cycloconverter can be combined to give a hybrid system, which has
the advantages of both. The resulting cycloconverter looks like a
circulating mode cycloconverter circuit, but depending on the polarity
of the output current only one converter is enabled and the other one
is disabled as with the blocking mode Cycloconverters. When the load
current decreases below a threshold, both of the converters are
enabled. Thus the current has a smooth reversal. When the current
increases above a threshold in the other direction, the outgoing
converter is disabled.

This hybrid cycloconverter operates in the blocking mode most of the

time so a smaller inter group reactor (IGR) can be used. The efficiency
is slightly higher than that of the circulating current cycloconverter but
much less than the blocking mode cycloconverter. Moreover, the
distortion caused by the blocking mode operation disappears due to
the circulating current operation around zero current. Moreover, the
control of the converter is still less complex than that of the blocking
mode cycloconverter.
Fig 3.7 circulating mode operation waveforms
 CHAPTER 4

4.1 SINGLE PHASE TO THREE PHASE

CYLOCONVERTER
Recently, with the decrease in the size and price of power
electronic switches, single phase to three phase cyclo converters
started drawing more research interest. Usually, an bridge inverter
produces a high frequency single phase voltage waveform, which is fed
to the cycloconverter either through high frequency transformer or not.
If a transformer is used, it isolates the inverter from the
cycloconverter. In addition to this, additional taps from the transformer
can be used to power other converters producing high frequency AC
link. The single phase high frequency AC voltage can be either
sinusoidal or trapezoidal. There might be zero voltage intervals for
control purposes or zero voltage commutation. Figure 4.1 shows the
circuit diagram of a typical high frequency AC link converter. These
converters are not commercially available yet.

Fig 4.1: High frequency AC link converter

4.2 PRINCIPAL OF OPERATION:
Figure 4.2 shows the power circuit of a cycloconverter for a
three phase output with a single phase input. Each phase consists of
two converters, a positive converter and a negative converter
connected in anti parallel. For example SCR 1 and SCR 2 from the
positive converter and SCR 3 and SCR 4 from the negative converter,
essentially, three sets of dual converters are required for the
generation of a three phase output from a single phase source. A
variable frequency can be generated by alternatively switching the
positive and negative converter of one of the dual converters. The
other two converters to be triggered in such a manner that a
predefined phase sequence as well as phase difference of 120
degrees is maintained between output A,B and C.

In figure 4.2 Lx represents the leakage inductance of the

transformer. Lc corresponds to the circulating current inductor fed for
limiting the short circuit current. The load components are R and L
where R includes the resistance of the load, transformer and
circulating current inductor (CCI).

Figure 4.3 shows the idealized waveforms with a straight

forward firing sequence of 121,343,121 at zero firing angle for purely
resistive load (L,Lx,, Lc→0). The SCR 1 turns off when the input voltage Vi
goes through zero in the negative direction at point P,Q and R are
called cross over points when the change over from a positive group to
negative one takes over and vice versa. This cross over point is most
susceptible to problems in highly inductive (High L/R loads).
4.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF SINGLE PHASE TO
THREE PHASE CYCLO CONVERTERS:

Figure 4.2: power circuit of single phase to three phase center tapped
configuration cycloconverter
4.4 WAVEFORMS

Figure 4.3: idealized waveforms for input and output voltages of each
phase
 CHAPTER 5

5. 1. ANALYSIS OF 1-ф TO 3-ф CYCLO

CONVERTER:
The cycloconverter of Figure 4.2 is redrawn in Figure 5.1
for purpose of simulation. The parameter values indicated in the
diagram corresponds to the single phase to three phase cycloconverter
experimental setup.

In subsequent discussions, the simulated waveforms will be shown for

phase A only. The waveforms for phase B and C are identical to that of
phase A. Voltages V1 and V2 are taken to be 112V (rms) at 50Hz. The
gate pulses to the various SCR’s are given at a firing angle (α) where

0< α< .the gate pulses remain high during α to π - α. In the actual

system these pulses are chopped at 10 KHz to prevent the isolating

transformer from being saturated. The firing sequence, 121,343,121....
and so on corresponding to N=3 is reported in this project. The load

parameters R1 and VL1 are selected for simulating for Low , Medium ,

and High loads.

The following are the different types of loads are given below:

1. Low Load.

2. Medium Load.

3. High Load.
5.2.1. Low Load:

Figure 7.2(a) shows the various waveforms for phase A

with α=0. Ll=0.001H, and Rl= 45Ω. The load voltage and load current
are almost in phase. Consequently, each SCR conducts until the end of
the corresponding input half cycle. The waveforms are very close to
the idealized waveforms of Figure 4.3.

The harmonic spectra of the load voltage and the load

current are shown in the Figure 7.2(b). It may be observed that there
are two dominant harmonics. They are located at 2fi f0 with fi=50Hz

and f0= . The magnitude of the (2N-1)th harmonic is larger than the

(2N+1)th component, there values being 34% and 25% of the

fundamental, respectively. In addition, the magnitudes of the other
harmonics are also substantial.

5.2.2 Medium Load:

Figure 7.4(a) shows the waveform for phase A for Rl=10Ω

and Ll=0.1 H. It may be observed that SCR 1 , SCR 2, SCR 3, and SCR 4
conducts simultaneously for a varied period of time. Due to this
overlap conduction of SCR’s the load voltage drops down to almost
zero values for overlap period. This causes discontinuity in the load
voltage, where as the load current remains continuous. The load
current continues to build up during the successive conduction of SCR
of a given group thus the magnitude of the load current at the end of
the output half cycle is non-zero.
 Consequently at the crossover point, SCR 2 continuous to
conduct and prevents conduction of SCR 4 for an appreciable time. A
similar problem occurs at the next cross over point. Where over
conduction of SCR 3 does not allow SCR 1 to be triggered. The
conduction of SCR 1 is again delayed until SCR 3 is turned off.

From the harmonic spectra of the load voltage and the

load current shown in Figure 7.4(b), it may be observed that the (2N-
1)th harmonic in the load current is very small as compared to the case

of low load. This can be attributed to the reduction of ripple in the

load current due to large load inductance. However, the harmonic

content in the load voltage waveform has increased. Specifically, (2N-
1)th components are now 71% and 50% of the fundamental,
respectively. The higher order harmonics such as (4N+1) in the load
voltage have also increased. This can be attributed to simultaneous
conduction of SCR in a given group, during which the load voltage

drops down to a very low value.

5.2.3. HIGH LOAD:

If the load is more inductive, the conducting SCR of a group

out of conduction for the entire input half cycle. This is illustrated in
Figure 7.6(a) for Rl=5Ω and Ll= 0.1H. it can be observed from the
Figure 7.6(a) that SCR 2 does not turn off at the crossover point and
SCR 4 is not allowed to be turned on at all. Also, when SCR 3 is
triggered during the next negative half of the input, SCR 2 also gets a
favorable voltage to stay on. Consequently, SCR 2 and SCR 3 are

simultaneously on for slightly less than 20ms.

6.1 INTRODUCTION TO MATLAB
MATLAB, developed by Math works inc., is a software
package for high performance numerical computation and
visualization. The combination of analysis capabilities, flexibility,
reliability, and powerful graphics makes MATLAB the premier software
package for electrical engineers.

MATLAB provides an interactive environment

with hundreds of reliable and accurate built in mathematical functions.
These functions provide solutions to a broad range of mathematical
problems including matrix algebra, complex arithmetic linear systems,
differential equations, signal processing, optimization, nonlinear
systems, and many other types of scientific computations. The most
important feature of MATLAB is its programming capability, which is
very easy to learn and to use, and which allows user-developed
functions. It also allows access to FORTRAN algorithms and C codes by
means of external interfaces.

MATLAB has been enhanced by the very

powerful SIMULINK program. SIMULINK is a graphical mouse-driven
program for the simulation of dynamic systems. SIMULINK enables
students to simulate linear, as well as nonlinear, systems easily and
efficiently.
6.2 INTRDUCTION TO SIMULINK:
SIMULINK is an interactive environment for modeling,
analyzing, and simulating a wide variety of dynamic systems.
SIMULINK provides a graphical user interface for constructing block
diagram models using “drag and drop” operations. A system is
configured in terms of block diagram representation from a library of
standard components. SIMULINK is very easy to learn. A system in
block diagram representation is built easily and the simulation results
are display quickly.

SIMULINK is particularly useful for studying the effects of

nonlinearities on the behavior if the system, and as such, it is also an
ideal research tool. The key features of SIMULINK are:

 Interactive simulation with live display.

 A comprehensive block library for creating liner, nonlinear,

discrete or hybrid multi input/output systems.

 Seven integration methods for fixed-step, variable-step, and

stiff systems.

 Unlimited hierarchical model structure.

 Scalar and vector connections.

 Mask facility for creating custom blocks and block libraries.

6.2.1 SIMULATION PARAMETERS AND

SOLVER:
 We set the simulation parameters and select the solver by
choosing Parameters from the simulation menu. SIMULINK displays
the simulation parameters dialog box, which uses three “pages” to
manage simulation parameters, Solver, Workspace I/O, and
Diagnostics.

SOLVER PAGE:

The solver page appears when you first choose

Parameters from the Simulation menu or when you select the
Solver tab. The Solver page allows you to:

• Set the start and stop times- you can change the start time and
stop time for the simulation by entering new values in the Start
time and Stop time fields. The default start time is 0.0 seconds
and the default stop time is 10.0 seconds.

• Choose the solver and specify solver parameters – The default

solver provides accurate and efficient results for most problems.
Variable–step solvers can modify their step sizes during the
simulation. These are ode45, ode23, ode113, ode15s,
ode23s, and discrete. The default is od45. For fixed–step
solvers, you can choose ode5, ode3, ode2, ode1, and
discrete.

• Output options – The output options area of the dialog box

enables you to control how much output the simulation
generates. You can choose from three popup options. These are:
Refine output, produce additional output, and produce specified
output only.
WORKSPACE I/O PAGE:

The Workspace I/O page manages the input from and the
output to the MATLAB workspace, and allows:

• Loading input from the workspace – input can be specified either

as MATLAB command or as a matrix for the Import blocks.

• Saving the output to the workspace – you can specify return

variables by selecting the Time, State, and /or Output check
boxes in the Save to workspace area.

DIAGNOSTICS PAGE:

The Diagnostic page allows you to select the level of warning

messages displayed during a simulation.

6.2.2 THE SIMULATION PARAMETERS DIALOG

BOX:

Table below summarizes the actions performed by the

dialog box buttons, which appear on the button of each dialog box
page.

Button Action

Apply Applies the current parameter values and keeps the dialog
box open. During a simulation, the parameter values are
applied immediately.
 Revert Changes the parameter values back to the values they had
when the Dialog box was most recently opened and applies
the parameter.

Help Displays help text for the dialog box page

Close Applies the parameter values and closes the dialog box.
During a simulation, the parameter values are applied
immediately.

6.2.3 BLOCK DIAGRAM CONSTRUCTION:

At the MATLAB prompt, type SIMULINK. The SIMULINK
BLOCK LIBRARY, containing seven icons, and five pull-down menu
heads, appears. Each icon contains various components in the titled
category. To see the content of each category, double click on its icon.
The easy-to-use pull-down menus allows you to create a SIMULINK
block diagram, or open an existing file, perform the simulation, and
make any modifications. Basically, one has to specify the model of the
system (state space, discrete, transfer functions, nonlinear ode’s, etc),
the input (source) to the system, and where the output (sink) of the
simulation of the system will go. Generally when building a model,
design it first on the paper, then build it using the computer. When you
start putting blocks together into a model, add the blocks to the model
window before adding the lines that connect them. This way, you can
reduce how often you need to open block libraries
Fig 1: source and load voltage of each phase with
α=0° for LOW L/R load
Fig 2: source and load currents of each phase with
α=0° for LOW L/R load

Fig 3: Harmonic spectra of output voltage for phase A

Fig 4: Harmonic spectra of output voltage for phase B

Fig 5: Harmonic spectra of output voltage for phase C

Fig 6: Harmonic spectra of output current for phase A
Fig 7: Harmonic spectra of output current for phase B

Fig 8: Harmonic spectra of output current for phase C

GATE PULSES OF EACH THYRISTOR:
Fig: source and load voltage of each phase with α=0°
 Fig: source and load currents of each phase with
α=0°
Fig: Harmonic spectra of load voltage for phase A

Fig: Harmonic spectra of load voltage for phase B

Fig: Harmonic spectra of load voltage of for phase C

Fig: harmonic spectra of load current for phase A

Fig: harmonic spectra of load current for phase B

Fig: Harmonic spectra of load current for phase C

Fig: harmonic spectra of load voltage for phase A

Fig: harmonic spectra of load voltage for phase B

 CHAPTER-8

8. 1. CONCLUSIONS:

Detailed Simulation for an existing single-phase to

three-phase cycloconverter with 50 Hz line frequency and output
frequency of 16.6666 Hz (N=3) have been carried out. The reactive
loading constraints on the cycloconverter operating under the group
trigger mode have been studied. It has been found that for low loads
both load voltage and the load current contain large harmonic
components have been found to be present in the load voltage wave
form for all kinds of loads.

Delayed conduction of the incoming SCR at the

crossover-point has been clearly demonstrated for a medium load.
The load current waveform is relatively free of harmonic distribution,
but the load voltage waveform contains relatively higher harmonic
components. The short circuit free operation for high loads with a
constant firing angle method is not possible because of the short
circuit occurrences due to high ratio of . It is recommended that a
resistor is connected in series with circulating current inductor (CCI) for
limiting the short circuit currents in the practical system.
8.2. APPLICATIONS:

At present, the applications of cycloconverter are:

 Speed control of high-power AC drives.

 Induction heating.

 Static VAR generation.

 For converting variable speed alternator voltage to constant

frequency output voltage for use as power supply in Aircraft or
Shipboards.

 Slow and Speed large AC drives like Rotary Kilns and Traction
vehicles.

 Aircrafts VSCF systems.

8. 3. FUTURE SCOPE OF PROJECT:

Cycloconverters are used in the industry for the control of
frequency and voltage. The single phase to three phase cycloconverter
induction motors drives can be used for a single phase traction system.
In this project we used constant firing angle method. This technique
uses less CPU time and memory. By using this we can reduce these
two efforts. We can implement this on 8- bit popular Micro processor
for single phase to three phase cyclo converter fed induction motor.
8. 4. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ON POWER
ELECTRONICS:

Lower voltages, higher current and better regulation are

needed for the coming generation of Very Large Scale Industries
(VLSI). Highly regulated voltages on the order of three volts, or less,
currents in tens and hundreds of amperes and load dynamics of 100
A/sec will be required. Narain G. Hingorani, vice president of the
Electrical System Division for EPRI (Electrical Power Research Institute,
Palo Alta, CA, USA), says power electronics should be national priority.
He points out (1987) that over the next over 20 years the development
of semi conductor devices for high voltage, high current applications
will bring about a major transformation in industrial system. He says
this “second electronics revolution” has always begun and is being
used to make AC/DC converters for High-voltage DC (HVDC)
transmission, static VAR compensators, UPS to protect sensitive
equipment and drives for adjustable speed motors (Miller 1987).

High frequency resonant converters will be found wide

applications in the switching power supplies for personal computers in
the near future. Built in Un-interrupted Power Supply (UPS) for the
personal computer will possible in the future.

Microprocessors will play a more important role in the power

converting system in the future. Dedicated micro controller and power
control IC (integrated control) will be developed. Smaller size, lower
cost, higher power handling capability and more reliable power
converting system will be on the market.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Muhammad H. Rashid, “power electronic circuits, Devices, and
Applications”, published by Pearson Education (Singapore) Pte.
Ltd., Indian Branch, Delhi.

2. “Microprocessor based single phase to three phase

cycloconverter,” IEEE Trans. Ind. Electron., Vol. 37, no. 4, Aug.
1990.

3. G. N. Achary, U. N. Rao, S. S. Shekhawat, “A Single-Phase To

Three-Phase Static Converter,” in proc. IEE, Power Electronics,
Power Semiconductors and their Applications, 1977.

4. K.Kant, “Analysis and Design of Cycloconverter Fed Induction

Motor Drive”, Ph.D. dissertation, department of Electrical
Engineering, I.I.T., Delhi, India, 1982.

5. Vineeta and K.Kant, “An Efficient Algorithm for the Control of

Microprocessor Based Single Phase to Three Phase
Cycloconverter,” IEEE Trans. In. Electron. Vol. 37. No. 1, Feb.
1990.

S. K. Tso. M. E. Spooner, and J. Consgrove, “Efficient Microprocessor

Based Cycloconverter Control,” in Proc. IEE, pt. B, Vol. 127, no. 3, May
1980.

6. L. Gyugi and B. R. Pelly, Static Power Frequency Changer, New

York: Wiley Interscience, 1976.

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