www.getmyuni.

com

Unit-8
AC VOLTAGE CONTROLLER CIRCUITS

AC voltage controllers (ac line voltage controllers) are employed to vary the RMS
value of the alternating voltage applied to a load circuit by introducing Thyristors between
the load and a constant voltage ac source. The RMS value of alternating voltage applied to a
load circuit is controlled by controlling the triggering angle of the Thyristors in the ac voltage
controller circuits.
In brief, an ac voltage controller is a type of thyristor power converter which is used
to convert a fixed voltage, fixed frequency ac input supply to obtain a variable voltage ac
output. The RMS value of the ac output voltage and the ac power flow to the load is
controlled by varying (adjusting) the trigger angle ‘α’

V0(RMS)
AC Vs AC Variable AC
Input Voltage RMSO/P Voltage
Voltage fs Controller
fs
fS

Page 215
www.getmyuni.com

There are two different types of thyristor control used in practice to control the ac power
flow

• On-Off control
• Phase control

These are the two ac output voltage control techniques.

In On-Off control technique Thyristors are used as switches to connect the load circuit to
the ac supply (source) for a few cycles of the input ac supply and then to disconnect it for few
input cycles. The Thyristors thus act as a high speed contactor (or high speed ac switch).

6.1 Phase Control

In phase control the Thyristors are used as switches to connect the load circuit to the
input ac supply, for a part of every input cycle. That is the ac supply voltage is chopped using
Thyristors during a part of each input cycle.
The thyristor switch is turned on for a part of every half cycle, so that input supply
voltage appears across the load and then turned off during the remaining part of input half
cycle to disconnect the ac supply from the load.
By controlling the phase angle or the trigger angle ‘α’ (delay angle), the output RMS
voltage across the load can be controlled.
The trigger delay angle ‘α’ is defined as the phase angle (the value of ωt) at which the
thyristor turns on and the load current begins to flow.
Thyristor ac voltage controllers use ac line commutation or ac phase commutation.
Thyristors in ac voltage controllers are line commutated (phase commutated) since the input
supply is ac. When the input ac voltage reverses and becomes negative during the negative
half cycle the current flowing through the conducting thyristor decreases and falls to zero.
Thus the ON thyristor naturally turns off, when the device current falls to zero.
Phase control Thyristors which are relatively inexpensive, converter grade Thyristors
which are slower than fast switching inverter grade Thyristors are normally used.
For applications upto 400Hz, if Triacs are available to meet the voltage and current
ratings of a particular application, Triacs are more commonly used.
Due to ac line commutation or natural commutation, there is no need of extra
commutation circuitry or components and the circuits for ac voltage controllers are very
simple.
Due to the nature of the output waveforms, the analysis, derivations of expressions for
performance parameters are not simple, especially for the phase controlled ac voltage
controllers with RL load. But however most of the practical loads are of the RL type and
hence RL load should be considered in the analysis and design of ac voltage controller
circuits.

6.2 Type of Ac Voltage Controllers

The ac voltage controllers are classified into two types based on the type of input ac
supply applied to the circuit.

Page 216
www.getmyuni.com

• Single Phase AC Controllers.

• Three Phase AC Controllers.
Single phase ac controllers operate with single phase ac supply voltage of 230V RMS
at 50Hz in our country. Three phase ac controllers operate with 3 phase ac supply of 400V
RMS at 50Hz supply frequency.
Each type of controller may be sub divided into
• Uni-directional or half wave ac controller.
• Bi-directional or full wave ac controller.
In brief different types of ac voltage controllers are
• Single phase half wave ac voltage controller (uni-directional controller).
• Single phase full wave ac voltage controller (bi-directional controller).
• Three phase half wave ac voltage controller (uni-directional controller).
• Three phase full wave ac voltage controller (bi-directional controller).

Applications of Ac Voltage Controllers

• Lighting / Illumination control in ac power circuits.
• Induction heating.
• Industrial heating & Domestic heating.
• Transformer tap changing (on load transformer tap changing).
• Speed control of induction motors (single phase and poly phase ac induction motor
control).
• AC magnet controls.

6.3 Principle of On-Off Control Technique (Integral Cycle Control)

The basic principle of on-off control technique is explained with reference to a single
phase full wave ac voltage controller circuit shown below. The thyristor switches T1 and T2
are turned on by applying appropriate gate trigger pulses to connect the input ac supply to the
load for ‘n’ number of input cycles during the time interval tON . The thyristor switches T1
and T2 are turned off by blocking the gate trigger pulses for ‘m’ number of input cycles
during the time interval tOFF . The ac controller ON time tON usually consists of an integral
number of input cycles.

Page 217
www.getmyuni.com

Fig 6.1: Single phase full wave AC voltage controller

Vs n m

wt

Vo
io

wt

ig1 Gate pulse of T1

wt
ig2 Gate pulse of T2

wt

Fig 6.2: Waveforms

R = RL = Load Resistance

Example
Referring to the waveforms of ON-OFF control technique in the above diagram,
n = Two input cycles. Thyristors are turned ON during tON for two input cycles.
m = One input cycle. Thyristors are turned OFF during tOFF for one input cycle

Fig 6.3: Power Factor

Thyristors are turned ON precisely at the zero voltage crossings of the input supply.
The thyristor T1 is turned on at the beginning of each positive half cycle by applying the gate
trigger pulses to T1 as shown, during the ON time tON . The load current flows in the positive
direction, which is the downward direction as shown in the circuit diagram when T1 conducts.

Page 218
www.getmyuni.com

The thyristor T2 is turned on at the beginning of each negative half cycle, by applying gating
signal to the gate of T2 , during tON . The load current flows in the reverse direction, which is
the upward direction when T2 conducts. Thus we obtain a bi-directional load current flow
(alternating load current flow) in a ac voltage controller circuit, by triggering the thyristors
alternately.
This type of control is used in applications which have high mechanical inertia and
high thermal time constant (Industrial heating and speed control of ac motors). Due to zero
voltage and zero current switching of Thyristors, the harmonics generated by switching
actions are reduced.
For a sine wave input supply voltage,
vs = Vm sin ω t = 2VS sin ω t
V
VS = RMS value of input ac supply = m = RMS phase supply voltage.
2
If the input ac supply is connected to load for ‘n’ number of input cycles and
disconnected for ‘m’ number of input cycles, then

tON = n × T , tOFF = m × T

1
Where T = = input cycle time (time period) and
f
f = input supply frequency.
tON = controller on time = n × T .
tOFF = controller off time = m × T .
TO = Output time period = ( tON + tOFF ) = ( nT + mT ) .

We can show that,

tON t
Output RMS voltage VO( RMS ) = Vi( RMS ) = VS ON
TO TO

Where Vi( RMS ) is the RMS input supply voltage = VS .

(i) To derive an expression for the rms value of output voltage, for on-off control
method.

ωt
1 ON 2 2
V Sin ω t.d (ω t )
ωTO ωt∫=0 m
Output RMS voltage VO( RMS ) =

ω tON
Vm 2
VO( RMS ) = ∫ Sin 2ω t.d (ω t )
ωTO 0

1 − Cos 2θ
Substituting for Sin 2θ =
2

Page 219
www.getmyuni.com

ω tON
Vm 2 1 − Cos 2ω t 
VO( RMS ) =
ωTO ∫  2  d (ω t )
0

ωt ω tON
Vm 2  ON 
VO( RMS ) =  ∫ d (ω t ) − ∫ Cos 2ω t.d (ω t ) 
2ωTO  0 0 

ω tON ω tON
Vm 2  Sin 2ω t 
VO( RMS ) = ( ω t ) − 
2ωTO  0
2 0 

Vm 2  sin 2ω tON − sin 0 

VO( RMS ) =  (ω tON − 0 ) − 
2ωTO  2 

Now tON = an integral number of input cycles; Hence

tON = T , 2T ,3T , 4T ,5T ,..... & ω tON = 2π , 4π , 6π ,8π ,10π ,......

Where T is the input supply time period (T = input cycle time period). Thus we note that
sin 2ω tON = 0
Vm 2 ω tON Vm tON
VO( RMS ) = =
2 ω TO 2 TO
tON t
VO( RMS ) = Vi( RMS ) = VS ON
TO TO

Vm
Where Vi( RMS ) = = VS = RMS value of input supply voltage;
2

tON tON nT n
= = = = k = duty cycle (d).
TO tON + tOFF nT + mT ( n + m )

n
VO( RMS ) = VS =V k
(m + n) S

Performance Parameters of Ac Voltage Controllers

• RMS Output (Load) Voltage

1
 n
2π
 2
VO( RMS ) = ∫ Vm 2 sin 2 ω t.d (ω t ) 
 2π ( n + m ) 0 

Page 220
www.getmyuni.com

Vm n
VO( RMS ) = =V k = VS k
2 ( m + n ) i( RMS )

VO( RMS ) = Vi ( RMS ) k = VS k

Where VS = Vi( RMS ) = RMS value of input supply voltage.

• Duty Cycle
t tON nT
k = ON = =
TO ( tON + tOFF ) ( m + n ) T

n
Where, k = = duty cycle (d).
(m + n)

• RMS Load Current

VO( RMS ) VO ( RMS )

I O ( RMS ) = = ; For a resistive load Z = RL .
Z RL

• Output AC (Load) Power

PO = I O2 ( RMS ) × RL

• Input Power Factor

PO output load power P

PF = = = O
VA input supply volt amperes VS I S

I O2 ( RMS ) × RL
PF = ; I S = I in( RMS ) = RMS input supply current.
Vi ( RMS ) × I in( RMS )

The input supply current is same as the load current I in = I O = I L

Hence, RMS supply current = RMS load current; I in( RMS ) = I O( RMS ) .

Page 221
www.getmyuni.com

I O2 ( RMS ) × RL VO( RMS ) Vi ( RMS ) k

PF = = = = k
Vi ( RMS ) × I in( RMS ) Vi ( RMS ) Vi( RMS )

n
PF = k =
m+n

• The Average Current of Thyristor IT ( Avg )

Waveform of Thyristor Current

iT m
n
Im

0 π 2π 3π ωt
π
n
I m sin ω t.d (ω t )
2π ( m + n ) ∫0
IT ( Avg ) =

π
nI m
sin ω t.d (ω t )
2π ( m + n ) ∫0
IT ( Avg ) =

π
nI m  
IT ( Avg ) =  − cos ω t 
2π ( m + n )  0

nI m
IT ( Avg ) = [ − cos π + cos 0]
2π ( m + n )

nI m
IT ( Avg ) =  − ( −1) + 1
2π ( m + n ) 

n
IT ( Avg ) = [ 2I m ]
2π ( m + n )

Imn k .I
IT ( Avg ) = = m
π (m + n) π

tON n
k = duty cycle = =
( tON + tOFF ) ( n + m )

Page 222
www.getmyuni.com

Imn k .I
IT ( Avg ) = = m,
π (m + n) π

Vm
Where I m = = maximum or peak thyristor current.
RL

• RMS Current of Thyristor IT ( RMS )

1
 n
π
 2
IT ( RMS ) = ∫ I 2
sin 2
ω t .d ( ω t ) 
 2π ( n + m ) 0
m


1
 nI m2 π
 2
IT ( RMS ) = ∫ sin 2 ω t.d (ω t ) 
 2π ( n + m ) 0 

1
 nI m2 π
(1 − cos 2ω t ) d ω t  2
IT ( RMS ) = ∫ ( )
 2π ( n + m ) 0 2 

1
 nI m2 π π
 2

IT ( RMS ) = ∫ d ( ω t ) − ∫ cos 2ω t.d (ω t ) 

 4π ( n + m )  0 0 

1
 nI m2  π
 sin 2ω t 
π
 2

IT ( RMS ) = (ω t ) −  
 4π ( n + m )  0  2  
0 

1
 nI m2   sin 2π − sin 0  
2
IT ( RMS ) = (π − 0 ) −   
 4π ( n + m )   2  

1
 nI m2  2
IT ( RMS ) = {π − 0 − 0}
 4π ( n + m ) 

1 1
 nI m2π  2
 nI m2  2
IT ( RMS ) =  = 
 4π ( n + m )   4 ( n + m) 

Im n I
IT ( RMS ) = = m k
2 (m + n) 2

Im
IT ( RMS ) = k
2

Problem

Page 223
www.getmyuni.com

1. A single phase full wave ac voltage controller working on ON-OFF control technique
has supply voltage of 230V, RMS 50Hz, load = 50Ω. The controller is ON for 30
cycles and off for 40 cycles. Calculate
• ON & OFF time intervals.
• RMS output voltage.
• Input P.F.
• Average and RMS thyristor currents.

Vin( RMS ) = 230V , Vm = 2 × 230V = 325.269 V, Vm = 325.269V ,

1 1
T= = = 0.02sec , T = 20ms .
f 50 Hz

n = number of input cycles during which controller is ON; n = 30 .

m = number of input cycles during which controller is OFF; m = 40 .

tON = n × T = 30 × 20ms = 600ms = 0.6sec

tON = n × T = 0.6sec = controller ON time.

tOFF = m × T = 40 × 20ms = 800ms = 0.8sec

tOFF = m × T = 0.8sec = controller OFF time.

n 30
Duty cycle k = = = 0.4285
( m + n ) ( 40 + 30 )
RMS output voltage
n
VO( RMS ) = Vi ( RMS ) ×
(m + n)
30 3
VO( RMS ) = 230V × = 230
( 30 + 40 ) 7

VO( RMS ) = 230V 0.42857 = 230 × 0.65465

VO( RMS ) = 150.570V

VO( RMS ) VO ( RMS ) 150.570V

I O( RMS ) = = = = 3.0114 A
Z RL 50Ω

PO = I O2 ( RMS ) × RL = 3.01142 × 50 = 453.426498W

Input Power Factor P.F = k

Page 224
www.getmyuni.com

n 30
PF = = = 0.4285
( m + n ) 70

PF = 0.654653

Average Thyristor Current Rating

I  n  k × Im
IT ( Avg ) = m ×  =
π  m + n  π

Vm 2 × 230 325.269
where Im = = =
RL 50 50

I m = 6.505382 A = Peak (maximum) thyristor current.

6.505382  3 
IT ( Avg ) = × 
π 7

IT ( Avg ) = 0.88745 A

RMS Current Rating of Thyristor

I n I 6.505382 3
IT ( RMS ) = m = m k= ×
2 (m + n) 2 2 7

IT ( RMS ) = 2.129386 A

6.4 Principle of AC Phase Control

The basic principle of ac phase control technique is explained with reference to a

single phase half wave ac voltage controller (unidirectional controller) circuit shown in the
below figure.
The half wave ac controller uses one thyristor and one diode connected in parallel
across each other in opposite direction that is anode of thyristor T1 is connected to the
cathode of diode D1 and the cathode of T1 is connected to the anode of D1 . The output
voltage across the load resistor ‘R’ and hence the ac power flow to the load is controlled by
varying the trigger angle ‘α’.
The trigger angle or the delay angle ‘α’ refers to the value of ω t or the instant at
which the thyristor T1 is triggered to turn it ON, by applying a suitable gate trigger pulse
between the gate and cathode lead.
The thyristor T1 is forward biased during the positive half cycle of input ac supply. It
can be triggered and made to conduct by applying a suitable gate trigger pulse only during the

Page 225
www.getmyuni.com

positive half cycle of input supply. When T1 is triggered it conducts and the load current
flows through the thyristor T1 , the load and through the transformer secondary winding.
By assuming T1 as an ideal thyristor switch it can be considered as a closed switch
when it is ON during the period ω t = α to π radians. The output voltage across the load
follows the input supply voltage when the thyristor T1 is turned-on and when it conducts from
ω t = α to π radians. When the input supply voltage decreases to zero at ω t = π , for a
resistive load the load current also falls to zero at ω t = π and hence the thyristor T1 turns off
at ω t = π . Between the time period ω t = π to 2π , when the supply voltage reverses and
becomes negative the diode D1 becomes forward biased and hence turns ON and conducts.
The load current flows in the opposite direction during ω t = π to 2π radians when D1 is ON
and the output voltage follows the negative half cycle of input supply.

Fig 6.4: Halfwave AC phase controller (Unidirectional Controller)

Equations Input AC Supply Voltage across the Transformer Secondary Winding.

vs = Vm sin ω t
Vm
VS = Vin( RMS ) = = RMS value of secondary supply voltage.
2

Page 226
www.getmyuni.com

Output Load Voltage

vo = vL = 0 ; for ω t = 0 to α

vo = vL = Vm sin ω t ; for ω t = α to 2π .

Output Load Current

vo Vm sin ω t
io = iL = = ; for ω t = α to 2π .
RL RL

io = iL = 0 ; for ω t = 0 to α .

(i) To Derive an Expression for rms Output Voltage VO ( RMS ) .

2π
1  
VO( RMS ) =  ∫ Vm sin ω t.d (ω t ) 
2 2

2π  α 

2π
Vm 2   1 − cos 2ω t  
VO( RMS ) = ∫   .d (ω t ) 
2π  α  2  

2π
Vm 2  
VO( RMS ) =  ∫ (1 − cos 2ω t ) .d (ω t ) 
4π  α 

Vm  2π 2π

VO( RMS ) =  ∫ ( ) ∫ cos 2ω t.dω t 
d ω t −
2 π α α 

2π 2π
Vm   sin 2ω t  
VO( RMS ) =  (ω t ) −  
2 π  α  2  α 

2π
sin 2ω t 
( 2π − α ) − 
Vm
VO( RMS ) = 
2 π  2  α

sin 4π sin 2α 
( 2π − α ) − 
Vm
VO( RMS ) = −  ;sin 4π = 0
2 π  2 2 

Page 227
www.getmyuni.com

Vm sin 2α
VO( RMS ) = ( 2π − α ) +
2 π 2

Vm sin 2α
VO( RMS ) = ( 2π − α ) +
2 2π 2

Vm 1  sin 2α 
VO( RMS ) =  ( 2π − α ) +
2 2π  2 

1  sin 2α 
VO( RMS ) = Vi( RMS ) ( 2π − α ) +
2π  2 

1  sin 2α 
VO( RMS ) = VS ( 2π − α ) +
2π  2 

Vm
Where, Vi( RMS ) = VS = = RMS value of input supply voltage (across the
2
transformer secondary winding).

Note: Output RMS voltage across the load is controlled by changing 'α ' as indicated by the
expression for VO ( RMS )
PLOT OF VO ( RMS ) VERSUS TRIGGER ANGLE α FOR A SINGLE PHASE HALF-WAVE
AC VOLTAGE CONTROLLER (UNIDIRECTIONAL CONTROLLER)

Vm 1  sin 2α 
VO( RMS ) =  ( 2π − α ) +
2 2π  2 

1  sin 2α 
VO( RMS ) = VS  ( 2π − α ) +
2π  2 

By using the expression for VO ( RMS ) we can obtain the control characteristics, which is
the plot of RMS output voltage VO ( RMS ) versus the trigger angle α . A typical control
characteristic of single phase half-wave phase controlled ac voltage controller is as shown
below

Trigger angle α Trigger angle α VO( RMS )

in degrees in radians
Vm
0 0 VS =
2

Page 228
www.getmyuni.com

300 π
6 ( 6)
; 1π 0.992765 VS

600 π ; ( 2π ) 0.949868 VS
3 6
900 π ; ( 3π ) 0.866025 VS
2 6
1200 2π ; ( 4π ) 0.77314 VS
3 6
1500 5π ; ( 5π ) 0.717228 VS
6 6
1800 π ; ( 6π ) 0.707106 VS
6
VO(RMS)
100% VS 70.7% VS

60% VS

20% VS

0 60 120 180
Trigger angle α in degrees

Fig 6.5: Control characteristics of single phase half-wave phase controlled ac voltage controller

Note: We can observe from the control characteristics and the table given above that the
range of RMS output voltage control is from 100% of VS to 70.7% of VS when we vary the
trigger angle α from zero to 180 degrees. Thus the half wave ac controller has the drawback
of limited range RMS output voltage control.

(ii) To Calculate the Average Value (Dc Value) Of Output Voltage

2π
1
Vm sin ω t.d (ω t )
2π α∫
VO( dc ) =

2π
V
VO( dc ) = m
2π ∫ sin ω t.d (ω t )
α

2π
V  
VO( dc ) = m  − cos ω t 
2π  α 

Vm
VO( dc ) = [ − cos 2π + cos α ] ; cos 2π = 1
2π

Vm
Vdc = [ cos α − 1] ; Vm = 2VS
2π
Page 229
www.getmyuni.com

2VS
Hence Vdc = ( cos α − 1)
2π
−Vm
When 'α ' is varied from 0 to π . Vdc varies from 0 to
π

Disadvantages of single phase half wave ac voltage controller.

• The output load voltage has a DC component because the two halves of the output
voltage waveform are not symmetrical with respect to ‘0’ level. The input supply
current waveform also has a DC component (average value) which can result in the
problem of core saturation of the input supply transformer.
• The half wave ac voltage controller using a single thyristor and a single diode
provides control on the thyristor only in one half cycle of the input supply. Hence ac
power flow to the load can be controlled only in one half cycle.
• Half wave ac voltage controller gives limited range of RMS output voltage control.
Because the RMS value of ac output voltage can be varied from a maximum of 100%
of VS at a trigger angle α = 0 to a low of 70.7% of VS at α = π Radians .

These drawbacks of single phase half wave ac voltage controller can be over come by
using a single phase full wave ac voltage controller.

Applications of rms Voltage Controller

• Speed control of induction motor (polyphase ac induction motor).
• Heater control circuits (industrial heating).
• Welding power control.
• Induction heating.
• On load transformer tap changing.
• Lighting control in ac circuits.
• Ac magnet controls.

Problem
1. A single phase half-wave ac voltage controller has a load resistance R = 50Ω ; input ac
supply voltage is 230V RMS at 50Hz. The input supply transformer has a turn’s ratio
of 1:1. If the thyristor T1 is triggered at α = 600 . Calculate
• RMS output voltage.
• Output power.
• RMS load current and average load current.
• Input power factor.
• Average and RMS thyristor current.

Page 230
www.getmyuni.com

Given,
V p = 230V , RMS primary supply voltage.
f = Input supply frequency = 50Hz.
RL = 50Ω
π
α = 600 = radians.
3
VS = RMS secondary voltage.

Vp Np 1
= = =1
VS NS 1

Therefore V p = VS = 230V

Where, N p = Number of turns in the primary winding.

N S = Number of turns in the secondary winding.
• RMS Value of Output (Load) Voltage VO ( RMS )

2π
1
VO( RMS ) = ∫V
2
sin 2 ω t.d (ω t )
2π
m
α

We have obtained the expression for VO ( RMS ) as

1 sin 2α
VO( RMS ) = VS ( 2π − α )  +
2π 2

Page 231
www.getmyuni.com

1  π   sin1200
VO( RMS ) = 230  2π −  +
2π  3   2

1
VO( RMS ) = 230 [5.669] = 230 × 0.94986
2π

VO( RMS ) = 218.4696 V ≈ 218.47 V

• RMS Load Current I O( RMS )

VO( RMS ) 218.46966

I O( RMS ) = = = 4.36939 Amps
RL 50

• Output Load Power PO

PO = I O2 ( RMS ) × RL = ( 4.36939 ) × 50 = 954.5799 Watts

2

PO = 0.9545799 KW

• Input Power Factor

PO
PF =
VS × I S

VS = RMS secondary supply voltage = 230V.

I S = RMS secondary supply current = RMS load current.

∴ I S = I O( RMS ) = 4.36939 Amps

954.5799 W
∴ PF = = 0.9498
( 230 × 4.36939 ) W
• Average Output (Load) Voltage

2π
1  
VO( dc ) =  ∫ Vm sin ω t.d (ω t ) 
2π  α 

We have obtained the expression for the average / DC output voltage as,

Page 232
www.getmyuni.com

Vm
VO( dc ) = [ cos α − 1]
2π

2 × 230 325.2691193
VO( dc ) = cos ( 600 ) − 1 = [ 0.5 − 1]
2π   2π

325.2691193
VO( dc ) = [ −0.5] = −25.88409 Volts
2π

• Average DC Load Current

VO( dc ) −25.884094
I O ( dc ) = = = −0.51768 Amps
RL 50

• Average & RMS Thyristor Currents

iT1
Im

π 2π 3π
α (2π+α) ωt
α
α

Fig 6.6: Thyristor Current Waveform

Referring to the thyristor current waveform of a single phase half-wave ac voltage

controller circuit, we can calculate the average thyristor current IT ( Avg ) as
π
1  
IT ( Avg ) =  ∫ I m sin ω t.d (ω t ) 
2π α 

I m π 
IT ( Avg ) =  ∫ sin ω t.d (ω t ) 
2π α 

π
Im  
IT ( Avg ) = ( − cos ω t ) 
2π  α

Im
IT ( Avg ) =  − cos (π ) + cos α 
2π 

Page 233
www.getmyuni.com

Im
IT ( Avg ) = [1 + cos α ]
2π

Vm
Where, I m = = Peak thyristor current = Peak load current.
RL

2 × 230
Im =
50

I m = 6.505382 Amps

Vm
IT ( Avg ) = [1 + cos α ]
2π RL

2 × 230
IT ( Avg ) = 1 + cos ( 600 ) 
2π × 50  
2 × 230
IT ( Avg ) = [1 + 0.5]
100π

IT ( Avg ) = 1.5530 Amps

• RMS thyristor current IT ( RMS ) can be calculated by using the expression

π
1  2 2 
IT ( RMS ) =  ∫ I m sin ω t.d (ω t ) 
2π α 

I m2  (1 − cos 2ω t )
π

IT ( RMS ) = ∫ .d (ω t ) 
2π α 2 

π π
I m2  
IT ( RMS ) =  ∫ d (ω t ) − ∫ cos 2ω t.d (ω t ) 
4π α α 

π π
1   sin 2ω t  
IT ( RMS ) = I m  (ω t ) −  
4π  α  2  α

1  sin 2π − sin 2α 
IT ( RMS ) = I m  (π − α ) −  
4π   2 

Page 234
www.getmyuni.com

1  sin 2α 
IT ( RMS ) = I m  (π − α ) +
4π  2 

Im 1  sin 2α 
IT ( RMS ) = ( π − α ) +
2 2π  2 

6.50538 1  π  sin (120 ) 

0

IT ( RMS ) =  π −  + 
2 2π  3 2 


1  2π  0.8660254 
IT ( RMS ) = 4.6  +
2π  3  2 


IT ( RMS ) = 4.6 × 0.6342 = 2.91746 A

IT ( RMS ) = 2.91746 Amps

6.5 Single Phase Full Wave Ac Voltage Controller (Ac Regulator) or Rms Voltage
Controller with Resistive Load

Single phase full wave ac voltage controller circuit using two SCRs or a single triac is
generally used in most of the ac control applications. The ac power flow to the load can be
controlled in both the half cycles by varying the trigger angle 'α ' .
The RMS value of load voltage can be varied by varying the trigger angle 'α ' . The
input supply current is alternating in the case of a full wave ac voltage controller and due to
the symmetrical nature of the input supply current waveform there is no dc component of
input supply current i.e., the average value of the input supply current is zero.
A single phase full wave ac voltage controller with a resistive load is shown in the
figure below. It is possible to control the ac power flow to the load in both the half cycles by
adjusting the trigger angle 'α ' . Hence the full wave ac voltage controller is also referred to as
to a bi-directional controller.

Page 235
www.getmyuni.com

Fig 6.7: Single phase full wave ac voltage controller (Bi-directional Controller) using SCRs

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 'α ' ( 0 ≤ α ≤ π radians ) . Considering
the ON thyristor T1 as an ideal closed switch the input supply voltage appears across the load
resistor RL and the output voltage vO = vS during ω t = α to π radians. The load current
flows through the ON thyristor T1 and through the load resistor RL in the downward direction
during the conduction time of T1 from ω t = α to π radians.
At ω t = π , 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 ω t = π to (π + α ) .
The thyristor T2 is forward biased during the negative cycle of input supply and when
thyristor T2 is triggered at a delay angle (π + α ) , the output voltage follows the negative
halfcycle of input from ω t = (π + α ) to 2π . When T2 is ON, the load current flows in the
reverse direction (upward direction) through T2 during ω t = (π + α ) to 2π radians. The time
interval (spacing) between the gate trigger pulses of T1 and T2 is kept at π radians or 1800. At
ω t = 2π the input supply voltage falls to zero and hence the load current also falls to zero and
thyristor T2 turn off naturally.

Instead of using two SCR’s in parallel, a Triac can be used for full wave ac voltage
control.

Fig 6.8: Single phase full wave ac voltage controller (Bi-directional Controller) using TRIAC

Page 236
www.getmyuni.com

Fig 6.9: Waveforms of single phase full wave ac voltage controller

Equations
Input supply voltage
vS = Vm sin ω t = 2VS sin ω t ;

Output voltage across the load resistor RL ;

vO = vL = Vm sin ω t ;
for ω t = α to π and ω t = (π + α ) to 2π

Output load current

v V sin ω t
iO = O = m = I m sin ω t ;
RL RL
for ω t = α to π and ω t = (π + α ) to 2π

(i) To Derive an Expression for the Rms Value of Output (Load) Voltage

The RMS value of output voltage (load voltage) can be found using the expression

2π
1
=V = ∫ v d (ω t ) ;
2 2 2
VO ( RMS ) L ( RMS )
2π
L
0

For a full wave ac voltage controller, we can see that the two half cycles of output
voltage waveforms are symmetrical and the output pulse time period (or output pulse

Page 237
www.getmyuni.com

repetition time) is π radians. Hence we can also calculate the RMS output voltage by using
the expression given below.

π
1
V 2
L ( RMS )
= ∫ Vm 2 sin 2 ω t.dω t
π 0

2π
1
V 2 L( RMS ) = ∫v
2
.d (ω t ) ;
2π
L
0

vL = vO = Vm sin ω t ; For ω t = α to π and ω t = (π + α ) to 2π

Hence,
π 2π
1  
 ∫ (Vm sin ω t ) d (ω t ) + ∫ (Vm sin ω t ) d (ω t ) 
2 2
V 2
L( RMS )
=
2π α π +α 

1  2π 2 2π

=  m ∫
V sin ω t .d ( ω t ) + Vm ∫ sin ω t .d (ω t ) 
2 2

2π  α π +α 

Vm 2  π 1 − cos 2ω t 2π
1 − cos 2ω t 
= ∫ d ( ω t ) + ∫ d (ω t ) 
2π α 2 π +α 2 

Vm 2  π π 2π 2π

= ∫ d ( ω t ) − ∫ cos 2ω t .d ( ω t ) + ∫ d ( ω t ) − ∫ cos 2ω t.d (ω t ) 
2π × 2 α α π +α π +α 

π 2π π 2π
Vm 2   sin 2ω t   sin 2ω t  
= (ω t ) + (ω t ) −  −   
4π  α π +α  2  α  2  π +α 

Vm 2 
(π − α ) + (π − α ) − ( sin 2π − sin 2α ) − ( sin 4π − sin 2 (π + α ) ) 
1 1
= 
4π  2 2 

Vm 2  1 1 
=
4π  2 (π − α ) − 2 ( 0 − sin 2α ) − 2 ( 0 − sin 2 (π + α ) ) 

Vm 2  sin 2α sin 2 (π + α ) 
=  2 (π − α ) + + 
4π  2 2 

Vm 2  sin 2α sin ( 2π + 2α ) 
=  2 (π − α ) + + 
4π  2 2 

Page 238
www.getmyuni.com

Vm 2  sin 2α 1 
=
4π  2 (π − α ) + 2 + 2 ( sin 2π .cos 2α + cos 2π .sin 2α ) 

sin 2π = 0 & cos 2π = 1

Therefore,

Vm 2  sin 2α sin 2α 
VL2( RMS ) =
4π  2 (π − α ) + 2 + 2 

Vm 2
=  2 (π − α ) + sin 2α 
4π 

Vm 2
V 2 L( RMS ) = ( 2π − 2α ) + sin 2α 
4π 

Taking the square root, we get

Vm
VL( RMS ) = ( 2π − 2α ) + sin 2α 
2 π

Vm
VL( RMS ) = ( 2π − 2α ) + sin 2α 
2 2π

Vm 1
VL( RMS ) = ( 2π − 2α ) + sin 2α 
2 2π 

Vm 1   sin 2α 
VL( RMS ) =
2π  2 (π − α ) + 2 
2   

Vm 1 sin 2α 
VL( RMS ) =  (π − α ) +
2 π 2 

1 sin 2α 
VL( RMS ) = Vi( RMS )  (π − α ) +
π 2 

1 sin 2α 
VL( RMS ) = VS  (π − α ) +
π 2 

Page 239
www.getmyuni.com

Maximum RMS voltage will be applied to the load when α = 0 , in that case the full
sine wave appears across the load. RMS load voltage will be the same as the RMS supply
V
voltage = m . When α is increased the RMS load voltage decreases.
2
Vm 1 sin 2 × 0 
VL( RMS ) =  (π − 0 ) +
α =0 2 π 2 

1
(π ) + 
Vm 0
VL( RMS ) = 
α =0 2 π 2

Vm
VL( RMS ) = = Vi ( RMS ) = VS
α =0 2

The output control characteristic for a single phase full wave ac voltage controller
with resistive load can be obtained by plotting the equation for VO( RMS )

Control Characteristic of Single Phase Full-Wave Ac Voltage Controller with Resistive

Load

The control characteristic is the plot of RMS output voltage VO( RMS ) versus the trigger
angle α ; which can be obtained by using the expression for the RMS output voltage of a full-
wave ac controller with resistive load.

1 sin 2α 
VO( RMS ) = VS  (π − α ) + ;
π 2 

Vm
Where VS = = RMS value of input supply voltage
2

Trigger angle α Trigger angle α VO( RMS ) %

in degrees in radians
0 0 VS 100% VS

300 π
6 ( 6)
; 1π 0.985477 VS 98.54% VS

600 π ; ( 2π ) 0.896938 VS 89.69% VS

3 6
900 π ; ( 3π ) 0.7071 VS 70.7% VS
2 6
1200 2π ; ( 4π ) 0.44215 VS 44.21% VS
3 6
1500 5π ; ( 5π ) 0.1698 VS 16.98% VS
6 6

Page 240
www.getmyuni.com

1800 π (
; 6π
6 ) 0 VS 0 VS

VO(RMS)
VS

0.6VS

0.2 VS

0 60 120 180
Trigger angle α in degrees

We can notice from the figure, that we obtain a much better output control
characteristic by using a single phase full wave ac voltage controller. The RMS output
voltage can be varied from a maximum of 100% VS at α = 0 to a minimum of ‘0’ at
α = 1800 . Thus we get a full range output voltage control by using a single phase full wave
ac voltage controller.

Need For Isolation

In the single phase full wave ac voltage controller circuit using two SCRs or
Thyristors T1 and T2 in parallel, the gating circuits (gate trigger pulse generating circuits) of
Thyristors T1 and T2 must be isolated. Figure shows a pulse transformer with two separate
windings to provide isolation between the gating signals of T1 and T2 .

G1
Gate
Trigger K1
Pulse G2
Generator

K2

Fig 6.10: Pulse Transformer

Page 241
www.getmyuni.com

6.6 Single Phase Full Wave Ac Voltage Controller (Bidirectional Controller) With RL
Load

In this section we will discuss the operation and performance of a single phase full
wave ac voltage controller with RL load. In practice most of the loads are of RL type. For
example 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 in the figure below. In place of two thyristors a single Triac can be used to implement
a full wave ac controller, if a suitable Traic is available for the desired RMS load current and
the RMS output voltage ratings.

Fig 6.11: Single phase full wave ac voltage controller with RL load

The thyristor T1 is forward biased during the positive half cycle of input supply. Let

us assume that T1 is triggered at ω t = α , by applying a suitable gate trigger pulse to T1 during

the positive half cycle of input supply. 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 ω t = π , when the input supply voltage starts to
become negative.
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
ω atβ t =
zero β
, where is referred to as the Extinction angle, (the value of ω t ) at which the

Page 242
www.getmyuni.com
β

load current
β 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.
φ
The thyristor T1 conducts from ω t = α to . The conduction angle of T1 is

=( − ), which depends on the delay angle α 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 below.

Fig 6.12: Input supply voltage & Thyristor current waveforms

is the extinction angle which depends upon the load inductance value.

Page 243
www.getmyuni.com

Fig 6.13: Gating Signals

Page 244
www.getmyuni.com
α φ
α φ β π α
Waveforms of single phase full wave ac voltage controller with RL load for > .
Discontinuous load current operation occurs for > and <( + );
i.e., ( − )< , conduction angle < π .

Fig 6.14: Waveforms of Input supply voltage, Load Current, Load Voltage and Thyristor Voltage across T1

Note
• The RMS value of the output voltage and the load current may be varied by varying
the trigger angle α .
• This circuit, AC RMS voltage controller can be used to regulate the RMS voltage
across the terminals of an ac motor (induction motor). It can be used to control the
temperature of a furnace by varying the RMS output voltage.
• For very large load inductance ‘L’ the SCR may fail to commutate, after it is triggered
and the load voltage will be a full sine wave (similar to the applied input supply

Page 245
www.getmyuni.com

voltage and the output control will be lost) as long as the gating signals are applied to
the thyristors T1 and T2 . The load current waveform will appear as a full continuous
sine wave and the load current waveform lags behind the output sine wave by the load
power factor angle φ.

(i) To Derive an Expression for the Output (Inductive Load) Current, During
t = to When Thyristor T1 Conducts

Considering sinusoidal input supply voltage we can write the expression for the
supply voltage as

vS = Vm sin ω t = instantaneous value of the input supply voltage.

β
Let us assume that the thyristor T1 is triggered by applying the gating signal to T1 at
ω t = α . The load current which flows through the thyristor T1 during ω t = α to can be
found from the equation

 di 
L  O  + RiO = Vm sin ω t ;
 dt 

The solution of the above differential equation gives the general expression for the
output load current which is of the form
τ
−t
Vm
iO = sin (ω t − φ ) + A1e ;
Z

Where Vm = 2VS = maximum or peak value of input supply voltage.

ω
Z = R 2 + ( L ) = Load impedance.
2

ω
 L
φ = tan −1   = Load impedance angle (power factor angle of load).
 R 

τ L
= = Load circuit time constant.
R

Therefore the general expression for the output load current is given by the equation
−R
Vω φ t
iO = m
sin ( t − ) + A1e L ;
Z

Page 246
 www.getmyuni.com

The value of the constant A1 can be determined from the initial condition. i.e. initial
value of load current iO = 0 , at ω t = α . Hence from the equation for iO equating iO to zero
φ and substituting ω t = α , we get

−R
V t
iO = 0 = m sin ( − ) + A1e L
Z
α φ
−R
t −Vm
Therefore A1e L
= sin ( − )
Z
α φ
1  −Vm
A1 = −R Z sin ( − ) 
Lt 
e
α φ
+R
 −Vm
) 
t
A1 = e  Z sin ( −
L

 
α φ
R (ω t )
 −Vm
A1 = e ωL
 Z sin ( − )
 

By substituting ω t = α , we get the value of constant A1 as

α φ
R (α )
 −V
A1 = e ω L  m sin ( − ) 
 Z 

Substituting the value of constant A1 from the above equation into the expression for iO , we
obtain
ω φ α Rφ(α )
−R
 −V
) 
V t
iO = m sin ( t − )+e L
e ω L  m sin ( − ;
Z  Z 

ω φ V − R (ω t ) α φ−V
R (α )

iO =m
sin ( t − )+e ωL
e ωL m
 Z sin ( − ) 
Z  

ω Vφ −R
α−Vmφ
) 
(ω t −α )
iO =
m
sin ( t − ) + eω L  Z sin ( −
Z  

Therefore we obtain the final expression for the inductive load current of a single
phase full wave ac voltage controller with RL load as

Page 247
 www.getmyuni.com
α ω β

Vm  −R
(ω t −α ) 
iO =  sin ( ω t − φ ) − sin (α − φ ) e ωL
 ; Where ≤ t≤ .
Z  
ω α β
The above expression also represents the thyristor current iT 1 , during the conduction
β time interval of thyristor T1 from t = to .
β
To Calculate Extinction Angle
The extinction angle , which is the value of ω t at which the load current iO
falls to zero and T1 is turned off can be estimated by using the condition that iO = 0 , at
t=
By using the above expression for the output load current, we can write

Vm  −R
( β −α ) 
iO = 0 = sin ( β − φ ) − sin (α − φ ) e
ωL

Z  
Vm
As ≠ 0 we can write
Z
 −R
( β −α ) 
sin ( β − φ ) − sin (α − φ ) e =0
ωL

 

β α
Therefore we obtain the
ω expression
−R
( − )
sin ( β − φ ) = sin (α − φ ) e L

β
The extinction angle can be determinedβ from this transcendental equation by using
the iterative methodδof solution
β α (trial and error method). After is calculated, we can

β determine the thyristor conduction angle =( − ).

β
is the extinction angle which depends upon the load inductance value. Conduction
angle δ increases as α is decreased for a known value of
β α π π α β.
For δ < π radians, i.e., for ( − )< radians, for ( + )> the load current
waveform appears as a discontinuous current waveform as shown in the figure. The output
ω β
load current remains at zero during t = to (π + α ) . This is referred to as discontinuous
β π α
load current operation which occurs for <( + ).
φ
When the trigger angle α is decreased and made equal to the load impedance angle
α φ β φ
i.e., when = we obtain from the expression for sin ( − ),
β φ π
sin ( β − φ ) = 0 ; Therefore ( − )= radians.

Page 248
 www.getmyuni.com
π α α φ

Extinction angle =α( +φ )=( + ) ; for the case when =

Conduction angle δ = ( βω− α ) φ= π radians

π φ= 1800 ; for the case when =
π φ π φ
Each thyristor conducts for 1800 ( π radians ) . T1 conducts from t= to ( + )
and provides a positive load current. T2 conducts from ( + ) to ( 2 + ) and provides a
negative load current. Hence we obtain a continuous load current and the output voltage
waveform appears as a continuous sine wave identical to the input supply voltage waveform
for trigger angle ≤ and the control on the output is lost.

vO vO=vS
Vm

π 2π 3π
0 φ ωt

φ φ φ
iO
Im

φ ωt

Fig 6.15: Output Voltage And OutputαCurrent

φ Waveforms For A Single Phase Full Wave Ac Voltage Controller
With Rl Load For ≤
α φ
Thus we observe that for trigger angle ≤ , the load current tends to flow
continuously and we have continuous load current operation, without any break in the load
current waveform and we obtain output voltage waveform which is a continuous sinusoidal
α waveform
φ identical to the input supply voltage waveform. We lose the control on the output
voltage for ≤ as the output voltage becomes equal to the input supply voltage and thus
we obtain
V α φ
VO( RMS ) = m = VS ; for ≤
2
Hence,
α φ
RMS output voltage = RMS input supply voltage for ≤

Page 249
www.getmyuni.com

(ii) To Derive an Expression For rms Output Voltage VO ( RMS ) of a Single Phase Full-Wave Ac
Voltage Controller with RL Load.

When α > O , the load current and load voltage waveforms become discontinuous as
shown in the figure above.
1
β
1  2
VO( RMS ) =  ∫ Vm 2 sin 2 ω t.d (ω t ) 
ω α β π α 

Output vo = Vm sin ω t , for t= to , when T1 is ON.

1
Vm 2 β (1 − cos 2ω t )  2

VO( RMS ) = ∫ d ( ω t ) 
π α 2 

1
V 2 
β β

2

VO( RMS ) = m ∫ d ( ω t ) − ∫ cos 2ω t.d (ω t ) 

 2π α α 

1
V 2  β
 sin 2ω t 
β
 2

VO( RMS ) =  m (ω t ) −  

 2π  α  2  
α 
1
V 2  sin 2 β sin 2α  2
VO( RMS ) =  m ( β − α ) − + 
 2π  2 2 

1
 1  sin 2α sin 2 β   2
VO( RMS ) = Vm  ( β − α ) + − 
 2π  2 2  

1
V 1  sin 2α sin 2 β  2
VO( RMS ) = m  ( β − α ) + − 
2 π  2 2 

The RMS output voltage across the load can be varied by changing the trigger angle
α.
φ
For a purely resistive load L = 0 , therefore load power factor angle = 0.

Page 250
www.getmyuni.com

ωL 
φ = tan −1  =0 ;
 R 
Extinction angle β = π radians = 1800

Performance Parameters of A Single Phase Full Wave Ac Voltage Controller with

Resistive Load

Vm 1 sin 2α  V
• RMS Output Voltage VO( RMS ) =  (π − α ) +  ; m = VS = RMS input
2 π 2  2
supply voltage.

VO ( RMS )
• I O ( RMS ) = = RMS value of load current.
RL

• I S = I O ( RMS ) = RMS value of input supply current.

• Output load power

PO = I O2 ( RMS ) × RL

• Input Power Factor

PO I O2 ( RMS ) × RL I O( RMS ) × RL
PF = = =
VS × I S VS × I O( RMS ) VS

VO ( RMS ) 1 sin 2α 
PF = =  (π − α ) +
VS π 2 

• Average Thyristor Current,

iT1
Im

π 2π 3π
α (2π+α) ωt
α
α

Fig6.16: Thyristor Current Waveform

π π
1 1
∫ iT d (ω t ) = I m sin ω t.d (ω t )
2π α∫
IT ( Avg ) =
2π α

Page 251
 www.getmyuni.com

Im π I  π

IT ( Avg ) = ∫ sin ω t.d (ω t ) = m  − cos ω t 
2π α 2π  α

Im I
[ − cos π + cos α ] = m [1 + cos α ]
IT ( Avg ) =
2π 2π
• Maximum Average Thyristor Current, for α = 0 ,
I
IT ( Avg ) = m
π

• RMS Thyristor Current

π
1  2 2 
IT ( RMS ) =  ∫ I m sin ω t.d (ω t ) 
2π α 

Im 1  sin 2α 
IT ( RMS ) =  (π − α ) +
2 2π  2 

• Maximum RMS Thyristor Current, for α = 0 ,

Im
IT ( RMS ) =
2
In the case of a single phase full wave ac voltage controller circuit using a Triac with
resistive load, the average thyristor current IT ( Avg ) = 0 . Because the Triac conducts in both the
half cycles and the thyristor current is alternating and we obtain a symmetrical thyristor
current waveform which gives an average value of zero on integration.

Performance Parameters of A Single Phase Full Wave Ac Voltage Controller with R-L
Load

The Expression for the Output (Load) Current

α β The expression for the output (load) current which flows through the thyristor, during
t = to is given by

V  −R α ω
(ω t −α ) 
β
iO = iT1 = m  sin ( ω t − φ ) − sin ( α − φ ) e ωL
 ; for ≤ t≤
Z  
Where,
Vm = 2VS = Maximum or peak value of input ac supply voltage.

ω
Z = R 2 + ( L ) = Load impedance.
2

ω
 L
φ = tan −1   = Load impedance angle (load power factor angle).
 R 

α = Thyristor trigger angle = Delay angle.

Page 252
 www.getmyuni.com

= Extinction angle of thyristor, (value of ω t ) at which the thyristor (load) current

β α
ω falls to zero.
is calculated by solving the equation
−R
( − )
δ β α sin ( β − φ ) = sin (α − φ ) e L

δ β α π α φ
Thyristor Conduction Angle =( − )
Maximum thyristor conduction angle =( − )= radians = 1800 for ≤ .
α β
β α
RMS Output Voltage
Vm 1 sin 2 sin 2 
VO( RMS ) = ( − )+ −
2 π  2 2 

The Average Thyristor Current

β
1  
IT ( Avg ) =  ∫ iT1 d (ω t ) 
2π α 

1  β Vm  −R
(ω t −α )  
IT ( Avg ) = ∫  ( ω − φ ) − (α − φ )  d (ω t ) 
ωL
sin t sin e
2π α Z   

β β
Vm  −R
(ω t −α ) 
IT ( Avg ) =  ∫ sin (ω t − φ ) .d (ω t ) − ∫ sin (α − φ )eω L d (ω t ) 
2π Z α α 

Maximum value of IT ( Avg ) occur at α = 0 . The thyristors should be rated for

I  V
maximum IT ( Avg ) =  m  , where I m = m .
π  Z

RMS Thyristor Current IT ( RMS )

 1 β 
IT ( RMS ) =  ∫ iT21 d (ω t ) 
 2π α 

Maximum value of IT ( RMS ) occurs at α = 0 . Thyristors should be rated for maximum

I 
IT ( RMS ) =  m 
 2

When a Triac is used in a single phase full wave ac voltage controller with RL type of
I
load, then IT ( Avg ) = 0 and maximum IT ( RMS ) = m
2

Page 253
www.getmyuni.com

PROBLEMS

1. A single phase full wave ac voltage controller supplies an RL load. The input supply
voltage is 230V, RMS at 50Hz. The load has L = 10mH, R = 10Ω, the delay angle of
π
thyristors T1 and T2 are equal, where α1 = α 2 = . Determine
3
a. Conduction angle of the thyristor T1 .
b. RMS output voltage.
c. The input power factor.
Comment on the type of operation.
Given
π
Vs = 230V , f = 50 Hz , L = 10mH , R = 10Ω , α = 600 , α = α1 = α 2 =
3
radians, .

Vm = 2VS = 2 × 230 = 325.2691193 V

ω ω

Z = Load Impedance = R2 + ( L ) = (10 ) + ( L)

2 2 2

ω L = ( 2π fL ) = ( 2π × 50 × 10 ×10−3 ) = π = 3.14159Ω

(10 ) + ( 3.14159 )
2 2
Z= = 109.8696 = 10.4818Ω

Vm 2 × 230
Im = = = 31.03179 A
Z 10.4818
ω
 L
Load Impedance Angle φ = tan −1  
 R 

π 
φ = tan −1   = tan ( 0.314159 ) = 17.44059
−1 0

 10 
α φ
Trigger Angle > . Hence the type of operation will be discontinuous load current
operation,βwe get
π α
<( + )

β < (180 + 60 ) ; β < 2400

β
Therefore the range of is from 180 degrees to 240 degrees. (180 0
< β < 2400 )

β
Extinction Angle is calculated by using the equation

Page 254
 www.getmyuni.com
β α
ω

β −R
( − )
sin ( β − φ ) = sin (α − φ ) e L

In the exponential term the value of α and should be substituted in radians. Hence
−R
( β Rad −α Rad ) π 
sin ( β − φ ) = sin (α − φ ) e ω L ; α Rad =  
 3

(α − φ ) = ( 60 − 17.44059 ) = 42.55940
−10
( β −α )
sin ( β − 17.44 ) = sin ( 42.5594 ) e π
0 0
β α
β

sin ( − 17.44 ) = 0.676354e −3.183( − )

0
β π
β
×
0
1800 → π radians, Rad =
1800
Assuming β = 1900 ;
β 0 ×π 1900 × π
β Rad = = = 3.3161
1800 180

L.H.S: sin (190 − 17.44 ) = sin (172.56 ) = 0.129487

0

 π
−3.183 3.3161− 
R.H.S: 0.676354 × e  3
= 4.94 ×10−4

Assuming β = 1830 ;
β 0 ×π 1830 × π
β Rad = = = 3.19395
1800 180

π
( β − α ) =  3.19395 −  = 2.14675
 3

L.H.S: sin ( β − φ ) = sin (183 − 17.44 ) = sin165.560 = 0.24936

−3.183( 2.14675 )
R.H.S: 0.676354e = 7.2876 ×10−4

Assuming β ≈ 1800
β β 0 ×π π 0 ×π
180
Rad = = =
1800 180

π   2π 
( β − α ) =  π − = 
 3  3 
L.H.S: sin ( β − φ ) = sin (180 − 17.44 ) = 0.2997

Page 255
www.getmyuni.com

 π
−3.183 π − 
R.H.S: 0.676354e  3
= 8.6092 ×10−4

Assuming β = 1960
β 0 ×π 1960 × π
β Rad = = = 3.420845
1800 180

L.H.S: sin ( β − φ ) = sin (196 − 17.44 ) = 0.02513

 π
−3.183 3.420845 − 
R.H.S: 0.676354e  3
= 3.5394 ×10−4

Assuming β = 197 0
β 0 ×π 197 0 × π
β Rad = = = 3.43829
1800 180

L.H.S: sin ( β − φ ) = sin (197 − 17.44 ) = 7.69 = 7.67937 ×10−3

 π
−3.183 3.43829 − 
R.H.S: 0.676354e  3
= 4.950386476 ×10−4

Assuming β = 197.420
β 0 ×π 197.42 × π
β Rad = 0
= = 3.4456
180 180

L.H.S: sin ( β − φ ) = sin (197.42 − 17.44 ) = 3.4906 ×10−4

 π
−3.183 3.4456 − 
R.H.S: 0.676354e  3
= 3.2709 ×10−4

Conduction Angle δ = ( β − α ) = (197.420 − 600 ) = 137.420

RMS Output Voltage α β

β α
1 sin 2 sin 2 
VO( RMS ) = VS ( − )+ −
π  2 2 

1  π  sin 2 ( 60 ) sin 2 (197.42 ) 

0 0

VO( RMS ) = 230  3.4456 −  + − 

π  3 2 2 

1
VO( RMS ) = 230 ( 2.39843) + 0.4330 − 0.285640 
π

VO( RMS ) = 230 × 0.9 = 207.0445 V

Page 256
www.getmyuni.com

Input Power Factor

PO
PF =
VS × I S

VO( RMS ) 207.0445

I O ( RMS ) = = = 19.7527 A
Z 10.4818

PO = I O2 ( RMS ) × RL = (19.7527 ) ×10 = 3901.716 W

2

VS = 230V , I S = I O( RMS ) = 19.7527

PO 3901.716
PF = = = 0.8588
VS × I S 230 × 19.7527

2. A single phase full wave controller has an input voltage of 120 V (RMS) and a load
resistance of 6 ohm. The firing angle of thyristor is π 2 . Find
d. RMS output voltage
e. Power output
f. Input power factor
g. Average and RMS thyristor current.

Solution
π
α= = 900 , VS = 120 V, R = 6Ω
2

RMS Value of Output Voltage

1
1  sin 2α   2
VO = VS   π − α + 
π  2  

1
1  π sin180   2
VO = 120   π − + 
π  2 2  

VO = 84.85 Volts

RMS Output Current

VO 84.85
IO = = = 14.14 A
R 6

Load Power
PO = I O2 × R

PO = (14.14 ) × 6 = 1200 watts

2

Page 257
www.getmyuni.com

Input Current is same as Load Current

Therefore I S = I O = 14.14 Amps
Input Supply Volt-Amp = VS I S = 120 × 14.14 = 1696.8 VA

Therefore
Load Power 1200
Input Power Factor = = = 0.707 ( lag )
Input Volt-Amp 1696.8

Each Thyristor Conducts only for half a cycle

Average thyristor current IT ( Avg )

π
1
Vm sin ω t.d (ω t )
2π R α∫
IT ( Avg ) =
α
Vm
= (1 + cos ) ; Vm = 2VS
2π R

2 ×120
= [1 + cos 90] = 4.5 A
2π × 6

RMS thyristor current IT ( RMS )

π
1 Vm2 sin 2 ω t
d (ω t )
2π α∫
IT ( RMS ) =
R2

Vm2
π
(1 − cos 2ω t ) d ω t
= 2 ∫ ( )
2π R α 2

1
V 1  sin 2α   2
= m  π −α + 
2 R π  2  

1
2VS 1  sin 2α   2
= π  π − α + 
2R   2  

1
2 × 120  1  π sin180   2
=  π − +  = 10 Amps
2 × 6 π  2 2  

3. A single phase half wave ac regulator using one SCR in anti-parallel with a diode feeds 1
kW, 230 V heater. Find load power for a firing angle of 450.

Page 258
www.getmyuni.com

Solution
π
α = 450 = , VS = 230 V ; PO = 1KW = 1000W
4
At standard rms supply voltage of 230V, the heater dissipates 1KW of output power

Therefore
VO × VO VO2
PO = VO × I O = =
R R

Resistance of heater
V 2 ( 230 )
2

R= O = = 52.9Ω
PO 1000
RMS value of output voltage
1
 1  sin 2α   2
VO = VS   2π − α +  ; for firing angle α = 450
 2π  2  

1
 1  π sin 90   2
VO = 230   2π − +  = 224.7157 Volts
 2π  4 2  

RMS value of output current

V 224.9
IO = O = = 4.2479 Amps
R 52.9
Load Power
PO = I O2 × R = ( 4.25 ) × 52.9 = 954.56 Watts
2

4. Find the RMS and average current flowing through the heater shown in figure. The delay
angle of both the SCRs is 450.

SCR1 io
+

1-φ 1 kW, 220V

220V SCR2
heater
ac

Solution
π
α = 450 = , VS = 220 V
4

Resistance of heater

Page 259
www.getmyuni.com

V 2 ( 220 )
2

R= = = 48.4Ω
R 1000

Resistance value of output voltage

1  sin 2α  
VO = VS   π − α + 
π  2  

1  π sin 90  
VO = 220   π − + 
π  4 2  

1  π 1 
VO = 220   π − +   = 209.769 Volts
π  4 2 

VO 209.769
RMS current flowing through heater = = = 4.334 Amps
R 48.4

Average current flowing through the heater I Avg = 0

5. A single phase voltage controller is employed for controlling the power flow from 220 V,
50 Hz source into a load circuit consisting of R = 4 Ω and L = 6 mH. Calculate the following
a. Control range of firing angle
b. Maximum value of RMS load current
c. Maximum power and power factor
d. Maximum value of average and RMS thyristor current.

Solution

For control of output power, minimum angle of firing angle α is equal to the load
impedance angle θ

α = θ , load angle

ωL  −1  6 
θ = tan −1   = tan   = 56.3
0

 R   4

Maximum possible value of α is 1800

Therefore control range of firing angle is 56.30 < α < 1800

Maximum value of RMS load current occurs when α = θ = 56.30 . At this value of α the
Maximum value of RMS load current

Page 260
www.getmyuni.com

VS 220
IO = = = 30.5085 Amps
Z 42 + 6 2

Maximum Power PO = I O2 R = ( 30.5085 ) × 4 = 3723.077 W

2

Input Volt-Amp = VS I O = 220 × 30.5085 = 6711.87 W

PO 3723.077
Power Factor = = = 0.5547
Input VA 6711.87

Average thyristor current will be maximum when α = θ and conduction angle γ = 1800 .
Therefore maximum value of average thyristor current
π +α
1 Vm
IT ( Avg ) = ∫ sin (ω t − θ ) d (ω t )
2π α Z

Vm  −R
(ω t −α ) 
iO = iT1 = sin (ω t − θ ) − sin (α − θ ) e
ωL
Note: 
Z  
ω α θ= 0 ,
At
V
iT1 = iO = m sin ( t − )
π α Z

Vm +
IT ( Avg ) =  − cos (ω t − θ ) α
2π Z
π α θ α θ
V
IT ( Avg ) = m  − cos ( + − ) + cos ( − )
2π Z
But α = θ , π
Vm Vm V
IT ( Avg ) =  − cos ( ) + cos ( 0 )  = [ 2] = m
2π Z  2π Z πZ

Vm 2 × 220
∴ IT ( Avg ) =
= = 13.7336 Amps
π Z π 42 + 62
γ π
Similarly, maximum RMS value occurs when α = 0 and = .

Therefore maximum value of RMS thyristor current

π +α 2
1 Vm 
ITM = ∫  sin (ω t − θ )  d (ω t )
2π α Z 

Vm2
π +α
1 − cos ( 2ω t − 2θ ) 
ITM = ∫  d (ω t )
2π Z 2 α  2 

Page 261
www.getmyuni.com

π +α
Vm2  sin ( 2ω t − 2θ ) 
ITM = ω t − 
4π Z 2  2 α

Vm2
ITM = [π + α − α − 0]
4π Z 2

Vm 2 × 220
ITM = = = 21.57277 Amps
2 Z 2 42 + 62

Recommended questions:

1. Discuss the operation of a single phase controller supplying a resistive load, and
controlled by the on-off method of control. Also highlight the advantages and
disadvantages of such a control. Draw the relevant waveforms.
2. What phase angle control is as applied to single phase controllers? Highlight the
advantages and disadvantages of such a method of control. Draw all the wave forms.
3. What are the effects of load inductance on the performance of voltage controllers?
4. Explain the meaning of extinction angle as applied to single phase controllers supplying
inductive load with the help of waveforms.
5. What are unidirectional controllers? Explain the operation of the same with the help of
waveforms and obtain the expression for the RMS value of the output voltage. What are
the advantage and disadvantages of unidirectional controllers?
6. What are bi-directional controllers explain the operation of the same with the help of
waveforms and obtain the expression for the R<S value of the output voltage. RMS value
of thyristor current. What are the advantages of bi-directional controllers?

7. The AC Voltage controller shown below is used for heating a resistive load of 5 Ω and
the input voltage Vs = 120 V (rms). The thyristor switch is on for n=125 cycles and is off
for m = 75 cycles. Determine the RMS output voltage Vo, the input factor and the
average and RMS thyristor current.

8. T1

i. + D +Vo
~ Vs
a. R
b. (load)
ii. -

Page 262
www.getmyuni.com

in the problem above R=4Ω, Vs =208 V (rms) if the desired output power is 3 KW,
determine the duty cycle ‘K’ and the input power factor.

9. The single phases half wave controller shown in the figure above has a resistive load of
R=5Ω and the input voltage Vs=120 V(rms), 50 Hz. The delay angle of the thyristor is .
Determine the RMS voltage, the output Vo input power factor and the average input
current. Also derive the expressions for the same.

10. The single phase unidirectional controller in the above problem, has a resistive load of 5Ω
and the input voltage Vs = 208 V (rms). If the desired output power is 2 KW, calculate
the delay angle α of the thyristor and the input power factor.

Page 263