Electrical Power O/C 4 Transistors as switches

Introduction

In this lesson you will study an extremely important application of transistors. Transistors
are used as switches in many applications, but a particularly important application is in
VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVES.
Let us start at the beginning. A ship uses a primer mover turning a generator to generate a
THREE PHASE voltage at a fixed frequency (50Hz or 60Hz). However, three phase electrical
motors, such as those used in AZipods, need to have their speed changed, which is
controlled by the frequency. How then do we change the frequency without changing the
speed of the prime mover? The process is quite simple.

First we convert the AC to DC with diode rectification. We use a CONVERTER

Next, we smooth out the RIPPLE using a capacitor (and sometimes an inductor). This stage is
sometimes called the DC LINK.
Finally, we switch the DC on and off using transistors so that it approximates an AC voltage,
which can then be supplied to the motor. We use an INVERTER.

Now for the clever bit. By changing the rate at which we switch the transistors on and off we
can vary the frequency of the AC voltage and hence change the speed of the motor.
By varying how long the switches are on and off for, we can control the voltage. This is
known a Pulse Wave Modulation which we will study next lesson.
So far, you have studied how fixed frequency AC (usually 50Hz or 60Hz) can be converted to
DC by the use of diodes.
FOUR diodes will convert SINGLE PHASE AC to DC.
SIX diodes can be used to convert THREE PHASE AC to DC.
This can then be smoothed and fed to an INVERTER to supply the AC motor.

Lesson:

 READ the attached document Variable Frequency Drive Part 1. I have rewritten this
document so that is not overly technical but describes the process. It is a fairly long

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 article but please read it all. I will be available 0900 – 1200 to discuss any issues you
do not understand.

 Watch the video below. I use this video because it is informative without being too
technical.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiKcKYbJ1A4

 I would like you to watch the video below.

WARNING : IT’S A LITTLE BIT TECHNICAL!

I use the videos from this professor a lot in my delivery. If you get a chance look at
some of her earlier videos on rectification.

What this video shows is how by using switches (or transistors), you can take a DC
voltage and by controlling the switches sequence, change the direction of the
current through the load. In other words, convert the DC to AC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiKcKYbJ1A4

 Open the attached LIVEWIRE circuit. Control the switches to try to get an AC
waveform. You need to open and close SW1 and SW2, followed by SW3 and SW4.
Try to get an better AC than mine below! Set the timebase to about 8 seconds.

 Read the attached PDF PWM Motor Drives – Theory and Measurement
Considerations

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