1

SSN College of Engineering

( An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University)

Academic Year -2021-22

Department of EEE

Class : III Year /V Sem EEE

UEE 1504-Power Electronics

Course Instructor-Dr.R.Deepalaxmi, Asso.Prof/EEE, SSNCE

UNIT II PHASE-CONTROLLED CONVERTERS

Module Objectives

• To know about the phase control of phase controlled rectifiers.

• To understand the operation of 1-pulse converters – performance parameters
Introduction

Applications of controlled rectifiers

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• Power Electronic Topologies comprising only Diodes - are rectifiers.

• They can provide only a fixed dc output voltage.
• Variable dc output voltage can be provided only if a transformer (with
variable turns ratio) is used on the ac side.
• They are uncontrolled converters that provide rectification only.
 3

• Power Electronic Topologies comprising 50 % Diodes and 50 % Thyristors

(SCRs) are semiconverters.
• They are full-wave, half-controlled converters that provide single-quadrant
operation i.e. rectification only.
• They are capable of providing variable dc output by adjusting the delay angle.
• Power Electronic Topologies comprising only Thyristors (SCRs) - are
converters.
• are half-wave or full-wave, fully-controlled converters that provide two-
quadrant, i.e. rectification and inversion operations with RL loads.
• They however, provide only single-quadrant operation i.e. rectification when
feeding (i) RL loads with freewheeling diode loads and, (ii) resistive loads.

• Single-phase, half-wave, converter comprising a single thyristor

- may be referred to as
1. Single-phase. half-wave, converter
2. Single-phase, half-wave, fully controlled, converter
3. Single-pulse converter
• Single-phase, full-wave, converter comprising four thyristors
- may be referred to as
1. Single-phase. full converter
2. Single-phase, full-wave, fully-controlled, converter
3. Single-phase. full–wave converter
4. Two-pulse, fully controlled converter
5. Single-phase bridge converter
• Single-phase, semi-converter comprising two diodes and two thyristors
- may be referred to as
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1. Single-phase. semiconverter
2. Single-phase. full-wave, half-controlled, converter
3. Two-pulse, full-wave, half-controlled, converter
• Three-phase, half-wave, converter comprising three thyristors
- may be referred to as
1. Three-phase, half-wave, converter
2. Three-phase, half-wave, fully controlled, converter
3. Three-pulse, fully controlled converter

Three-phase, semi-converter comprising three thyristors and three diodes - may

be referred to as
1. Three-phase, semiconverter
2. Three-phase, full-wave, half-controlled, converter
3. Three-pulse, half-controlled converter
Three-phase, full-wave, converter comprising six thyristors - may be referred to
as
1. Three-phase. full converter
2. Three-phase, full-wave, fully-controlled converter
3. Six-pulse converter
4. Three-phase bridge converter
5. Three-phase, full-wave converter

• Line commutated rectifiers

• All phase-controlled ac-dc converters may be referred to as line commutated
rectifiers when operating in the rectification mode i.e. in the first-quadrant.
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• Line commutated inverters

• All phase-controlled ac-dc converters may be referred to as line commutated
inverters when operating in the inversion mode i.e. in the second-quadrant.
Principle of Phase control

Single Phase half wave thyristor circuit with R load

Voltage and current waveforms of Single Phase half wave thyristor circuit
with R load
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Single-Phase Half-Wave Converter

Operation with firing angle, α = 0°
1-pulse converter feeding R load
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Single-Phase Half-Wave Converter

Operation with firing angle, α 0 < α < π/𝟐
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Operation of 1-phase HW converter feeding resistive load

• 0 ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ 𝜶
• The thyristor T1 is in the forward blocking state and does not conduct.
• Thus, output (load) voltage, Vo = 0, output (load) current, io = Vo / R = 0,
voltage across T1 , VT1 = v (transformer sec. voltage)
• 𝜶 ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ 𝝅
• The thyristor (SCR) T1 is triggered at 𝝎𝒕 = 𝜶 and starts conducting.
• Output (load) voltage, Vo = v, output (load) current, io = Vo / R , voltage
across T1 , VT1 = 0
• 𝝅 ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ 𝟐𝝅
• The thyristor (SCR) T1 is in the reverse blocking state as v is in the negative
half-cycle. Vo = 0, io = Vo /R =0, VT1 = v
 12

Fundamental terms – phase-controlled ac-dc converters

• Delay angle/Firing angle/Triggering angle
• The phase angle corresponding to the time after the input voltage starts to go
positive until the thyristor is fired/triggered at wt = α, is called the
delay/firing/triggering angle.
• Pulse Number
• The number of voltage notches present in the dc voltage corresponding to a
cycle (or a time period) of the ac side voltage is called the pulse number of the
ac-dc converter.
Single Phase half wave thyristor circuit with RL load
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Single Phase half wave thyristor circuit with RL load and freewheeling diode
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Performance Parameters of ac-dc Converters

• The transformer utilization factor is defined as- TUF =𝐏𝐝𝐜/ 𝐕𝐒 𝐈𝐒 (8)

where Vs and Is are the rms voltage and rms current of the transformer secondary,
respectively.
• The displacement angle ,Φ, is the angle between the fundamental
components of the input current and voltage.
• The displacement factor, also known as displacement power factor is defined
as- DF = cos Φ

• The harmonic factor (HF) is a measure of the distortion of a waveform and is

also known as total harmonic distortion (THD).
• The harmonic factor (HF) of the input current is defined as-
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where Is1 is the fundamental component of the input current , Is .

• The input power factor (PF) is defined as –

The crest factor (CF) , which is a measure of the peak input current Is(peak) as
compared to its rms value Is is used to specify the peak current ratings of devices
and components.
CF of the input current is defined by – CF = 𝐈 𝐒(𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤) /𝐈 𝐒 (12)
Note:

• If the input current is purely sinusoidal, Is1 = Is and the power factor equals
the displacement factor, i.e. PF = DF.
• The displacement angle becomes the impedance angle, i.e. Φ = 𝜽 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏–
𝟏(ωL/R) for an RL load.
• An ideal converter should have η = 100%, Vr = 0, RF = 0, TUF = 1, HF =
THD = 0, and PF = DPF = 1
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Computing the PF in ac-dc converters using a simple method

• The input power factor (PF) is defined as –
• PF =𝐕𝐒𝐈𝐒𝟏/ 𝐕𝐒𝐈𝐒 cosΦ = (𝐈𝐒𝟏/ 𝐈𝐒) cosΦ (1)
• Using (1) involves the Fourier analysis of the ac side current Is and is
therefore, rather rigorous.

The input power factor (PF) may be obtained as -

PF =𝐕𝐫𝐦𝐬𝐈𝐫𝐦𝐬 /𝐕𝐒𝐈𝐒 = 𝑷𝒂𝒄/ 𝐕𝐒𝐈𝐒 (2)
This method is suitable only for resistive loads. All the parameters are rms
values in (2).
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Assessment questions:
1. Mention the applications of phase controlled rectifiers.
2. Explain about phase angle control.
3. What is meant by firing angle (or) delay angle (or) triggering angle.
4. What is meant by pulse number?
5. Classify phase controlled rectifiers
6. Differentiate line commutated rectifiers and line commutated inverters.
7.Explaint the operation of 1-phase HW converter feeding resistive load with
necessary waveforms.
8. Explaint the operation of 1-phase HW converter feeding resistive-inductive load
with necessary waveforms.
9. Explain the operation of single Phase half wave thyristor circuit with RL load
and freewheeling diode with necessary waveforms.
10.Mention the advantages of freewheeling diode.
11. Mention the performance Parameters of ac-dc converters.
12. Write down the expressions for form factor and ripple factor.
13.Write down the expressions for rectification efficiency and transformer
utilization factor.
14. Write down the expressions for power factor and crest factor.
15. Write down the expressions for displacement angle and displacement factor.
16. Write down the expressions harmonic factor and THD.
17. Derive the expressions for Vdc and Vrms of single-phase half wave converter.
 1

SSN College of Engineering

( An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University)

Academic Year -2021-22

Department of EEE

Class : III Year /V Sem EEE

UEE 1504-Power Electronics

Course Instructor-Dr.R.Deepalaxmi, Asso.Prof/EEE, SSNCE

UNIT II PHASE-CONTROLLED CONVERTERS

Two pulse converters

Module Objectives

• To understand the operation of two pulse converters such as single phase

semiconverter and full converter
• To know about their performance parameters
• To understand the operation of single phase and three phase line
commutated inverter.
Single phase full wave converters
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Single-Phase Full-wave Mid-point converter

Equivalent circuit
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2-pulse midpoint converter feeding RL load

Waveforms
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Limitations of the Two-pulse Full-wave Mid-point converter

1. The converter provides a 2-pulse output like the 1-phase full converter but the
topology requires a centre-tapped transformer.
2. This increases the weight, size, and space occupied by the converter.
3. The cost also is more.
4. The transformer secondary windings have unidirectional currents with
considerable ripple content. The primary winding of the transformer may have
considerable harmonic content. These will result in losses that will lower the
efficiency and increase the heating.
Note:
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Single phase full wave bridge converter

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Single phase Semiconverter

Single phase semiconverter consists of two thyristors (T1 and T2) and three
diodes (D1, D2 and FD)
FD→Freewheeling diode
* Load is RLE type
* Load current is assumed to be continuous over the working range
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Operation with firing angle, 𝝅/𝟐 < α < π

Waveforms
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Operation of 1-phase semiconverter feeding (RL) inductive load

• 0 ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ 𝜶
• The devices T1D2 are forward biased but are not conducting. The devices T2 ,
D1 are reverse biased. The freewheeling diode Dm alone is conducting. Thus,
source voltage, v = Vm sin wt, source current, i = 0, output (load) voltage, Vo
= 0, output (load) current, io = iDm = Ia , iT1 = iD2 = iT2 = iD1 = 0
• 𝜶 ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ 𝝅
• The thyristor (SCR) T1 is triggered at 𝝎𝒕 = 𝜶 and the forward biased devices
T1 , D2 conduct. The devices T2 , D1 , and Dm are reverse biased. Vo = v, i = iT1
= iD2 = io = Ia , iT2 = iD1 = iDm = 0
2-pulse converter/Single-phase semiconverter feeding inductive (RL) load -
Quadrant of operation
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Input and output voltage waveforms

Fundamental terms – phase-controlled ac-dc converters

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Freewheeling
• The transient during which the energy acquired by the load inductor is
dissipated in the load resistor via the freewheeling diode is called
freewheeling.
• Freewheeling diode
• The diode, usually reverse biased by the ac source voltage, and connected
across an inductive load on the dc side that enables freewheeling is called
freewheeling diode.
Advantages of including Freewheeling diode

1. It prevents load voltage reversal i.e. only unipolar (positive) load voltage is
obtained.
2. This ensures single-quadrant operation i.e. only rectification. Inversion is not
possible in converter topologies with the freewheeling diode.
3. It helps to keep the load current continuous and thus, improves the load
current profile.
4. The power factor of the ac source is improved.
5. It helps in the commutation of the power devices in the converter by drawing the
current away from them and diverting it through itself. Hence, it is also called
commutating diode or commutation diode.
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Single phase full converter

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Single-Phase Full Converter

Operation with firing angle, 0 < α < 𝝅/𝟐
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Operation of 1-phase full converter feeding (RL) inductive load

• 𝜶 ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ (𝝅 + 𝜶)
• The thyristors T1 and T2 are triggered at 𝝎𝒕 =𝜶 and conduct upto 𝝎𝒕 =(𝝅 +
𝜶).
• The source voltage, v = Vm sin ωt, source current, i = Ia , output (load)
voltage, Vo = v, output (load) current, io = Ia , iT1 = iT2 = Ia , iT3 = iT4 = 0
• (𝝅 + 𝜶) ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ (𝟐𝝅 + 𝜶) & 0 ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ 𝜶
• The thyristors (SCRs) T3 and T4 are triggered at 𝝎𝒕 =(𝝅 + 𝜶) and they
conduct upto (𝟐𝝅 + 𝜶).
• The source voltage, v = Vm sin ωt, source current, i = -Ia , output (load)
voltage, Vo = v, output (load) current, io = Ia , iT3 = iT4 = Ia , iT1 = iT2 = 0
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Input voltage and output voltage waveforms

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2-pulse converter/Single-phase full converter feeding inductive (RL) load

Tutorial problem-Single phase full converter

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Calculation of performance parameters of Single phase full converter feeding

an inductive load
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Voltage and current waveforms for single phase full converter for α> 90º
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Operation of the 1-phase full converter as a line commutated inverter

The following are the prerequisites for the 1-phase full converter to function as a
line commutated inverter
1. The load must be of the RLE type where E is an active dc source
2. The dc source E must be connected in reverse polarity as shown in the circuit
diagram.
3. The magnitude of E must satisfy - | E | > Vm , where Vm is the peak value of the
single-phase source feeding the converter. In the diagram it is the peak value of the
transformer secondary voltage.

4. The load inductance L must be large enough to ensure continuous conduction.

5. The delay angle, α, must satisfy - 90° < α < 180°
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Assessment questions:
1. Explain the operation of single-phase full-wave mid-point converter with
necessary circuit and waveforms.
2.Mention the limitations of the two-pulse full-wave mid-point converter
3. Explain the operation of single-phase semiconverter for RL load with necessary
circuit and waveforms.
4. What is meant by freewheeling?
5. What is meant by freewheeling diode?
6. Mention the advantages of including freewheeling diode.
7. Explain the operation of single-phase full converter with necessary circuit and
waveforms.
8. Derive the expressions for Vdc and Vrms of single-phase semiconverter .
9.Derive the expressions for Vdc and Vrms of single-phase full converter .
10. Mention the quadrants of operation for single-phase semiconverter and single-
phase fullconverter.
11. Differentiate rectification mode and inversion mode of operation of single-
phase fullconverter.
12. Explain the operation of the 1-phase full converter as a line commutated
inverter
 1

SSN College of Engineering

( An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University)

Academic Year -2021-22

Department of EEE

Class : III Year /V Sem EEE

UEE 1504-Power Electronics

Course Instructor-Dr.R.Deepalaxmi, Asso.Prof/EEE, SSNCE

UNIT II PHASE-CONTROLLED CONVERTERS

Three pulse converters

Module Objectives

• To understand the operation of three pulse converters such as

three phase half wave converter and three phase semiconverter.
• To understand the operation of six pulse converters such as three
phase full converter.
•
Three-Phase Converters3-pulse converter/3-phase Half-Wave
Converter
Advantages of Three-Phase Converters

1. Single-phase converters are limited to power ratings < 15 kW. For

higher ratings three-phase converters are necessary.
2. Three-phase converters provide higher average output voltage.
3. Also, their pulse numbers are higher, thus, giving output voltages
with higher ripple frequencies.
 2

fr = n x fs
i.e. Ripple frequency = Pulse number x Source frequency

4. Higher the ripple frequency lower is the ripple filtering

requirement i.e. lower the –
a) Values of L and C required in the ripple filters
b) their sizes – hence, space occupied
c) their weight
d) cost

Three-Phase Half-Wave Converter Feeding RL load

Operation with firing angle, α = 𝝅/𝟑
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Operation of 3-phase half-wave converter feeding (RL) inductive

load
• [(𝝅/𝟔) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝟓𝝅/𝟔) + 𝜶] i.e (30º + 𝜶) to (150º + 𝜶)
• The thyristor T1 is fired at 𝝎𝒕 = (𝝅/𝟔 + 𝜶) and continues to conduct
upto 𝝎𝒕 = (𝟓𝝅/𝟔 + 𝜶).
• Thyristors T2 and T3 are reverse biased and do not conduct.
• Thus, phase a voltage, Van = Vm sin 𝝎t is connected to the load,
source current, ia = Ia , output (load) voltage, Vo = Van , output
(load) current, io = Ia , iT1 = Ia , iT2 = iT3 = 0
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• i.e. Vo = Van = Vm sin 𝝎t , ia = iT1 = io = Ia ,

• ib = iT2 = ic = iT3 = 0

• [( 𝟓𝝅/ 𝟔 )+ 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝟗𝝅/ 𝟔) + 𝜶] i.e (150º + 𝜶) to (270º + 𝜶)

• The thyristor T2 is fired at 𝝎𝒕 = ( 𝟓𝝅/𝟔 + 𝜶) and conducts.
• Thyristors T1 and T3 are reverse biased and do not conduct.
• Thus, phase b voltage, Vbn = Vm sin(𝝎t - 2π/3) is connected to the
load, source current, ib = Ia , output (load) voltage, Vo = Vbn , output
(load) current, io = Ia , iT2 = Ia , iT1 = iT3 = 0
• i.e. Vo = Vbn = Vm sin(𝝎t - 2π/3) ,
• ib = iT2 = io = Ia ,
• ia = iT1 = ic = iT3 = 0
• [(𝟗𝝅 /𝟔) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝟏𝟑𝝅 /𝟔) + 𝜶] i.e (270º + 𝜶) to (390º +
𝜶)
• The thyristor T3 is fired at 𝝎𝒕 = ( 𝟗𝝅/𝟔 + 𝜶) and conducts.
• Thyristors T1 and T2 are reverse biased and do not conduct. Thus,
phase c voltage, Vcn = Vm sin(𝝎t+ 2π/3) is connected to the load,
source current,
• ic = Ia , output (load) voltage, Vo = Vcn , output (load) current, io = Ia
, iT3 = Ia , iT1 = iT2 = 0
• i.e. Vo = Vcn = Vm sin(𝝎t + 2π/3) , ic = iT3 = io = Ia ,
• ia = iT1 = ib = iT2 = 0

3-pulse converter/Three-phase half wave converter feeding

inductive (RL) load Quadrant of operation
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Average/mean/dc value of output/load voltage, Vdc

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RMS value of output/load voltage, Vrms

Fundamental aspects – 3-phase half wave converter

Pulse number
• Three single-phase half wave converters are connected to form the
three-phase half wave converter. It has a pulse number, n = 3.
• Ripple Frequency
• The frequency of the output ripple voltage is 3fs
• Practical Aspects
• This converter is not usually used in practical systems, because the
supply currents comprise dc components
 7

Three-Phase Half-Wave Converter Feeding R load

Operation with firing angle, α = 𝝅/𝟑

• 𝜶= 𝝅/𝟑 = 60º
• [(𝝅/𝟔) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝟓𝝅/𝟔) + 𝜶]
• i.e (30º + 60º) to (150º + 60º)-→ 90º to 210º
( T1 conducts for 90º till 180º )
• [( 𝟓𝝅/ 𝟔 )+ 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝟗𝝅/ 𝟔) + 𝜶]
• i.e (150º + 60º) to (270º + 60º)-→ 210º to 330º
• ( T2 conducts for 90º till 300º)
• [(𝟗𝝅 /𝟔) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝟏𝟑𝝅 /𝟔) + 𝜶]
• i.e (270º + 60º ) to (390º + 60º)-→ 330º to 450º
• ( T3 conducts for 90º till 420º )

• No conduction during
• 180º to 210º
• 300º to 330º
• 420º to 450º
 8

For a resistive load and α > 𝝅/𝟔 , the load current would be
discontinuous and each thyristor is commutated when the polarity
of its phase voltage is reversed.

Fundamental aspects – 3-phase half wave converter

When feeding resistive load with α > 𝝅/𝟔 .
1. Load voltage is discontinuous.
2. There are time intervals when none of the devices conduct.
3. Load voltage does not have negative portions i.e. there is no reversal
of load voltage.
4. The pulse number, n =3.
5. Vdc and Vrms expressions are different from those with inductive loads.

Three-Phase Semiconverters
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Three-Phase Semiconverter Feeding RL load

3-Phase Semiconverter Feeding RL load

Operation with firing angle, α= 𝝅/𝟐
 10

3-Phase Semiconverter Feeding RL load Operation with firing angle,

α= 𝝅/𝟐
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 12

Average/mean/dc value of output/load voltage, Vdc

For α > 𝛑/𝟑 and discontinuous output voltage

For α > 𝛑/𝟑 and discontinuous output voltage

RMS value of output/load voltage, Vrms
 13

Mean/average/dc value of output (load) voltage, Vdc

&
RMS value of output/load voltage, Vrms
For α ≤ 𝛑/𝟑 and continuous output voltage

Assessment questions

1. Explain the operation of three pulse converter (or) one quadrant

converter which consists of three thyristors with necessary circuit
diagram and waveforms for 𝜶=0º
2. Explain the operation of three pulse converter which consists of
three thyristors and three diodes with necessary circuit diagram and
waveforms for 𝜶=90º
3. Explain the operation of three phase semiconverter with necessary
circuit diagram and waveforms for 𝜶=60º
 1

SSN College of Engineering

( An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University)
Academic Year -2021-22
Department of EEE
Class : III Year /V Sem EEE
UEE 1504-Power Electronics
Course Instructor-Dr.R.Deepalaxmi, Asso.Prof/EEE, SSNCE
UNIT II PHASE-CONTROLLED CONVERTERS
Six pulse converters
Module Objectives
• To understand the operation of six pulse converters such as
three phase full converter.

Three-Phase Full Converter Feeding RL load

Operation with firing angle, α = 𝝅/𝟑
6-pulse converter feeding RL load
 2

* The three phase input supply is connected to terminals A, B , C

and the load RLE is connected across the output terminals of
converter
* The converter operates in the I quadrant giving rectification
for 𝟎 ≤ 𝜶 ≤ 𝝅/𝟐
* The converter operates in the II quadrant giving inversion for
𝝅/𝟐 < 𝜶 ≤ 𝝅
In this mode it is referred to as a line commutated inverter.
* A 3 phase full converter is preferred where regeneration of
power is required.
The numbering of SCRs for the positive group are 1, 3, 5 and for
SCR’s in the negative group 4,6,2.
* The positive group SCR’s are fired at an interval of 120º
* Similarly negative group SCR’s are fired at an interval of 120º
* But SCR’s from both the groups are fired at an interval of 60º.
 3

* This means that commutation occurs at every 60º ,

alternatively in upper and lower groups of SCR’s.
* Each SCR from both groups conducts for 120º
* At any time, two SCR’s , one from positive group and the other
from negative group must conduct together for the source to energize
the load.
* For ABC phase sequence of the three phase supply, thyristors
conduct in pairs;
T1 and T2, T2 and T3, T3 and T4, T4 and T5, T5 and T6, T6 and
T1 and so on.

Phase voltages (Van, Vbn, Vcn)

Triggering α Conduction Conducting
instant of =0º duration devices
(α =0º)
T1 30º T1- 30º to 150º T6- 30º to 90º (60º) T6T1
T1- 30º to 90º (60º)
T2 90º T1- 30º to 150º T1- 90º to 150º T1T2
T2- 90º to 210º (60º)
T2- 90º to 150º
(60º)
T3 150º T2- 90º to 210º T2- 150º to 210º T2T3
T3- 150º to (60º)
270º T3- 150º to 210º
(60º)
T4 210º T3- 150º to T3- 210º to 270º T3T4
270º (60º)
T4- 210º to T4- 210º to 270º
330º (60º)
T5 270º T4- 210º to T4- 270º to 330º T4T5
330º (60º)
T5- 270º to T5- 270º to 330º
390º (60º)
 4

T6 330º T5- 270º to T5-330º to 390º T5T6

390º (60º)
T6- 330º to T6- 330º to 360º
450º (60º)

Triggering α Conduction Conducting

instant of =60º duration devices
(α =60º)
T1 90º T1- 60º to 180º T6- 60º to 120º T6T1
(60º)
T1- 60º to 120º
(60º)
T2 150º T1- 60º to 180º T1- 60º to 120º T1T2
T2- 120º to 240º (60º)
T2- 120º to 180º
(60º)
T3 210º T2- 120º to 240º T2- 180º to 240º T2T3
T3- 180º to 300º (60º)
T3- 180º to 240º
(60º)
T4 270º T3- 180º to 300º T3- 240º to 300º T3T4
T4- 240º to 360º (60º)
T4- 240º to 300º
(60º)
T5 330º T4- 240º to 360º T4- 300º to 360º T4T5
T5- 300º to 420º (60º)
T5- 300º to 360º
(60º)
T6 390º T5- 300º to 420º T5-360º to 420º T5T6
T6- 360º to 480º (60º)
T6- 360º to 420º
(60º)
 5

Triggering α =90º Conduction Conducting

instant of duration devices
(α =90º)

T1 120º T1- 120º to T6- 60º to 120º T6T1

240º (60º)
T1- 120º to 180º
(60º)
T2 180º T1- 120º to T1- 180º to 240º T1T2
240º (60º)
T2- 180º to T2- 180º to 240º
300º (60º)
T3 240º T2- 180º to T2- 240º to 300º T2T3
300º (60º)
T3- 240º to T3- 240º to 300º
360º (60º)
T4 300º T3- 240º to T3- 300º to 360º T3T4
360º (60º)
T4- 300º to T4- 300º to 360º
420º (60º)
T5 360º T4- 300º to T4- 360º to 420º T4T5
420º (60º)
T5- 360º to T5- 360º to 420º
480º (60º)
T6 420º T5- 360º to T5-420º to 480º T5T6
480º (60º)
T6-420º to 540º T6- 420º to 480º
(60º)
 6

Line voltages (Vab, Vbc, Vca)

Triggering α Conduction α α =90º α Conducting

instant of =0º duration (α =60º =120º devices
=0º)
T1 30º T1- 30º to 90º 120º 150º T6T1
150º
T2 90º T1- 30º to 150º 180º 210º T1T2
150º
T2- 90º to
210º
T3 150º T2- 90º to 210º 240º 270º T2T3
210º
T3- 150º to
270º
T4 210º T3- 150º to 270º 300º 330º T3T4
270º
T4- 210º to
330º
T5 270º T4- 210º to 330º 360º 390º T4T5
330º
T5- 270º to
390º
T6 330º T5- 270º to 390º 420º 450º T5T6
390º
T6- 330º to
450º
 7

3-Phase Full Converter Feeding RL load

Operation with firing angle, α= 𝝅/𝟑

3-Phase Full Converter Feeding RL load Operation with firing

angle, α= 𝝅/𝟑
 8

• [(𝝅/𝟔) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝝅/𝟐) + 𝜶] i.e [(30º) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(90º) +

𝜶]
• At 𝝎𝒕 = (𝝅/𝟔 + 𝜶) the thyristor T6 is already conducting and
thyristor T1 fired.
• Thus, thyristors T1 and T6 conduct and the line voltage ,
• Vab = √3Vm sin (𝝎t + π/6) is connected to the load,
• source currents, ia = Ia , ib = -Ia , ic = 0 ,
• output (load) voltage, Vo = Vab ,
• output (load) current, io = Ia , iT1 = iT6 = Ia , iT2 = iT3 = iT4
= iT5 = 0
• i.e. Vo = Vab = √3Vm sin(𝝎t + π/6) , ia = io = iT1 = iT6 = Ia
• ib = -Ia , ic = iT2 = iT3 = iT4 = iT5 = 0

• [(𝝅/𝟐)+ 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝟓𝝅/𝟔) + 𝜶] (i.e) [(90º) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(150º)

+ 𝜶]
• At 𝝎𝒕 = (𝝅/𝟐 + 𝜶) the thyristor T1 is already conducting and
thyristor T2 fired.
• Thus, thyristors T1 and T2 conduct and the line voltage ,
• Vac = √3Vm sin(𝝎t - π/6) is connected to the load, source
currents,
• ia = Ia , ic = -Ia , ib = 0 ,
• output (load) voltage, Vo = Vac ,
 9

• output (load) current, io = Ia , iT1 = iT2 = Ia , iT3 = iT4 =

iT5 = iT6 = 0
• i.e. Vo = Vac = √3Vm sin(𝝎t - π/6) , ia = io = iT1 = iT2 = Ia
• ic = -Ia , ib = iT3 = iT4 = iT5 = iT6 = 0

• [(𝟓𝝅/𝟔) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤ [(𝟕𝝅/𝟔) + 𝜶] (i.e) [(150º) + 𝜶] ≤ 𝝎𝒕 ≤

[(210º) + 𝜶]
• At 𝝎𝒕 = (𝟓𝝅𝟔 + 𝜶) the thyristor T2 is already conducting and
thyristor T3 fired.
• Thus, thyristors T2 and T3 conduct and the line voltage ,
• Vbc = √3Vm sin(𝝎t - π/2) is connected to the load,
• source currents, ib = Ia , ic = -Ia , ia = 0 ,
• output (load) voltage, Vo = Vbc ,
• output (load) current, io = Ia , iT2 = iT3 = Ia , iT1 = iT4 = iT5 = iT6 =
0
• i.e. Vo = Vbc = √3Vm sin(𝝎t - π/2) , ib = io = iT2 = iT3 = Ia
• ic = -Ia , ia = iT1 = iT4 = iT5 = iT6 = 0
10
 11

Voltage waveforms and conduction of thyristors for a 3

phase full converter for α = 0º; α = 60º ; α = 90º
 12

Voltage waveforms and conduction of thyristors for a 3

phase full converter for α = 150º
 13

6-pulse converter/Three-phase full converter feeding

inductive (RL) load and Quadrants of operation

6-pulse converter/3-phase full converter feeding RL load

Output voltage waveform
 14

6-pulse converter/3-phase full converter feeding RL load

Average/mean/dc value of output/load voltage, Vdc
 15

6-pulse converter/3-phase full converter feeding RL load

RMS value of output/load voltage, Vrms

Fundamental aspects – 3-phase full wave converter

1. Each thyristor conducts for 120°
2. Each thyristor pair conducts for 60°.
3. The firing sequence of the thyristor pairs is-
T1 T2 , T2 T3 , T3 T4 , T4 T5 , T5 T6 , T6 T1
4. The load voltage is continuous even with resistive load.
5. The converter operates in the I quadrant giving rectification
for 𝟎 ≤ 𝜶 ≤ 𝝅/𝟐
6. The converter operates in the II quadrant giving inversion for
𝝅/𝟐 < 𝜶 ≤ 𝝅
In this mode it is referred to as a line commutated inverter.
7. The filtering requirements are less than those of the 3-phase
half wave converter and 3-phase semiconverter.

Operation of the 3-phase full converter as a line commutated

inverter
• The following are the prerequisites for the 3-phase full converter
to function as a line commutated inverter
 16

1. The load must be of the RLE type where E is an active dc source

2. The dc source E must be connected in reverse polarity as shown in
the circuit diagram.
3. The magnitude of E must satisfy - | E | > √3Vm , where Vm is the
peak value of the source phase voltage feeding the converter. It is
noteworthy √3Vm is the peak line voltage.
4. The load inductance L must be large enough to ensure continuous
conduction.
5. The delay angle, α must satisfy - 90° < α < 180°

Assessment questions:
1. Explain the operation of six pulse converter (or) two quadrant
converter with necessary circuit diagram and waveforms for
𝜶=0º
2. Explain the operation of six pulse converter with necessary circuit
diagram and waveforms for 𝜶=60º
3. Explain the operation of six pulse converter with necessary circuit
diagram and waveforms for 𝜶=90º
4. Explain how a 3 phase full converter can operate as a line
commutated inverter.
 1

SSN College of Engineering

( An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University)
Academic Year -2021-22
Department of EEE
Class : III Year /V Sem EEE
UEE 1504-Power Electronics
Course Instructor-Dr.R.Deepalaxmi, Asso.Prof/EEE, SSNCE
UNIT II PHASE-CONTROLLED CONVERTERS
Dual Converters
Single-phase & Three-phase Dual converters
Module Objectives
• To understand the operation of single phase dual converter and three
phase dual converter.
Introduction
 2

4-Quadrant Converter/1-Phase Dual Converter

Feeding RL load
Quadrants of operation

* Single phase full converters allow only two quadrant operation.

* If two of these full converters are connected back to back, both output voltage
and load current can be reversed.
* The system will provide a four quadrant operation—Dual converter.
* Dual converters are normally used in high power variable speed drives.
Ideal dual converter
3
 4

Practical dual converter

Modes of operation of a dual converter

1. Non-Circulating current type single phase dual converter
2. Circulating current type single phase dual converter
Non-Circulating current type single phase dual converter
 5

Non-Circulating current type single phase dual converter

6
 7

Circulating current type single phase dual converter

In the circulating current mode of dual converter, a reactor is inserted in-between

converters 1 and 2.
This reactor limits the magnitude of circulating current to a reasonable value.
 8

Circulating current type Dual Converter Feeding RL load

Operation with firing angles, α1 = π/3 & α2 = 2π/3
 9

Single-Phase Dual Converter Feeding RL load

 10

Operation of 1-phase dual converter feeding (RL) inductive load

Three-phase Dual converter

 11

Non-Circulating current type three phase dual converter

Circulating current type three phase dual converter

 12

4-Quadrant converter/3-phase dual converter feeding RL load

13
14
15
16
17
 18

Expression for Circulating Current in a 3-phase dual converter feeding (RL)

inductive load
19
 20

Disadvantages of circulating current type three phase dual converter

• Reactor is required to limit the circulating current.
• Size and cost of this reactor may be quite significant at high power levels.
• Circulating current gives rise to more losses in the converters, hence
efficiency and power factor are low.
• As the converters have to handle load as well as circulating currents, the
thyristors for the two converters are rated for higher currents.
Note:
• Dual converters with circulating current mode is preferred if load current is
to be reversed quite frequently and a fast response is desired in the four-
 21

quadrant operation of the dual converter.

Assessment questions:
1. Write a short note on ideal dual converter
2. Write a short note on practical dual converter.
3. Mention the applications of dual converter.
4. Explain the operation of non-circulating current type of single phase dual
converter with necessary waveforms.
5. Explain the operation of circulating current type of single phase dual converter
with necessary waveforms.

6. Explain the operation of circulating current type of three phase dual converter
with necessary waveforms.
7. Differentiate non-circulating current mode and circulating current mode.
8. Mention the advantages of circulating current type three phase dual converter.
9. Write down the expressions for circulating current and voltage across the reactor
of a single phase circulating current type dual converter.
10. Mention the disadvantages of circulating current type three phase dual
converter.
11. Write down the expressions for circulating current and voltage across the
reactor of a three phase circulating current type dual converter
22
 1

SSN College of Engineering

( An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University)
Academic Year -2021-22
Department of EEE
Class : III Year /V Sem EEE
UEE 1504-Power Electronics
Course Instructor-Dr.R.Deepalaxmi, Asso.Prof/EEE, SSNCE
UNIT II PHASE-CONTROLLED CONVERTERS
Effect of source inductance on the Performance of Phase-Controlled ac-dc
converters

Module Objectives
• To know about the effect of source inductance on the performance of
single phase and three phase phase controlled converters
Introduction
Effect of source inductance on performance of converters
 2

Single phase full converter

 3

(a) Single phase full converter with source inductance

(b) Equivalent circuit

Voltage and current waveforms with LS

4
5
 6

Three phase full converter with source inductance

7
 8

Three and two SCR’s conduct alternately.

Six shaded areas indicating six commutations per cycle of source voltage
9
 10

Assessment questions:
1. Write a short note on effect of source inductance on performance of
converters.
2. Explain the effect of source inductance on the performance of single phase
controlled converters.
3. Explain the effect of source inductance on the performance of three phase
controlled converters.
 1

SSN College of Engineering

( An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University)
Academic Year -2021-22
Department of EEE
Class : III Year /V Sem EEE
UEE 1504-Power Electronics
Course Instructor-Dr.R.Deepalaxmi, Asso.Prof/EEE, SSNCE
UNIT II PHASE-CONTROLLED CONVERTERS
Firing Schemes for phase controlled converters
Module Objectives
• To know about the firing schemes of phase controlled converters
• To know about the applications of phase controlled converters

Introduction
Components of gate trigger circuit in phase controlled rectifiers
• Circuit for the detection of zero crossing of the input voltage
• Generation of trigger pulses of required waveshape.
• DC power supply for the pulse amplifier
• Gate trigger circuit isolation from the line potentials by means of pulse
transformers (or) opto couplers.
• Firing circuits for single-phase converters
Block diagram of thyristor firing circuit
 2

The gating circuit consists of

- synchronizing transformer,
- diode rectifier,
- zero crossing detector,
- firing angle delay block,
- pulse amplifier,
- gate pulse isolation transformer and
- power circuit for the converter
 3

Waveforms for the thyristor firing circuit

Gate pulse amplifiers

 4

Pulse Amplifier Circuit

 5

* Pulse gating is not suitable for inductive (i.e) RL loads, because initiation of
thyristor conduction is not well defined for these types of loads.
* This difficulty for such situations can be overcome by triggering the thyristor
continuously.
* Disadvantages of continuous gating :
- increased thyristor losses
- distortion of output pulse due to saturation of pulse transformer by continuous
pulse.

* In order to overcome these shortcomings of continuous gate signal, a train of

firing pulses is used to turn on a thyristor.
* A pulse train of gating signal is also called high –frequency carrier gating.
* A pulse train can be generated by modulating the pulse width at a high
frequency (10-to 30 kHz).
 6

Pulse train gating

 7

Cosine firing scheme for firing thyristors

Waveforms for Cosine firing scheme

8
 9

* Cosine firing scheme provides a linear transfer characteristics between the

average output voltage (Vo) and the control voltage (EC).
* Closed loop response of the converter system will be improved.
* Cosine firing scheme is quite popular in industrial applications
Applications of Phase-Controlled ac-dc converters
• Light dimmer – single-phase converters may be used.
• Excitation systems in alternators require dc.
* Depending on the rating single- or three-phase converters may be used.
• Solar PV systems – the solar photovoltaic cells are connected in series and
parallel to yield solar arrays that output electrical energy in the dc form. The
full converter operating in the second-quadrant is used for converting this dc
energy to the ac form for feeding various loads.
• Thus, the full converter functions as a line commutated inverter.
Light dimmer

* This SCR phase control works much like the common TRIAC dimmer, but has
numerous advantages including increased current capability, robustness and
 10

absence of minimum voltage “snap-on.”

* A complementary, symmetrical trigger circuit consisting of two PUTs
(programmable unijunction transistors) enables firing of two anti-parallel
THYRISTORs (SCRs).
* The circuit makes up a two terminal power device that is simply inserted
between the AC power source and load.
* Besides controlling the intensity of incandescent lighting, it is useful in
controlling the speed of universal (commutator brush type) AC motors.
• Phase controlled rectifier applications include paper mills, textile mills using
DC motor drives and DC motor control in steel mills.
• AC fed traction system using a DC traction motor.
• electro-metallurgical and Electrochemical processes.
• Reactor controls.
• Magnet power supplies.
• Portable hand instrument drives.
• Flexible speed industrial drives.
• Battery charges.
• High voltage DC transmission.
• UPS (Uninterruptible power supply systems).
Solar PV systems
• Solar energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat
and electricity.
• Solar Energy can be used in three different ways:
– Solar Thermal Systems
– Solar Photovoltaic Systems
– Photosynthesis
PV based system
 11

Assessment questions:

1. Draw the block diagram of thyristor firing circuit and explain its operation
with necessary waveforms.
2. Write a short note on pulse amplifier circuit
3. Mention the disadvantages of continuous gating
4. Write a short note on pulse train gating
5. Explain the operation of cosine firing scheme with necessary waveforms.
6.
7. Write a short note on applications of phase controlled converters in light
dimmer, excitation systems and solar PV systems