Electric power controller Page 1 of 2

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Electric power controller

Be careful sufficiently so as not to be shocked

because this circuit handles the commercial power(AC100V or
more).

I introduce the electric power controller which used the bidirectional triode thyristor
(TRIAC). This circuit can control the electric power with the one variable resistor.
This circuit is used for the dimmer which changes the light of the bulb. This circuit
changes the quantity of the electric current which flows through the load with the
bidirectional triode thyristor and controls the electric power. It is only the alternating
voltage that can be controlled with this circuit and it isn't possible to do the control of the
DC voltage.
Because it controls the passing time of the alternating current by the bidirectional triode
thyristor, the electric current which flows through the load is not the clean sine wave
form. Because it is, there is limitation in the equipment which can be controlled with this
circuit.
The bidirectional triode thyristor is generally called by the trade name TRIAC.

The equipment which can be controlled

The equipment which works by the resistance.
Such as the the tungsten-filament lamp, the soldering iron and so on.
The equipment which is using the AC series motor(with the brush).
Such as the drill, the electric fan, the cleaner and so on.

The equipment which can not do the control

The fluorescence light.

http://www.interq.or.jp/japan/se-inoue/e_ckt24.htm 2009.05.05.
Electric power controller Page 2 of 2

The synchronous motor(using the capacitor)

As for the synchronous motor, the number of rotations is decided by the frequency
of the alternating current. So, basically, it isn't possible to control with the circuit
this time. However, the torque(power to turn) of the motor declines when the
electric current which flows through the synchronous motor decreases. With it, the
revolution can be slowed down. In this case, with the load which is applied to the
axis of the motor, the number of rotations isn't constant.

The electric power which can be controlled is decided by the permission value of the
electric current which can pour into the TRIAC. I used the TRIAC which can apply the 12-A
electric current to the circuit this time. In the calculation, in case of AC 100V, a maximum
of 1200 W can be controlled but in the actual use, about 700 W or 800 W are safe.

When using the circuit at more than AC 100V( e.g. AC 200V), the
permission voltage of the capacitor must be considered in addition
to the rated voltage of the TRIAC.

Pattern drawing

Operation explanation

Parts explanation

Performance measurement

http://www.interq.or.jp/japan/se-inoue/e_ckt24.htm 2009.05.05.