DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SHIBPUR

Power Electronics Laboratory 6th Semester, Electrical

Expt. No: 651/PE1

Study of Different Topologies of Diode Rectifiers

A) Preparatory notes:-
i. Equip yourself with the theory of different topologies of diode rectifiers from ‘Suggested
readings’, as given below:
a) Power Electronics by M. H. Rashid
b) Power Electronics – Converters, Applications and Design by Ned Mohan,
T. M. Undeland and W. P. Robbins
c) Power Electronics by Cyril W. Lander
d) Power Electronics by P. C. Sen
e) Principles of Alternating Circuits by Kerchner and Corcoran
(for calculation of Fourier coefficients from oscilloscope
waveforms graphically)

ii. A particular student will be allowed to conduct the experiments only after she/he has
made a detailed survey of the working of the circuits of single phase half wave, single
phase full wave (center-tapped and bridge topologies) diode rectifiers with R-load, R-L
load and R||C (R paralleled with C) loads and also of three phase half wave (employing
ziagzag transformer secondary connections)), diametral and full-wave diode bridge
rectifiers with similar loads.

The students can approach the teachers to clarify any doubt before the day of the
experiment.
The students may be prevented from conducting experiments or let off with
fail/simple pass grade in case the teacher is not satisfied with the level of
preparation.

B) Objective: -
i. To study the principle and details of operation of different topologies of diode rectifiers
ii. To analyse the performance of such rectifiers with different types of loads
iii. To evaluate the content of harmonics generated by such a power converter

C) Set under test: -

i. A laboratory-built diode rectifier demonstration kit (photo given in Fig. 1.1) housing the
following:
a) A 540 VA, 50 Hz, 3-phase three-winding transformer with terminals brought out – Rating
of each HV (primary) phase = 460V, 0.2A and that of each LV (secondary) phase =
 30V, 3A. For three phase connection in the primary, it should be connected as a
delta and powered from 3-phase 415V, 50 Hz utility source.
b) 6 general purpose rectifier diodes mounted on heat sink and terminals brought out, each
having URWM = 600V and IDAV = 6A @ 40 deg C.
c) Two electrolytic capacitors, with terminals brought out, 470 microFarad, 250V each,
ripple current rating of 3A each
d) Two low-cost non-inductive instantaneous current sensors, with no galvanic isolation
between the ‘primary’ and the ‘secondary’ (The gain of each current sensor is 1
volt/ampere, i.e. whatever is read in volts from powerscope screen can be read as
current in amperes)
e) Fuses for protection
f) Few potential-free terminals for connecting external loads

The circuit diagram for the current sensor is given in Fig. 1.2. Use power-scope to be
connected to its secondary terminals as the sensor does not have any isolation.

D) Apparatus: -

i. Power-scope with probes ii. Ammeters iii. Voltmeters iv. Different loads namely:
a) Resistance (use the given 20 , 5A rheostat for the purpose)
b) Inductance (use the given air-cored 10-20-30 mH, 5A choke for the
purpose)
c) Capacitance (use the given electrolytic capacitors built-in with the kit,
mentioned above)

Present the apparatus list in the format below:

Sl. Description of Quantity Range and Maker’s Maker’s

No. Apparatus used rating name number

E) Circuit Diagram:-

Ask the instructor for the topologies to be studied and accordingly connect devices,
meters and current sensor and take readings. The major ratings of diodes, resistor
(rheostat), inductor, capacitor are already given. Settings of input supply to the rectifier,
load should be such that devices and meters are NOT DAMAGED.

Before powering up any circuit, discuss with your instructor about the load settings and
ranges to be selected.

For example, a circuit diagram for the study of a 3-phase diode bridge rectifier employing delta-
star (Dy) connected transformer is given in Fig. 1.3. Connect the diode rectifier towards the
LV side of the transformer.
F) Procedure and Results: -

DO NOT SWITCH ON THE POWER CIRCUIT WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR TEACHER.

BEFORE ENERGIZING THE POWER CIRCUIT OF THE RECTIFIER, DO NOT FORGET TO

INSERT THE PLUG SOCKET INTEGRAL WITH THE KIT (FOR POWERING UP THE CURRENT
SENSOR CIRCUIT) INTO 230V, 50 Hz. MAINS.

The topologies which can be tested with the above kits are:

Single phase half-wave, single-phase full wave centre tapped, single phase full wave bridge,
three-phase half-wave (in such a case, connect the transformer secondary in zigzag
fashion), three-phase full wave bridge and diametral.

The loads can be either R or R-L or R||C (R paralleled with C) type.

Ask your instructor the topologies and loads to be studied. One single phase and one
three phase topology must be studied. The tables must be accordingly made.

As far as taking waveforms are concerned, the following waveforms are important:

Input AC voltage to the rectifier, output load voltage, output load current, voltage across a
diode, diode current, input current of rectifier. Two waveforms must be taken in a
transparency, one of which should be the reference/synchronizing waveform. All
waveforms must have voltage and time scales specified. They must be properly
captioned, with proper legends. Zero voltage (Ground) line must be marked.

Meter readings should be additionally taken – input voltage to rectifier, input current of
rectifier, load voltage and load current.

A table for comparison is to be finally presented showing the meter readings for currents
and voltages and the corresponding variable as processed from the waveform.

G) Report: -

(i) Present the important findings through proper tables.

(ii) Find out the Fourier coefficients of the load current, load voltage and input current
waveforms graphically for any one case as instructed by the instructor. Please ask
him/her as applicable. (Consult book of Kerchner & Corcoran to find out how the
coefficients are found graphically from experimental instantaneous waveform
data)
(iii) Present a comparative study of meter reading and as read from waveform for each
significant current and voltage.
(iv) From waveforms, compute the input displacement factor and power factor at the
rectifier input.
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