Firing Angle Control Of Thyristor Using

Arduino

A Mini project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Technology by

Junaid Shaikh – 112101062

Shambhuraj Raktate – 112105051
Shreyas Damgude – 112105059
Vaibhav Wat - 112105068

Under the guidance of

Dr. S. V. Unde

Department of Electrical Engineering

COEP Technological University
Date - 27/02/2024
Outline

1 Introduction 1

2 Literature Review 2

3 Problem Statement 3

4 Aims, Objectives of the Project

and Methodology 4

5 Work Done 7

6 References 9

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1 Introduction:

The TRIAC firing angle control circuit represents an innovative solution designed to
regulate the flow of AC power from the input supply to the load by manipulating the
average voltage across the load. This versatile circuit finds extensive application,
notably in Induction Motor Speed Control, showcasing its adaptability across various
scenarios.

At its core, the primary objective of the TRIAC firing angle control circuit is to modulate
the average power delivered to the load by adjusting the RMS (Root Mean Square) value
of the load voltage. This dynamic control mechanism proves effective in managing the
speed of induction motors, adding an additional layer of functionality to the circuit.

The methodology employed in this circuit involves the strategic utilization of TRIACs for
load power control. Traditionally, this is achieved either by employing anti-parallel
connected Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) or by utilizing a single TRIAC. The
latter approach, involving a single TRIAC, simplifies the circuit design while
maintaining efficient control over the load power.

In practical terms, the TRIAC firing angle control circuit stands out as the preferred
thyristor control method, especially for low to moderately high power AC loads. The
crux of its operation lies in the meticulous adjustment of the RMS value of the load
voltage, which, in turn, is governed by the trigger angle of the TRIAC. By regulating the
conduction time of the TRIAC, the circuit effectively manages the power delivered to
the load

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 2 Literature Survey:
The control of firing angle is a crucial aspect in utilizing thyristors effectively. This literature
survey aims to provide an overview of various resources relevant to a project focusing on this
theme.

1. Understanding the Fundamentals:

• "Understanding SCR Power Controls: Types of SCR Firing | Applications" by ElProCus

https://www.slideshare.net/agarwal3/understanding-scr-power-controls-and-types-of-scr-
firing

o This article offers a clear explanation of firing angle control in SCRs and its
applications.

o It details the concept of triggering the SCR at a specific point on the AC

waveform by varying the gate pulse timing.

• "Control of Firing Angle of TRIAC" by Atika Paddo

https://microcontrollerslab.com/firing-angle-control-circuit-triac/

o This paper delves into firing angle control for TRIACs, highlighting its
significance in controlling AC power flow.

o It introduces essential components like zero-crossing detection, ramp generators,

and comparators used in control circuits.

2. Project Implementations:
• "Phase Angle Controller of SCR Using AT89C51" by Electronics For You
https://www.electronicsforu.com/electronics-projects/hardware-diy/phase-angle-
controller-scr

o This website showcases a project employing a microcontroller (AT89C51) to

control the SCR's firing angle.

o It features a detailed description of the circuit, its operation, and implementation

using readily available components.

• "DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PIC MICROCONTROLLER BASED

FIRING CONTROLLER FOR A TRIPHASE THYRISTOR RECTIFIER" by
Technology Interface International Journal
https://tiij.org/issues/issues/fall2006/34_Anwar/index.pdf

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 o This article presents a project utilizing a PIC microcontroller to control the firing
angle in a three-phase thyristor rectifier circuit.

o It emphasizes essential considerations like safety measures and potential

challenges in such projects.

3 Problem Statement
Thyristor triggering circuits find applications in various fields due to the versatility and
efficiency of thyristors in controlling power. Some common applications include:

Motor Speed Control, Light Dimming, Heat Control, Power Supplies, Inverters, AC
Power Controllers, Static VAR Compensators etc.

There are several techniques for triggering a thyristor, each suitable for different
applications and requirements. Some common techniques include:

Gate Triggering, RC Triggering, UJT Triggering, Optical Triggering, Gate Drive

Transformer, Phase Control, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Control.

But there are several drawbacks in using R (resistor), RC (resistor-capacitor) triggering

circuits and other basic technique with an SCR (silicon-controlled rectifier).

Limited Firing Angle Control, Fixed Triggering Delay, Sensitive to Voltage

Fluctuations, Limited Protection Against False Triggering, Higher Power Dissipation,
Complexity in Design.

To overcome the drawbacks of using R and RC triggering circuits with SCR, we can
consider the following approaches:

Improved Firing Angle Control: Use more advanced triggering circuits, such as phase-
locked loop (PLL) or microcontroller-based circuits, which offer better control over the
firing angle. These circuits can provide precise and flexible adjustment of the firing
angle over a wider range.

Variable Triggering Delay: Use circuits that allow for variable triggering delay, such as
programmable delay circuits or microcontroller-based circuits. These circuits can adjust
the firing angle based on the desired timing requirements.

Noise Filtering and Signal Conditioning: Implement noise filtering and signal
conditioning techniques in the triggering circuit to reduce the sensitivity to voltage
fluctuations and external noise. This can help improve the reliability of the triggering
circuit.
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 Optical Isolation: Use optical isolation between the triggering circuit and the SCR to
protect against false triggering and improve noise immunity. Optical isolators provide a
high level of isolation and can help improve the overall performance of the circuit.

4 Aims, Objectives of the Project and

Methodology
Aim : The aim of the project is to design and implement a versatile thyristor control system with
the primary objective of regulating the firing angle. This system aims to provide precise control
over power delivery in electrical circuits. TRIAC firing angle control circuit is designed to
control flow of AC power from input supply to load by changing the average voltage appearing
across load
he overarching goal is to create a robust and adaptable thyristor control system that can be
applied in diverse applications, ranging from industrial settings to smart energy management,
ensuring efficiency, safety, and optimal performance.

Objective :

The primary objective of this project is to develop a sophisticated thyristor control

system capable of regulating the firing angle in electrical circuits. The specific aims
include:
1. Precision Control: Achieve precise and adjustable control over the firing angle
of thyristors to regulate power flow in electrical systems.
2. Versatility: Implement a system that can control multiple thyristors
simultaneously, allowing for versatile applications in various settings
3. Efficiency: Enhancing energy efficiency through dynamic control and
optimization of the firing angle.
4. Adaptability: Adapting to diverse applications, including industrial settings,
smart homes, and renewable energy integration, showcasing the system's
versatility
Methodology :
Circuit Description

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1. Full Wave Bridge Rectifier:
• A crucial component in power supply circuits.

• Utilizes a bridge arrangement of diodes to convert the incoming 9V AC

signal into a smoother, ripple DC waveform.
• Ensures that the current flows in the same direction through the load
during the entire AC cycle, resulting in a more stable DC output.
2. Zero Crossing Detecting Circuit:
• This circuit plays a pivotal role in achieving precise control over the firing
angle of the thyristor.
• The zero-crossing detector is essential for identifying the points where the
AC waveform crosses zero voltage, marking the beginning of each half-
cycle.
• The 4N25 optocoupler is employed for electrical isolation between the
high-voltage side (input supply and load) and the low-voltage side
(Arduino-triggered circuit).
• It ensures that the timing of the triggering pulses remains consistent for
both positive and negative half-cycles, contributing to accurate and
symmetrical control.
3. Arduino Nano:
• An Arduino Nano microcontroller is employed to introduce a delay in the
circuit.
• The analog signal from a potentiometer (connected to the A0 pin) is
mapped, providing a variable delay based on user input.
• The potentiometer allows the user to manually adjust the delay introduced
by the Arduino, providing a convenient means of controlling the firing
angle.
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 • The Arduino controls the triggering of the triac, determining when the
load receives power during each AC cycle.
• The use of an Arduino Nano is preferred for its compact size, ease of
programming, and versatility in interfacing with other components.
4. Potentiometer:
• The potentiometer serves as a user-adjustable input device connected to
the Arduino Nano.
• Connected to the A0 pin, it converts manual adjustments into analog
signals.
• The analog input from the potentiometer is crucial for the Arduino Nano
as it determines the degree of delay to be introduced in the triggering of
the triac.
• By turning the potentiometer, the user can effectively control and fine-
tune the firing angle, thereby adjusting the power delivered to the load.
• This user-controlled variable introduces an element of adaptability and
real-time adjustment to the circuit's functionality.
5. Optoisolator:
• Also known as an optocoupler, it ensures electrical isolation between
different sections of the circuit.
• Utilizes light signals to transmit electrical signals, preventing high voltages
or electrical noise from affecting sensitive components.
• Protects the Arduino and its low-voltage components from potential
damage that may arise from the high-voltage side of the circuit.
6. Triac:
• A TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current) is chosen for bidirectional
control of current.
• Replaces the need for two SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers) connected
in anti-parallel, simplifying the circuit design.
• Enables precise control over both positive and negative half-cycles of the
AC waveform.
• Widely used in applications such as motor speed controllers, light
dimmers, and AC control systems due to its efficiency and accuracy.
7. Load:
• A 12V AC load is selected for experimental purposes.

• The circuit's design allows for the control of various loads, making it
adaptable to applications such as induction motors or induction heating
systems.

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5 Work Done :
1) Simulation

Arduino Code :

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 2) Simulation Result :

1. Blue Waveform (Triac Triggering):

• Represents the timing of the triggering pulses sent to the triac by the
Arduino Nano.
• The blue waveform showcases the control and precision achieved by the
Arduino in determining when the triac is activated during each AC cycle.
• The user-adjustable potentiometer, mapped through the Arduino,
influences the timing of these triggers, allowing for variable control over
the firing angle.
2. Green Waveform (Rectified Full Wave):
• Illustrates the output of the full-wave bridge rectifier applied to the
incoming 9V AC signal.
• After rectification, the AC signal is converted into a smoother, ripple DC
waveform.
• The consistent direction of current flow through the load ensures a stable
DC output, ready for further control and modulation.
3. Yellow Waveform (Output Power Delivered to Load):
• Represents the resulting power delivered to the load after the controlled
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 triggering of the triac.
• The yellow waveform shows the variable power levels supplied to the
load, corresponding to the adjustments made through the potentiometer
and Arduino Nano.
• The bidirectional control of the triac allows for precise modulation of
power during both positive and negative half-cycles of the AC waveform.
4. Red Waveform (Zero Crossing of Rectified Wave):
• Depicts the instances of zero crossings in the rectified waveform.
• This red waveform is crucial for synchronizing the triggering pulses sent
to the triac. The zero-crossing points mark the beginning of each half-
cycle, enabling accurate timing control.

• The 4N25 optocoupler, integrated into the zero-crossing detection circuit,

ensures t he proper isolation and detection of these zero-crossing points.

Progress Update:
We have successfully conducted simulations, obtaining accurate results that align with our design
goals. Concurrently, we are in the process of procuring the necessary components and moving
forward with the design of the printed circuit board (PCB)

6 References:

1) https://microcontrollerslab.com/adjustable-firing-angle-control-of-thyristor-using-
arduino/

2) https://www.academia.edu/43394748/Control_of_Firing_Angle_of_TRIAC

3) T.K. Chakraborty, Bhim Singh, S.P. Gupta , ‘ A microprocessor-based firing

control scheme for three-phase thyristor power converter’ ,1990 .

4) A. M. Bhatt, ‘Phase Angle Control Of SCR Using AT89C51 ‘ , February 2012

5) Muhammad H. Rashid ‘Power Electronics Handbook: Devices, Circuits, and

Applications’ , 4th edition November 2017

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