EE33D - Power Electronic Circuits

Section 1 - Introduction to Power Electronics

Types of Power Electronic Circuits
The switching characteristics of power devices permit the control and conversion of electric power from one form to another. These converters are called static power converters and consist of a matrix of switches. Using a combination of these devices allows us to create circuit configurations that allow us to convert between a.c. and d.c. signals. The resulting power electronic circuits are classified into six types: 1. diode rectifiers

2. ac-dc converters (controlled rectifiers)

3. ac-ac converters (ac voltage controllers)

4. dc-dc converters (dc choppers)

5. dc-ac converters (inverters)

6. static switches

Diode Rectifiers

A diode rectifier circuit converts ac voltage into a fixed dc voltage. Figure 1.2 shows a diode rectifier circuit.

Since diodes have a much greater conductivity in one direction than the other, when connected in series with an alternating supply and load, they will produce a direct component of the current during one half cycle of the supply. This property is exploited in the main application of diodes - as rectifiers. In figure 1.2, the load is connected to the center tap of a transformer. The center tap is such that during the positive phase of the input, the ouput of the secondary is divided equally between the two halves. During this phase, the diode D1 is conducting while D2 is non-conducting. So across the load we will get a positive half cycle. During the negative half cycle, the diode D2 is conducting while the diode D1 is not, and again we will get a positive half cycle across the load. In this way each diode conducts on alternate cycles, passing current through the load in the same direction.

Ac-dc Converters An ac-dc converter with two naturally commutated thyristors are shown in figure 1.3.

(b) Voltage Waveform

Figure 1.3 Single Phase ac-dc Thyristor Converter The circuit shown is similar to the diode rectifier but with thyristors used in the place of diodes. Recall that thyristors need to be fired to turn on. If each thyristor is fired alternately the same effect would be obtained as with the diode rectifier. The average output voltage is controlled by varying the conduction time or firing delay

angle of the thyristors. These converters are also called controlled rectifiers.

Thyristors need to be fired to be turned on, and each one is fired at the same point in the appropriate half cycle. This pont, or delay into the cycle, is termed the firing angle.

Ac-ac Converters These converters ore used to produce a variable ac output voltage from a fixed ac source. Figure 1.4 shows a single phase converter using a TRIAC. The output voltage is controlled by varying the conduction time of firing/delay angle of the TRIAC. These converters are also known as ac voltage controllers.

Figure 1.4 Single Phase ac-ac TRIAC Converter Dc-dc Converters A dc-dc converter is also known as a chopper or switching regulator. A transistor chopper is shown in figure 1.5. The average output voltage is obtained by controlling the conduction time t of transistor Q1. If T is the chopping period, then t1 = T. is called the duty cycle of the chopper.

Figure 1.5 Dc-dc Converter Dc-ac Converters A dc-ac converter is also known as an inverter. A single phase transistor inverter is shown in figure 1.6. We need to switch the transistors on and off in pairs, which is why we did not choose thyristors for this circuit. Transistors M1 and M2 conduct for one-half cycle while M3 and M4 conduct for the other half cycle. When transistors M1 and M2 are on the voltage VO appears across the load. When the other pair of transistors is on the voltage appears across the load, but in the opposite direction thereby producing an alternating output voltage waveform. The frequency of the output voltage is controlled by varying the conduction time of the transistors.

Figure 1.6 Single Phase dc-ac Converter

Between the time when one pair of transistors is on and the other pair is on, there is a period during which both are off, and the output across the load is zero.

Static Switches Power devices can be used to operate as static switches or contactors, When the supply to these switches is an ac supply, they are called ac static switches and when the supply is dc, they are called dc static switches.