Power Electronic

CHAPTER 2
Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

2.1 Introduction

Since the easily available voltage is a sinusoid, which alternates as a

function of time, the first task is to convert it into a useful and reliable constant
(dc) voltage for the successful operation of electronic circuits and direct current
machines. The conversion process is called the rectification. Although there are
other semiconductors devices suitable for rectification, diodes are frequently
employed. A rectifier is a circuit that converts an ac signal into a dc signal or
sometime is called ac to dc converter. The rectifiers are classified into two types,
single-phase and three-phase. The typical applications of the rectifier circuits such
as dc welder, dc motor drive, Battery charger, dc power supply, High Voltage
Direct Current (HVDC).

2.2 Single-Phase Half-Wave Rectifiers

A single-phase half-wave rectifier is the simplest type, but it is not

normally used in industrial applications. However, it is useful in understanding the
principle of rectifier operation. The circuit diagram with a resistive load is shown
in Figure 2.l(a). During the positive half-cycle of the input voltage, diode D1
conducts and the input voltage appears across the load. During the negative half-
cycle of the input voltage, the diode is in a blocking condition and the output
voltage is zero. The waveforms for the input voltage and output voltage are shown
in Figure 2.1(b).

(a) Circuit diagram

 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

(b) Waveforms

Figure 2.1: Single-phase half-wave rectifier

2.3 Performance Parameters

Although the output voltage as shown in Figure 2.1(b) is dc, it is

discontinuous and contains harmonics. A rectifier is a power processor that should
give a dc output voltage with a minimum amount of harmonic contents. At the
same time, it should maintain the input current as sinusoidal as possible and in
phase with the input voltage so that the power factor is near unity. The power-
processing quality of a rectifier requires the determination of harmonic contents of
the input current, the output voltage, and the output current. Fourier series
expansions can be used to find the harmonic contents of voltages and currents.
There are different types of rectifier circuits and the performances of a rectifier are
normally evaluated in terms of the following parameters:

The average value of the output (load) voltage, Vdc

The average value of the output (load) current, Idc
The output dc power,
Pdc = VdcIdc (2.1)

The root-mean-square (rms) value of the output voltage, Vrms

The rms value of the output current, Irms
The output ac power
Pac = VrmsIrms (2.2)

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The efficiency (or rectification ratio) of a rectifier, which is a figure of

merit and permits us to compare the effectiveness, is defined as
P
η = dc (2.3)
Pac

The output voltage can be considered as composed of two components: (1)

the dc value, and (2) the ac component or ripple.
The effective (rms) value of the ac component of output voltage is
Vac = Vrms
2
− Vdc2 (2.4)

The form factor, which is a measure of the shape of output voltage, is

V
FF = rms (2.5)
Vdc

The ripple factor, which is a measure of the ripple content, is defined as

V
RF = ac (2.6)
Vdc

Substituting Eq. (2.4) in Eq. (2.6), the ripple factor can be expressed as
2
⎛V ⎞
RF = ⎜⎜ rms ⎟⎟ − 1 = FF 2 − 1 (2.7)
⎝ Vdc ⎠

The transformer utilization factor is defined as

P
TUF = dc (2.8)
Vs I s

where Vs and Is, are the rms voltage and rms current of the transformer secondary,
respectively. Consider the waveform of Figure 2.2, where vs is the sinusoidal input
voltage, is is the instantaneous input current, and is1 is its fundamental component.

Figure 2.2: Waveforms for input voltage and current

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

If φ is the angle between the fundamental components of the input current and
voltage, φ is called the displacement angle. The displacement factor is defined as

DF = cos φ (2.9)

The harmonic factor (HF) of the input current is defined as

1/ 2
⎛I2 −I2 ⎞
1/ 2
⎡⎛ I ⎞ 2 ⎤
HF = ⎜⎜ s 2 s1 ⎟⎟ = ⎢⎜⎜ s ⎟⎟ − 1⎥ (2.10)
⎝ I s1 ⎠ ⎢⎣⎝ I s1 ⎠ ⎥⎦

where Is1 is the fundamental component of the input current Is. Both Is1 and Is are
expressed here in rms. The input power factor (PF) is defined as
VI I
PF = s s1 cos φ = s1 cos φ (2.11)
Vs I s Is

Crest factor (CF), which is a measure of the peak input current Is(peak) as compared
with its rms value Is, is often of interest to specify the peak current ratings of
devices and components. CF of the input current is defined by
I s ( peak )
CF = (2.12)
Is

Example 2.1: Finding the performance parameters of a Half-wave Rectifier

The rectifier in Figure 2.l(a) has a purely resistive load of R. Determine,
(a) the efficiency,
(b) the FF,
(c) the RF,
(d) the TUF,
(e) the PIV of diode D1,
(f) the CF of the input current
(g) input PF.

Solution of Example 2.1

The average output voltage Vdc is defined as
T
1
Vdc = ∫ v L (t ) dt
T 0
We can notice from Figure 2.1(b) that vL(t) = 0 for T/2 ≤ t ≤ T. Hence,
1
T /2
− Vm ⎛ ωT ⎞
Vdc = ∫ Vm sin ωt dt = ⎜ cos − 1⎟
T 0 ωT ⎝ 2 ⎠
However, the frequency of the source is f = 1/T and ω = 2πf. Thus
V
Vdc = m = 0.318Vm
π (2.13)
V 0.318Vm
I dc = dc =
R R

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The rms value of a periodic waveform is defined as

1/ 2
⎡1 T ⎤
Vrms = ⎢ ∫ v L2 (t ) dt ⎥
⎣T 0 ⎦
For a sinusoidal voltage of v0(t) = Vm sin ωt for 0 ≤ t ≥ T/2, the rms value of the
output voltage is
1/ 2
⎡ 1 T /2 ⎤ V
Vrms = ⎢ ∫ (Vm sin ωt ) dt ⎥ = m = 0.5Vm
2

⎣T 0 ⎦ 2
V 0.5Vm
I rms = rms = (2.14)
R R
From Eq. (2.1), Pdc = (0.318Vm)2/R, and from Eq. (2.2), Pac = (0.5Vm)2/R
a) From Eq. (2.3), the efficiency η = (0.318Vm)2/(0.5Vm)2 = 40.5%.
b) From Eq. (2.5), the FF = 0.5Vm/0.318Vm = 1.57 or 157%.
c) From Eq. (2.7), the RF = 1.57 2 − 1 = 1.21 or 121%.
d) The rms voltage of the transformer secondary is
1/ 2
⎡1 T ⎤ Vm
Vs = ⎢ ∫ (Vm sin ωt ) dt ⎥ =
2
= 0.707Vm (2.15)
⎣T 0 ⎦ 2
The rms value of the transformer secondary current is the same as
that of the load:
0.5Vm
Is =
R
The volt-ampere rating (VA) of the transformer,
VA = VsIs = 0.707Vm × 0.5Vm/R.
From Eq. (2.8) TUF = Pac/(VsIs) = 0.1382/(0.707 × 0.5) = 0.286.

e) The peak reverse (or inverse) blocking voltage PIV = Vm.

f) Is(peak) = Vm/R and Is = 0.5Vm/R. The CF of the input current is
CF = Is(peak)/Is = 1/0.5 =2.
g) The input PF for a resistive load can be found from
P 0.5 2
PF = ac = = 0.707
VA 0.707 × 0.5

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

(a) Circuit diagram (b) Waveforms

(c) Waveforms

Figure 2.3: Half-wave rectifier with RL load

Consider the circuit of Figure 2.l(a) with an RL load as shown in Figure 2.3(a).
Due to inductive load, the conduction period of diode D1 will extend beyond 180°
until the current becomes zero at ωt = π + σ. The waveforms for the current and
voltage are shown in Figure 2.3(b). It should be noted that the average vL of the
inductor is zero. The average output voltage is
π +σ
V V V
Vdc = m ∫ sin ωt d (ωt ) = m [− cos ωt ]0 = m [1 − cos(π + σ )]
π +σ
(2.16)
2π 0 2π 2π
The average load current is Idc = Vdc/R.

It can be noted from Eq. (2.16) that the average voltage and current can be
increased by making σ = 0, which is possible by adding a freewheeling diode Dm
as shown in Figure 2.3(a) with dashed lines. The effect of this diode is to prevent a
negative voltage appearing across the load; and as a result, the magnetic stored

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energy is increased. At t = t1 = π/ω, the current from D1 is transferred to Dm and

this process is called commutation of diodes and the waveforms are shown in
Figure 2.3(c). Depending on the load time constant, the load current may be
discontinuous. Load current i0 is discontinuous with a resistive load and
continuous with a very high inductive load. The continuity of the load current
depends on its time constant τ = ωL/R.
If the output is connected to a battery, the rectifier can be used as a battery
charger. This is shown in Figure 2.4(a). For vs > E, diode D1 conducts. The angle
α when the diode starts conducting can be found from the condition.

Vm sin α = E

(a) Circuit

(b) Waveforms

Figure 2.4: Battery charger

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

E
α = sin −1 (2.17)
Vm
Diode D1 is turned off when vs < E at
β=π–α

The charging current iL, which is shown in Figure 2.4(b), can be found from
v − E Vm sin ωt − E
i0 = s = for α < ωt < β
R R

Example 2.2: Finding the Performance Parameters of a Battery Charger

The battery voltage in Figure 2.4(a) is E = 12 V and its capacity is 100 Wh. The
average charging current should be Idc = 5 A. The primary input voltage is Vp =
120 V, 60 Hz, and the transformer has a turn ratio of n = 2:1. Calculate
(a) the conduction angle δ of the diode.
(b) the current-limiting resistance R.
(c) the power rating PR of R.
(d) the charging time h0 in hours.
(e) the rectifier efficiency η.
(f) the PIV of the diode.

Solution of Example 2.2

E = 12 V, Vp = 120 V, Vs = Vp/n = 120/2 = 60 V, and Vm = √2 × Vs, = √2 × 60 =
84.85 V.
a) From Eq. (2.17), α = sin-1 (12/84.85) = 8.13° or 0.1419 rad. β = 180 – 8.13 =
171.87°. The conduction angle is δ = β – α = 171.87 – 8.13 = 163.74°.
b) The average charging current Idc is
β
1 Vm sin ωt − E 1
I dc = ∫ d (ωt ) = (2Vm cos α + 2 Eα − πE ) , for β = π – α
2π α R 2πR
(2.18)
which gives
1
R= (2Vm cos α + 2 Eα − πE )
2πI dc

=
1
2π × 5
( )
2 × 84.85 × cos 8.13o + 2 × 12 × 0.1419 − π × 12 = 4.26 Ω

c) The rms battery current Irms is

1 (Vm sin ωt − E )
β 2

d (ωt )
2π α∫
2
I rms =
R2
1 ⎡⎛ Vm2 2⎞ Vm2 ⎤
I 2
rms = ⎢⎜⎜ + E ⎟(π − 2α ) +
⎟ sin 2α − 4Vm E cos α ⎥ (2.19)
2πR 2 ⎢⎣⎝ 2 ⎠ 2 ⎥⎦
2
I rms = 67.4
I rms = 8.2 A

The power rating of R is PR = 8.22 × 4.26 = 286.4 W.

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d) The power delivered Pdc to the battery is

Pdc = EIdc = 12 × 5 = 60 W
100 100
hoPdc = 100 or h o = = = 1.667 h
Pdc 60
e) The rectifier efficiency η is
power delivered to the battery Pdc 60
η= = = = 17.32%
total input power Pdc + PR 60 + 286.4

f) The peak inverse voltage PIV of the diode is

PIV = Vm + E = 84.85 + 12 = 96.85 V

2.4 Single-Phase Full-Wave Rectifiers

A full-wave rectifier circuit with a center-tapped transformer is shown in
Figure 2.5(a). Each half of the transformer with its associated diode acts as a half-
wave rectifier and the output of a full-wave rectifier is shown in Figure 2.5(b).
Because there is no dc current flowing through the transformer, there is no dc
saturation problem of transformer core. The average output voltage is
T /2
2 2V
Vdc = ∫ Vm sin ωt dt = m = 0.6366 Vm (2.20)
T 0 π
Instead of using a center-tapped transformer, we could use four diodes, as shown
in Figure 2.6(a). During the positive half-cycle of the input voltage, the power is
supplied to the load through diodes D1 and D2. During the negative cycle, diodes
D3 and D4 conduct. The waveform for the output voltage is shown in Figure 2.6(b)
and is similar to that of Figure 2.5(b). The peak-inverse voltage of a diode is only
Vm. This circuit is known as a bridge rectifier, and it is commonly used in
industrial applications.

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

(a) Circuit diagram (b) Waveforms

Figure 2.5: Full-wave rectifier with center-tapped transformer

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 Power Electronics

(a)Circuit diagram (b) Waveforms

Figure 2.6: Full-wave bridge rectifier

Example 2.3: Finding the Performance Parameters of a Full-Wave Rectifier

with Center-Tapped Transformer
If the rectifier in Figure 2.5(a) has a purely resistive load of R, determine
(a) the efficiency.
(b) the FF.
(c) the RF.
(d) the TUF.
(e) the PIV of diode D1.
(f) the CF of the input current.

Solution of Example 2.3

From Eq. (2.20), the average output voltage is
2V
Vdc = m = 0.6366 Vm
π
and the average load current is
Vdc 0.6366Vm
I dc =
=
R R
The rms value of the output voltage is
1/ 2
⎡ 2 T /2 ⎤ Vm
= ⎢ ∫ (Vm sin ωt ) dt ⎥
2
Vrms = = 0.707 Vm
⎣T 0 ⎦ 2
V 0.707Vm
I rms = rms =
R R

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

From Eq. (2.1), Pdc = (0.6366Vm)2/R, and from Eq. (2.2), Pac = (0.707Vm)2/R
a) From Eq. (2.3), the efficiency η = (0.6366Vm)2/(0.707Vm)2 = 81%.
b) From Eq. (2.5), the FF = 0.707Vm/0.6366Vm = 1.11.
c) From Eq. (2.7), the RF = 1.112 − 1 = 0.482 or 48.2%.
d) The rms voltage of the transformer secondary is Vs = Vm/√2 =
0.707Vm.The rms value of the transformer secondary current is Is =
0.5Vm/R. The volt-ampere rating (VA) of the transformer, VA = 2VsIs = 2
× 0.707Vm × 0.5Vm/R. From Eq. (2.8)

TUF = Pac/(VsIs) = 0.63662/(2 × 0.707 × 0.5) = 0.5732 = 57.32%.

e) The peak reverse (or inverse) blocking voltage PIV = 2Vm.

f) Is(peak) = Vm/R and Is = 0.707Vm/R. The CF of the input current is
CF = Is(peak)/Is = 1/0.707 = √2.
g) The input PF for a resistive load can be found from
P 0.707 2
PF = ac = = 0.707
VA 2 × 0.707 × 0.5

2.5 Single-Phase Full-Wave Rectifier With RL Load

With a resistive load, the load current is identical in shape to the output
voltage. In practice, most loads are inductive to a certain extent and the load
current depends on the values of load resistance R and load inductance L. This is
shown in Figure 2.7(a). A battery of voltage E is added to develop generalized
equations. If vs = Vm sin ωt = √2 Vs sin ωt is the input voltage, the load current i0
can be found from
di
L 0 + Ri0 + E = 2 Vs sin ωt , for i0 ≥ 0
dt
which has a solution of the form
2Vs E
i0 = sin (ω t − θ ) + A1e −( R / L )t − (2.21)
Z R
where load impedance Z = [R2 + (ωL)2]1/2, load impedance angle θ = tan-1(ωL/R),
and Vs is the rms value of the input voltage.

Case 1: continuous load current. This is shown in Figure 2.7(b). The constant A1
in Eq. (2.21) can be determined from the condition: at ωt = π, i0 = I0.
⎛ E 2Vs ⎞
A1 = ⎜ I 0 + − sin θ ⎟e ( R / L )(π / ω )
⎜ R Z ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Substitution of A i in Eq. (2.21) yields
2Vs ⎛ E 2Vs ⎞ E
i0 = sin (ω t − θ ) + ⎜ I 0 + − sin θ ⎟e ( R / L )(π / ω −t ) − (2.22)
Z ⎜ R Z ⎟ R
⎝ ⎠

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 Power Electronics

Under a steady-state condition, i0(ωt = 0) = i0(ωt = π). That is, i0(ωt = π) = I0.
Applying this condition, the value of I0
( R / L )(π / ω )
2Vs 1 + e− E
I0 = sin θ − ( R / L )(π / ω )
− for I0 ≥ 0 (2.23)
Z 1− e R

which, after substituting I0 in Eq. (2.22) and simplification, gives

2Vs ⎡ 2 − ( R / L )t ⎤ E
i0 = ⎢sin (ω t − θ ) + ( R / L )(π / ω ) sin θ e ⎥− ,
Z ⎣ 1− e −
⎦ R
for 0 ≤ (ωt – θ) ≤ π and i0 ≥ 0 (2.24)

The rms diode current can be found from Eq. (2.24) as

1/ 2
⎡ 1 π ⎤
I r = ⎢ ∫ i02 d (ωt )⎥
⎣ 2π 0 ⎦
and the rms output current can then be determined by combining the rms current
of each diode as
(
I rms = I r2 + I r2 )1/ 2
= 2I r
The average diode current can also be found from Eq. (2.24) as
π
1
i0 d (ωt )
2π ∫0
Id =

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

Figure 2.7: Full-bridge rectifier with RL load

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 Power Electronics

Case 2: discontinuous load current. This is shown in Figure 2.7(d). The load
current flows only during the period α ≤ ωt ≤ β. Let us define x = E/Vm = E/√2Vs
as the load battery (emf) constant, called the voltage ratio. The diodes start to
conduct at ωt = α given by
E
α = sin −1 = sin −1 (x )
Vm
At ωt = α, i0(ωt) = 0 and Eq. (2.21) gives
⎡E 2Vs ⎤
A1 = ⎢ − sin (α − θ )⎥ e ( R / L )(α / ω )
⎣R Z ⎦
which, after substituting in Eq. (2.21), yields the load current
2Vs ⎡E 2Vs ⎤ E
i0 = sin (ωt − θ ) + ⎢ − sin (α − θ )⎥ e ( R / L )(α / ω −t ) − (2.25)
Z ⎣⎢ R Z ⎦⎥ R
At ωt = β, the current falls to zero, and i0(ωt = β) = 0. That is,
2Vs ⎡E 2Vs ⎤ E
sin (ωt − θ ) + ⎢ − sin (α − θ )⎥ e ( R / L )(α − β ) / ω − = 0 (2.26)
Z ⎣⎢ R Z ⎦⎥ R
Dividing Eq. (2.26) by √2Vs/Z, and substituting R/Z = cos θ and ωL/R = tan θ,
(α − β )
⎛ x ⎞ tan (θ ) x
sin (β − θ ) + ⎜⎜ − sin (α − θ )⎟⎟e − =0 (2.27)
⎝ cos(θ ) ⎠ cos(θ )
β can be determined from this transcendental equation by an iterative (trial and
error) method of solution. Start with β = 0, and increase its value by a very small
amount until the left-hand side of this equation becomes zero.

The rms diode current can be found from Eq. (2.25) as

1/ 2
⎡ 1 β ⎤
I r = ⎢ ∫ i02 d (ωt )⎥
⎣⎢ 2π 0 ⎦⎥
The average diode current can also be found from Eq. (2.25) as
β
1
i0 d (ωt )
2π ∫0
Id =

Boundary conditions: The condition for the discontinuous current can be found by
setting I0 in Eq. (2.23) to zero.
⎡ −⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎤
⎛ R ⎞⎛ π ⎞

Vs 2 ⎢1 + e ⎝ L ⎠⎝ ω ⎠ ⎥ E
0= sin (θ )⎢ ⎛ R ⎞⎛ π ⎞ ⎥
−
Z −⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ R
⎢1 − e ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ ω ⎠ ⎥
⎣ ⎦
which can be solved for the voltage ratio x = E/(√2Vs) as
⎡ −⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎤
⎛ R ⎞⎛ π ⎞

⎢1 + e ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ ω ⎠ ⎥
x(θ ) := ⎢ ⎛ R ⎞⎛ π ⎞ ⎥
sin (θ ) cos(θ ) (2.28)
−⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟
⎢1 − e ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ ω ⎠ ⎥
⎣ ⎦

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

The plot of the voltage ratio x against the load impedance angle θ is shown in
Figure 2.8. The load angle θ cannot exceed π/2. The value of x is 63.67% at θ =
1.5567 rad, 43.65% at θ = 0.52308 rad (30°) and 0% at θ = 0.

Example 2.4: Finding the Performance Parameters of a Full-Wave Rectifier

with an RL Load
The single-phase full-wave rectifier of Figure 2.7(a) has L = 6.5 mH, R = 2.5 H,
and E = 10 V. The input voltage is Vs = 120 V at 60 Hz.
(a) Determine
(1) the steady-state load current I0 at ωt = 0,
(2) the average diode current Id.
(3) the rms diode current Ir.
(4) the rms output current Irms.
(b) Use PSpice to plot the instantaneous output current i0.
Assume diode parameters IS = 2.22E - 15, BV = 1800 V.

Solution of Example 3.4

It is not known whether the load current is continuous or discontinuous. Assume
that the load current is continuous and proceed with the solution. If the assumption
is not correct, the load current is zero and then moves to the case for a
discontinuous current.

Figure 2.8: Boundary of continuous and discontinuous regions for single-phase

rectifier

a. R = 2.5 Ω, L = 6.5 mH, f = 60 Hz, ω = 2π × 60 = 377 rad/s, Vs = 120 V, Z

= [R2 + (ωL)2]1/2 = 3.5 Ω, and θ = tan-1(ωL/R) = 44.43°.

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(1) The steady-state load current at ωt = 0, I0 = 32.8 A. Because I0 > 0, the

load current is continuous and the assumption is correct.
(2) The numerical integration of i0 in Eq. (2.24) yields the average diode
current as Id = 19.61 A.
(3) By numerical integration of i02 between the limits ωt = 0 and π, we get
the rms diode current as Ir = 28.5 A.
(4) The rms output current Irms = √2Ir = √2 × 28.50 = 40.3 A.

2.6 Three-Phase Bridge Rectifiers

A three-phase bridge rectifier is commonly used in high-power

applications and it is shown in Figure 2.10. This is a full-wave rectifier. It can
operate with or without a transformer and gives six-pulse ripples on the output
voltage. The diodes are numbered in order of conduction sequences and each one
conducts for 120°. The conduction sequence for diodes is D1 – D2, D3 – D2, D3 –
D4, D5 – D4, D5 – D6 and D1 – D6. The pair of diodes which are connected
between that pair of supply lines having the highest amount of instantaneous line-
to-line voltage will conduct. The line-to-line voltage is √3 times the phase voltage
of a three-phase Y-connected source. The waveforms and conduction times of
diodes are shown in Figure 2.11. If Vm is the peak value of the phase voltage, then
the instantaneous phase voltages can be described by
van = Vm sin(ωt), vbn = Vm sin(ωt – 120o), vcn = Vm sin(ωt – 240o)

Figure 2.10: Three-phase bridge rectifier

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Figure 2.11: Waveforms and conduction times of diodes

Because the line-line voltage leads the phase voltage by 30°, the instantaneous
line-line voltages can be described by
vab = √3Vm sin(ωt + 30o),
vbc = √3Vm sin(ωt – 90o),
vca = √3Vm sin(ωt – 2100)

The average output voltage is found from

π /6
2
3Vm cos ωt d (ωt )
2π / 6 ∫0
Vdc =

3 3
= Vm (2.29)
π
= 1.654Vm

where Vm, is the peak phase voltage.

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The rms output voltage is

1/ 2
⎡ 2 π /6 2 ⎤
Vrms =⎢ ∫ 3Vm cos 2 ωt d (ωt )⎥
⎣ 2π / 6 0 ⎦
1/ 2
⎛3 9 3⎞
= ⎜⎜ + ⎟ Vm
⎟ (2.30)
⎝ 2 4π ⎠
= 1.6554Vm

If the load is purely resistive, the peak current through a diode is Im = √3Vm/R and
the rms value of the diode current is
π /6 1/ 2
⎡ 4 ⎤
Ir = ⎢ ∫0 I cos ωt d (ωt )⎥⎦
2 2

⎣ 2π
m

1/ 2
⎡1 ⎛π 1 2π ⎞⎤
= I m ⎢ ⎜ + sin ⎟⎥ (2.32)
⎣π ⎝ 6 2 6 ⎠⎦
= 0.5518 I m

and the rms value of the transformer secondary current,

π /6 1/ 2
⎡ 8 ⎤
Is = ⎢ ∫0 I cos ωt d (ωt )⎥⎦
2 2

⎣ 2π
m

1/ 2
⎡ 2 ⎛π 1 2π ⎞⎤
= I m ⎢ ⎜ + sin ⎟⎥ (2.33)
⎣π ⎝ 6 2 6 ⎠⎦
= 0.7804 I m

where Im is the peak secondary line current.

Example 2.5: Finding the Performance Parameters of a Three-Phase Bridge

Rectifier
A three-phase bridge rectifier has a purely resistive load of R. Determine
(a) the efficiency.
(b) the FF.
(c) the RF.
(d) the TUF.
(e) the peak inverse (or reverse) voltage (PIV) of each diode.
(f) the peak current through a diode.
The rectifier delivers Idc = 60 A at an output voltage of Vdc = 280.7 V and the
source frequency is 60 Hz.

Solution of Example 2.5

a. From Eq. (2.29), Vdc = 1.654Vm and Idc = 1.654Vm/R.
From Eq. (2.30), Vrms = 1.6554Vm, and Irms = 1.6554Vm/R.
From Eq. (2.1), Pdc = (l.654Vm)2/R.
From Eq. (2.2), Pac = (1.6554 Vm)2/R.
From Eq. (2.3) the efficiency

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

(1.654Vm )2
η= = 99.83%
(1.6554Vm )2
b. From Eq. (2.5), the FF = 1.6554/1.654 = 1.0008 = 100.08%.
c. From Eq. (2.6), the RF = 1.0008 2 - 1 = 0.04 = 4%.
d. From Eq. (2.15), the rms voltage of the transformer secondary, Vs = 0.707Vm.
From Eq. (2.33), the rms current of the transformer secondary,
V
I s = 0.7804 I m = 0.7804 × 3 m
R
The VA rating of the transformer,
V
VA = 3Vs I s = 3 × 0.707 I m × 0.7804 × 3 m
R
From Eq. (2.8),
1.654 2
TUF = = 0.9542
3 × 3 × 0.707 × 0.7804
e. From Eq. (2.29), the peak line-to-neutral voltage is Vm = 280.7/1.654 = 169.7
V. The peak inverse voltage of each diode is equal to the peak value of the
secondary line-to-line voltage, PIV = √3Vm = √3 × 169.7 = 293.9 V.
f. The average current through each diode is
π /6
4 2 π
Id = ∫ I m cos ωt d (ωt ) = I m sin = 0.3183I m
2π 0 π 6
The average current through each diode is Id = 60/3 = 20 A; therefore, the peak
current is Im = 20/0.3183 = 62.83 A.

2.7 Three-Phase Bridge Rectifier With RL Load

Equations that are derived in Section 2.5 can be applied to determine the
load current of a three-phase rectifier with an RL load (similar to Figure 2.12). It
can be noted from Figure 2.11 that the output voltage becomes
π 2π
vab = √2 Vab sin ωt for ≤ ωt ≤
3 3

where Vab is the line-to-line rms input voltage. The load current i0 can be found
from
di
L 0 + Ri0 + E = 2Vab sin ωt
dt

which has a solution of the form

2Vab E
i0 = sin (ωt − θ ) + A1e −( R / L )t − (2.34)
Z R

[
where load impedance Z = R 2 + (ωL ) ]
2 1/ 2
and load impedance angle = tan-1
(ωL/R). The constant A1 in Eq. (2.34) can be determined from the condition:
at ωt = π/3, i0 = I0.

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 Power Electronics

⎡ E 2Vab ⎛π ⎞⎤
A1 = ⎢ I 0 + − sin ⎜ − θ ⎟⎥ e ( R / L )(π / 3ω )
⎢⎣ R Z ⎝3 ⎠⎥⎦

Substitution of A1 in Eq. (3.45) yields

2Vab ⎡ E 2Vab ⎛π ⎞⎤ E
i0 = sin (ωt − θ ) + ⎢ I 0 + − sin ⎜ − θ ⎟⎥ e ( R / L )(π / 3ω −t ) − (2.35)
Z ⎢⎣ R Z ⎝3 ⎠⎥⎦ R

Under a steady-state condition, i0(ωt = 2π/3) = i0(ωt = π/3). That is, i0(ωt = 2π/3)
= I0. Applying this condition, we get the value of I0 as
2Vab sin (2π / 3 − θ ) − sin (π / 3 − θ )e − ( R / L )(π / 3ω ) E
I0 = − for I0 ≥ 0 (2.36)
Z 1 − e −( R / L )(π / 3ω ) R

which, after substitution in Eq. (2.35) and simplification, gives

2Vab ⎡ sin (2π / 3 − θ ) − sin (π / 3 − θ ) ( R / L )(π / 3ω −t ) ⎤ E
i0 = ⎢sin (ωt − θ ) + e ⎥⎦ − R
Z ⎣ 1 − e −( R / L )(π / 3ω −t )
for π/3 ≤ ωt ≤ 2π/3 and i0 ≥ 0
(2.37)

The rms diode current can be found from Eq. (2.37) as

2π / 3 1/ 2
⎡ 2 ⎤
Ir = ⎢ ∫π / 3i d (ωt )⎥⎦
2

⎣ 2π
0

and the rms output current can then be determined by combining the rms current
of each diode as
(
I rms = I r2 + I r2 + I r2 )
1/ 2
= 3I r

The average diode current can also be found from Eq. (2.36) as
2π / 3
2
i0 d (ωt )
2π π∫/ 3
Id =

Boundary conditions: The condition for the discontinuous current can be found by
setting I0 in Eq. (2.36) to zero.

⎡ ⎛ 2π ⎞ ⎛π ⎞ −⎜⎝ L ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 3ω ⎟⎠ ⎤
⎛ R ⎞⎛ π ⎞

⎢ ⎜sin − θ ⎟ − sin ⎜ − θ ⎟ e ⎥
2V AB ⎢ ⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝3 ⎠ ⎥− E =0
Z ⎢ ⎛ R ⎞⎛ π ⎞
−⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎥ R
⎢ 1 − e ⎝ L ⎠⎝ 3ω ⎠ ⎥
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

which can be solved for the voltage ratio x = E / 2V AB as ( )

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

⎡ ⎛ 2π ⎞ ⎛π
⎛ π
⎞ −⎜⎜
⎞
⎟⎟
⎤
⎢ sin⎜ − θ ⎟ − sin ⎜ − θ ⎟e ⎝ 3 tan (θ ) ⎠ ⎥
x(θ ) := ⎢⎢ ⎝ ⎥ cos(θ )
3 ⎠ ⎝3 ⎠
⎛ π ⎞ ⎥ (2.38)
−⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎢ 1 − e ⎝ 3 tan (θ ) ⎠ ⎥
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

Figure 2.12: Three-phase bridge rectifier for PSpice simulation

2.13: Boundary of continuous and discontinuous for three-phase rectifier

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 Power Electronics

2.8 Principle of Phase-controlled Converter Operation – Single-phase

Half-wave Controlled Converter

During the positive half-cycle of input voltage, the thyristor anode is

positive with respect to its cathode and the thyristor is said to be forward biased.
When thyristor T1 is fired at ωt = α, thyristor T1 conducts and the input voltage
appears across the load. When the input voltage starts to be negative at ωt = π, the
thyristor is negative with respect to its cathode and thyristor T1 said to be reverse
biased and it is turned off. The time after the input voltage starts to go negative
until the thyristor is fired at ωt = α is called the delay or firing angle α.

Figure 2.14: Single-phase thyristor converter with a resistive load

Figure 2.14(b) shows the region of converter operation, where the output
voltage and current have one polarity. Figure 2.14(c) shows the waveforms for
input voltage, output voltage, load current, and voltage across T1. This converter is
not normally used in industrial applications because its output has high ripple
content and low ripple frequency. However, it explains the principle of the single-
phase thyristor converter. If fs is the frequency of input supply, the lowest
frequency of output ripple voltage is fs.

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

If Vm is the peak input voltage, the average output voltage Vdc can be
found from
π
1 V V
∫ Vm sin ωtd (ωt ) = m [− cos ωt ]α = m (1 + cos α )
π
Vdc = (2.39)
2π α 2π 2π

and Vdc can be varied from Vm/π to 0 by varying a from 0 to π. The average output
voltage becomes maximum when a = 0 and the maximum output voltage Vdm is
V
Vdm = m (2.40)
π

Normalizing the output voltage with respect to Vdm, the normalized output voltage
V
Vn = dc = 0.5(1 + cos α ) (2.41)
Vdm

The root-mean-square (rms) output voltage is given by

1/ 2 1/ 2 1/ 2
⎡ 1 π ⎤ ⎡V 2 π
⎤ V ⎡1 ⎛ sin 2α ⎞⎤
Vrms = ⎢ ∫ Vm2 sin 2 ωtd (ωt )⎥ =⎢ m ∫α (1 − cos 2ωt )d (ωt )⎥⎦ = m ⎢ π ⎜ π − α + 2 ⎟⎥
⎣ 2π α ⎦ ⎣ 4π 2 ⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦
(2.42)

Gating sequence. The gating sequence for the thyristor switch is as follows:
1. Generate a pulse-signal at the positive zero crossing of the supply voltage vs.
2. Delay the pulse by the desired angle α and apply it between the gate and
cathode terminals of T1 through a gate-isolating circuit.

Example 2.6: Finding the Performances of a Single-Phase Controlled

Converter
If the converter of Figure 2.14(a) has a purely resistive load of R and the delay
angle is α = π/2. Determine
(a) the rectification efficiency.
(b) the form factor (FF).
(c) the ripple factor (RF).
(d) the TUF.
(e) the peak inverse voltage (PIV) of thyristor T1.

Solution of Example 2.6

The delay angle α = π/2. From Eq. (2.39), Vdc = 0.1592 Vm and Idc = 0.1592Vm/R.
Form Eq. (2.41), Vn = 0.5,
From Eq. (2.42) Vrms = 0.3536Vm and Irms = 0.3536Vm/R.
From Eq. (2.1) Pdc = VdcIdc = (0.1592Vm)2/R
From Eq. (2.2) Pac = VrmsIrms = (0.3536Vm)2/R

a. From Eq. (2.3) the rectification efficiency

P (0.1592Vm )2
η = dc = = 20.27%
Pac (0.3536Vm )2

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 Power Electronics

b. From Eq. (2.3), The FF

V 0.3536Vm
FF = rms = = 2.221 or 222.1%
Vdc 0.1592Vm
c. From Eq. (2.3), the RF
RF = FF 2 − 1 = (2.2212 − 1) = 1.983 or 198.3%
1/ 2

d. The rms voltage of the transformer secondary

Vs = Vm / 2 = 0.707Vm
The rms voltage of the transformer secondary current is the same as that of the
load
I s = 0.3536Vm / R
The volt-ampere rating (VA) of the transformer,
VA = Vs I s = 0.707Vm × 0.3536Vm / R
From Eq. (2.8),
P 0.1592 2 1
TUF = dc = = 0.1014 and = 9.86
Vs I s 0.707 × 0.3536 TUF
The PF is approximately equal to TUF. Thus PF = 0.1014
e. The PIV = Vm.

2.9 Single-Phase Full-wave Controlled Converter

The circuit arrangement of a single-phase full converter is shown in Figure

2.15(a) with a highly inductive load so that the load current is continuous and
ripples free. During the positive half-cycle, thyristors T1 and T2 are forward biased;
and when these two thyristors are fired simultaneously at ωt = α, the load is
connected to the input supply through T1 and T2. Due to the inductive load,
thyristors T1 and T2 continue to conduct beyond ωt = π, even though the input
voltage is already negative. During the negative half-cycle of the input voltage,
thyristors T1 and T2 are forward biased; and firing of thyristors T1 and T2 applies
the supply voltage across thyristors T1 and T2 as reverse blocking voltage. T1 and
T2 are turned off due to line or natural commutation and the load current is
transferred from T1 and T2 to T3 and T4. Figure 2.15(b) shows the regions of
converter operation and Figure 2.15(c) shows the waveforms for input voltage,
output voltage, and input and output currents.
During the period from α to π, the input voltage vs and input current is are
positive and the power flows from the supply to the load. The converter is said to
be operated in rectification mode. During the period from π to π + α, the input
voltage vs is negative and the input current is, is positive and reverse power flows
from the load to the supply. The converter is said to be operated in inversion mode.
This converter is extensively used in industrial applications. Depending on the
value of α, the average output voltage could be either positive or negative and it
provides two-quadrant operation.

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

Figure 2.15: Single-phase Full-wave Converter

The average output voltage can be found from

π +α
2 2V 2V
∫ Vm sin ωtd (ωt ) = m [− cos ωt ]α = m cos α
π +α
Vdc = (2.43)
2π α 2π π

and Vdc can be varied from 2Vm/π to -2Vm/π by varying α from 0 to π. The
maximum average output voltage is Vdm = 2Vm/π and the normalized average
output voltage is
V
Vn = dc = cos α (2.44)
Vdm

The rms value of the output voltage is given by

π +α 1/ 2 π +α 1/ 2
⎡ 2 ⎤ ⎡V 2 ⎤ Vm
=⎢ ∫α V sin ωtd (ωt )⎥⎦ =⎢ m ∫α (1 − cos 2ωt )d (ωt )⎥⎦ = = Vs (2.45)
2 2
Vrms
⎣ 2π ⎣ 2π
m
2

With a purely resistive load, thyristors T1 and T2 can conduct from α to π, and
thyristors T3 and T4 can conduct from α + π to 2π.

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 Power Electronics

2.9.1 Single-Phase Full-wave Controlled Converter with RL Load

The operation of the converter in Figure 2.15(a) can be divided into two
identical modes: mode 1 when T1 and T2 conduct and mode 2 when T3 and T4
conduct. The output currents during these modes are similar and we need to
consider only one mode to find the output current iL.
Mode 1 is valid for α ≤ ωt ≤ (α + π). If vs, = √2 Vs sin ωt is the input
voltage, the load current iL during mode 1 can be found from
di
L L + Ri L + E = 2Vs sin ωt for i L ≥ 0
dt

whose solution is of the form

2Vs E
iL = sin (ωt − θ ) + A1e −( R / L )t − for i L ≥ 0
Z R

where load impedance Z = [R2 + (ωL)2]1/2 and load angle θ = tan-1(ωL/R).

Constant A1, which can be determined from the initial condition: at ωt = α, iL = IL0
is found as
⎡ E 2Vs ⎤
A1 = ⎢ I L 0 + − sin (α − θ )⎥ e ( R / L )(α / ω )
⎣⎢ R Z ⎦⎥

Substitution of A1gives iLas

2Vs E ⎡ E 2Vs ⎤
iL = sin (ωt − θ ) − + ⎢ I L 0 + − sin (α − θ )⎥ e ( R / L )(α / ω −t ) (2.46)
Z R ⎣⎢ R Z ⎦⎥

At the end of mode 1 in the steady-state condition iL (ωt = π + α) = IL1 = IL0.

Applying this condition to Eq. (2.46) and solving for IL0 get
2Vs − sin (α − θ ) − sin (α − θ )e − ( R / L )(π ) / ω E
I L 0 = I L1 = − for I L 0 ≥ 0 (2.47)
Z 1 − e −( R / L )(π / ω ) R

The critical value of α at which I0 becomes zero can be solved for known values
of θ, R, L, E, and Vs, by an iterative method. The rms current of a thyristor can be
found from Eq. (2.46) as
π +α 1/ 2
⎡ 1 ⎤
IR = ⎢ ∫α i d (ωt )⎥⎦
2

⎣ 2π
L

The rms output current can then be determined from

(
I rms = I R2 + I R2 )
1/ 2
= 2 IR

The average current of a thyristor can also be found from Eq. (2.46) as
π +α
1
i L d (ωt )
2π α∫
IA =

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

The average output current can be determined from

I dc = I A + I A = 2 I A

Discontinuous load current. The critical value of αc at which IL0 becomes zero
can be solved. Dividing Eq. (2.47) by √2Vs/Z, and substituting R/Z = cos θ and
ωL/R = tan θ, get
V 2 ⎡1 + e − ( R / L )(π / ω ) ⎤ E
0= s sin (α − θ )⎢ − ( R / L )(π / ω ) ⎥
+
Z ⎣1 − e ⎦ R

which can be solved for the critical value of a as

⎡1 − e − (π / tan (θ )) x ⎤
α c = θ − sin −1 ⎢ ⎥ (2.48)
⎣1 + e
− (π / tan (θ ))
cos(θ )⎦

where x = E/√2Vs is the voltage ratio, and θ is the load impedance angle. For α ≥
αc, IL0 = 0. The load current that is described by Eq. (2.46) flows only during the
period, α ≤ ωt ≤ β. At ωt = ω, the load current falls to zero again.

Gating sequence. The gating sequence is as follows:

1. Generate a pulse signal at the positive zero crossing of the supply voltage vs.
Delay the pulse by the desired angle α and apply the same pulse between the
gate and cathode terminals of T1 and T2 through gate-isolating circuits.
2. Generate another pulse of delay angle α + π and apply the same pulse between
the gate and source terminals of T3 and T4 through gate-isolating circuits.

Example 2.7: Finding the Current Ratings of Single-Phase Controlled Full

Converter with an RL load
The single-phase full converter of Figure 215(a) has a RL load having L = 6.5 mH,
R = 0.5 Ω, and E = 10 V. The input voltage is Vs = 120 V at (rms) 60 Hz.
Determine
(a) the load current IL0 at ωt = α = 60°.
(b) the average thyristor current IA.
(c) the rms thyristor current IR.
(d) the rms output current Irms.
(e) the average output current Idc.
(f) the critical delay angle αc.

Solution of Example 2.7

α = 60°, R = 0.5 Ω, L = 6.5 mH, f = 60 Hz, ω = 2π × 60 = 377 rad/s, Vs = 120V,
and θ = tan-1(ωL/R) = 78.47°.

a. The steady-state load current at ωt = α, IL0 = 49.34 A.

b. The numerical integration of iL in Eq. (2.46) yields the average thyristor
current as IA = 44.05 A.
c. By numerical integration of i L2 between the limits ωt = α to π + α, get the rms
thyristor current as IR = 63.71 A.
d. The rms output current Irms = √2IR = √2 × 63.71 = 90.1 A.

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 Power Electronics

e. The average output current Idc = 2 IA = 2 × 44.04 = 88.1 A.

From Eq. (2.48), by iteration we find the critical delay angle αc = 73.23°.

2.10 Principle of Three-phase Half-wave Controlled Converter

Three-phase converters provide higher average output voltage and in

addition the frequency of the ripples on the output voltage is higher compared
with that of single-phase converters. As a result, the filtering requirements for
smoothing out the load current and load voltage are simpler. For these reasons,
three-phase converters are used extensively in high-power variable-speed drives.
Three single-phase half-wave converters in Figure 2.14(a) can be connected to
form a three-phase half-wave converter, as shown in Figure 2.16(a).

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

Figure 2.16: Three-phase half-wave converter

When thyristor T1 is fired at ωt = π/6 + α, the phase voltage van appears

across the load until thyristor T2 is fired at ωt = 5π/6 + α. When thyristor T2 is
fired, thyristor T1 is reverse biased, because the line-to-line voltage, van (=van – vbn),
is negative and T1 is turned off. The phase voltage vbn appears across the load until
thyristor T3 is fired at ωt = 3π/2 + α. When thyristor T3, is fired, T2 is turned off
and vcn appears across the load until T1 is fired again at the beginning of next cycle.
Figure 2.16(b) shows the v – i characteristics of the load and this is a two-quadrant
converter. Figure 2.16(c) shows the input voltages, output voltage, and the current
through thyristor T1 for a highly inductive load. For a resistive load and α > π/6,

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 Power Electronics

the load current would be discontinuous and each thyristor is self-commutated

when the polarity of its phase voltage is reversed. The frequency of output ripple
voltage is 3fs. This converter is not normally used in practical systems, because the
supply currents contain dc components. However, this converter explains the
principle of the three-phase thyristor converter.
If the phase voltage is van = Vm sin ωt average output voltage for a
continuous load current is
5π / 6 +α
3 3 3Vm
Vdc = ∫ Vm sin ωt d (ωt ) = cos α (2.49)
2π π / 6+α 2π

where Vm is the peak phase voltage. The maximum average output voltage that
occurs at delay angle, α = 0 is
3 3Vm
Vdm =
2π

and the normalized average output voltage is

V
Vn = dc = cos α
Vdm
(2.50)
The rms output voltage is found from
1/ 2 1/ 2
3 ⎡
5π / 6 +α
⎤ ⎛1 3 ⎞
= ⎢ ∫ Vm sin ωt d (ωt )⎥ = 3Vm ⎜⎜ + cos α ⎟⎟
2 2
Vrms (2.51)
2π ⎣ π / 6+α ⎦ ⎝ 6 8π ⎠

For a resistive load and α ≥ π/6:

π
3 3Vm ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤
Vdc = ∫ Vm sin ωt d (ωt ) = ⎢1 + cos⎜ 6 + α ⎟⎥ (2.52)
2π π / 6+α 2π ⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦

Vdc 1 ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤
Vn = = ⎢1 + cos⎜ + α ⎟⎥ (2.53)
Vdm 3⎣ ⎝6 ⎠⎦

π 1/ 2 1/ 2
⎡ 3 ⎤ ⎡5 α 1 ⎛π ⎞⎤
Vrms =⎢ ∫ V2
sin2
ω t d (ω t )⎥ = 3Vm ⎢ − + sin ⎜ + 2α ⎟⎥ (2.54)
⎣ 2π ⎣ 24 4π 8π
m
π / 6 +α ⎦ ⎝3 ⎠⎦

Gating sequence.
The gating sequence is as follows:
1. Generate a pulse signal at the positive zero crossing of the phase voltage van.
Delay the pulse by the desired angle α + π/6 and apply it to the gate and
cathode terminals of T1 through a gate-isolating circuit.
2. Generate two more pulses of delay angles α + 5π/6 and α + 9π/6 for gating T2
and T3, respectively, through gate-isolating circuits.

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

Example 2.8 Finding the Performances of a Three-Phase Controlled Half-

Wave Converter
A three-phase half-wave converter in Figure 2.16(a) is operated from a three-
phase Y-connected 208-V, 60-Hz supply and the load resistance is R = 10 Ω. If it
is required to obtain an average output voltage of 50% of the maximum possible
output voltage, calculate
(a) the delay angle α.
(b) the rms and average output currents.
(c) the average and rms thyristor currents.
(d) the rectification efficiency.
(e) the TUF.
(f) the input PF.

Solution of Example 2.8

The phase voltage is V, = 208/√3 = 120.1 V, Vm = √2Vs = 169.83 V, Vn = 0.5, and
R = 10 Ω. The maximum output voltage is
3 3Vm 169.83
Vdm = =3 3× = 140.45 V
2π 2π

The average output voltage, Vdc = 0.5 × 140.45 = 70.23 V.

a. For a resistive load, the load current is continuous if α ≤ π/6 and Eq. (2.50)
gives Vn ≥ cos(π/6) = 86.6%. With a resistive load and 50% output, the load
current is discontinuous. From Eq. (2.53), 0.5 = (1/√3)[1 + cos(π/6 + α)],
which gives the delay angle as α = 67.7°.

b. The average output current, Idc = Vdc/R = 70.23/10 = 7.02 A. From Eq. (2.54),
Vrms = 94.74 V and the rms load current, Irms = 94.74/10 = 9.47 A.

c. The average current of a thyristor is IA = 1dc/3 = 7.02/3 = 2.34 A and the rms
current of a thyristor is IR = Irms/√3 = 9.47/V3 = 5.47 A.

d. From Eq. (2.3) the rectification efficiency is η= VdcIdc/VrmsIrms = 70.23 ×

7.02/(94.74 × 9.47) = 54.95%.

e. The rms input line current is the same as the thyristor rms current, and the
input volt-ampere rating (VAR), VI = 3VsIs = 3 × 120.1 × 5.47 = 1970.84 W.
From Eq. (2.8), TUF = VdcIdc/VI = 70.23 × 7.02/1970.84 = 0.25 or 25%.

2
f. The output power P0 = I rms R = 9.472 × 10 = 896.81 VA. The input PF = P0/VI
= 896.81/1970.84 = 0.455 (lagging).

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 Power Electronics

2.11 Three-Phase Full-wave Controlled Converters

Three-phase converters are extensively used in industrial applications up

to the 120-kW level, where a two-quadrant operation is required. Figure 2.17(a)
shows a full-converter circuit with a highly inductive load. This circuit is known
as a three-phase bridge. The thyristors are fired at an interval of π/3. The
frequency of output ripple voltage is 6fs and the filtering requirement is less than
that of half-wave converters. At ωt = π/6 + α, thyristor T6 is already conducting
and thyristor T1 is turned on. During interval (π/6 + α) ≤ ωt ≤ (π/2 + α), thyristors
T1 and T6 conduct and the line-to-line voltage vab(= van – vbn) appears across the
load. At ωt = π/2 + α, thyristor T2 is fired and thyristor T6 is reversed biased
immediately. T6 is turned off due to natural commutation. During interval (π/2 + α)
≤ ωt ≤ (5π/6 + α), thyristors T1 and T2 conduct and the line-to-line voltage vac
appears across the load. If the thyristors are numbered, as shown in Figure 2.17(a),
the firing sequence is 12, 23, 34, 45, 56, and 61. Figure 2.17(b) shows the
waveforms for input voltage, output voltage, input current, and currents through
thyristors.

If the line-to-neutral voltages are defined as

v an = Vm sin ωt
⎛ 2π ⎞
vbn = Vm sin ⎜ ωt − ⎟
⎝ 3 ⎠
⎛ 2π ⎞
vcn = Vm sin ⎜ ωt + ⎟
⎝ 3 ⎠

the corresponding line-to-line voltages are

⎛ π⎞
v ab = v an − vbn = 3 Vm sin ⎜ ωt + ⎟
⎝ 6⎠
⎛ π⎞
vbc = vbn − vcn = 3 Vm sin ⎜ ωt − ⎟
⎝ 2⎠
⎛ π⎞
vca = vcn − v an = 3 Vm sin ⎜ ωt + ⎟
⎝ 2⎠

The average output voltage is found from

π / 2 +α π / 2 +α
3 3 ⎛ π⎞ 3 3 Vm
Vdc =
π ∫ vab d (ωt ) =
π / 6 +α ππ ∫α / 6+
3 Vm sin ⎜ ωt + ⎟ d (ωt ) =
⎝ 6⎠ π
cos α (2.55)

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

Figure 2.17: Three-phase full converter

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 Power Electronics

The maximum average output voltage for delay angle, α = 0, is

3 3 Vm
Vdm =
π

and the normalized average output voltage is

V
Vn = dc = cos α (2.56)
Vdm

The rms value of the output voltage is found from

1/ 2 1/ 2
⎡ 3 π / 2+α 2 ⎛ π⎞ ⎤ ⎛1 3 3 ⎞
Vrms =⎢ ∫ 3Vm sin 2 ⎜ ωt + ⎟ d (ωt )⎥ = 3Vm ⎜⎜ + cos 2α ⎟⎟ (2.57)
⎣ π π / 6+α ⎝ 6⎠ ⎦ ⎝ 2 4π ⎠

Figure 2.17(b) shows the waveforms for α = π/3. For α > π/3, the instantaneous
output voltage v0 has a negative part. Because the current through thyristors
cannot be negative, the load current is always positive. Thus, with a resistive load,
the instantaneous load voltage cannot be negative, and the full converter behaves
as a semiconverter.

Gating sequence.
The gating sequence is as follows:
1. Generate a pulse signal at the positive zero crossing of the phase voltage van.
Delay the pulse by the desired angle α + π/6 and apply it to the gate and
cathode terminals of T1 through a gate-isolating circuit.
2. Generate five more pulses each delayed by π/6 from each other for gating T2,
T3,..., T6 respectively, through gate isolating circuits.

Example 2.9: Finding the Performances of a Three-Phase Full-Wave

Controlled Converter
Repeat Example 2.8 for the three-phase full converter in Figure 2.17(a).

Solution of Example 2.9

The phase voltage Vs = 208/√3 = 120.1 V, Vm = √2 Vs = 169.83, Vn = 0.5, and R =
10 Ω. The maximum output voltage Vdm = 3√3Vm/π = 3√3 × 169.83/π = 280.9V.
The average output voltage Vdc = 0.5 × 280.9 = 140.45 V.

a. From Eq. (2.56), 0.5 = cos a, and the delay angle a = 60°.
b. The average output current Idc = Vdc/R = 140.45/10 = 14.05 A. From Eq.
(2.57),
1/ 2
⎡1 3 3 ⎤
Vrms = 3 × 169.83⎢ + cos(2 × 60 o )⎥ = 159.29 V
⎣ 2 4π ⎦
and the rms current Irms = 159.29/10 = 15.93 A.
c. The average current of a thyristor IA = Idc/3 = 14.05/3 = 4.68 A, and the rms
current of a thyristor IR = Irms√(2/6) = 15.93 √(2/6) = 9.2 A.
d. From Eq. (2.15) the rectification efficiency is

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

Vdc I dc 140.45 × 14.05

η= = = 0.778 or 77.8%
Vrms I rms 159.29 × 15.93
e. The rms input line current Is = Irms√(4/6) = 13 A and the input VAR rating VI =
3VsIs = 3 × 120.1 × 13 = 4683.9 VA. From Eq. (2.8), TUF = VdcIdc/VI =
140.45 ×14.05/4683.9 = 0.421.
f. The output power P0 = I rms2
R = 15.932 × 10 = 2537.6 W. The PF = P0/Vl =
2537.6/4683.9 = 0.542 (lagging).

2.12 Three-Phase Full-wave Controlled Converter with RL Load

From Figure 2.17(b) the output voltage is

⎛ π⎞ π π
v0 = v ab = 2Vab sin ⎜ ωt + ⎟ for + α ≤ ωt ≤ + α
⎝ 6⎠ 6 2
π 2π
= 2Vab sin ωt ' for + α ≤ ωt ' ≤ +α
3 3

where ωt' = ωt + π/6, and Vab is the line-to-line (rms) input voltage. Choosing vab
as the time reference voltage, the load current iL can be found from
di π 2π
L L + Ri L + E = 2Vab sin ωt ' for + α ≤ ωt ' ≤ +α
dt 3 3

whose solution from Eq. (2.46)

2Vab E ⎡ E 2Vab ⎛π ⎞⎤
iL = sin (ωt '−θ ) − + ⎢ I L1 + − sin ⎜ + α − θ ⎟⎥ e ( R / L )((π / 3+α )/ ω −t ' ) (2.58)
Z R ⎣ R Z ⎝3 ⎠⎦

where Z = [R2 + (ωL)2]1/2 and θ = tan-1(ωL/R). Under a steady-state condition,

iL(ωt' = 2π/3 + α) = iL(ωt' = π/3 + α) = IL1. Applying this condition to Eq. (2.58),
the value of IL1 is
2Vab sin (2π / 3 + α − θ ) − sin (π / 3 + α − θ )e − ( R / L )(π / 3α ) E
I L1 = − for I L1 ≥ 0
Z 1 − e −( R / L )(π / 3ω ) R
(2.59)

Discontinuous load current.

By setting IL1 = 0 in Eq. (2.58), dividing by √2Vs/Z and substituting R/Z = cos θ
and ωL/R = tan θ, the critical value of voltage ratio x = E/√2Vab is

⎡ ⎛ 2π ⎞ ⎛ π ⎞
⎛ π
− ⎜⎜ ⎟ ⎤
⎞
3 tan (θ ) ⎟⎠
⎢ sin ⎜ + α − θ ⎟ − sin ⎜ + α − θ ⎟e ⎝ ⎥
⎢
x=⎢ ⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎥ cos θ (2.60)
⎛ π
−⎜⎜
⎞
⎟⎟
⎥
⎢ 1− e ⎝ 3 tan (θ ) ⎠ ⎥
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

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 Power Electronics

which can be solved for the critical value of α = αc for known values of x and θ.
For α ≥ αc, IL1 = 0. The load current that is described by Eq. (2.58) flows only
during the period α ≤ ωt ≤ β. At ωt = β, the load current falls to zero again.

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 Rectifiers: Converting AC to DC

Tutorial 2

1. A half-wave rectifier with a filter capacitor has Vm = 100 V, R = 1 kΩ, C =

1000uF and ω = 377. Assuming θ = 90.150 and α = 79.700.
a) Determine the peak-to-peak ripple voltage using the exact equation
i.e: ∆ Vo = Vmax - Vmin
b) Determine the ripple using the approximation formula
i.e: ∆ Vo = Vm/fRC

Ans: a) 1.605 V b) 1.67V

2. Repeat problem 1 with θ = 91.520 and α = 59.230 and R = 100Ω

Ans: a) 14.08 V b) 16.7 V

3. A half-wave controlled rectifier with resistive load, the source is 120Vrms at

60 Hz. The resistance is 100 Ω and the delay angle α = 600.
a) Determine the average voltage across the resistor
b) Determine the power absorbed by the resistor
c) Determine the power factor as seen by the source

Ans: a) 40.5 V
b) 57.9 W
c) 0.634

4. A controlled half-wave rectifier has an ac source of 240 Vrms at 60 Hz. The

load is 30 ohm resistor. Determine:
a) the delay angle such that the average load current is 3 A.
b) the power absorbed by the load
c) the power factor
Ans: a) 48.30
b) 854W
c) 0.67

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 Power Electronics

5. A single-phase half-wave uncontrolled rectifier is connected to RL load.

Derive an expression for the load current.
If it has Vs = 230 V at 50 Hz, R = = 10Ω, L = 5 mH, extinction angle = 2100.
Find the average values of output voltage and current.

Ans: Vo = 193.20 V and Io = 19.32 A.

6. A single-phase rectifier has a resistive load of 20 Ω. Determine the average

current and peak reverse voltage across of each diodes for
a) a bridge rectifier with an ac source of 120Vrms 60 Hz and
b) a center-tap transformer rectifier with 120 Vrms on each half of the
secondary winding.

Ans: a) Io = 5.4 A, Vm = 170V

b) Io = 5.4 A, Vm = 340 V

7. The single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier has an R-L source load with R =
3Ω, L = 35 mH and Vdc = 24V. The ac source is 120 Vrms at 60 Hz. By
using Fourier approximation, find
a) the power absorbed by the dc source.
b) the power absorbed by the resistor.
c) the power factor.
Ans: a) 672 W
b) 2360 W
c) 0.9

8. A controlled single-phase bridge rectifier has a 40 ohm resistive load and

120 Vrms 60 Hz ac source. The delay angle is 350. Determine:
a) the average load current
b) the rms load current
c) the rms source current
d) the power factor
Ans: a) 2.46A
b) 2.93A
c) 2.93 A
d) 0.977

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