Power Electronics Examples

Fig. d.12 (a) Pulse gating Fig. d.13. Pertaining to Example d.2
Example d.2. (a) The average gate power dissipation for an SCR is 0.5 W. The allowable gate voltage variation is from a minimum of
2 V to a maximum of 10 V. Taking average gate power dissipation constant, plot allowable gate voltage as a function of gate current.
(b) If SCR of part (a) is triggered with gate pulses of duty cycle 0.5, find the new value of average gate power dissipation.

Solution. (a) Here

𝑉𝑔 𝐼𝑔 = 0.5 W

0.5
For 𝑉𝑔 = 2 V, 𝐼𝑔 = = 0.25 A
2

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝑔 = 10 V, 𝐼𝑔 = 0.5/10 = 0.05 A

For other values of gate voltage 𝑉𝑔 in between 2 and 10 V, gate current 𝐼𝑔 is obtained and plotted in Fig. d.13 showing the variation of 𝑉𝑔
as a function of 𝐼𝑔 for constant 𝑃𝑔 axv .
 Power Electronics Examples

(b) For this example, 𝑇1 = 2𝑇 in Fig. d.12 (a) so that 𝛿 = 0.5. For dc values, 𝑉𝑔 𝐼𝑔 = 0.5 W.

For pulse firing, the average gate power dissipation can be obtained from the relation

1 𝑇
∫ 𝑣 𝑖
𝑇1 0 𝑔 𝑔

where 𝑣𝑔 , 𝑖𝑔 are the instantaneous values of gate voltage and gate current. Therefore, for this example, average gate power dissipation
is given by

𝑇 1
𝑉𝑔 ⋅ 𝐼𝑔 ⋅ = (0.5) = 0.25 W.
2𝑇 2

As this is less than the allowable 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑣 , higher values of 𝑣𝑔 , 𝑖𝑔 can be used for the pulse firing of SCRs.

Example d.4. The trigger circuit of a thyristor has a source voltage of 15 V and the load line has a slope of -120 V per ampere. The
minimum gate current to turn-on the SCR is 25 𝑚𝐴. Compute

a) source resistance required in the gate circuit,

b) the trigger voltage and trigger current for an average gate power dissipation of 0.4 Watts.

Solution: (a) The slope of load line gives the required gate source resistance. From the load line, series resistance required in the gate
circuit is 120Ω.

(b) Here

𝑉𝑔 𝐼𝑔 = 0.4 W

For the gate circuit,

 Power Electronics Examples

𝐸𝑔 = 𝑅𝑔 𝐼𝑔 + 𝑉𝑔

0.4
∴ 15 = 120𝐼𝑔 +
𝐼𝑔

∴ 120𝐼𝑔2 − 15𝐼𝑔 + 0.4 = 0

Its solution gives 𝐼𝑔 = 38.56 mA or 86.44 mA

0.4 × 103
∴ 𝑉g = = 10.37 V
38.56

0.4 × 103
= 4.627 V
86.44

Choose 𝑉𝑔 = 4.627 V and 𝐼𝑔 = 86.44 mA for minimum gate current of 25 mA.

 Power Electronics Examples

Example d.5. For an 𝑆𝐶𝑅, gate-cathode characteristic is given by 𝑉𝑔 = 1 + 10𝐼𝑔 . Gate source voltage is a rectangular pulse of 15 V with
20𝜇sec duration. For an average gate power dissipation of 0.3 W and a peak gate drive power of 5 W, compute

a) the resistance to be connected in series with the SCR gate,

b) the triggering frequency and
c) the duty cycle of the triggering pulse.

Solution: (a) Here

𝑉𝑔 = 1 + 10𝐼𝑔 .

For pulse-triggering of SCRs,

(Peak gate voltage) (peak gate current) during pulse-on period = peak gate drive power, 𝑃𝑔𝑚 .

As the gate pulse width is 20 𝜇 sec (less than 100 𝜇 sec ), the de data does not apply. Had the gate pulse width been more than 100𝜇sec,
the relation (1 + 10𝐼𝑔 )𝐼𝑔 = 0.3 W will hold good. But as the dc data does not apply, we have here

(1 + 10𝐼𝑔 )𝐼𝑔 = 5 W

Or

10𝐼𝑔2 + 𝐼𝑔 − 5 = 0

Its solution gives,

𝐼𝐸 = 0.659 A

∴ Amplitude of current pulse

= 0.659 A
 Power Electronics Examples

During the pulse-on period,

𝐸𝑠 = 𝑅𝑠 𝐼𝑔 + 𝑉𝑔

15 = 𝑅𝑠 𝐼𝑔 + 1 + 10𝐼𝑔

or

15 − 1
𝑅𝑠 = − 10 = 11.244Ω
0.659

(b)

𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑦
𝑃𝑔𝑚 = , Here 𝑇 = 20𝜇sec
𝑓𝑇

∴ Triggering frequency,

0.3 × 106
𝑓= = 3kHz
5 × 20

(c) Duty cycle,

𝛿 = 𝑓𝑇 = 3 × 103 × 20 × 10−6 = 0.06.

Example d.6. Latching current for an SCR inserted in between a dc voltage source of 200 𝑉 and the load is 100 mA. Compute the
minimum width of gate-pulse current required to turn-on this SCR in case the load consists of (a) 𝐿 = 0.2𝐻, (b) 𝑅 = 20Ω in series with
𝐿 = 0.2𝐻 and (c) 𝑅 = 20Ω in series with 𝐿 = 2.0H.

Solution. (a) When load consists of pure inductance 𝐿, the voltage equation is
 Power Electronics Examples

𝑑𝑖 𝐸 𝐸
𝐸=𝐿⋅ or 𝑑𝑖 = 𝑡 or 𝑖 = 𝑡
𝑑𝑡 𝐿 𝐿
200 0.1 × 0.2
∴ 0.100 = 𝑡 or 𝑡 = = 100 𝜇 sec
0.2 200

Thus, minimum gate-pulse is 100 𝜇 sec

(b) The voltage equation for 𝑅 ⋅ 𝐿 load is

𝑑𝑖
𝐸 = 𝑅𝑖 + 𝐿
𝑑𝑡

Or

𝐸 𝑅 200
i= (1 − 𝑒 − 𝐿 𝑡 ) or 0.100 = (1 − 𝑒 −100𝑡 )
𝑅 20

= 100.503 𝜇 sec
∴ Minimum gate-pulse width is 100.503𝜇sec

𝐸 𝑅
i = (1 − 𝑒 − 𝐿 𝑡 )
𝑅
200
or 0.100 = 20
(1 − 𝑒 −10𝑡 )

= 1000.503 𝜇 sec

Example d.13. Fig. d.26 (a) shows a thyristor controlling the power in a load reststance 𝑅𝐿 . The supply voltage is 240 V dc and the
specified limits for di/dt and dv/dt for the SCR are 50 A/𝜇sec and 300 V/𝜇sec respectively. Determine the values of the di/dt inductance
and the snubber circuit parameters 𝑅𝑠 and 𝐶𝑠 .
 Power Electronics Examples

Fig. d.26. (a) Thyristor in series with 𝑅𝐿 (b) Thyristor protection with 𝐿 and 𝑅𝑠 , 𝐶𝑠 (c) Equivalent circuit of Fig. d.26 (b) at the instant
switch 8 is closed.
Solution: Snubber circuit parameters 𝑅𝑠 and 𝐶𝑠 are connected across SCR and 𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡 inductor 𝐿 in series with anode circuit as shown in
Fig. d.26 (b). When switch 𝑆 is closed, the capacitor behaves like a short circuit and SCR in the forward blocking state offers a very high
resistance. Therefore, the equivalent circuit soon after the instant of closing the switch 𝑆 is as shown in Fig. d.26 (c). For this circuit,
the voltage equation is

𝑑𝑖
𝑉𝑡 = (𝑅1 + 𝑅𝐿 )𝑖 + 𝐿 (d. 7𝑎)
𝑑𝑡

Its solution gives,

𝑖 = 𝐼(1 − 𝑒 −𝑡/𝑟 )

where

𝑉𝑠 𝐿
𝐼= and 𝜏 =
𝑅𝑟 + 𝑅𝑙 𝑅𝑡 + 𝑅𝑙

In Eq. (d.7 𝑎 ), 𝑡 is the time in seconds measured from the instant of closing the switch. From this equation,
 Power Electronics Examples

𝑑𝑖 1 𝑉𝑠 𝑅𝑠 + 𝑅𝐿 −𝑡/𝜏
= 𝐼 ⋅ 𝑒 −𝑡/𝜏 ⋅ = ⋅ 𝑒
𝑑𝑡 𝜏 𝑅𝑠 + 𝑅𝐿 𝐿

𝑉𝑠 −𝑡/𝜏
= 𝑒
𝐿

The value of 𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡 is maximum when 𝑡 = 0.

𝑑𝑖 𝑉𝑠
∴ ( ) = (d. 7𝑏)
𝑑𝑡 max 𝐿

or

𝑉𝑠 240 × 10−6
𝐿 = = = 4.8𝜇H
(𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡)max 50
The voltage across SCR is given by, 𝑣𝑎 = 𝑅𝑠 ⋅ 𝑖

or

𝑑𝑣𝑎 𝑑𝑖
= 𝑅𝑠 ⋅
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑣𝑎
( ) = 𝑅𝑠 ⋅ (𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡)max
𝑑𝑡 max

From Eq. (d.7 𝑏 ) and (d.8),

𝑑𝑣 𝑅𝑠 ⋅𝑉𝑠
( 𝑑𝑡𝑎 ) = 𝐿
(4.9)
max
Or
 Power Electronics Examples

𝐿 𝑑𝑣𝑎 4.8
𝑅𝑠 = ( ) = × 300 = 6Ω)
𝑉𝑠 𝑑𝑡 max 240

The circuit of Fig. d.26, consisting of 𝑅, 𝐿, 𝐶, should be fully analysed to determine the optimum values of snubber circuit parameters
𝑅𝑠 , 𝐶𝑧 . The analysis of this circuit shows that resistance 𝑅𝑠 can be obtained from the relation [9]

𝐿
𝑅𝑠 = 2𝜉√
𝐶𝑠

where 𝜉 is the damping factor (or damping ratio). In order to limit the peak voltage overshoot across thyristor to a safe value, damping
factor in the range of 0.5 to 1 is usually used. For optimum solution of the problem, 𝜉 is taken to be about 0.65 .

2𝜉 2 2 × 0.65 2
∴ 𝐶𝑠 = ( ) 𝐿=( ) × 4.8 × 10−6 = 0.2253𝜇F
𝑅𝑠 6

It is seen from Fig. d.26 (b) that when switch 𝑆 is closed, capacitor 𝐶𝑠 is charged to dc supply voltage before the SCR is triggered. Now
when the SCR is turned on, capacitor 𝐶, will discharge a maximum current of 𝑉𝑠 /𝑅𝑔 and total current through thyristor will be
(𝑉𝑠 /𝑅𝑠 + 𝑉𝑠 /𝑅𝐿 ). It should be ensured that this current spike is less than the peak repetitive current rating ( 𝐼𝑇𝑅𝑀 ) of the SCR. Thus if
𝑅𝑠 is small, the current spike contributed by the discharge of 𝐶, will be large. In order to reduce this spike, 𝑅, is normally taken greater
than what is required to limit 𝑑𝑣/𝑑𝑡. At the same time, value of 𝐶𝑠 is also reduced so that energy stored in C, is small and the snubber
discharge does not harm SCR when it is turned on.

Thus, in the present case, 𝑅𝑠 may be chosen somewhat higher than 6Ω, say 10Ω and 𝐶𝑠 somewhat less than 0.2253𝜇 F, say 0.15𝜇 F. The
adoption of the new value of 𝑅𝑠 demands a new value of 𝐿. From Eq. (d.9),

𝑅𝑠 ⋅ 𝑉𝑠 10 × 240
𝐿= = = 8𝜇H
(𝑑𝑣𝑎 /𝑑𝑡)max 300

This value of inductance is more than that required to limit 𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡 to 50 A/𝜇sec.
 Power Electronics Examples

For ac circuits, maximum value of input voltage ( 𝑉𝑚 ) can be used in Eq. (d.9) for computing 𝑅𝑣 .

Example d.14. A thyristor operating from a peak supply voltage of 400 V has the following specifications:

𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑖
Repetitive peak current, 𝐼𝑝 = 200 A, (𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡)max = 50 A/𝜇s, ( 𝑑𝑡 ) = 200 V/𝜇s.Choosing a factor of safety of 2 for 𝐼𝑝 , (𝑑𝑡) and
max max
𝑑𝑣
( ) , design a suitable snubber circuit. The minimum value of load resistance is 10Ω.
𝑑𝑡 max

200 𝑑𝑖 50 200
Solution. For a factor of safety of 2. the permitted values are 𝐼𝑝 = = 100 A, ( ) = = 25 A/𝜇s, (𝑑𝑣/𝑑𝑡)max = = 100 V/𝜇s.
2 𝑑𝑡 max 2 2

In order to restrict the rate of rise of current beyond specified value, (𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡) inductor must be inserted in series with thyristor. From
Example d.13,

𝑉𝑠 400 × 10−6
𝐿= = = 16𝜇H
(𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡)max 25

𝐿 𝑑𝑣 16 × 10−6 100
𝑅𝑠 = ⋅( ) = × −6 = 4Ω
𝑉𝑠 𝑑𝑡 max 400 10

Before thyristor is turned on, 𝐶𝑠 is charged to 400 V. When thyristor is turned on. the peak current through the thyristor is

400 400
+ = 140 A.
10 4

As this peak current through SCR is more than the permissible peak current of 100 A. the magnitude of 𝑅𝑠 must be increased. Taking
400 400
𝑅𝑠 as 8Ω, the peak current through the SCR = + = 90 A, less than the allowable peak current. So, choose 𝑅𝑠 = 8Ω.
10 8

Also
 Power Electronics Examples

2
2𝜉 1.3 2
𝐶𝑠 = ( ) 𝐿 = ( ) × 16 × 10−6 = 0.4225𝜇 F
𝑅𝑔 8

The value of 𝐶𝑠 may be lowered as discussed in the previous example, so 𝐶𝑠 may be taken as 0.30𝜇 F.

At the instant switch 𝑆 is closed, Fig. d.26, thyristor is open circuited and current through 𝐶, is given by

𝑑𝑣 𝑉𝑠
𝐶𝑠 =
𝑑𝑡 𝑅𝑠 + 𝑅𝐿

Or

𝑑𝑣 400
0.3 × 10−6 =
𝑑𝑡 10 + 8

Or

𝑑𝑣 400 1
= × = 74.07 V/𝜇s
𝑑𝑡 18 0.3 × 10−6

Since designed value of (𝑑𝑣/𝑑𝑡) is less than the specified maximum value of 100 V/𝜇s, value of 𝐶, chosen is correct. So choose 𝐿 =
10𝜇H, 𝑅𝜀 = 8Ω and 𝐶𝜀 = 0.3𝜇 F.
 Power Electronics Examples

Example d.16. For the circuit shown in Fig. d.30.

(a) calculate the maximum values of di/dt and dc/dt for the SCR,
(b) find the rms and average current ratings of the SCR for firing angle delays of 90∘ and 150∘ , and
(c) suggest a suitable voltage rating of the SCR.

Solution. (a) From Eq. (d.7),

𝑑𝑖 𝑉𝑠
( ) =( )
𝑑𝑡 max 𝐿

√2 ⋅ 230
= = 21.685 A/𝜇sec.
15 × 10−6

Fig. d.30. Pertaining to Example d.16.

From Eq. (d.8),

𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑖 216.85 V
( ) = 𝑅𝑠 ( ) = 10 × 21.685 =
𝑑𝑡 max 𝑑𝑡 max 𝜇sec
 Power Electronics Examples

(b) For 15𝜇H, 𝑋𝐿 = 314 × 15 × 10−6 = 0.00471Ω. As this value of 𝑋𝐿 is much lower than 𝑅 = 2Ω, the current is primarily limited by 2Ω.

√2 ⋅ 230
∴ 𝐼max = = 115 ⋅ √2
2

For firing angle delays of 90∘ and 150∘ , the conduction angles are 90∘ and 30∘ respectively and from Example d.8, the respective values
of form factors are 𝜋/√2 and 3.98184.

∴ For firing angle delay of 90∘ ,

√2 ⋅ 115 ⋅ √2
𝐼TAV = = 73.211 A
𝜋
and for firing angle delay of 150∘ ,

√2 ⋅ 115
𝐼𝑇𝐴𝑉 = = 40.844 A
3.98184
RMS current rating of the thyristor is 115√2 ≈ 162.634 A for any conduction angle, but average currents are 73.211 A for conduction
angle of 90∘ and 40.844 A for conduction angle of 30∘ .

(d) Voltage rating of the SCR,

= (2.5 to 3) times the peak working voltage
= (2.5 to 3) × √2 ⋅ 230 = 813.173 V to 975.807 V

So, a voltage rating of about 900 V may be chosen for the SCR.
 Power Electronics Examples

Example d.18. The data sheet for a thyristor gives the following values:

𝜏𝑗𝑒 m = 125∘ C
𝜃𝑗𝑐 = 0.15∘ C/W
𝜃𝑠𝑠 = 0.075∘ C/W

(a) For average power dissipation of 120 W, check whether the selection of heat sink g from Fig. d.33 is satisfactory. Use first method
of heat sink selection with ambient temperature of 40∘ C
(b) A sinusoidal voltage source of 230 V, 50 Hz feeds power to a resistive load of 𝑅 = 2Ω. For a firing angle delay of zero degree,
choose a suitable heat sink and find the circuit efficiency.
(c) For the heat sink chosen in part (a), compute case and junction temperatures in case the firing angle delay is 60∘ .

Solution: (a) For the heat sink 𝑔, Fig. d.33 gives a value of

𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝐴 = 54∘ C for 𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 120 W.

From Eq. (d.13),

54
𝜃s = = 0.45∘ C/W.
120

From Eq. (d.12),

125 − 40
𝑃av = = 125.93 W
(0.15 + 0.075 + 0.45) .

As this computed value of 𝑃𝑎𝑣 is different from the previous value of 120 W, another heat sink, say 𝑓, for which 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝐴 = 58∘ C for 𝑃𝑐𝑣 =
120 W should be tried.

From Eq. (d.13),

 Power Electronics Examples

58
𝜃sA = = 0.483
120

From Eq. (d.12),

125 − 40
𝑃ac = = 120.06 W
(0.225 + 0.483)

This shows that selection of heat sink 𝑓 is satisfactory.

For 𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 120 W and for sinusoidal current, Fig. d.19 (b) gives average current rating for the thyristor as 80 A for 180∘ conduction angle
or 𝛼 = 0∘ , 74 A for 𝛼 = 60∘ and 68 A for 𝛼 = 90∘ .

(b) For 𝛼 = 0∘ , conduction angle is 180∘ . Here second method of heat-sink selection is used.

1 𝜋 𝑉𝑟𝑚 𝑉𝑚 √2 × 230
𝐼𝑇𝐴𝑉 = ∫ sin 𝜔𝑡 ⋅ 𝑑(𝜔𝑡) = = = 51.77 ≅ 52 A
2𝜋 0 𝑅 𝜋𝑅 𝜋×2

For this current, 𝑃𝛼𝑣 from Fig. d.19 (b) is 90 W.

From Eq. (d.12),

125 − 40
𝜃𝑠𝐴 = − (0.225) = 0.7194∘ C/W
90
From Eq. (d.13),

𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝐴 = 90 × 0.7194 = 64.75∘ C
For 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝐴 = 64.75∘ C and 𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 90 W, Fig. d.33 shows that heat sink𝑐 should be selected.
 Power Electronics Examples

The use of third method of heat-sink selection is also demonstrated. First 𝐼𝑇𝐴𝑉 is calculated as in the second method. For this current.
𝑃𝑎𝑐 = 90 W from Fig. d.19(𝑏) and 𝑇𝑐 = 112∘ C from Fig. d.20(b). Now sink temperature from Eq. (d.14) is

𝑇𝑠 = 112 − 90 × 0.075 = 105.25∘ C

and

𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝐴 = 105.25 − 40 = 65.25∘ C

For 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝐴 = 65.25∘ C and 𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 90 W, Fig. d.33 shows that heat sink 𝑐 should be chosen. As expected, this agrees with the choice made
by the use of second method.

Power delivered to load,

𝑉𝑟2
𝑃 = 𝐼𝑟2 𝑅 =
𝑅
where,

𝑉𝑟 = rms value of load voltage

1/2
1 𝜋 𝑉𝑚
∴ 𝑉𝑟 = [ ∫ 𝑉𝑚2 sin2 𝜔𝑡𝑑(𝜔𝑡)] =
2𝜋 0 2

2
𝑉𝑚 2 1 230√2 1
∴𝑃=( ) =( ) = 13225 W.
2 𝑅 2 2

13225
∴ Circuit efficiency = = 0.993pu or 99.3%.
13225+90

(c) For 𝛼 = 60∘, conduction angle is 180∘ − 60∘ = 120∘

 Power Electronics Examples

1 𝜋 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑚
∴ 𝐼𝑇𝐴𝑉 = ∫ sin 𝜔𝑡 ⋅ 𝑑(𝜔𝑡) = (1 + cos 𝛼)
2𝜋 𝑎 𝑅 2𝜋𝑅

230√2
= (1 + cos 60∘ ) = 38.82 A,
2𝜋 ⋅ 2

For 𝐼TAV = 38.82 A and conduction angle of 120∘ , 𝑃𝑎𝑣 from Fig. d.19(𝑏) is 52 W and from Fig. d.33 for heat sink 𝑐.

𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝜆 = 46∘ C

∴ 𝑇𝑠 = 40 + 46 = 86∘ C.

From Eq. (d.14), case temperature,

𝑇𝑒 = 𝑇𝑥 + 𝑃𝑒𝑣 − 𝜃𝑐𝑠 = 86 + 90 × 0.075 = 92.75∘ C

and junction temperature,

𝑇𝑗 = 𝑇𝑒 + 𝑃𝑎𝑣 − 𝜃𝑗𝑐 = 92.75 + 90 × 0.15 = 106.25∘ C.

This example demonstrates that selection of heat sink by second and third methods is simpler than by the first method.
 Power Electronics Examples

Example d.19. For a thyristor, maximum junction temperature is 125∘ C. The thermal resistances for the thyristor-sink combination are
𝜃𝜇 = 0.16 and 𝜃𝑐𝑠 = 0.08∘ C/W. For a heat-sink temperature of 70∘ C, compute the total average power loss un the thyristor-sink
combination.

In case the heat sink temperature is brought down to 60∘ C by forced cooling, find the percentage increase in the device rating

Solution. From the equivalent circuit of Fig. d.32

𝑇𝑗 = 𝑇𝑠 + 𝑃𝑎𝑐 (𝜃𝑗𝑐 + 𝜃𝑐𝑠 )

125 − 70
𝑃𝑎𝑣1 = = 229.17 W
0.16 + 0.08

Thus, total average power loss in the thyristor-sink combination is 229.17 W. With improved cooling,

125 − 60
𝑃𝑎𝑡2 = = 270.83 N.
0.24

Thyristor rating is proportional to the square root of average power loss.

∴ Percentage increase in thyristor rating

√270.83 − √229.17
= × 100 = 8.71%
√229.17
 Power Electronics Examples

Example d.22. It is required to operate 250-A SCR in parallel with 350-A SCR with their respective on-state voltage drops of 1.6 V and
1.2 V. Calculate the value of resistance to be inserted in series with each SCR so that they share the total load of 600 A in proportion to
their current ratings.
1.6
Solution: Dynamic resistance of 250 -A SCR1 = 250 Ω

1.2
Dynamic resistance of 350 − A SCR2 = Ω
350

Let 𝑅 be the resistance inserted in series with each SCR. With this, current shared by

1.2
+𝑅
SCR1 = 600 350 ≈ 250
Total resistance

and current shared by

1.6
+𝑅
SCR2 = 600 250 ≈ 350
Total resistance

From above,

1.2
+ 𝑅 250 5
350 = = .
1.6
+ 𝑅 350 7
250

Its simplification gives

𝑅 = 0.004Ω

Thus, the resistance to be inserted in series with each SCR is 0.004Ω.

Power Electronics Examples
 Power Electronics Examples

Example f.1. A single-phase 230 𝑉, 1 𝑘𝑊 heater is connected across 1-phase, 230 𝑉, 50 Hz supply through an SCR. For firing angle
delays of 45∘ and 90∘ , calculate the power absorbed in the heater element.

(230)2
Solution. Heater resistance 𝑅 = 1000
𝛺

From Eq. (f.3), the value of rms voltage for 𝛼 = 45∘ is

1/2
√2 ⋅ 230 𝜋 1
𝑉𝑜𝑟 = [(𝜋 − ) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 90∘ ] = 155.071 𝑉
2√𝜋 4 2
∴ Power absorbed by heater element for 𝛼 = 45∘ is

2
𝑉𝑜𝑟 155.071 2
=( ) × 1000 = 454.57𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠
𝑅 230
For 𝛼 = 90∘ , 𝑟𝑚𝑠 voltage is

√2 ⋅ 230 𝜋 1/2
𝑉𝑜𝑟 = [(𝜋 − ) + 0] = 115 𝑉
2√𝜋 2
∴ Power absorbed for 𝛼 = 90∘ is

𝑽𝟐𝒐𝒓 𝟏𝟏𝟓 𝟐
=( ) × 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 = 𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒔.
𝑹 𝟐𝟑𝟎
Example f.2. A dc battery is charged through a resistor 𝑅 as shown in Fig. f.5 (a). Derive an expression for the average value of charging
current in terms of 𝑉𝑚 , 𝐸, 𝑅 etc. on the assumption that SCR is fired continuously.

(a) For an ac source voltage of 230 𝑉, 50 𝐻𝑧, find the value of average charging current for 𝑅 = 8𝛺 and 𝐸 = 150 𝑉.
(b) Find the power supplied to battery and that dissipated in the resistor.
(c) Calculate the supply pf.
 Power Electronics Examples

𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡−𝐸
Solution. For the circuit of Fig. f. 5(𝑎), the voltage equation is𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 = 𝐸 + 𝑖0 𝑅 𝑖0 = 𝑅

Fig. f.5. (a) Power circuit diagram (b) various waveforms for Example f.2.

It is seen from Fig. f.5 that SCR is turned on when 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃1 = 𝐸 and is turned off when 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃2 = 𝐸, where 𝜃2 = 𝜋 − 𝜃1 . The battery
charging requires only the average current 𝐼0 given by

𝜋−𝜃1
1
𝐼0 = [∫ (𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 − 𝐸) 𝑑(𝜔𝑡)]
2𝜋𝑅 𝜃1
1 150
= [2𝑉𝑚 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃1 − 𝐸(𝜋 − 2𝜃1 )] (𝑎) 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝜃1 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 = 27.466∘
2𝜋𝑅 √2 ⋅ 230
1 2 × 27.496 × 𝜋
∴ 𝐼0 = [2 ⋅ √2 ⋅ 230𝑐𝑜𝑠 27.466∘ − 150 (𝜋 − )] = 4.9676 𝐴
2𝜋 ⋅ 8 180
(b) Power supplied to battery = 𝐸𝐼0 = 150 × 4.9676 = 745.14 𝑊.

For finding the power dissipated in 𝑅, rms value of charging current must by obtained From Eq. (f.23),

1 𝜋
𝐼𝑜𝑟 = [ {(1502 + 2302 )(𝜋 − 2 × 27.466 ) + (230)2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 × 27.466 −4 ⋅ √2 ⋅ 230 ⋅ 150𝑐𝑜𝑠 27.466∘ )]1/2 = 9.2955 𝐴.
2𝜋 ⋅ 64 180
∴ Power dissipated in resistor = (9.2955)2 × 8 = 691.25 Watts.
 Power Electronics Examples

691.25+745.14
(c) From Eq. (f.25), supply 𝑝𝑓 = 230×9.2955
= 0.672 lagging.

Example f.3. A 230 𝑉, 50 𝐻𝑧, one-pulse 𝑆𝐶𝑅 controlled converter is triggered at a firing angle of 40∘ and the load current extinguishes
at an angle of 210∘ . Find the circuit turn off time, average output voltage and the average load current for

(a) 𝑅 = 5𝛺 and 𝐿 = 2𝑚𝐻.

(b) 𝑅 = 5𝛺, 𝐿 = 2𝑚𝐻 and 𝐸 = 110 𝑉.

Solution. (a) For this part, refer to Fig. f.2. It is seen from this figure that circuit turn off time 𝑡𝑐

2𝜋 − 𝛽 (360 − 210)𝜋
= = = 8.333 𝑚 − 𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝜔 180 × 2𝜋 × 50
From Eq. (f.8), average output voltage

Average load current

√2 ⋅ 230 𝑉0 84.477
𝑉0 = [𝑐𝑜𝑠 40∘ − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 210∘ ] = 84.477 𝑉 𝐼0 = = = 16.8954 𝐴.
2𝜋 𝑅 5
(b) Fig. f.4 shows that circuit turn-off time is again 8.333 m -sec. From Eq. (f.18), average load current

1 𝜋
𝐼0 = [√2 ⋅ 230(𝑐𝑜𝑠 40∘ − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 210∘ ) − 110(210 − 40) ] = 6.5064 𝐴.
2𝜋 ⋅ 5 180
∴ Average load voltage, 𝑉0 = 𝐸 + 𝐼0 𝑅 = 110 + 6.5064 × 5 = 149.04 𝑉.
 Power Electronics Examples

Example f.5. A single-phase full converter bridge is connected to RLE load. The source voltage is 230 𝑉, 50 𝐻𝑧. The average load
current of 10 A is continuous over the working range. For 𝑅 = 0.4𝛺 and 𝐿 = 2𝑚𝐻, compute

(a) firing angle delay for 𝐸 = 120 𝑉,

(b) firing angle delay for 𝐸 = −120 𝑉.

Indicate which source is delivering power to load in parts (a) and (b). Sketch the time variations of output voltage and load current for
both the parts.

(c) In case output current is assumed constant, find the input pf for both parts (a) and (b).

Solution. (a) For 𝐸 = 120 𝑉, the full converter is operating as a controlled rectifier.

2𝑉𝑚
∴ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼 = 𝐸 + 𝐼0 𝑅
𝜋
or

2 ⋅ √2 ⋅ 230
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼 = 120 + 10 × 0.4 = 124 𝑉
𝜋
or

𝛼 = 53.208 ≅ 53.21∘
For 𝛼 = 53.21∘, power flows from ac source to dc load.

(b) For 𝐸 = −120 𝑉, the full converter is operating as a line commutated inverter.

2 ⋅ √2 ⋅ 230
∴ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼 = −120 + 10 × 0.4 = −116 𝑉 𝑜𝑟 𝛼 = 124.075 ≡ 124.1∘
𝛼
For 𝛼 = 124.1∘, the power flows from dc source to ac load.
 Power Electronics Examples

Output voltage and load current waveforms for 𝛼 = 53.21∘ can be drawn by referring to Fig. f. 10(𝑏) and for 𝛼 = 124.1∘ from Fig. f. 10(𝑐).

(c) For constant load current, rms value of load current 𝐼𝑜𝑟 is

2
𝐼𝑜𝑟 = 𝐼0 ∴ = 10 𝐴 𝑉𝑠 ⋅ 𝐼𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜙 = 𝐸𝐼0 + 𝐼𝑜𝑟 𝑅
For 𝛼 = 53.21∘,

120 × 10 + 102 × 0.4

𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜙 = = 0.5391𝑙𝑎𝑔
230 × 10
For 𝛼 = 124.1∘,

120 × 10 − 40
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜙 = = 0.5043 𝑙𝑎𝑔.
230 × 10
Example f.6. (a) A single-phase full converter delivers power to a resistive load 𝑅. For ac source voltage 𝑉𝑠 , show that average output
voltage 𝑉0 is given by

√2𝑉𝑠
𝑉0 = (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼)
𝜋
Sketch the time variations of source voltage, output voltage, output current and voltage across one pair of SCRs. 'Hence find therefrom
the circuit turn-off time.

(b) For the converter of part (a), show that rms value of output current is given by

1/2
𝑉𝑠 1 1
𝐼𝑜𝑟 = [ {(𝜋 − 𝛼) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝛼}]
𝑅 𝜋 2
Solution. Time variations of source voltage, load voltage and load current are shown in Fig. f.12. At 𝜔𝑡 = 𝜋, 𝑣0 = 𝑣𝑠 = 0 and for resistive
load 𝑅,
 Power Electronics Examples

𝑉𝑠 𝑉0
𝑖𝑠 = = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖0 = = 0,
𝑅 𝑅
soon after 𝜔𝑡 = 𝜋, supply voltage reverse biases T1, T2; this pair is therefore turned off. When T3, T4 is triggered at 𝜔𝑡 = 𝜋 + 𝛼, output
voltage 𝑣0 = 𝑣𝑠 up to 𝜔𝑡 = 2𝜋. Note that no SCR conducts during 0 to 𝛼, 𝜋 to ( 𝜋 + 𝛼 ) and so on, Fig. f.12. For the output voltage
waveform 𝑣0 , average output voltage 𝑉0 is

1 𝜋
𝑉0 = ∫ 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 ⋅ 𝑑(𝜔𝑡)
𝜋 𝛼

√2𝑉3
= ⋅ (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼)
𝜋

Fig. f.12. Pertaining to Example f.6.

The other waveforms can be drawn by referring to Fig. f.10 (b).
 Power Electronics Examples

(b) Rms value of the output current can be obtained from the waveform 𝑖0 shown in Fig. f.12.

2 1/2 1/2 1/2

1 𝜋 𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑠 1 𝜋 𝑉𝑠 1 1
𝐼𝑜𝑟 = [ ∫ ( 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡) 𝑑(𝜔𝑡)] = [ ∫ (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜔𝑡)𝑑(𝜔𝑡)] = [ {(𝜋 − 𝛼) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝛼}]
𝜋 𝛼 𝑅 𝑅 𝜋 𝛼 𝑅 𝜋 2
Example f.7. (a) A single-phase controlled rectifier bridge consists of one SCR and three diodes as shown in Fig. f.13 (a) Sketch output
voltage waveform for a firing angle 𝛼 for the SCR and hence obtain an expression for the average output voltage under the assumption
of continuous current. Show the conduction of various components as well.

(b) Draw waveforms of current through T1, D1, D2 and D3 assuming constant load current.
(c) For an ac source voltage of 230 𝑉, 50 𝐻𝑧 and firing angle of 45∘ , find the average output current and power delivered to battery
in case load consists of 𝑅 = 5𝛺, 𝐿 = 8𝑚𝐻 and 𝐸 = 100 𝑉.

Solution. (a) For the circuit of Fig. f.13 (a), output voltage waveform 𝑣0 is shown in Fig. f.13 (b). The conduction of various components
is also indicated. It is seen that average value of 𝑣0 is given by

𝜋 2𝜋
1 𝑉𝑚
𝑉0 = [∫ 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 ⋅ 𝑑(𝜔𝑡) − ∫ 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 ⋅ 𝑑(𝜔𝑡) ] = [3 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼]
2𝜋 𝛼 𝜋 2𝜋
 Power Electronics Examples

Fig. f.13. (a) Circuit diagram for Example f.7 (b) Various voltage and current waveforms.

(b) The conduction of various elements shown helps in drawing the waveforms for currents through T1, D2, D2 and D3. For
example, D3 conducts from 𝜔𝑡 = 0 to 𝛼, from 𝜋 to 2𝜋 + 𝛼, from 3𝜋 to 4𝜋 + 𝛼 and so on; this is shown as 𝑖𝐷3 in Fig. f.13 (b).

√2 ⋅ 230 191.88 − 100

𝑉0 = (3 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 45∘ ) = 191.88 𝑉 𝐼0 = = 18.376 𝐴
2⋅𝜋 5
100×18.376
Power delivered to battery = 𝐸𝐼0 = 1000
= 1.8376 𝑘𝑊

Example f.8. A single-phase full converter feeds power to RLE load with R=6 (, 𝐿 = 6𝑚𝐻 and 𝐸 = 60 𝑉. The ac source voltage is
230 𝑉, 50 𝐻𝑧. For continuous conduction, find the average value of load current for a firing angle delay of 50∘ .

In case one of the four SCRs gets open circuited due to a fault, find the new value of average load current taking the output current as
continuous. Sketch waveform for the new output voltage and indicate the conduction of various SCRs.
 Power Electronics Examples

𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

2𝑉𝑚 2√2 − 230 𝑉0 − 𝐸 133.084 − 60

𝑉0 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 50∘ = 133.084 𝑉 𝐼0 = = = 12.181 𝐴
𝜋 𝜋 𝑅 6
Suppose SCR T3 in Fig. f.10 (a) is damaged and is open circuited. With this, output voltage waveform 𝑣0 is as shown in Fig. f.14. Initially,
suppose T1, T2 are conducting from 𝛼 to 𝜋 + 𝛼. At 𝜔𝑡 = 𝜋 + 𝛼, when T3, T4 are gated, only T4 is turned on and as a result, load current
freewheels through T1, T4 is zero till T1, T2 are triggered again at 𝜔𝑡 = 2𝜋 + 𝛼. For this

Fig. f.14. Pertaining to Example f.8. waveform, average output voltage is given by

1 𝜋+𝛼 𝑉𝑚 √2 ⋅ 230 66.542 − 60

𝑉0 = ∫ 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔𝑡 ⋅ 𝑑(𝜔𝑡) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼 𝑉0 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 50∘ = 66.542 𝑉 𝐼0 = = 1.0903 𝐴
2𝜋 𝛼 𝜋 𝜋 6
It is seen that load current is reduced radically with one SCR getting open circuited. It is also observed that thyristor T1 remains on.