Report On The Simulation of A Fully Controlled 3
Report On The Simulation of A Fully Controlled 3
Introduction
The fully controlled 3-phase bridge rectifier is a cornerstone of modern power electronics,
commonly used in applications such as motor drives, power supplies, and HVDC
transmission systems. By leveraging silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs), this rectifier offers
precise control over the output DC voltage. This report explores the design and simulation of
a 3-phase bridge rectifier using MATLAB Simulink, examining its behaviour under different
load conditions and firing angles. The primary goals are to evaluate the rectifier’s efficiency,
waveform quality, and operational characteristics in both Continuous Conduction Mode
(CCM) and Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM).
Theory of Operation
A fully controlled 3-phase bridge rectifier consists of six SCRs arranged in a bridge
configuration. The SCRs act as controllable switches that can be triggered at specific points
in the AC cycle by applying gate pulses. By adjusting the firing angle (α) of the SCRs, the
average DC output voltage can be controlled. The output DC voltage (Vdc) for a 3-phase fully
controlled rectifier is given by:
(3√3𝑉𝐿𝐿)
Vdc= cos(α)
2𝜋
where VLLis the line-to-line AC voltage. The firing angle also influences the harmonic
content of the output waveform, affecting the overall quality of the DC output.
Design Methodology
Bridge Configuration and Component Placement
Designing a fully controlled 3-phase bridge rectifier involves positioning six SCRs in a
bridge configuration to ensure correct conduction sequences. Each SCR must be strategically
placed to operate at the appropriate intervals. A crucial aspect of the design is the
development of a gate pulse generator circuit, which precisely controls the firing angles of
the SCRs. This circuit ensures the proper timing and synchronization of the SCRs' conduction
periods.
Load Considerations
The Simulink model is assembled with all necessary components, including a three-phase AC
voltage source, the six SCRs, the gate pulse generator, the load (R or RL), and measurement
blocks for voltage and current monitoring. Simulation parameters are carefully defined to
ensure accurate results.
Include a detailed block diagram and circuit schematic to visually represent the design of the
rectifier circuit. This section should illustrate the arrangement of the SCRs and the gate pulse
generator circuit.
Incorporate the equations used to calculate the output DC voltage and current for different
firing angles. Additionally, provide the criteria for choosing the component values, such as
load resistance and inductance.
(3√3𝑉𝐿𝐿)
Vdc= cos(α)
2𝜋
Simulation Observations
Performance Analysis
Waveform Examination
An in-depth examination of the waveforms shows that with a firing angle of 30°, the rectifier
produces a higher average output voltage and current. When the firing angle is set to 90°, the
average output voltage and current decrease. The rectifier demonstrates higher efficiency
with resistive loads, though efficiency drops slightly with RL loads due to the energy storage
in the inductor.
Harmonic Analysis
Discuss the harmonic content of the output voltage and current waveforms. This analysis
should include the impact of different firing angles on the harmonic distortion.
R vs RL Load Comparison
Performance with Resistive Load
With a resistive load, voltage and current waveforms are in phase, resulting in stable and
predictable performance with minimal ripple. The rectifier predominantly operates in
Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) for resistive loads, where the current does not drop to
zero.
With an RL load, the current lags behind the voltage due to the inductance, extending the
conduction period of each SCR beyond the typical 120 degrees. This leads to higher voltage
ripple and slightly reduced efficiency compared to resistive loads. The rectifier might
occasionally operate in Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) with RL loads, where the
current drops to zero periodically.
Snubber Circuits
Snubber circuits should be used to protect the SCRs from voltage spikes, especially when
dealing with inductive loads. These circuits help in dissipating the energy stored in the
inductance and prevent damage to the SCRs.
Future work could explore advanced control algorithms to further enhance the performance
of the rectifier. Techniques such as fuzzy logic control or adaptive control can be investigated
to improve efficiency and response time.
Integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, with the rectifier system
could provide sustainable and efficient power conversion solutions.
Circuit Diagrams.
Summary
In conclusion, the fully controlled 3-phase bridge rectifier effectively converts three-phase
AC power to a regulated DC output. By varying the firing angles of the SCRs, the rectifier's
performance can be precisely controlled. The rectifier's behavior changes based on the type of
load and the firing angles. Resistive loads provide more predictable and stable performance,
while RL loads introduce complexity due to the inductive component. Simulink simulation
results highlight the rectifier's behavior under different conditions, emphasizing efficiency
and waveform characteristics.