Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

Unit 03 Single Phase AC-DC Converter

Basic Rectifier Circuits:

Several types of rectifier circuits are available: single-phase and three-phase half-wave and full
wave, controlled and uncontrolled, etc. For a given application, the type used is determined by the
requirements of that application. In general, the types of rectifiers are:
1. Uncontrolled Rectifier

Provide a fixed d.c. output voltage for a given a.c. supply where diodes are used only.
2. Controlled Rectifier

Provide an adjustable d.c. output voltage by controlling the phase at which the devices are
turned on, where thyristors and diodes are used.

A. Half controlled

Allows electrical power flow from a.c. to d.c. (i.e. rectification only)

B. Fully controlled

Allow power flow in both directions (i.e. rectification and inversion)

Application of Rectifier Circuits:

o There are many applications for rectifiers. Some of them are:
 Variable speed dc drives,
 Battery chargers,
 DC power supplies for electric railways and
 Power supply for a specific application like electroplating
o Power rating of a single-phase rectifier tends to be lower than 10 kW.
o Three-phase bridge rectifiers are used for delivering higher power output, up to 500 kW at 500
V dc or even more.

Uncontrolled Rectifications
In this type, the generated DC power is fixed with the converter used and the input AC power. They
usually use diodes as their power switches. The following subsections deal with the basic operation
of some examples of uncontrolled rectifiers single-phase half-wave rectifier loaded with resistive
and resistive inductive loads.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 1 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

1. Single-phase Half-Wave Uncontrolled Rectifier with resistive load

Fig. 1 shows the basic circuit for a single-phase, half-wave uncontrolled rectifier supplying a
resistive load. The circuit is supplied by a single phase transformer whose secondary represents
the rectifier’s circuit AC source (v s) that is represented by a sinusoidal wave given by

vs = Vm sin (ωt)

where vS is the supply voltage, Vm is the peak value of the supply voltage, ω is the angular

frequency, and t and is the time. For this configuration, the diode will conduct (becomes forward
biased) whenever the supply voltage (vS) is positive.

Fig. 1 Single-phase half-wave rectifier: a) circuit and b) waveforms

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 2 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

The average value of the load voltage Vdc can be calculated as follows:

Since the load is resistive, therefore the load voltage and current are in phase and they are related by
i = v / R. Consequently, the average value of the load current Idc is

The output DC power is given by

The rms value of the load voltage V orms can be calculated as follows:

Therefore, the rms value of the load current Iorms is:

The rms value for half wave operation compared with the corresponding value for pure sinusoidal

operation which is
The output a.c. power is given by:

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 3 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

Performance parameters
The performance of a rectifier can be evaluated in terms of the following parameters:

1. The output d.c. power is given by

2. The output a.c. power is given by

3. The efficiency of the converter is given by

4. Output A.C. Component
The output voltage can be considered to have two components: including (i) d.c. value and (ii) the
a.c. components or ripple. The rms value of the a.c. component of the output voltage is

5. Form Factor, FF
It is a measure of the shape of the output voltage.

6. Ripple factor, RF
It is a measure of the ripple content or the degree of distortion in a rectified voltage waveform which
can be calculated as

7. Transformer utilization factor, TUF

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 4 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

2. Single phase half wave uncontrolled rectifier with (R-L) Load:

If t h e l o a d consists of a series resistor and inductor, the current will flow through the negative
cycle as well;
Fig. 2 shows the circuit diagram and Fig. 3 shows the load voltage and current waveform for this
case.

Fig. 2 Single phase half wave rectifier with RL load.

Fig.3 Waveforms for Fig.2.

During conduction period, we have by KVL;

Each supply period (cycle) in Fig. 3.3 can be divided into 4-distinct regions:
 From 0- ωt1: the current rises from zero to peak, which lags the voltage peak due to circuit
inductance; vL is positive and the inductance store energy.

 From ωt1 -π: the current decays, and hence vL is negative. Both source and inductance

supply energy to R.
 From π - β: the current continues to decay until it reaches zero, vL remains negative, and
hence energy is supplied by inductance to both source and resistor.
Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 5 | 25
Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

 From β - 2 π: at β current reaches zero and the diode cut- out. Current remains zero until
the beginning of the next positive half cycle.
The average output voltage is

The average output current is

Equation of the current:

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 6 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

3.1 Single phase full wave controlled rectifier

Single Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifier with ‘R’ load:
Figure below shows the Single Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifiers with R load

 The single phase fully controlled rectifier allows conversion of single phase AC into DC.
Normally this is used in various applications such as battery charging, speed control of DC
motors and front end of UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and SMPS (Switched Mode
Power Supply).
Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 7 | 25
Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

 All four devices used are Thyristors. The turn-on instants of these devices are dependent on
the firing signals that are given. Turn-off happens when the current through the device
reaches zero and it is reverse biased at least for duration equal to the turn-off time of the
device specified in the data sheet.
 In positive half cycle Thyristors T1 & T2 are fired at an angle a .
 When T1 & T2 conductsVo=Vs, IO=is=Vo/R=Vs/R
 In negative half cycle of input voltage, SCR’s T3 &T4 are triggered at an angle of (p+a)

• The single phase fully controlled rectifier allows conversion of single phase AC into DC. Normally
this is used in various applications such as battery charging, speed control of DC motors and front
end of UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply).
• All four devices used are Thyristors. The turn-on instants of these devices are dependent on the
firing signals that are given. Turn-off happens when the current through the device reaches zero
and it is reverse biased at least for duration equal to the turn-off time of the device specified in
the data sheet.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 8 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 9 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

3.1.1 Single Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifier with ‘RL’ load:
Figure below shows Single phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifiers with RL load.

Operation of this mode can be divided between four modes

Mode 1 (a top)
• In positive half cycle of applied ac signal, SCR’s T1 & T2 are forward bias & can be turned on at
an angle a.
• Load voltage is equal to positive instantaneous ac supply voltage. The load current is positive,
ripple free, constant and equal to Io.
• Due to positive polarity of load voltage & load current, load inductance will store energy.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 10 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

Mode 2 (p top+a)
• At wt=p, input supply is equal to zero & after p it becomes negative. But inductance opposes
any change through it.
• In order to maintain a constant load current & also in same direction. A self-induced emf
appears across ‘L’ as shown.
• Due to this induced voltage, SCR’s T1 & T2 are forward bais in spite the negative supply voltage.
• The load voltage is negative & equal to instantaneous ac supply voltage whereas load current is
positive.
• Thus, load acts as source & stored energy in inductance is returned back to the ac supply.
Mode 3 (p+a to 2p)
• At wt=p+a SCR’s T3 & T4 are turned on & T1, T2 are reversed bias.
• Thus , process of conduction is transferred from T1,T2 to T3,T4.
• Load voltage again becomes positive & energy is stored in inductor
• T3, T4 conduct in negative half cycle from (p+a) to 2p
• With positive load voltage & load current energy gets stored
Mode 4 (2p to 2p+a)
• At wt=2p, input voltage passes through zero.
• Inductive load will try to oppose any change in current if in order to maintain load current
constant & inthe same direction.
• Induced emf is positive & maintains conducting SCR’s T3 & T4 with reverse polarity also.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 11 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

3.2.1 Semi-converter: Half Controlled Bridge Rectifier with (R) Load

Figure below shows a single-phase half-controlled (semiconverter) rectifier. This configuration consists of a
combination of thyristors and diodes and used to eliminate any negative voltage occurrence at the load
terminals. This is because the diode Df is always activated (forward biased) whenever the load voltage
tends to be negative. For one total period of operation of this circuit, the corresponding waveforms are
shown in Figure.

The average value of the load voltage Vdc can be calculated as follows,

Therefore, the average output voltage can vary from 0 to Vm /π when varying α from π to 0 respectively.
The average value of the load current Idc as follows,

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 12 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

The rms value of the load voltage Vrms can be calculated as follows

3.2.2 Semi-converter: Half Controlled Bridge Rectifier with Inductive (RL) Load

Figure 1 shows two alternative arrangements of 2 -pulse half-controlled bridge converters with
inductive load. The various voltage and current waveforms for both symmetric and asymmetric
configurations are shown in Fig.2. Consider the symmetrical circuit configuration. As shown in
Fig.2(a), thyristor T1T1 is
turned-on at a firing angle αα in each positive half-cycle. From this instant α,α, supply voltage
appears across output terminals AB,AB, through thyristor T1T1 and diode D1D1 . Current flows
through the path L−T1−A−L−R−B−D1−N.L−T1−A−L−R−B−D1−N. Here, the filter inductance L is
assumed to be sufficiently large as to produce continuous load current. This current IdId is taken
to be constant. Hence during positive half-cycle, thyristor T1T1 and diode D1D1 conducts.

Now, when the supply voltage reverses at ωt=π,ωt=π, the diode D2D2 is forward-biased since
diode diode D1D1 is already conducting. The diode D2D2 then turns ON, and the load current
passes through D2D2 and T1.T1. The supply voltage reverse-biases D1D1 and turns it off. The
load-current freewheels through the path R−B−D2−T1−A−LR−B−D2−T1−A−L during the interval
from ππ to (π+α)(π+α) in each supply-cycle.
Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 13 | 25
Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

During the negative half-cycle, at the instant (π+α),(π+α), a triggering-pulse is applied to the
forward-biased thyristor T2.T2. Thyristor T2T2 is turned ON.
As thyristor T2T2 is turned ON,ON, the supply voltage reverse-biases T1T1 and then turns it OFF
by the line commutation. Therefore, the load-current flows through T2T2 and D2,D2, the above-
cycle repeats and the waveforms obtained are as shown in Fig.2(a), which are similar to that of
fully-controlled converter with a freewheeling diode. Here, we have seen that the conduction
period of thyristors and diodes are equal, therefore this circuit is called as the symmetrical
configuration.
Now consider the circuit of Fig.1(b). During the positive half-cycle of the a.c. supply,
thyristor T1T1 and diode D1D1 are forward-biased. As shown in Fig.2(b), thyristor T1T1 is turned
ON at firing angle αα . Current flows through the path L−T1−A−L−R−B−D1−N.
L−T1−A−L−R−B−D1−N. Hence, T1T1 and D1D1 conduct from αα to ππ .
Similarly, T2T2 and D2D2 conduct from (π+α)(π+α) to 2π2π in each negative half-cycle of the a.c.
supply. The freewheeling action is provided by diodes D1D1 and D2D2 from 0 to αα and
from ππ to (π+α)(π+α) in each supply cycle. In this converter configuration, the conduction
periods of thyristors and diodes are unequal. Hence this circuit configuration is known as the
asymmetrical configuration.
The thyristor conducts for a longer interval in the symmetrical circuit configuration. Therefore,
the thyristors used in this circuit must have a higher average current-rating compared to those in
the asymmetrical-circuit configuration.

The average d.c. output voltage, neglecting diode and SCR drop, is given by

Edc=1π∫παEmsinωt⋅d(ωt)=Emπ[1+cosα]Edc=1π∫απEmsin⁡ωt⋅d(ωt)=Emπ[1+cos⁡α]

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 14 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 15 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

3.3 Derivation of Average and RMS output voltage, power factor, THD, TUF.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 16 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 17 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

3.5 Effect of source inductance in single phase rectifier

Fig. below shows a single phase fully controlled converter with source inductance. For simplicity it
has been assumed that the converter operates in the continuous conduction mode. Further, it has
been assumed that the load current ripple is negligible and the load can be replaced by a dc
current source the magnitude of which equals the average load current. Fig. shows the
corresponding waveforms. It is assumed that the Thyristors T3 and T4 were conducting at t = 0. T1
and T2 are fired at ωt = a. If there were no source inductance T3 and T4 would have commutated
as soon as T1 and T2 are turned ON. The input current polarity would have changed
instantaneously. However, if a source inductance is present the commutation and change of input
current polarity cannot be instantaneous. s. Therefore, when T1 and T2 are turned ON T3 T4 does
not commutate immediately. Instead, for some interval all four Thyristors continue to conduct as
shown in Fig. 2.14. This interval is called “overlap” interval.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 18 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

1. During overlap interval the load current freewheels through the thyristors and the output
voltage is clamped to zero. On the other hand, the input current starts changing polarity as the
current through T1 and T2 increases and T3 T4 current decreases. At the end of the overlap
interval the current through T3 and T4 becomes zero and they commutate, T1 and T2 starts
conducting the full load current
2. The same process repeats during commutation from T1 T2 to T3T4 at ωt = p + a . From Fig.
2.14 it is clear that, commutation overlap not only reduces average output dc voltage but also
reduces the extinction angle γ which may cause commutation failure in the inverting mode of
operation if a is very close to 180º.
3. In the following analysis an expression of the overlap angle “µ” will be determined. From the
equivalent circuit of the converter during overlap period.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 19 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

3.6 Single Phase Dual Converter

Dual converter, the name itself says two converters. It is really an electronic converter or circuit
which comprises of two converters. One will perform as a rectifier and the other will perform as an
inverter. Therefore, we can say that double processes will occur at a moment. Here, two full
converters are arranged in anti-parallel pattern and linked to the same dc load. These converters can
provide four quadrant operations. The basic block diagram is shown below.

Modes of Operation of Dual Converter

There are two functional modes: Non-circulating current mode and circulating mode.
Non Circulating Current Mode

 One converter will perform at a time. So there is no circulating current between the
converters.
 During the converter 1 operation, firing angle (α1) will be 0<α1< 90o; Vdc and Idc are
positive.
 During the converter 2 operation, firing angle (α2) will be 0<α2< 90o; Vdc and Idc are
negative.
Circulating Current Mode
 Two converters will be in the ON condition at the same time. So circulating current is
present.
 The firing angles are adjusted such that firing angle of converter 1 (α1) + firing angle of
converter 2 (α2) = 180o.
 Converter 1 performs as a controlled rectifier when firing angle be 0<α 1< 90o and
Converter 2 performs as an inverter when the firing angle be 90 o<α2< 180o. In this
condition, Vdc and Idc are positive.
 Converter 1 performs as an inverter when firing angle be 90o<α1< 180o and Converter 2
performs as a controlled rectifier when the firing angle be 0<α2< 90o In this condition,
Vdc and Idc are negative.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 20 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

 The four quadrant operation is shown below:

The term ‘ideal’ refers to the ripple free output voltage. For the purpose of unidirectional flow of
DC current, two diodes (D1 and D2) are incorporated between the converters. However, the
direction of current can be in any way. The average output voltage of the converter 1 is V 01 and
converter 2 is V02. To make the output voltage of the two converters in same polarity and
magnitude, the firing angles of the thyristors have to be controlled.

Single Phase Dual Converter

The circuit diagram of the dual converter is shown in the below figure. A separately excited DC
motor is used as a load. The DC terminals of both the converters are connected with the terminals

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 21 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

of the armature winding. Here, two single-phase full converters are connected back to back. Both
converters supply a common load.

The firing angle of converter-1 is α1 and α1 is less than 90˚. Hence, the converter-1 act as a
rectifier. For positive half cycle (0 < t < π), thyristor S1 and S2 will conduct and for a negative half
cycle (π < t < 2π), thyristor S3 and S4 will conduct. In this operation, output voltage and current
both are positive. So, this operation is known as forward motoring operation and the converter
works in the first quadrant.
The firing angle of converter-2 is 180 - α1 = α2 and α2 is greater than 90˚. So, converter-2 act as an
inverter. In this operation, the load current remains in the same direction. The polarity of the
output voltage is negative. Therefore, the converter works in the fourth quadrant. This operation
is known as regenerative braking.
For reverse rotation of DC motor, converter-2 act as rectifier and converter-1 act as an
inverter. The firing angle of converter-2 α2 is less than 90˚. The alternative voltage source supplies
the load. In this operation, the load current is negative and the output average voltage is also
negative. Therefore, the converter-2 works in the third quadrant. This operation is known as the
reverse motoring.
In reverse operation, the firing angle of converter-1 is less than 90˚ and firing angle of converter-2
is greater than 90˚. So, in this operation, the load current is negative but the average output
voltage is positive. So, the converter-2 works in the second quadrant. This operation is known as
the reverse regenerative braking.

The waveform of the single-phase dual converter is as shown in the below figure.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 22 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 23 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

3.7 Application-Speed control of DC motor

Consider the dc drive of figure below for which the armature supply voltage va to the motor is
given by

where Va is the peak value of the line±line ac supply voltage to the converter and a is the ®ring
angle. The dc output voltage v max is controllable via the angle a, which in turn is controlled by
the control voltage Va as input to the control circuit (FCC). The FCC is synchronized with the mains
ac supply and drives individual thyristors in the ac±dc converter according to the desired ®ring
angle. Depending on the load and the speed of operation, the conduction of the current may
become discontinuous as indicated in figure. When this happens, the converter output voltage
does not change with control voltage as proportionately as with continuous conduction. The
motor speed now drops much more with load as indicated by figure. The consequent loss of gain
of the converter may have to be avoided or compensated if good control over speed is desired.

The output voltage of the simple, two-pulse ac-dc converter of figure is rich in ripples of
frequency nf , where n is an even integer starting with 2 and f is the frequency of the ac supply.
Such low-frequency ripple may derate the motor considerably. Converters with higher pulse
number, such as the 6- or 12-pulse converter, deliver much smoother output voltage and may be
desirable for more demanding applications. A high performance dc drive for a rolling mill drive
may consist of such converter circuits connected for bi-directional operation of the drive, as
indicated in figure. The interfacing of the control circuit to other motion-control loops, such as
speed and position controllers, for the desired motion is also indicated.
Two fully-controlled bridge ac-dc converter circuits are used back-to-back from the same ac
supply. One is for forward and the other is for reverse driving of the motor. Since each is a two-

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 24 | 25

Notes: Unit 03: Single Phase AC-DC Converter

quadrant converter, either may be used for regenerative braking of the motor. For this mode of
operation, the braking converter, which operates in inversion mode, sinks the motor current
aided by the back emf of the motor. The energy of the overhauling motor now returns to the ac
source. It may be noted that the braking converter may be used to maintain the braking current
at the maximum allowable level right down to zero speed. A complete acceleration-deceleration
cycle of such a drive is indicated in figure. During braking, the ®ring angle is maintained at an
appropriate value at all times so that controlled and predictable deceleration takes place at all
times.

(a) Converter output voltage and (b) motor torque speed characteristics with discontinuous
conduction.

Prepared by: Gurav J. A. Page 25 | 25