UNIT II Commutation Techniques

UNIT II

1. Introduction
Commutation is a process of turning-off a conducting thyristor by means of natural zero or
by means of additional components.

1.1. Types of commutation

There are two types in commutation (i) Natural commutation (ii) Forced commutation, these
two are explained in detail in section 2 and 3 respectively.

2. Natural commutation
In natural commutation the nature of the source is AC and hence the current through the
thyristor goes to zero when reverse voltage appears across the thyristor. This technique is
also known as line commutation. The circuit diagram for natural commutation is shown in
Fig. 2.1(a) and waveforms associated with input, output and voltage across thyristor are
shown in Fig. 2.1(b). The firing angle (α) is also indicated in Fig. 2.1(b), it is the angle
between the instant at which input voltage begins and instant at which thyristor is triggered.

Fig. 2.1(a) Natural commutation circuit (b) Waveforms of VS, VO and VT

Problem 2.1: In the circuit of natural commutation, the turn-off time (toff) of thyristor is 20μs
and VS=100 sin (wt). Check whether natural commutation is possible or not for the following
cases (i) w=100π, α=0, RL=10Ω (ii) w=100π, α= π/2, RL=10Ω (iii) w=100πX103, α=0,
RL=10Ω

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Solution:(i) w=100π, 2πf=100π, f=50Hz, T=1/f = 20ms, ton=10ms and tof=10ms. Since toff<tof
and hence natural commutation is possible.

(ii)w=100π, 2πf=100π, f=50Hz, T=1/f = 20ms, ton=10ms and tof=10ms. Since toff<tof and
hence natural commutation is possible.

(iii) w=100πX103, 2πf=100π X103, f=50KHz, T=1/f = 20μs, ton=10μs and tof=10μs. Since
toff>tof and hence natural commutation is not possible.

Fig. 2.2Waveforms of VS and VO for all the three cases

3. Forced commutation
In forced commutation the input voltage is DC and hence current will not be zero naturally.
In such case additional circuit is required to force the current equal to zero to turn-off
thyristor. This technique is normally used in choppers and inverters.

Forced commutation is classified into (i) Self commutation (ii) Impulse commutation (iii)
Resonant commutation (iv) Complementary commutation (v) External pulse commutation
(vi) Load side commutation (vii) Line side commutation

3.1. Self commutation

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

In this method the thyristor turns-off its own when the current through it becomes zero due to
the under damped nature of the load circuit.When thyristor is turned-on it behaves like a
closed switch, Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) for this loop with an assumption of voltage
across capacitor is zero initially gives

Fig. 2.3(a) Self commutation circuit with VC(t=0)=0

𝒅𝒊 𝟏
𝑽𝑺 = 𝑳 𝒅𝒕 + 𝑪 𝒊 𝒅𝒕 (2.1)

Apply Laplace transform to equation (2.1)

1 1 𝐼(𝑆)
𝑉𝑆 𝑆 = 𝐿{𝑆𝐼 𝑆 − 𝑖(0)} + 𝐶 (2.2)
𝑆

Assume the circuit is relaxed initially, 𝑖 0 = 0 and 𝑉𝐶 0 = 0

𝑉𝑆 1
= 𝐿𝑆𝐼 𝑆 + 𝐶𝑆 𝐼(𝑆) (2.3)
𝑆

𝑉𝑆
𝑉𝑆 𝑉𝑆 𝑉𝑆 1 1
𝐼 𝑆 = 1 = 1 = 𝐿
1 = where𝜔0 2 = 𝐿𝐶 (2.4)
𝑆 𝑆𝐿+ 𝑆 2 𝐿+ 𝑆2 + 𝐿 (𝑆 2 +𝜔 0 2 )
𝑆𝐶 𝐶 𝐿𝐶

𝑉𝑆 1 𝜔0
𝐼 𝑆 = (2.5)
𝐿 (𝑆 2 +𝜔 0 2 ) 𝜔 0

𝑉𝑆 𝜔0 1 𝐶 𝜔0
𝐼 𝑆 = = 𝑉𝑆 (2.6)
𝐿 (𝑆 2 +𝜔 0 2 ) 1 𝐿 (𝑆 2 +𝜔 0 2 )
𝐿𝐶

Take inverse Laplace transform to (2.6)

𝐶
𝑖 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑆 sin 𝜔0 𝑡 (2.7)
𝐿

Voltage across capacitor is

1 𝑡
𝑉𝐶 (𝑡) = 𝐶 0
𝑖(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 (2.8)

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Substitute (2.7) in (2.8)

1 𝑡 𝐶
𝑉𝐶 (𝑡) = 𝐶 0 𝑆
𝑉 sin 𝜔0 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 (2.9)
𝐿

𝑉𝑆 𝑡 cos 𝜔 0 𝑡 𝑡
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0
sin 𝜔0 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑉𝑆 𝜔0 {− }0 = 𝑉𝑆 (1 − cos 𝜔0 𝑡) (2.10)
𝐿𝐶 𝜔0

Voltage across inductor is

𝑉𝐿 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑆 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑆 − 𝑉𝑆 1 − cos 𝜔0 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑆 cos 𝜔0 𝑡 (2.11)

Conduction time of thyristor t0 is

𝜋
𝜔0 𝑡0 = 𝜋 𝑡0 = = 𝜋 𝐿𝐶 (2.12)
𝜔0

Fig. 2.3 (b)Waveforms of VS, i(t), VL(t) and VC(t) using

mathematical equations

The waveforms of VS, i(t), VL(t) and VC(t) using mathematical equations are given in Fig. 2.3
(b).The typical waveforms of VS, i(t), VL(t) and VC(t) with VC(t=0)=0 are given in Fig. 2.4
(a).

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.4 (a)Typical waveforms of VS, i(t), VC(t) and VL(t) with VC(t=0)=0

If the initial voltage across capacitor is –VS then

Fig. 2.4(b) Self commutation circuit with VC(t=0)=-VS

Apply KVL to the loop we get

𝑑𝑖 1
0 = 𝐿 𝑑𝑡 + 𝐶 𝑖 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 (𝑡 = 0) (2.12.1)

Apply Laplace transform to equation (2.12.1)

1𝐼 𝑆 1
0 = 𝐿 𝑆𝐼 𝑆 − 𝑖 0 +𝐶 − 𝑉𝑆 𝑆 (2.12.2)
𝑆

The initial conditions are, 𝑖 0 = 0 and 𝑉𝐶 0 = −𝑉𝑆

1 𝑉𝑆
0 = 𝐿𝑆𝐼 𝑆 + 𝐶𝑆 𝐼 𝑆 − (2.12.3)
𝑆

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

𝑉𝑆 𝑉𝑆 𝑉𝑆 1 1
𝐼 𝑆 = 1 = 1 = where 𝜔02 = 𝐿𝐶 (2.12.4)
𝑆(𝑆𝐿+ ) 2
(𝑆 𝐿+ ) 𝐿 (𝑆 2 +𝜔 02 )
𝑆𝐶 𝐶

𝑉𝑆 1 𝜔0
𝐼 𝑆 = (2.12.5)
𝐿 (𝑆 2 +𝜔 02 ) 𝜔 0

𝐶 𝜔0
𝐼 𝑆 = 𝑉𝑆 (2.12.6)
𝐿 (𝑆 2 +𝜔 02 )

Take inverse Laplace transform to (2.12.6)

𝐶
𝑖 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑆 sin𝜔0 t⁡ (2.12.7)
𝐿

Voltage across capacitor is

1 𝒕
𝑽𝑪 𝒕 = 𝐶 𝟎
𝑖(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 − 𝑽𝑺 (2.12.8)

Substitute (2.12.7) in (2.12.8)

𝒕
1 𝐶 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔0 𝑡 𝑡
𝑽𝑪 𝒕 = 𝑉𝑆 sin𝜔0 t 𝑑𝑡 − 𝑉𝑆 = 𝑉𝑆 𝜔0 {− } − 𝑉𝑆 = 𝑉𝑆 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔0 𝑡 − 𝑉𝑆
𝐶 𝟎 𝐿 𝜔0 0

𝑽𝑪 𝒕 = −𝑉𝑆 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔0 𝑡 (2.12.9)

Voltage across inductor is

𝑽𝑳 𝒕 = −𝑽𝑪 𝒕 = 𝑉𝑆 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔0 𝑡 (2.12.10)

Conduction time thyristor t0 is

𝜋
𝜔0 𝑡0 = 𝜋𝑡0 = 𝜔 = 𝜋 𝐿𝐶 (2.12.11)
0

The typical waveforms of VS, i(t), VC(t) and VL(t) with VC(t=0)=-VS are given in Fig. 2.4 (c).

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 6

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.4 (c)Typical waveforms of VS, i(t), VC(t) and VL(t) with VC(t=0)=-VS

Problem 2.2: In the circuit of self-commutation (i) VS=200V, L=10mH and C=10μF (ii)
VS=200V, L=1mH and C=10μF (iii) VS=200V, L=10mH and C=1μF. Determine (a)
conduction time of thyristor (b) voltage across capacitor when it gets commutated (c) peak
current through the load.

Solution:Case i: (a) conduction time of thyristor is𝑡0 = 𝜋 𝐿𝐶 = 993μs

𝐶
(b) VC(t) = 2VS= 400V (c) 𝑖𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 = 6.3245𝐴
𝐿

Case ii: (a) conduction time of thyristor is 𝑡0 = 𝜋 𝐿𝐶 = 314ms

𝐶
(b) VC(t) = 2VS= 400V (c) 𝑖𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 = 20𝐴
𝐿

Case iii: (a) conduction time of thyristor is 𝑡0 = 𝜋 𝐿𝐶 = 314ms

𝐶
(b) VC(t) = 2VS= 400V (c) 𝑖𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 𝐿
= 2𝐴

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Problem 2.3: In the circuit shown in Fig. 2.5 (a). If the thyristor T is triggered at t=0,
determine (a) conduction time of thyristor (b) voltage across capacitor when T is turned off.
The circuit parameters are VS=100V, L=10μH and C=10μF. The inductor carries an initial
current of IP=150A.

Fig. 2.5(a) Self commutation circuit with VC(t=0)=VS

Fig. 2.5(b) Waveforms of i(t) and VC(t) with VC(t=0)=VS

Solution:Apply KVL to the loop

𝑡
𝑑𝑖 1
𝑉𝑆 = 𝐿 + 𝑖 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 (𝑡 = 0)
𝑑𝑡 𝐶 0

Apply Laplace transform to the above equation with initial conditions 𝑖 0 = 𝐼𝑃 and 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 =
0 = 𝑉𝑆

1 1𝐼 𝑆 1
𝑉𝑆 = 𝐿 𝑆𝐼 𝑆 − 𝑖 0 + + 𝑉𝑆
𝑆 𝐶 𝑆 𝑆

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

𝐿𝐼𝑃 𝐼 𝑆𝑃 2 1
𝐼 𝑆 = 1 = (𝑆 2 +𝜔 2 ) Where 𝜔0 = 𝐿𝐶
𝐿𝑆+ 0
𝐶𝑆

Taking inverse Laplace transform we get

𝑖 𝑡 = 𝐼𝑃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔0 𝑡

Voltage across capacitor is

𝑡
1
𝑉𝐶 (𝑡) = 𝑖 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 (𝑡 = 0)
𝐶 0

𝑡
1
𝑉𝐶 (𝑡) = 𝐼𝑃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔0 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝑆
𝐶 0

𝐿
𝑉𝐶 (𝑡) = 𝐼𝑃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔0 𝑡 + 𝑉𝑆
𝐶

𝜋
(a) Conduction time of thyristor is 𝑡0 = 𝐿𝐶 = 496.5𝜇𝑠
2
𝜋
(b) Voltage across capacitor when T is turned-off i.e. at 𝜔0 𝑡 = 2

𝐿
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝐼𝑃 + 𝑉𝑆 = ∆𝑉 + 𝑉𝑆 = 250𝑉
𝐶

3.2. Impulse commutation (Voltage commutation) (Class D commutation)

Impulse commutation circuit shown in Fig. 2.6 is used to turn-off main thyristor (TM) by
applying negative voltage across it and hence the name voltage commutation. It is assumed
that the initial voltage across the capacitor is VS with the polarity shown in Fig. 2.6(a).The
equivalent circuits for Mode-1 and Mode-2 are given in Fig. 2.6(b) and Fig. 2.6(c)
respectively. When TM is triggered initially in Mode-1, the voltage across capacitor
discharges through inductor and diode. The inductor charges with the polarity as shown in
Fig. 2.6(b). The series combination of L and C produces an oscillatory current and as a result
C charge to -VS. In Mode-2 auxillarythyristor (TA) is triggered -VS appear across TM due to
which TM is off. The associated waveforms of Mode-1 and Mode-2 are given in Fig. 2.7.

The voltage across capacitor VC is

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝑆 cos 𝜔0 𝑡 (2.13)

The current through the capacitor is

𝐶
𝐼𝐶 = 𝑉𝑆 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜔0 𝑡 (2.14)
𝐿

The current through TM is

𝐼𝑇𝑀 = 𝐼𝐶 + 𝐼𝐿 (2.15)

The circuit turn-off time of TM is

𝑉𝑆
𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 𝑅𝐶 = 𝐶 (2.16)
𝐼𝐿

The circuit turn-off time of TA is

𝜋
𝑡0 ( ) 𝜋 𝐿𝐶
𝜔0
𝑡𝐶𝐴 = = = (2.17)
2 2 2

Fig. 2.6(a) Impulse commutation circuit (b) Mode-1 (c) Mode-2

Problem 2.4: In the impulse commutation circuit VS=200V, L=10μH, C=10μF and load
current IL is (i) 5A (ii) 100A (iii) 200A. Calculate (a) Peak current through capacitor, main
and auxillarythyristors (b) Circuit turn-off time of main thyristor and auxillarythyristor.

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 10

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.7(a) Waveforms of Impulse commutation in Mode-1 and Mode-2

Solution:

𝐶 10μF
Case i: (a)𝐼𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 = 200 = 200A 𝐼𝑇𝑀 = 𝐼𝐶𝑃 + 𝐼𝐿 = 205𝐴
𝐿 10μH

𝐼𝑇𝐴 = 𝐼𝐿 = 5𝐴

𝑉𝑆 𝜋 𝐿𝐶
(b) 𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 𝐶 = 400μs 𝑡𝐶𝐴 = = 15.7μs
𝐼𝐿 2

𝐶 10μF
Case ii: (a)𝐼𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 = 200 =200A 𝐼𝑇𝑀 = 𝐼𝐶𝑃 + 𝐼𝐿 = 300𝐴
𝐿 10μH

𝐼𝑇𝐴 = 𝐼𝐿 = 100𝐴

𝑉𝑆 𝜋 𝐿𝐶
(b) 𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 𝐶 = 20μs 𝑡𝐶𝐴 = = 15.7μs
𝐼𝐿 2

𝐶 10μF
Case iii: (a)𝐼𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 = 200 = 200A 𝐼𝑇𝑀 = 𝐼𝐶𝑃 + 𝐼𝐿 = 400𝐴
𝐿 10μH

𝐼𝑇𝐴 = 𝐼𝐿 = 200𝐴

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

𝑉𝑆 𝜋 𝐿𝐶
(b) 𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 𝐶 = 10μs 𝑡𝐶𝐴 = = 15.7μs
𝐼𝐿 2

Alternate circuit for impulse commutation:

Fig. 2.7(b) Alternate circuit for impulse commutation

Problem 2.5: In the circuit shown in Fig. 2.7 (c). Determine the circuit turn-off time if
VS=100V, R=5Ω, C=10µF.

Fig. 2.7(c)

Solution: Apply KVL to the loop considering TA is ON

𝑡
1
𝑉𝑆 = 𝑖 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0 + 𝑖𝑅
𝐶 0

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Taking Laplace transform with 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0 = −𝑉𝑆

𝑉𝑆 1 𝐼(𝑆) 𝑉𝑆
= − + 𝐼(𝑆)𝑅
𝑆 𝐶 𝑆 𝑆

2𝑉𝑆 1
𝐼 𝑆 = 1
𝑅 (𝑆 + )
𝑅𝐶

Take inverse Laplace transform

2𝑉𝑆 − 𝑡
𝑖 𝑡 = 𝑒 𝑅𝐶
𝑅

Voltage across capacitor is

𝑡
1
𝑉𝐶 (𝑡) = 𝑖(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0
𝐶 0

𝑡
1 2𝑉𝑆 − 𝑡
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝑒 𝑅𝐶 𝑑𝑡 − 𝑉𝑆
𝐶 0 𝑅

2𝑉𝑆 𝑡
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝑅𝐶{1 − 𝑒 −𝑅𝐶 } − 𝑉𝑆
𝑅𝐶
𝑡
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑆 {1 − 2𝑒 −𝑅𝐶 }

The circuit turn-off time (𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 ) can be determined if the condition 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0 at 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓

𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 𝑅𝐶 ln 2 = 0.693𝑅𝐶 = 34.65𝜇𝑠

Problem 2.6: The impulse commutation circuit shown in Fig. 2.7 (d) has a capacitance
C=10µF and discharge inductor L1=20µH. The initial voltage across capacitor is equal to the
input voltage VS=VC =100V. If the load current IL=150A, determine the circuit turn-off time.

Solution:From the Fig. 2.7(d) the voltage across capacitor is

𝑡
1
𝑉𝐶 (𝑡) = 𝑖𝐶 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0
𝐶 0

Apply KVL to the loop C-TA-D-L1-C

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.7(d)

𝑑𝑖𝐶
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝑉𝐿1 𝑡 = −𝐿1
𝑑𝑡
𝑡
𝑑𝑖𝐶 1
−𝐿1 = 𝑖𝐶 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0
𝑑𝑡 𝐶 0

Take Laplace transform with 𝑖𝐶 𝑡 = 0 = 𝐼𝑃 , 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = −𝑉𝑆

1 𝐼𝐶 𝑆 𝑉𝑆
−𝐿1 𝑆𝐼𝐶 𝑆 − 𝑖𝐶 0 = −
𝐶 𝑆 𝑆

𝑉𝑆 𝑉
𝐿1 𝐼𝑃 + 𝑆𝐼𝑃 + 𝐿 𝑆
𝑆 1
𝐼𝐶 𝑆 = 1 = 1
(𝑆𝐿1 + 𝑆𝐶 ) (𝑆 2 + 𝐿 𝐶)
1

𝑉𝑆
𝑆𝐼𝑃 𝐿1
𝐼𝐶 𝑆 = 1 + 1
(𝑆 2 + 𝐿 𝐶 ) (𝑆 2 + 𝐿 𝐶 )
1 1

1
Substitute 𝐿 = 𝜔02
1𝐶

𝑉𝑆
𝑆𝐼𝑃 𝐿1 𝜔0
𝐼𝐶 𝑆 = 2 2 + 2 2 𝜔
(𝑆 + 𝜔0 ) (𝑆 + 𝜔0 ) 0

Take inverse Laplace transform

𝐶
𝑖𝐶 𝑡 = 𝐼𝑃 cos 𝜔0 𝑡 + 𝑉𝑆 sin⁡
(𝜔0 𝑡)
𝐿1

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 14

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Voltage across capacitor is

𝑡
1
𝑉𝐶 (𝑡) = 𝑖𝐶 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0
𝐶 0

𝑡
1 𝐶
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝐼𝑃 cos 𝜔0 𝑡 + 𝑉𝑆 sin 𝜔0 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 − 𝑉𝑆
𝐶 0 𝐿1

𝐿1
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝐼𝑃 sin 𝜔0 𝑡 + 𝑉𝑆 − 𝑉𝑆 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔0 𝑡 − 𝑉𝑆
𝐶

𝐿1
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝐼𝑃 sin 𝜔0 𝑡 − 𝑉𝑆 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔0 𝑡
𝐶

The circuit turn-off time (𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 ) can be determined if the condition 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0 = 0 at 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓

𝑉𝑆 𝐶
= tan⁡
(𝜔0 𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 )
𝐼𝑃 𝐿1

𝑉𝑆 𝐶
𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 𝐿1 𝐶 tan−1
𝐼𝑃 𝐿1

𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 356𝜇𝑠

3.3. Resonant pulse commutation (Current commutation) (Class B

commutation)

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.8(a) Resonant pulse commutation circuit (b) Mode-1 (c)

Mode-2 (d) Mode-3

The resonant pulse commutation circuit is shown in Fig. 2.8 (a), the operation of the circuit is
divided into three modes Mode-1, Mode-2 and Mode-3 and the circuit diagram for the respective
mode is shown in Fig. 2.8 (b), (c) and (d) respectively.The various waveforms of the above
modes are shown in Fig. 2.9.

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 16

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.9Waveforms of resonant pulse commutation in Mode-1, Mode-2 and

Mode-3

Beforethe start of operation it is assumed that voltage across capacitor is Vs with left hand plate
positive and right hand plate negative and direction of capacitor current marked as shown in
figure. In Mode-1 when TM is turned on at t=0 a constant current IL will be flowing in the load.In
Mode-2 when TA is turned on at t=t1 an oscillatory current flows through it due to series
combination of L and C and inductor is charged to a voltage Vs with left hand side negative and
right hand side positive. The capacitor voltage discharge to zero and charge to a voltage -Vs in
reverse direction.

𝐶
The capacitor current is 𝐼𝑐 = −𝑉𝑠 sin(𝑤0 𝑡) (2.18)
𝐿

The voltage across capacitor is 𝑉𝑐 = 𝑉𝑠 cos(𝑤0 𝑡) (2.19)

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

In Mode-3 the voltage across capacitor and inductor will be -2Vs which make diode forward
biased and TM reverse biased and hence TM is turned off. The capacitor voltage discharge to zero
and charge to a voltage Vs with left hand side positive and right hand side negative.

𝑉𝑎𝑏
The circuit turn-off time of TM is 𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 𝐶 (2.20)
𝐼𝐿

𝑉𝑎𝑏 = 𝑉𝑆 cos⁡
(𝑤0 (𝑡3 − 𝑡2 )) (2.21)

In the waveform at 𝑡3 𝐼𝐶 = 𝐼𝐿

𝐶
𝑉𝑠 sin(𝑤0 𝑡) = 𝐼𝐿 (2.22)
𝐿

𝐼
𝑤0 𝑡3 − 𝑡2 = sin−1 ( 𝐼 𝐿 ) (2.23)
𝑃

𝐶
Where 𝐼𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 𝐿

Problem 2.4: In the resonant pulse commutation circuit VS=200V, L=1mH, C=10μF and load
current IL is (i) 10A (ii) 5A (iii) 2A. Calculate (a) Conduction time of auxillarythyristor (b)
Voltage across main thyristor when it gets commutated (c) Circuit turn-off time of main
thyristor.

Solution:

Case i: IL = 10A(a)𝑡0 = 𝜋 𝐿𝐶 = 314μs

𝐶 10μF
(b) 𝐼𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 = 200 = 20A
𝐿 1mH

𝑉𝑎𝑏 = 𝑉𝑆 cos 𝑤0 𝑡3 − 𝑡2 =173.2V

𝐼𝐿
𝑤0 𝑡3 − 𝑡2 = sin−1 ( ) = 0.5235
𝐼𝑃

𝑉𝑎𝑏
(c) 𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 𝐶 = 173.2μs
𝐼𝐿

Case ii: IL = 5A(a)𝑡0 = 𝜋 𝐿𝐶 = 314μs

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 18

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

𝐶 10μF
(b) 𝐼𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 = 200 = 20A
𝐿 1mH

𝑉𝑎𝑏 = 𝑉𝑆 cos 𝑤0 𝑡3 − 𝑡2 = 193.64𝑉

𝐼𝐿
𝑤0 𝑡3 − 𝑡2 = sin−1 ( ) = 0.2526
𝐼𝑃

𝑉𝑎𝑏
(c) 𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 𝐶 = 387.29μs
𝐼𝐿

Case iii: IL = 2A(a)𝑡0 = 𝜋 𝐿𝐶 = 314μs

𝐶 10μF
(b) 𝐼𝑃 = 𝑉𝑆 = 200 = 20A
𝐿 1mH

𝑉𝑎𝑏 = 𝑉𝑆 cos 𝑤0 𝑡3 − 𝑡2 = 198.99𝑉

𝐼𝐿
𝑤0 𝑡3 − 𝑡2 = sin−1 ( ) = 0.1
𝐼𝑃

𝑉𝑎𝑏
(c) 𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 𝐶 = 994.98μs
𝐼𝐿

3.4. Complementary commutation (Class C commutation)

In this commutation a thyristor carrying a load current is commutated by transferring load
current to another thyristor. The complementary commutation circuit is shown in Fig. 2.10 (a).
The entire operation of the circuit is divided into Mode-1 and Mode-2 as shown in Fig. 2.10 (b)
and (c) respectively. In Mode-1 when T1 is triggered capacitor charges to a voltage equal to -VS
with the polarity left hand side -ve and right hand side +ve. The waveforms of I1, IC, IT1, VC and
VT1 are shown in Fig. 2.11. The capacitor current can be computed as follows:

Apply KVL to the loop VS-R2-C-T1-VS

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UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.10Circuit of complementary commutation in Mode-1 and Mode-2

1
𝑉𝑆 = 𝐼𝐶 𝑅2 + 𝐶 𝐼𝐶 𝑑𝑡 (2.24)

Take Laplace and inverse Laplace transform and solve for 𝐼𝐶 we get
−𝑡
𝑉 ( )
𝐼𝐶 = 𝑅𝑆 𝑒 𝑅2𝐶 (2.25)
2

In Mode-2 the voltage across capacitor is 𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝑆 − 𝐼1 𝑅1 (2.26)

𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝑆 − 𝐼𝐶 𝑅1 (2.27)

The magnitude of capacitor current in Mode-2 is

−𝑡
2𝑉𝑆 ( )
𝐼𝐶 = 𝑒 𝑅1𝐶 (2.28)
𝑅1

Substitute (2.28) in (2.27)

−𝑡
𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝑆 (1 − 2𝑒 𝑅1𝐶 ) (2.27)

When T1 gets commutated 𝑉𝐶 = 0 and 𝑡 = 𝑡𝐶

−𝑡𝐶 = (0 − ln(2))𝑅1 𝐶 (2.28)

𝑡𝐶 = 0.693𝑅1 𝐶 (2.29)

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 20

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.11Waveforms of complementary commutation in Mode-1 and

Mode-2

Problem 2.6: In complementary commutation circuit VS=100V, load current is assumed to be

constant of 10A. If the circuit turn-off time of thyristor is 10µs determine load resistance and
commutating capacitance.

𝑉𝑆
Solution:We havecircuit turn-off time of thyristor𝑡𝐶 = 0.693𝑅1 𝐶𝑅1 = 𝑅2 = = 10Ω
𝐼1

𝑡𝐶
𝐶= = 1.44𝜇𝐹
0.693𝑅1
𝑉𝑆
Problem 2.7: In the circuit of complementary commutation VS=150V, 𝑅1 = 𝑅2 = = 15Ω𝐶 =
𝐼1

10𝜇𝐹. Determine (i) Peak repetitive on-state current of the T1thyristor (ii) Circuit turn-off time
of thyristor

Solution:We havecircuit turn-off time of thyristor

𝑉 2𝑉𝑆
(i) 𝐼𝑇1𝑃 = 𝑅𝑆 + = 10 + 20 = 30𝐴
1 𝑅2
(ii) 𝑡𝐶 = 0.693𝑅1 𝐶 = 103.95𝜇𝑠

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 21

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

3.5. External pulse commutation (Class E commutation)

In this commutation a current pulse is obtained from an auxiliary supply to turn-off main

Fig. 2.12(a) Circuit of external pulse commutation (b) Mode-1 (c) Mode-2

Fig. 2.13Waveforms of external pulse commutation in Mode-1 and

Mode-2

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 22

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

thyristorTM. The circuit of external pulse commutation and circuit operation in Mode-1 and
Mode-2 is shown in Fig.2.12 and the various waveforms in Mode-1 and Mode-2 are shown in
Fig.2.13. In Mode-1 when main thyristor TM and auxiliarythyristor TA are triggered at the same
time, due to series connection L and C, an oscillatory current flows through the VA-L-C-VA. The
voltage across capacitor is
𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝐴 (1 − cos 𝑤0 𝑡) (2.30)
At the end of Mode-1 with 𝑤0 𝑡 = 𝜋 the capacitor voltage is
𝑉𝐶 = 2𝑉𝐴 (2.31)
In Mode-2 when thyristor T1 is triggered capacitor discharges through T1 and load, then the
voltage across capacitor is
−𝑡
𝑉𝐶 = 2𝑉𝐴 𝑒 (𝑅𝐶 ) (2.32)
When TM gets commutated 𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝐴 and𝑡 = 𝑡𝐶𝑀 = Circuit turn-off time of main thyristor
𝑡𝐶𝑀 = 0.693𝑅𝐶 (2.33)
3.6. Load side commutation (Class A commutation)
In load side commutation the charging and discharging of the commutating components such as
capacitor and inductor are done through load current. Impulse commutation and resonant pulse
commutation are the examples of load side commutation.

3.7. Line side commutation (Class F commutation)

In line side commutation the charging and discharging of the commutating components such as
capacitor and inductor are done through line current.The line side commutation can be tested
without connecting to the load. The circuit diagram and typical waveforms of line commutation
for various mode of operation is shown in Fig. 2.14 and Fig. 2.15 respectively.

When T2 is triggered capacitor C is charged to a voltage equal to 2VS with upper plate positive
and lower plate negative and T2 is self-commutated due to the presence of series combination of
LS and C that produces oscillatory current. Thyristor T1 is triggered to reverse the voltage of
capacitor to -2VS and T1 is also self-commutated due to the presence of series combination of L
and C. Assuming thatmain thyristor TM is conducting and carries a load current IP, thyristor T2 is
triggered to turn-off TM. When T2 is triggered the diode D will be forward biased due to which a
voltage of -2VS appear across TM and TM is turned off.

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 23

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Fig. 2.14Circuit of line side commutation (a) Main circuit (b) Mode-1 (c)
Mode-2 (d) Mode-3 (e) Mode-4

When T2 is triggered to turn-off TM, assuming initial voltage across C is -2VS and inductor LS
carries the initial load current IP as indicated in Fig. 2.14 (e).

Apply KVL to the loop

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 24

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

𝑡
𝑑𝑖𝐶 1
𝑉𝑆 = 𝐿𝑆 + 𝑖𝐶 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 (𝑡 = 0)
𝑑𝑡 𝐶 0

Take Laplace transform with initial condition 𝑖𝐶 𝑡 = 0 = 𝐼𝑃 and 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0 = −2𝑉𝑆

𝑉𝑆 1 𝐼𝐶 𝑆 2𝑉𝑆
= 𝐿𝑆 𝑆𝐼𝐶 𝑆 − 𝑖𝐶 (0) + −
𝑆 𝐶 𝑆 𝑆

3𝑉𝑆 3𝑉𝑆
+ 𝐿𝑆 𝐼𝑃 𝐿𝑆 𝐼𝑃
𝑆 𝑆
𝐼𝐶 𝑆 = 1
= 1
+ 1
𝑆𝐿𝑆 + 𝑆𝐶 𝑆𝐿𝑆 + 𝑆𝐶 𝑆𝐿𝑆 + 𝑆𝐶

3𝑉𝑆
𝐿𝑆 𝐼𝑃 𝑆
𝐼𝐶 𝑆 = 1
+ 1
𝑆2 + 𝐿 𝑆2 + 𝐿
𝑆𝐶 𝑆𝐶

3𝑉𝑆
𝐿𝑆 𝜔0 𝐼𝑃 𝑆
𝐼𝐶 𝑆 = + 2
𝑆2 + 𝜔02 𝜔0 𝑆 + 𝜔02

1
Where 𝜔02 = 𝐿
𝑆𝐶

Take inverse Laplace transform

𝐶
𝑖𝐶 𝑡 = 3𝑉𝑆 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔0 𝑡) + 𝐼𝑃 cos⁡
(𝜔0 𝑡)
𝐿𝑆

Voltage across capacitor is

𝑡
1
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 𝑖𝐶 (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶 (𝑡 = 0)
𝐶 0

𝑡
1 𝐶
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 3𝑉𝑆 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔0 𝑡) + 𝐼𝑃 cos⁡
(𝜔0 𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 − 2𝑉𝑆
𝐶 0 𝐿𝑆

𝐿𝑆
𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = −3𝑉𝑆 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔0 𝑡) + 𝐼𝑃 sin⁡
(𝜔0 𝑡) + 𝑉𝑆
𝐶

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 25

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Circuit turn-off time (𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 ) of TM is obtained by substituting 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0, at 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓

𝑦
𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 𝐿𝑆 𝐶 tan−1 3𝑦 − sin−1
9𝑦 2 + 1

𝑉𝑆 𝐶
Where 𝑦 = 𝐼𝑃 𝐿𝑆

The circuit turn-off time without load can be obtained by substituting 𝑉𝐶 𝑡 = 0, at 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 and
𝐼𝑃 = 0

0 = −3𝑉𝑆 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔0 𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 ) + 𝑉𝑆

−𝑉𝑆 = −3𝑉𝑆 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜔0 𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 )

1
𝑡𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 𝐿𝑆 𝐶cos−1 = 1.231 𝐿𝑆 𝐶
3

Fig. 2.15Waveforms of line commutation

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 26

UNIT II Commutation Techniques

Questions

1. What is commutation? What are the types of commutation?

2. What is natural and forced commutation?
3. Compare natural and forced commutation?
4. What is circuit turn-off time of thyristor?
5. In self-commutation what if initial voltage across capacitor is –VS, discuss?
6. Explain impulse commutation with circuit diagram and waveform?
7. What is the purpose of connecting an anti-parallel diode across the main thyristor in impulse
commutation with or without inductor?
8. Explain resonant pulse commutation with circuit diagram and waveform?
9. Explain complementary commutation with circuit diagram and waveform?
10. Explain external pulse commutation with circuit diagram and waveform?
11. Compare load side commutation and line side commutation?
12. Explain line side commutation with circuit diagram and waveform?

Dr. Sreenivasappa B. V. Dept. of ECE, NMIT, Bangalore 27