Chapter 3

Thyristor Converters or Controlled Converters

3.1 Introduction
The controlled rectifier circuit is divided into three main circuits:-
(1) Power Circuit
This is the circuit contains voltage source, load and switches as diodes, thyristors
or IGBTs.
(2) Control Circuit
This circuit is the circuit, which contains the logic of the firing of switches that
may, contains amplifiers, logic gates and sensors.
(3) Triggering circuit
This circuit lies between the control circuit and power thyristors. Sometimes this
circuit called switch drivers circuit. This circuit contains buffers, opt coupler or
pulse transformers. The main purpose of this circuit is to separate between the
power circuit and control circuit.
The thyristor is normally switched on by applying a pulse to its gate. The forward
drop voltage is so small with respect to the power circuit voltage, which can be
neglected. When the anode voltage is greater than the cathode voltage and there is
positive pulse applied to its gate, the thyristor will turn on. The thyristor can be naturally
turned off if the voltage of its anode becomes less than its cathode voltage or it can be
turned off by using commutation circuit. If the voltage of its anode is become positive
again with respect to its cathode voltage the thyristor will not turn on again until gets a
triggering pulse to its gate.
The method of switching off the thyristor is known as Thyristor commutation. The
thyristor can be turned off by reducing its forward current below its holding current or
by applying a reverse voltage across it. The commutation of thyristor is classified into
two types:-
1- Natural Commutation
If the input voltage is AC, the thyristor current passes through a natural zero, and a
reverse voltage appear across the thyristor, which in turn automatically turned off the
device due to the natural behavior of AC voltage source. This is known as natural
commutation or line commutation. This type of commutation is applied in AC voltage
controller rectifiers and cycloconverters. In case of DC circuits, this technique does not
work as the DC current is unidirectional and does not change its direction. Thus the
reverse polarity voltage does not appear across the thyristor. The following technique
work with DC circuits:
2- Forced Commutation
In DC thyristor circuits, if the input voltage is DC, the forward current of the thyristor is
forced to zero by an additional circuit called commutation circuit to turn off the
thyristor. This technique is called forced commutation. Normally this method for turning
off the thyristor is applied in choppers.

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
There are many thyristor circuits we can not present all of them. In the following
items we are going to present and analyze the most famous thyristor circuits. By
studying the following circuits you will be able to analyze any other circuit.

3.2 Half Wave Single Phase Controlled Rectifier

3.2.1 Half Wave Single Phase Controlled Rectifier With Resistive Load
The circuit with single SCR is similar to the single diode circuit, the difference being
that an SCR is used in place of the diode. Most of the power electronic applications
operate at a relative high voltage and in such cases; the voltage drop across the SCR
tends to be small. It is quite often justifiable to assume that the conduction drop across
the SCR is zero when the circuit is analyzed. It is also justifiable to assume that the
current through the SCR is zero when it is not conducting. It is known that the SCR can
block conduction in either direction. The explanation and the analysis presented below
are based on the ideal SCR model. All simulation carried out by using PSIM computer
simulation program [ ].
A circuit with a single SCR and resistive load is shown in Fig.3.1. The source vs is an
alternating sinusoidal source. If vs = Vm sin (ωt ) , vs is positive when 0 < ω t < π, and vs is
negative when π < ω t <2π. When vs starts become positive, the SCR is forward-biased
but remains in the blocking state till it is triggered. If the SCR is triggered at ω t = α,
then α is called the firing angle. When the SCR is triggered in the forward-bias state, it
starts conducting and the positive source keeps the SCR in conduction till ω t reaches
π radians. At that instant, the current through the circuit is zero. After that the current
tends to flow in the reverse direction and the SCR blocks conduction. The entire applied
voltage now appears across the SCR. Various voltages and currents waveforms of the
half-wave controlled rectifier with resistive load are shown in Fig.3.2 for α=40o. FFT
components for load voltage and current of half wave single phase controlled rectifier
with resistive load at α=40o are shown in Fig.3.3. It is clear from Fig.3.3 that the supply
current containes DC component and all other harmonic components which makes the
supply current highly distorted. For this reason, this converter does not have acceptable
practical applecations.

Fig.3.1 Half wave single phase controlled rectifier with resistive load.

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

Fig.3.2 Various voltages and currents waveforms for half wave single-phase controlled rectifier
with resistive load at α=40o.

Fig.3.3 FFT components for load voltage and current of half wave single phase controlled
rectifier with resistive load at α =40o.
The average voltage, Vdc , across the resistive load can be obtained by considering the
waveform shown in Fig.3.2.
π
1 V V
Vdc =
2π ∫
Vm sin(ωt ) dωt = m (− cos π + cos(α )) = m (1 + cos α ) (3.1)
2π 2π
α

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
The maximum output voltage and can be acheaved when α = 0 which is the same as
diode case which obtained before in (2.12).
V
Vdm = m (3.2)
π
The normalized output voltage is the DC voltage devideded by maximum DC voltage,
Vdm which can be obtained as shown in equation (3.3).
V
Vn = dc = 0.5 (1 + cos α ) (3.3
Vdm
The rms value of the output voltage is shown in the following equation:-
π
Vm 1⎛ sin(2 α ) ⎞
∫ (Vm sin(ω t ))
1
Vrms = 2
dω t = ⎜π − α + ⎟ (3.3)
2π 2 π⎝ 2 ⎠
α
The rms value of the transformer secondery current is the same as that of the load:
V
I s = rms (3.4)
R
Example 1 In the rectifier shown in Fig.3.1 it has a load of R=15 Ω and, Vs=220 sin 314
t and unity transformer ratio. If it is required to obtain an average output voltage of 70%
of the maximum possible output voltage, calculate:- (a) The firing angle, α, (b) The
efficiency, (c) Ripple factor (d) Transformer utilization factor, (e) Peak inverse voltage
(PIV) of the thyristor and (f) The crest factor of input current.
Solution:
(a) Vdm is the maximum output voltage and can be acheaved when α = 0 , The
normalized output voltage is shown in equation (3.3) which is required to be 70%. Then,
V
Vn = dc = 0.5 (1 + cos α ) = 0.7 . Then, α=66.42o =1.15925 rad.
Vdm
(b) Vm = 220 V
V V 49.02
Vdc = 0.7 * Vdm = 0.7 * m = 49.02 V , I dc = dc = = 3.268 A
π R 15
Vm 1 ⎛ sin(2 α ) ⎞
Vrms = ⎜π − α + ⎟,
2 π⎝ 2 ⎠
at α=66.42 , Vrms=95.1217 V. Then, Irms=95.1217/15=6.34145 A
o

V
VS = m = 155.56 V
2
The rms value of the transformer secondery current is:
I S = I rms = 6.34145 A
Then, the rectification efficiency is:
P V *I
η = dc = dc dc
Pac Vrms * I rms
49.02 * 3.268
= = 26.56%
95.121 * 6.34145

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
Vrms 95.121 π
(b) FF = = = = 1.94
Vdc 49.02 2 2
V
(c) RF = ac = FF 2 − 1 = 1.94 2 − 1 = 1.6624
Vdc
P 49.02 * 3.268
(d) TUF = dc = = 0.1624
VS I S 155.56 * 6.34145
(e) The PIV is Vm
(f) Creast factor of input current CF is as following:
Vm
I S ( peak ) R 14.6667
CF = = = = 2.313
IS 6.34145 6.34145

3.2.2 Half Wave Single Phase Controlled Rectifier With RL Load

A circuit with single SCR and RL load is shown in Fig.3.4. The source vs is an
alternating sinusoidal source. If vs = Vm sin ( ω t), vs is positive when 0 < ω t < π, and vs
is negative when π < ω t <2π. When vs starts become positive, the SCR is forward-
biased but remains in the blocking state till it is triggered. If the SCR is triggered when
ω t = α, then it starts conducting and the positive source keeps the SCR in conduction
till ω t reaches π radians. At that instant, the current through the circuit is not zero and
there is some energy stored in the inductor at ω t = π radians. The voltage across the
inductor is positive when the current through it is increasing and it becomes negative
when the current through the inductor tends to fall. When the voltage across the inductor
is negative, it is in such a direction as to forward bias the SCR. There is current through
the load at the instant ω t = π radians and the SCR continues to conduct till the energy
stored in the inductor becomes zero. After that the current tends to flow in the reverse
direction and the SCR blocks conduction. Fig.3.5 shows the output voltage, resistor,
inductor voltages and thyristor voltage drop waveforms.

Fig.3.4 Half wave single phase controlled rectifier with RL load.

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.5 Various voltages and currents waveforms for half wave single phase controlled rectifier
with RL load.
It is assumed that the current flows for α < ω t < β, where 2π > β > π . When the
SCR conducts, the driving function for the differential equation is the sinusoidal
function defining the source voltage. Outside this period, the SCR blocks current and
acts as an open switch and the current through the load and SCR is zero at this period
there is no differential equation representing the circuit. For α < ω t < β , equation (3.5)
applies.
di
L + R * i = Vm sin (ω t ), α ≤ ωt ≤ β (3.5)
dt
Divide the above equation by L we get the following equation:
di R V
+ * i = m sin (ωt ), 0 ≤ ωt ≤ β (3.6)
dt L L
The instantaneous value of the current through the load can be obtained from the
solution of the above equation as following:
R ⎡ R ⎤
−∫ dt ∫ dt Vm
i (ωt ) = e L ⎢
⎢ ∫ e L *
L
sin ωt dt + A⎥
⎥
⎣ ⎦
− t⎡ ⎤
R R
Vm t
Then, i (ωt ) =
⎢
e L ⎢ *
L ∫
sin ωt dt + A⎥
eL
⎥
⎣ ⎦
Where, A is constant. By integrating the above equation we get:
R
Vm − t
i (ωt ) = (R sin ωt − ωL cos ωt ) + Ae L (3.7)
R 2 + w 2 L2
Assume Z∠φ = R + j ωL . Then, Z 2 = R 2 + ω 2 L2 ,
Z
ωL
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Φ
R
 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.7 Various voltages and currents waveforms for half wave single phase controlled rectifier
with RL load and freewheeling diode.
An expression for the current through the load can be obtained as shown below:
When the SCR conducts, the driving function for the differential equation is the
sinusoidal function defining the source voltage. During the period defined by π < ω t <
(2π + α), the SCR blocks current and acts as an open switch. On the other hand, the free
wheeling diode conducts during this period, and the driving function can be set to be
zero volts. For α < ω t < π , equation (3.15) applies whereas equation (3.16) applies for
the rest of the cycle. As in the previous cases, the solution is obtained in two parts.
di
L + R * i = Vm sin (ωt ), α ≤ ωt ≤ π (3.15)
dt
di
L + R * i = 0, π ≤ ω t ≤ 2π + α (3.16)
dt
The solution of (3.15) is the same as obtained before in (3.8) which is shown in
(3.17).
ω t −α
V −
i (ωt ) = m * sin(ω t − φ ) + A * e ωL / R α <ωt <π (3.17)
Z
The difference in the solution of (3.17) than (3.8) is how the constant A is evaluated?
In the circuit without free-wheeling diode i (α ) = 0 , since the current starts build up from
zero when the SCR is triggered during the positive half cycle. Assuming in the steady
state the load is continuous and periodical which means that:
i (α ) = i (2π + α ) = i (2nπ + α ) (3.18)
The solution of (3.16) can be obtained as following:

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.7 Various voltages and currents waveforms for half wave single phase controlled rectifier
with RL load and freewheeling diode.
An expression for the current through the load can be obtained as shown below:
When the SCR conducts, the driving function for the differential equation is the
sinusoidal function defining the source voltage. During the period defined by π < ω t <
(2π + α), the SCR blocks current and acts as an open switch. On the other hand, the free
wheeling diode conducts during this period, and the driving function can be set to be
zero volts. For α < ω t < π , equation (3.15) applies whereas equation (3.16) applies for
the rest of the cycle. As in the previous cases, the solution is obtained in two parts.
di
L + R * i = Vm sin (ωt ), α ≤ ωt ≤ π (3.15)
dt
di
L + R * i = 0, π ≤ ω t ≤ 2π + α (3.16)
dt
The solution of (3.15) is the same as obtained before in (3.8) which is shown in
(3.17).
ω t −α
V −
i (ωt ) = m * sin(ω t − φ ) + A * e ωL / R α <ωt <π (3.17)
Z
The difference in the solution of (3.17) than (3.8) is how the constant A is evaluated?
In the circuit without free-wheeling diode i (α ) = 0 , since the current starts build up from
zero when the SCR is triggered during the positive half cycle. Assuming in the steady
state the load is continuous and periodical which means that:
i (α ) = i (2π + α ) = i (2nπ + α ) (3.18)
The solution of (3.16) can be obtained as following:

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
( wt − π )
−
tan φ
i ( wt ) = B * e π < ωt < 2π + α (3.19)
At ωt = π then, B = i (π ) (3.20)
To obtain B, we have to obtain i (π ) from (3.17) by letting ωt equal π . Then,
π −α
−
V
i (π ) = m * sin(φ ) + A * e tan φ (3.22)
Z
Substitute (3.21) into (3.19) we get the current during π < ωt < (2π + α ) as following:
⎛ −
π −α ⎞ − (ωt −π )
⎜ Vm ⎟ tan φ
i (ω t ) = ⎜ * sin(φ ) + A * e tan φ ⎟*e π < ωt < 2π + α (3.22)
⎜ Z ⎟
⎝ ⎠
(ωt −π ) ωt − α
− −
V
∴ i (ω t ) = m * sin(φ ) * e tan φ + A * e tan φ π < ωt < 2π + α (3.23)
Z
From the above equation we can obtain i (2π + α ) as following:
α +π 2π
− −
V
i (2π + α ) = m * sin(φ ) * e tan φ + A * e tan φ π < ωt < 2π + α (3.24)
Z
From (3.17) we can obtain ι (α ) by letting ωt = α as following:
i(α ) = m * sin(α − φ ) + A
V
(3.25)
Z
Substitute (3.24) and (3.25) into (3.18) we get the following:
α +π 2π
− −
Vm V
* sin(α − φ ) + A = m * sin(φ ) * e tan φ + A * e tan φ
Z Z
⎛ 2π ⎞ ⎛ α +π ⎞
− −
⎜ tan φ ⎟ Vm ⎜ tan φ ⎟
A⎜1 − e ⎟ = Z * ⎜ sin(φ )e − sin(α − φ ) ⎟
⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
⎛ α + π ⎞
−
⎜ tan φ ⎟
⎜ sin(φ )e − sin(α − φ ) ⎟
V ⎜ ⎟
∴A= m *⎝ ⎠ (3.26)
Z ⎛ 2π ⎞
−
⎜ tan φ ⎟
⎜1 − e ⎟
⎜ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Then, the load current in the period of 2nπ + α < ωt < (2n + 1)π where
n = 0,1, 2, 3, ....... can be obtained from substituting (3.26) into (3.17). Also, the load
current in the period of (2n + 1)π < ωt < (2n + 1)π + α can be obtained
from substituting (3.26) into (3.23).

Example 3 A thyristor circuit shown in Fig.3.6 with R=10 Ω, L=100 mH, and VS=220
sin314t V, and the firing angle α is 30o. Determine the expression for the current though
the load. Also determine the rectification efficiency of this converter.
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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Solution:
wL
φ = tan −1 = 1.2625 Rad . ,
R

From (3.26) we can obtain A , A=7.48858

From (3.17) we can obtain in the period of where

Then,

During the period of where we can obtain the solution

from (3.18) where . Then,

The rms value of the output voltage is shown in the following equation:-

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

π
1 ⎡
I dc =
2π ⎢ ∫(
⎢ 6.676 * sin(ω t − 1.2625) + 7.48858 * e − 0.31845*(ω t − 0.5236) dω t )
⎣α
2π + α ⎤
+ ∫( )
9.61457 * e − 0.31845(ω t −π ) dω t ⎥ = 4.2546 A
⎥⎦
π
⎡ ⎡π
I rms =
1
2π
(
⎢ ⎢ ∫ 6.676 * sin(ω t − 1.2625) + 7.48858 * e − 0.31845*(ω t − 0.5236)
⎢⎣ ⎢⎣α
) 2 dω t +
1/ 2
2π +α ⎤⎤
∫ (9.61457 * e )
− 0.31845(ω t −π ) 2
dω t ⎥ ⎥ = 5.43288 A
π ⎥⎦ ⎥⎦
Pdc V *I
η= = dc dc
Pac Vrms * I rms
65.3372 * 4.2546
= = 47.2 %
108.402 * 5.43288

3.3 Single-Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifier

3.3.1 Single-Phase Center Tap Controlled Rectifier With Resistive Load
Center tap controlled rectifier is shown in Fig.3.8. When the upper half of the
transformer secondary is positive and thyristor T1 is triggered, T1 will conduct and the
current flows through the load from point a to point b. When the lower half of the
transformer secondary is positive and thyristor T2 is triggered, T2 will conduct and the
current flows through the load from point a to point b. So, each half of input wave a
unidirectional voltage (from a to b ) is applied across the load. Various voltages and
currents waveforms for center tap controlled rectifier with resistive load are shown in
Fig.3.9 and Fig.3.10.

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Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

b a

Fig.3.8 Center tap controlled rectifier with resistive load.

Fig.3.9 The output voltgae and thyristor T1 reverse voltage wavforms along with the supply
voltage wavform.

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

Fig.3.10 Load current and thyristors currents for Center tap controlled rectifier with resistive
load.
The average voltage, Vdc, across the resistive load is given by:
π
1 Vm Vm
π∫ m
Vdc = V sin(ω t ) dω t = (− cos π − cos(α )) = (1 + cosα ) (3.27)
π π
α
Vdm is the maximum output voltage and can be acheaved when α=0 in the above
equation. The normalized output voltage is:
V
Vn = dc = 0.5 (1 + cos α ) (3.28)
Vdm
From the wavfrom of the output voltage shown in Fug.3.9 the rms output voltage can be
obtained as following:
π
Vm sin( 2 α )
∫ (Vm sin(ω t )) dω t =
1
Vrms = 2
π −α + (3.29)
π 2π 2
α

Example 4 The rectifier shown in Fig.3.8 has load of R=15 Ω and, Vs=220 sin 314 t and
unity transformer ratio. If it is required to obtain an average output voltage of 70 % of
the maximum possible output voltage, calculate:- (a) The delay angle α, (b) The
efficiency, (c) The ripple factor (d) The transformer utilization factor, (e) The peak
inverse voltage (PIV) of the thyristor and (f) The crest factor of input current. (g) Input
power factor.
Solution :
(a) Vdm is the maximum output voltage and can be acheaved when α=0, the
normalized output voltage is shown in equation (3.28) which is required to be 70%.
Then:

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
Vdc
Vn = = 0.5 (1 + cos α ) = 0.7 , then, α=66.42o
Vdm
2 Vm
(b) Vm = 220 , then, Vdc = 0.7 *Vdm = 0.7 * = 98.04 V
π
V 98.04
I dc = dc = = 6.536 A
R 15
Vm sin( 2 α )
Vrms = π −α +
2π 2
at α=66.42 Vrms=134.638 V
o

Then, Irms=134.638/15=8.976 A
V
VS = m = 155.56 V
2
I rms
The rms value of the transformer secondery current is: I S = = 6.347 A
2
Then, The rectification efficiency is:
P V *I
η = dc = dc dc
Pac Vrms * I rms
98.04 * 6.536
= = 53.04%
134.638 * 8.976
V 134.638 V
(c) FF = rms = = 1.3733 and, RF = ac = FF 2 − 1 = 1.37332 − 1 = 0.9413
Vdc 98.04 Vdc
Pdc 98.04 * 6.536
(d) TUF = = = 0.32479
2VS I S 2 *155.56 * 6.34145
(e) The PIV is 2 Vm
Vm
I S ( peak ) R 14.6667
(f) Creast Factor CF, CF = = = = 2.313
IS 6.34145 6.34145

3.3.2 Single-Phase Fully Controlled Rectifier Bridge With Resistive Load

This section describes the operation of a single-phase fully-controlled bridge rectifier
circuit with resistive load. The operation of this circuit can be understood more easily
when the load is pure resistance. The main purpose of the fully controlled bridge
rectifier circuit is to provide a variable DC voltage from an AC source.
The circuit of a single-phase fully controlled bridge rectifier circuit is shown in
Fig.3.11. The circuit has four SCRs. For this circuit, vs is a sinusoidal voltage source.
When the supply voltage is positive, SCRs T1 and T2 triggered then current flows from
vs through SCR T1, load resistor R (from up to down), SCR T2 and back into the source.
In the next half-cycle, the other pair of SCRs T3 and T4 conducts when get pulse on
their gates. Then current flows from vs through SCR T3, load resistor R (from up to
down), SCR T4 and back into the source. Even though the direction of current through

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
the source alternates from one half-cycle to the other half-cycle, the current through the
load remains unidirectional (from up to down).

Fig.3.11 Single-phase fully controlled rectifier bridge with resistive load.

Fig.3.12 Various voltages and currents waveforms for converter shown in Fig.3.11 with
resistive load.

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.13 FFT components of the output voltage and supply current for converter shown in
Fig.3.11.

The main purpose of this circuit is to provide a controllable DC output voltage, which
is brought about by varying the firing angle, α. Let vs = Vm sin ω t, with 0 < ω t < 360o.
If ω t = 30o when T1 and T2 are triggered, then the firing angle α is said to be 30o. In
this instance, the other pair is triggered when ω t = 30+180=210o. When vs changes from
positive to negative value, the current through the load becomes zero at the instant ω t =
π radians, since the load is purely resistive. After that there is no current flow till the
other is triggered. The conduction through the load is discontinuous.
The average value of the output voltage is obtained as follows.:-
Let the supply voltage be vs = Vm*Sin ( ω t), where ω t varies from 0 to 2π radians.
Since the output waveform repeats itself every half-cycle, the average output voltage is
expressed as a function of α, as shown in equation (3.27).
π
1 Vm
[− cos π − (− cos(α ) )] = Vm (1 + cosα ) (3.27)
π∫ m
Vdc = V sin(ω t ) dω t =
π π
α
Vdm is the maximum output voltage and can be acheaved when α=0,
The normalized output voltage is:
Vdc
Vn = = 0.5 (1 + cos α ) (3.28)
Vdm
The rms value of output voltage is obtained as shown in equation (3.29).
π
Vm sin(2 α )
1
(V sin(ω t ) )
π∫ m
Vrms = 2
dω t = π −α + (3.29)
α
2π 2
Example 5 The rectifier shown in Fig.3.11 has load of R=15 Ω and, Vs=220 sin 314 t
and unity transformer ratio. If it is required to obtain an average output voltage of 70%
of the maximum possible output voltage, calculate:- (a) The delay angle α, (b) The
efficiency, (c) Ripple factor of output voltage(d) The transformer utilization factor, (e)
The peak inverse voltage (PIV) of one thyristor and (f) The crest factor of input current.
Solution:

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
(a) Vdm is the maximum output voltage and can be acheaved when α=0,
The normalized output voltage is shown in equation (3.31) which is required to be
70%.
V
Then, Vn = dc = 0.5 (1 + cos α ) = 0.7 , then, α=66.42o
Vdm
2 Vm
(b) Vm = 220 , then, Vdc = 0.7 *Vdm = 0.7 * = 98.04 V
π
Vdc 98.04
I dc = = = 6.536 A
R 15
Vm sin( 2 α )
Vrms = π −α +
2π 2
At α=66.42o Vrms=134.638 V. Then, Irms=134.638/15=8.976 A
V
VS = m = 155.56 V
2
The rms value of the transformer secondery current is:
I S = I rms = 8.976 A
Then, The rectification efficiency is
P V *I
η = dc = dc dc
Pac Vrms * I rms
98.04 * 6.536
= = 53.04%
134.638 * 8.976
V 134.638
(c) FF = rms = = 1.3733
Vdc 98.04
V
RF = ac = FF 2 − 1 = 1.37332 − 1 = 0.9413
Vdc
P 98.04 * 6.536
(d) TUF = dc = = 0.4589
VS I S 155.56 * 8.976
(e) The PIV is Vm
Vm
I S ( peak ) 14.6667
(f) Creast Factor CF, CF = = R = = 1.634
IS 8.976 8.976

3.3.5 Single Phase Full Wave Fully Controlled Rectifier With Source Inductance:
Full wave fully controlled rectifier with source inductance is shown in Fig.3.19. The
presence of source inductance changes the way the circuit operates during commutation
time. Let vs = Vm sin wt, with 0 < ω t < 360o. Let the load inductance be large enough to
maintain a steady current through the load. Let firing angle α be 30o. Let SCRs T3 and
T4 be in conduction before ω t < 30o. When T1 and T2 are triggered at ω t = 30o, there
is current through the source inductance, flowing in the direction opposite to that marked
in the circuit diagram and hence commutation of current from T3 and T4 to T1 and T2
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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
would not occur instantaneously. The source current changes from − I dc to I dc due to
the whole of the source voltage being applied across the source inductance. When T1 is
triggered with T3 in conduction, the current through T1 would rise from zero to I dc and
the current through T3 would fall from I dc to zero. Similar process occurs with the
SCRs T2 and T4. During this period, the current through T2 would rise from zero to I dc
and, the current through T4 would fall from I dc to zero.

Fig.3.19 single phase full wave fully controlled rectifier with source inductance
Various voltages and currents waveforms of converter shown in Fig.3.19 are shown
in Fig.3.20 and Fig.3.21. You can observe how the currents through the devices and the
line current change during commutation overlap.

Fig.3.20 Output voltage, thyristors current along with supply voltage waveform of a single
phase full wave fully controlled rectifier with source inductance.

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

Fig.3.21 Output voltage, supply current along with supply voltage waveform of a single phase
full wave fully controlled rectifier with source inductance.
Let us study the commutation period starts at α < ω t < α + u . When T1 and T2
triggered, then T1 and T2 switched on and T3 and T4 try to switch off. If this happens,
the current in the source inductance has to change its direction. But source inductance
prevents that to happen instantaneously. So, it will take time Δt to completely turn off
T3 and T4 and to make T1 and T2 carry the entire load current I o which is very clear
from Fig.3.20. Also, in the same time ( Δt ) the supply current changes from − I o to I o
which is very clear from Fig.3.21. Fig.3.22 shows the equivalent circuit of the single
phase full-wave controlled rectifier during that commutation period. From Fig.3.22 We
can get the differential equation representing the circuit during the commutation time as
shown in (3.41).

Fig.3.22 The equivalent circuit of single phase fully controlled rectifier during the
commutation period.

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
dis
v s − Ls =0 (3.41)
dt
Multiply the above equation by ωt then,
Vm sin ω t dωt − ω Ls dis = 0
Integrate the above equation during the commutation period we get the following:
α +u Io

∫Vm sin ω t dω t = ω Ls ∫ dis

α −Io
2ωLs I o
Then, Vm [cos α − cos(α + u )] = 2ωLs I o . Then, cos(α + u ) = cos α −
Vm
⎡ 2ωLs I o ⎤
Then u = cos −1 ⎢cos(α ) − −α
Vm ⎥⎦
(3.42)
⎣
u 1⎧ ⎡ 2ω Ls I o ⎤ ⎫
Then Δt = = ⎨cos −1 ⎢cos(α ) − − ⎥ −α⎬ (3.43)
ω ω⎩ ⎣ Vm ⎦ ⎭
It is clear that the DC voltage reduction due to the source inductance, vrd is the drop
across the source inductor. Then,
di
vrd = Ls s (3.44)
dt
α +u Io
Then, ∫ vrd t dω t = ω Ls ∫ dis = 2ω Ls I o (3.45)
α −Io
α +u

∫ vrd t dω t is the reduction area in one commutation period. But we have two
α
commutation periods in one period of supply voltage waveform. So, the total reduction
per period is shown in (3.46):
α +u
2 ∫Vrd t dω t = 4ω Ls I o (3.46)
α
To obtain the average reduction in DC output voltage Vrd due to source inductance
we have to divide the above equation by the period of supply voltage waveform, 2π .
Then,
4ω Ls I o
Vrd = = 4 fLs I o (3.47)
2π
The DC voltage with source inductance taking into account can be calculated as
following:
2V
Vdc actual = Vdc without sourceinduc tan ce − Vrd = m cosα − 4 fLs I o (3.48)
π
The rms value of supply current is the same as obtained before in single phase full
bridge diode rectifier in (2.64)

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

2 I o2 ⎡ π u ⎤
Is = − (3.49)
π ⎢⎣ 2 3 ⎥⎦
The Fourier transform of supply current is the same as obtained for single phase full
bridge diode rectifier in (2.66) and the fundamental component of supply current I s1 is
shown in (2.68) as following:
8I o u
I S1 = * sin (3.50)
2 πu 2
The power factor of this rectifier is shown in the following:
I ⎛ u⎞
p. f = s1 cos⎜ α + ⎟ (3.51)
Is ⎝ 2⎠

3.3.5 Single-Phase Half Controlled Bridge Rectifier (Semi Bridge Converter)

A half controlled single-phase bridge is shown in Fig.3.23. This rectifier uses two
SCRs and two diodes in addition to freewheeling diode. When the source voltage is in
its positive half cycle and thyristor T2 is triggered and it will conduct with diode D1.
When the supply voltage is going to negative and thyristor T4 is triggered and it will
conduct with diode D3. This circuit cannot work without freewheeling diode in case of
inductive load. The inductive energy in the load would freewheel through the diode D1
and Thyristor T4 or diode D3 and thyristor T2 even if there is no gate signal. If there is
freewheeling diode is connected across the load of a bridge converter, it will remove the
negative voltage in the load voltage. In this converter the diode D1 and Thyristor T2
work in positive half cycle of the supply voltage and D3 and T4 can work in the
negative half cycle. As an example at 60o firing angle as shown in Fig.3.24, then the
thyristor T2 triggers at 60o conducts till ω t =π. At ω t=π the voltage across the
freewheeling diode will start to be forward then the stored energy in the load will take
the freewheeling diode as a pass to circulate the stored reactive power, In this case D1
and T2 will turned off. The circuit will still like that till the thyristor T4 gets its
triggering pulse at angle 240o. In this case, the voltage across the freewheeling diode
will reverse and diode D3 and thyristor T4 will conduct till ω t=360o. When ω t=360o
the voltage across the freewheeling diode will be forward again and the load will
freewheel the stored reactive power in the load through the freewheeling diode and the
diode D3 and T4 will turned off and cycle will repeated again. The average load voltage
is shown in shown in the following equation:-

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.23 Single-phase half controlled bridge rectifier (semi bridge converter).

π
1 Vm
[− cos π − (− cos(α ))] = Vm (1 + cosα ) (3.52)
π∫ m
Vdc = V sin(ω t ) dω t =
π π
α
Vdm is the maximum output voltage and can be acheaved when α=0, The normalized
V
output voltage is: Vn = dc = 0.5 (1 + cos α ) (3.53)
Vdm
The rms value of output voltage is obtained as shown in the following equation:-
π
Vm sin( 2 α )
∫ (Vm sin(ω t )) dω t =
1
Vrms = 2
π −α + (3.54)
π 2π 2
α

Fig.3.24 Various voltages and currents waveforms for the converter shown in Fig.3.23.

3.3.6 Inverter Mode Of Operation

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
The thyristor converters can also operate in an inverter mode, where Vd has a negative
value, and hence the power flows from the do side to the ac side. The easiest way to
understand the inverter mode of operation is to assume that the DC side of the converter
can be replaced by a current source of a constant amplitude I d , as shown in Fig.3.25.
For a delay angle a greater than 90° but less than 180°, the voltage and current
waveforms are shown in Fig.3.26. The average value of vd is negative, given by (3.48),
where 90° < α < 180°. Therefore, the average power Pd = Vd * I d is negative, that is, it
flows from the DC to the AC side. On the AC side, Pac = Vs I S1 cos φ1 is also negative
because φ > 90 o .

Fig.3.25 Single phase SCR inverter.

Fig.3.26 Waveform output from single phase inverter assuming DC load current.

There are several points worth noting here. This inverter mode of operation is
possible since there is a source of energy on the DC side. On the ac side, the ac voltage
source facilitates the commutation of current from one pair of thyristors to another. The
power flows into this AC source.
Generally, the DC current source is not a realistic DC side representation of systems
where such a mode of operation may be encountered. Fig.3.27 shows a voltage source
Ed on the DC side that may represent a battery, a photovoltaic source, or a DC voltage
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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
produced by a wind-electric system. It may also be encountered in a four-quadrant DC
motor supplied by a back-to-back connected thyristor converter.
An assumption of a very large value of Ld allows us to assume id to be a constant
DC, and hence the waveforms of Fig.3.28 also apply to the circuit of Fig.3.27. Since the
average voltage across Ld is zero,
2
E d = Vd = Vdo cos α − ω Ls I d (3.55)
π
The equation is exact if the current is constant at I d ; otherwise, a value of id at
ω t = α should be used in (3.55) instead of I d . Fig.3.28 shows that for a given value of
α , for example, α1 , the intersection of the do source voltage Ed = Ed1 , and the
converter characteristic at α1 , determines the do current I d 1 , and hence the power flow
Pd1 .
During the inverter mode, the voltage waveform across one of the thyristors is shown
in Fig.3.29. An extinction angle γ is defined to be as shown in (3.56) during which the
voltage across the thyristor is negative and beyond which it becomes positive. The
extinction time interval tγ = γ / ω should be greater than the thyristor turn-off time τ q
Otherwise, the thyristor will prematurely begin to conduct, resulting in the failure of
current to commutate from one thyristor pair to the other, an abnormal operation that can
result in large destructive currents.
γ = 180 − (α + u ) (3.56)

Fig.3.27 SCR inverter with a DC voltage source.

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

Fig.3.28 Vd versus I d in SCR inverter with a DC voltage source.

Fig.3.29 Voltage across a thyristor in the inverter mode.

Inverter startup
For startup of the inverter in Fig.3.25, the delay angle α is initially made sufficiently
large (e.g.,165o) so that id is discontinuous as shown in Fig.3.30. Then, α is decreased
by the controller such that the desired I d and Pd are obtained.

Fig.3.30 Waveforms of single phase SCR inverter at startup.

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.30 Terminal voltage and supply current along with supply voltage

3.5 Three Phase Half Wave Controlled Rectifier

3.5.1 Three Phase Half Wave Controlled Rectifier With Resistive Load
Fig.3.31 shows the circuit of a three-phase half wave controlled rectifier, the control
circuit of this rectifier has to ensure that the three gate pulses for three thyristor are
displaced 120o relative to each other’s. Each thyristor will conduct for 120o. A thyristor
can be fired to conduct when its anode voltage is positive with respect to its cathode
voltage. The maximum output voltage occurred when α=0 which is the same as diode
case. This rectfier has continuous load current and voltage in case of α ≤ 30. However,
the load voltage and current will be discontinuous in case of α > 30.

Fig.3.31 Three phase half wave controlled rectifier with resistive load.

In case of α ≤ 30, various voltages and currents of the converter shown in Fig.3.31
are shown in Fig.3.32. Fig.3.33 shows FFT components of load voltage, secondary
current and primary current. As we see the load voltage contains high third harmonics
and all other triplex harmonics. Also secondary current contains DC component, which
saturate the transformer core. The saturation of the transformer core is the main
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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
drawback of this system. Also the primary current is highly distorted but without a DC
component. The average output voltage and current are shown in equation (3.57) and
(3.58) respectively. The rms output voltage and current are shown in equation (3.59) and
(3.60) respectively.
5π / 6 +α
3 3 3 Vm
Vdc =
2π ∫Vm sin ω t dω t = 2π
cosα = 0.827Vm cosα
π / 6 +α (3.57)
3
= VLL cosα = 0.675VLL cosα
2π
3 3 Vm 0.827 * Vm
I dc = cos α = cos α (3.58)
2 *π * R R
5π / 6 +α
3 1 3
∫ (Vm sin ω t ) dω t = cos 2α (2.57)
2
Vrms = 3 Vm +
2π 6 8π
π / 6 +α
1 3
3 Vm + cos 2α
6 8π
I rms = (3.60)
R
Then the thyristor rms current is equal to secondery current and can be obtaiend as
follows:
1/ 2
⎛1 3 ⎞
Vm ⎜⎜ + cos 2α ⎟
⎟
I rms ⎝ 6 8 π ⎠
Ir = IS = = (3.61)
3 R
The PIV of the diodes is 2 V LL = 3 Vm (3.62)

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.32 Voltages and currents waveforms for rectifier shown in Fig.3.31 at α ≤ 30.

Fig.3.33 FFT components of load voltage, secondary current and supply current for the
converter shown in Fig.3.31 for α ≤ 30.
In case of α > 30, various voltages and currents of the rectifier shown in Fig.3.31 are
shown in Fig.3.34. Fig.3.35 shows FFT components of load voltage, secondary current
and primary current. As we can see the load voltage and current equal zero in some
regions (i.e. discontinuous load current). The average output voltage and current are
shown in equation (3.63) and (3.64) respectively. The rms output voltage and current are
shown in equation (3.65) and (3.66) respectively.
The average output voltage is :-
π
3 3 Vm ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤ ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤ (3.63)
Vdc =
2π ∫ Vm sin ω t dωt = 2π ⎢1 + cos ⎜ 6 + α ⎟⎥ = 0.4775Vm ⎢1 + cos ⎜ 6 + α ⎟⎥
⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦ ⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦
π / 6 +α

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
3 Vm ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤
I dc = ⎢1 + cos ⎜ + α ⎟⎥ (3.64)
2π R ⎣ ⎝6 ⎠⎦
π
5 α
∫ (Vm sin ω t )
3 1
Vrms = 2
dω t = 3 Vm − + sin(π / 3 + 2α ) (2.63)
2π 24 4π 8 π
π / 6 +α
3 Vm 5 α 1
I rms = − + sin(π / 3 + 2α ) (3.66)
R 24 4π 8 π
Then the diode rms current can be obtaiend as follows:
I V 5 α 1
I r = I S = rms = m − + sin(π / 3 + 2α ) (3.67)
3 R 24 4π 8 π
The PIV of the diodes is 2 VLL = 3 Vm (3.68)

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.34 Various voltages and currents waveforms for converter shown in Fig.3.22 for α > 30.

Fig.3.35 FFT components of load voltage, secondary current and supply current for the
converter shown in Fig.3.22 for α > 30.
Example 7 Three-phase half-wave controlled rectfier is connected to 380 V three phase
supply via delta-way 380/460V transformer. The load of the rectfier is pure resistance of
5 Ω . The delay angle α = 25o . Calculate: The rectfication effeciency (b) Transformer
Utilization Factor (TUF) (c) Crest Factor C F of the input current (d) PIV of thyristors
Solution:
From (3.57) the DC value of the output voltage can be obtained as following:

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
3 3
Vdc = VLL cos α = 460 cos 25 = 281.5V
2π 2π
V 281.5
Then; I dc = dc = = 56.3 A
R 5
From (3.59) we can calculate Vrms as following:
1 3 1 3
Vrms = 3 Vm + cos 2α = 2 VLL * + cos 2α
6 8π 6 8π

cos (2 * 25) = 298.8 V

1 3
Then, Vrms = 2 * 460 * +
6 8π
Vrms 298.8
Then I rms = = = 59.76 A
R 5
Then, the rectfication effeciency can be calculated as following:
V I
η = dc dc *100 = 88.75%
Vrms I rms
The rms value of the secondary current can be calculated as following:
I 59.76
I S = rms = = 34.5 A
3 3
Vdc I dc 281.5 * 56.3
TUF = = *100 = 57.66%
3 VLL * I s 3 * 460 * 34.5

I S , peak =
Vm
=
( )
2 / 3 *VLL
=
( )
2 / 3 * 460
= 75.12 A
R 5 5
I S , peak 75.12
CF = = = 2.177
IS 34.5
PIV = 2 VLL = 2 * 460 = 650.54 V
Example 8 Solve the previous example (evample 7) if the firing angle α = 60 o
Slution: From (3.63) the DC value of the output voltage can be obtained as following:
⎛ 2⎞
3 ⎜⎜ ⎟ * 460
⎟
3 Vm ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤ ⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎡ ⎛ π π ⎞⎤
Vdc = ⎢1 + cos ⎜ + α ⎟ ⎥ = ⎢1 + cos ⎜ + ⎟⎥ = 179.33 V
2π ⎣ ⎝6 ⎠⎦ 2π ⎣ ⎝ 6 3 ⎠⎦
V 179.33
Then; I dc = dc = = 35.87 A
R 5
From (3.65) we can calculate Vrms as following:
5 α 1
Vrms = 3 Vm − + sin(π / 3 + 2α )
24 4π 8 π
5 π /3 1
= 2 * 460 * − + sin(π / 3 + 2π / 3 ) = 230V
24 4π 8 π

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Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.39 Three-phase half wave controlled rectifier with free wheeling diode.

Fig.3.40 Various voltages and currents waveforms for the converter shown in Fig.3.36 for α >
30 with RL load and freewheeling diode.

Fig.3.41 FFT components of load voltage, secondary current and supply current for the
converter shown in Fig.3.36 for α > 30 and RL load.
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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
3.7 Three Phase Full Wave Fully Controlled Rectifier Bridge
3.7.1 Three Phase Full Wave Fully Controlled Rectifier With Resistive Load
Three-phase full wave controlled rectifier shown in Fig.3.42. As we can see in this
figure the thyristors has labels T1, T2,……,T6. The label of each thyristor is chosen to
be identical to triggering sequence where thyristors are triggered in the sequence of T1,
T2,……,T6 which is clear from the thyristors currents shown in Fig.3.43.

Fig.3.42 Three-phase full wave controlled rectifier.

Fig.3.43 Thyristors currents of three-phase full wave controlled rectifier.

The operation of the circuit explained here depending on the understanding of the
reader the three phase diode bridge rectifier. The Three-phase voltages vary with time as
shown in the following equations:

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
Solution: The voltage ratio of delta-way transformer is 380/460V. Then, the peak value
460 2
of primary current is 100 * = 121.05 A . Then, I P , rms = 121.05 * = 98.84 A .
380 3
3I 3 *121.05
I P1 can be obtained from equation (372) where I P1 = dc = = 81.74 A .
2π 2π
2 2
⎛ I P, rms ⎞ ⎛ 98.84 ⎞
Then, (THD )I P = ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟ − 1 *100 = ⎜⎝ 81.74 ⎟⎠ − 1 *100 = 67.98 %
⎝ I P1 ⎠
The input power factor can be calculated as following:
I ⎛ π ⎞ 81.74 ⎛π π ⎞
P. f = P1 * cos⎜ α + ⎟ = * cos⎜ + ⎟ = 0.414 Lagging
I P , rms ⎝ 6 ⎠ 98.84 ⎝6 6⎠
3.6 Three Phase Half Wave Controlled Rectifier With Free Wheeling Diode
The circuit of three-phase half wave controlled rectifier with free wheeling diode is
shown in Fig.3.39. Various voltages and currents waveforms of this converter are shown
in Fig.3.40. FFT components of load voltage, secondary current and supply current for
the converter shown in Fig.3.39 for α > 30 and RL load is shown in Fig.3.41. In case of
firing angle α less than 30o, the output voltage and current will be the same as the
converter without freewheeling diode, because of the output voltage remains positive all
the time. However, for firing angle α greater than 30o, the freewheeling diode eliminates
the negative voltage by bypassing the current during this period. The freewheeling diode
makes the output voltage less distorted and ensures continuous load current. Fig.3.40
shows various voltages and currents waveforms of the converter shown in Fig.3.39. The
average and rms load voltage is shown below:-
The average output voltage is :-
π
3 3 Vm ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤ ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤
V = ∫
V sin ωt dωt = 1 + cos ⎜ + α ⎟ = 0.4775V 1 + cos ⎜ + α ⎟ (3.77)
2π ⎢⎣ ⎥ m⎢ ⎥
2π
dc m
π / 6+α
⎝6 ⎠⎦ ⎣ ⎝6 ⎠⎦

3 Vm ⎡ ⎛π ⎞⎤
I dc = ⎢1 + cos ⎜ + α ⎟⎥ (3.78)
2π R ⎣ ⎝6 ⎠⎦
π
5 α
∫ (Vm sin ωt )
3 1
Vrms = 2
dωt = 3 Vm − + sin(π / 3 + 2α )
2π 24 4π 8 π
π / 6 +α
(3.79)
3 Vm 5 α 1
I rms = − + sin(π / 3 + 2α ) (3.80)
R 24 4π 8 π

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Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.39 Three-phase half wave controlled rectifier with free wheeling diode.

Fig.3.40 Various voltages and currents waveforms for the converter shown in Fig.3.36 for α >
30 with RL load and freewheeling diode.

Fig.3.41 FFT components of load voltage, secondary current and supply current for the
converter shown in Fig.3.36 for α > 30 and RL load.
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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
3.7 Three Phase Full Wave Fully Controlled Rectifier Bridge
3.7.1 Three Phase Full Wave Fully Controlled Rectifier With Resistive Load
Three-phase full wave controlled rectifier shown in Fig.3.42. As we can see in this
figure the thyristors has labels T1, T2,……,T6. The label of each thyristor is chosen to
be identical to triggering sequence where thyristors are triggered in the sequence of T1,
T2,……,T6 which is clear from the thyristors currents shown in Fig.3.43.

Fig.3.42 Three-phase full wave controlled rectifier.

Fig.3.43 Thyristors currents of three-phase full wave controlled rectifier.

The operation of the circuit explained here depending on the understanding of the
reader the three phase diode bridge rectifier. The Three-phase voltages vary with time as
shown in the following equations:

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
va = Vm sin (ω t )
vb = Vm sin (ω t − 120)
vc = Vm sin (ω t + 120)
It can be seen from Fig.3.44 that the voltage va is the highest positive voltage of the
three phase voltage when ωt is in the range 30 < ω t < 150 o . So, the thyristor T1 is
forward bias during this period and it is ready to conduct at any instant in this period if it
gets a pulse on its gate. In Fig.3.44 the firing angle α = 40 as an example. So, T1 takes a
pulse at ω t = 30 + α = 30 + 40 = 70 o as shown in Fig.3.44. Also, it is clear from Fig3.38
that thyristor T1 or any other thyristor remains on for 120o .

Fig.3.44 Phase voltages and thyristors currents of three-phase full wave controlled rectifier at

It can be seen from Fig.3.44 that the voltage is the highest positive

voltage of the three phase voltage when is in the range of .

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
So, the thyristor T3 is forward bias during this period and it is ready to conduct at any
instant in this period if it gets a pulse on its gate. In Fig.3.44, the firing angle

as an example. So, T3 takes a pulse at .

It can be seen from Fig.3.44 that the voltage is the highest positive

voltage of the three phase voltage when is in the range . So,

the thyristor T5 is forward bias during this period and it is ready to conduct at any
instant in this period if it gets a pulse on its gate. In Fig.3.44, the firing angle

as an example. So, T3 takes a pulse at .

It can be seen from Fig.3.44 that the voltage is the highest negative

voltage of the three phase voltage when is in the range 210 < ω t < 330 o .
So, the thyristor T4 is forward bias during this period and it is ready to conduct at any
instant in this period if it gets a pulse on its gate. In Fig.338, the firing angle α = 40 as
an example. So, T4 takes a pulse at ω t = 210 + α = 210 + 40 = 250 o .
It can be seen from Fig.3.44 that the voltage vb is the highest negative voltage of the
three phase voltage when ω t is in the range 330 < ω t < 450 o or 330 < ω t < 90 o in the
next period of supply voltage waveform. So, the thyristor T6 is forward bias during this
period and it is ready to conduct at any instant in this period if it gets a pulse on its gate.
In Fig.3.44, the firing angle α = 40 as an example. So, T6 takes a pulse at
ω t = 330 + α = 370 o .

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
It can be seen from Fig.3.44 that the voltage vc is the highest negative voltage of the
three phase voltage when ω t is in the range 90 < ωt < 210 o . So, the thyristor T2 is
forward bias during this period and it is ready to conduct at any instant in this period if it
gets a pulse on its gate. In Fig.3.44, the firing angle α = 40 as an example. So, T2 takes
a pulse at ωt = 90 + α = 130 o .
From the above explanation we can conclude that there is two thyristor in
conduction at any time during the period of supply voltage. It is also clear that the two
thyristors in conduction one in the upper half (T1, T3, or, T5) which become forward
bias at highest positive voltage connected to its anode and another one in the lower half
(T2, T4, or, T6) which become forward bias at highest negative voltage connected to
its cathode. So the load is connected at any time between the highest positive phase
voltage and the highest negative phase voltage. So, the load voltage equal the highest
line to line voltage at any time which is clear from Fig.3.45. The following table
summarizes the above explanation.
Period, range of wt SCR Pair in conduction
α + 30o to α + 90o T1 and T6
α + 90 to α + 150
o o
T1 and T2
α + 150 to α + 210
o o
T2 and T3
α + 210o to α + 270o T3 and T4
α + 270o to α + 330o T4 and T5
α + 330o to α + 360o and α + 0o to α + 30o T5 and T6

Fig.3.45 Output voltage along with three phase line to line voltages of rectifier in Fig.3.42 at
α = 40o .
The line current waveform is very easy to obtain it by applying kerchief's current law
at the terminals of any phase. As an example I a = I T 1 − I T 4 which is clear from

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
Fig.3.42. The input current of this rectifier for α = 40, (α ≤ 60) is shown in Fig.3.46.
Fast Fourier transform (FFT) of output voltage and supply current are shown in Fig.3.47.

Fig.3.46 The input current of this rectifier of rectifier in Fig.3.42 at

α = 40, (α ≤ 60 ) .

Fig.3.46 FFT components of output voltage and supply current of rectifier in Fig.3.42 at
α = 40, (α ≤ 60) .
Analysis of this three-phase controlled rectifier is in many ways similar to the
analysis of single-phase bridge controlled rectifier circuit. The average output voltage,
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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
the rms output voltage, the ripple content in output voltage, the total rms line current, the
fundamental rms current, THD in line current, the displacement power factor and the
apparent power factor are to be determined. In this section, the analysis is carried out
assuming that the load is pure resistance.
π / 2 +α
3 π 3 3 Vm
Vdc =
π π / 6 +α ∫ 3 Vm sin(ω t + ) dω t =
6 π
cos α (3.81)

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

3 3 Vm
Vdm = (3.82)
π
The normalized average output voltage is as shown in (3.83)
Vdc
Vn = = cos α (3.83)
Vdm
The rms value of the output voltage is found from the following equation:
π / 2 +α
3 ⎛ π ⎞
2
⎛1 3 3 ⎞
Vrms =
π ∫ 3 ⎜Vm sin(ω t + ) ⎟ dω t = 3 Vm
⎝ 6 ⎠
⎜ +
⎜2
⎝ 4 π
cos 2α ⎟⎟ (3.84)
⎠
π / 6 +α
In the converter shown in Fig.3.42 the output voltage will be continuous only and
only if α ≤ 60 o . If α > 60 o the output voltage, and phase current will be as shown in
Fig.3.47.

Fig.3.47 Output voltage along with three phase line to line voltages of rectifier in Fig.3.42 at
α = 75o .
The average and rms values of output voltage is shown in the following equation:
5π / 6
π
Vdc =
3
∫ 3 Vm sin(ω t + ) dω t =
3 3 Vm
[1 + cos ( π / 3 + α )](3.85)
π 6 π
π / 6 +α
The maximum average output voltage for delay angle α=0 is
3 3 Vm
Vdm = (3.86)
π
The normalized average output voltage is
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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

= [1 + cos ( π / 3 + α )]
Vdc
Vn = (3.87)
Vdm
The rms value of the output voltage is found from the following equation:
5π / 6 2
3 ⎛ π ⎞
Vrms =
π ∫ 3 ⎜Vm sin(ω t + ) ⎟ dω t
⎝ 6 ⎠
π / 6 +α (3.88)
3 ⎛ ⎛ π ⎞⎞
= 3Vm 1 − ⎜ 2α − cos⎜ 2α + ⎟ ⎟
4π ⎝ ⎝ 6 ⎠⎠

Example 10 Three-phase full-wave controlled rectifier is connected to 380 V, 50 Hz

supply to feed a load of 10 Ω pure resistance. If it is required to get 400 V DC output
voltage, calculate the following: (a) The firing angle, α (b) The rectfication effeciency
(c) The crest factor of input current. (d) PIV of the thyristors.
Solution: From (3.81) the average voltage is :
2
3 3* * 380
3 3 Vm 3
Vdc = cos α = cos α = 400V .
π π
Vdc 400
Then α = 38.79 o , I dc =
= = 40 A
R 10
From (3.84) the rms value of the output voltage is:
⎛1 3 3 ⎞ 2 ⎛1 3 3 ⎞
Vrms = 3 Vm ⎜ +
⎜2 cos 2 α ⎟⎟ = 3 * * 380 * ⎜ +
⎜2 cos (2 * 38.79 )⎟⎟
⎝ 4π ⎠ 3 ⎝ 4π ⎠
Then, Vrms = 412.412 V
V 412.412
Then, I rms = rms = = 41.24 A
R 10
V *I 400 * 40
Then, η = dc dc *100 = *100 = 94.07%
Vrms * I rms 412.4 * 41.24
I S , peak
The crest factor of input current, C F =
I s, rms
⎛ π⎞
2 * 380 sin ⎜ ωt + ⎟
⎝ 6⎠ 2 * 380 sin (30 + 38.79 + 30)
I S , peak = = = 53.11 A
R 10
2 2
I s , rms = *I rms = * 41.24 = 33.67 A
3 3
I S , peak 53.11
Then, C F = = = 1.577
I s, rms 33.67
The PIV= 3 Vm=537.4V
Example 11 Solve the previous example if the required dc voltage is 150V.

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
Solution: From (3.81) the average voltage is :
2
3 3* * 380
3 3 Vm 3
Vdc = cos α = cos α = 150V . Then, α = 73o
π π
It is not acceptable result because the above equation valid only for α ≤ 60 . Then we
have to use the (3.85) to get Vdc as following:
2
3 3* * 380
Vdc == 3 [1 + cos ( π / 3 + α )] = 150V . Then, α = 75.05o
π
Vdc 150
Then I dc = = = 15 A
R 10
From (3.88) the rms value of the output voltage is:
3 ⎛ ⎛ π ⎞⎞
Vrms = 3Vm 1 − ⎜⎜ 2α − cos⎜ 2α + ⎟ ⎟⎟
4π ⎝ ⎝ 6 ⎠⎠

2 ⎛ 3 ⎛ π ⎞⎞
= 3* * 380 * ⎜⎜1 − ⎜ 2 * 75.05 * − cos (2 * 75.05 + 30 )⎟ ⎟⎟
3 ⎝ 4π ⎝ 180 ⎠⎠
Then, Vrms = 198.075 V
V 198.075
Then, I rms = rms = = 19.8075 A
R 10
V *I 150 *15
Then, η = dc dc *100 = *100 = 57.35 %
Vrms * I rms 198.075 *19.81
I S , peak
The crest factor of input current, C F =
I s , rms
⎛ π⎞
2 * 380 sin ⎜ ωt + ⎟
⎝ 6⎠ 2 * 380 sin (30 + 75.05 + 30)
I S , peak = = = 37.97 A
R 10
2 2
I s , rms = *I rms = *19.8075 = 16.1728 A
3 3
I S , peak 37.97
Then, C F = = = 2.348
I s, rms 16.1728
The PIV= 3 Vm=537.4V

3.7.1 Three Phase Full Wave Fully Controlled Rectifier With pure DC Load
Current
Three-phase full wave-fully controlled rectifier with pure DC load current is shown in
Fig.3.48. Fig.3.49 shows various currents and voltage of the converter shown in Fig.3.48
when the delay angle is less than 60o. As we see in Fig.3.49, the load voltage is only

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
positive and there is no negative period in the output waveform. Fig.3.50 shows FFT
components of output voltage of rectifier shown in Fig.3.48 for α < 60 o .

Fig.3.48 Three phase full wave fully controlled rectifier with pure dc load current

Fig.3.49 Output voltage and supply current waveforms along with three phase line voltages for the
rectifier shown in Fig.3.48 for α < 60o with pure DC current load.

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.50 FFT components of SCR, secondary, primary currents respectively of rectifier shown
in Fig.3.48.

In case of the firing angle is greater than 60 o , the output voltage contains negaive
portion as shown in Fig.3.51. Fig.3.52 shows FFT components of output voltage of
rectifier shown in Fig.3.48 for α > 60 o . The average and rms voltage is the same as in
equations (3.81) and (3.84) respectively. The line current of this rectifier is the same as
line current of three-phase full-wave diode bridge rectifier typically except the phase
shift between the phase voltage and phase current is zero in case of diode bridge but it is
α in case of three-phase full-wave controlled rectifier with pure DC load current as
shown in Fig.3.53. So, the input power factor of three-phase full-wave diode bridge
rectifier with pure DC load current is:
I
PowerFactor = s1 cos α (3.89)
Is

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

Fig.3.51 Output voltage and supply current waveforms along with three phase line voltages for
the rectifier shown in Fig.3.48 for α > 60o with pure DC current load.

Fig.3.52 FFT components of SCR, secondary, primary currents respectively of rectifier shown
in Fig.3.48 for α > 60o.

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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU

Fig.3.53 Phase a voltage, current and fundamental components of phase a of three phase full bridge
fully controlled rectifier with pure DC current load and α > 60 .
In case of three-phase full-wave controlled rectifier with pure DC load and source
inductance the waveform of output voltage and line current and their FFT components
are shown in Fig.3.54 and Fig.3.55 respectively. The output voltage reduction due to the
source inductance is the same as obtained before in Three-phase diode bridge rectifier.
But, the commutation time will differ than the commutation time obtained in case of
Three-phase diode bridge rectifier. It is left to the reader to determine the commutation
angle u in case of three-phase full-wave diode bridge rectifier with pure DC load and
source inductance. The Fourier transform of line current and THD will be the same as
obtained before in Three-phase diode bridge rectifier with pure DC load and source
inductance which explained in the previous chapter.

Fig.3.54 Output voltage and supply current of rectifier shown n Fig.3.48 with pure DC load and
source inductance the waveforms.

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

Fig.3.55 FFT components of output voltage of rectifier shown in Fig.3.48 for α > 60o and there
is a source inductance.

6ω LI o
Vrd = = 6 fLI o (3.104)
2π
The DC voltage without source inductance tacking into account can be calculated as
following:
3 2
Vdc = Vdc − Vrd = VLL cosα − 6 fLs I o (3.105)
actual without sourceinduc tan ce π
2 I o2 ⎡ π u ⎤
Then I S = − (3.106)
π ⎢⎣ 3 6 ⎥⎦
Then, the utility line current can be obtained as in (3.109).
4 3 ⎡ ⎛u⎞ ⎛ 5u ⎞ ⎛ 7u ⎞
i (ω t ) = sin ⎜ ⎟ sin (ωt ) − 2 sin ⎜ ⎟ sin (5ωt ) − 2 sin ⎜ ⎟ sin (7ωt ) +
1 1
π u ⎢⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠ 5 ⎝ ⎠2 7 ⎝ 2 ⎠ (3.109)
⎛ 11u ⎞ ⎛ 13u ⎞ ⎤
⎟ sin (11ωt ) + 2 sin ⎜ ⎟ sin (13ωt ) − − + + ⎥
1 1
+ sin ⎜
112
⎝ 2 ⎠ 13 ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎦
2 6 Io ⎛ u ⎞
Then; I S1 = sin ⎜ ⎟ (3.110)
πu ⎝2⎠
The power factor can be calculated from the following equation:
2 6 Io ⎛ u ⎞
sin ⎜ ⎟
I S1 ⎛u⎞ πu ⎝2⎠ ⎛ u⎞
pf = cos ⎜ ⎟ = cos ⎜α + ⎟
IS ⎝2⎠ ⎡π u ⎤
2 I o2 ⎝ 2⎠
−
π ⎢⎣ 3 6 ⎥⎦
⎛u⎞
2 3 * sin ⎜ ⎟
Then; pf = ⎝ 2 ⎠ cos⎛ α + u ⎞
⎜ ⎟ (3.111)
⎡π u ⎤ ⎝ 2⎠
u π⎢ − ⎥
⎣ 3 6⎦
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 Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
3.7.2 Inverter Mode of Operation
Once again, to understand the inverter mode of operation, we will assume that the do
side of the converter can be represented by a current source of a constant amplitude I d ,
as shown in Fig.3.61. For a delay angle a greater than 90° but less than 180°, the
voltage and current waveforms are shown in Fig.3.62a. The average value of Vd is
negative according to (3.81). On the ac side, the negative power implies that the phase
angle φ1 , between vs and is , is greater than 90°, as shown in Fig.3.62b.

Fig.3.61 Three phase SCR inverter with a DC current.

Fig.3.62 Waveforms in the inverter shown in Fig.3.56.

In a practical circuit shown in Fig.3.63, the operating point for a given E d and α can
be obtained from the characteristics shown in Fig.3.64.
Similar to the discussion in connection with single-phase converters, the extinction
( )
angle γ = 180o − α − u must be greater than the thyristor turn-off interval ω t q in the
waveforms of Fig.3.54, where v5 is the voltage across thyristor 5.

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier

Fig.3.63 Three phase SCR inverter with a DC voltage source.

Fig.3.64 Vd versus I d of Three phase SCR inverter with a DC voltage source.

Inverter Startup
As discussed for start up of a single-phase inverter, the delay angle α in the
three-phase inverter of Fig.3.63 is initially made sufficiently large (e.g., 165°) so that
id is discontinuous. Then, α is decreased by the controller such that the desired I d
and Pd are obtained.
Problems
1- Single phase half-wave controlled rectifier is connected to 220 V, 50Hz supply to
feed 10 Ω resistor. If the firing angle α = 30 o draw output voltage and drop
voltage across the thyristor along with the supply voltage. Then, calculate, (a)
The rectfication effeciency. (b) Ripple factor. (c) Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) of
the thyristor. (d) The crest factor C F of input current.
2- Single phase half-wave controlled rectfier is connected to 220 V, 50Hz supply to
feed 5Ω resistor in series with 10mH inductor if the firing angle α = 30 o .
(a) Determine an expression for the current through the load in the first two
periods of supply current, then fiend the DC and rms value of output
voltage.
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Chapter Three Dr. Ali M. Eltamaly, KSU
(b) Draw the waveforms of load, resistor, inductor voltages and load current.
3- Solve problem 2 if there is a freewheeling diode is connected in shunt with the
load.
4- single phase full-wave fully controlled rectifier is connected to 220V, 50 Hz
supply to feed 5Ω resistor, if the firing angle α = 40 o . Draw the load voltage and
current, diode currents and supply current. Then, calculate (a) The rectfication
effeciency. (b) Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) of the thyristor. (c) Crest factor of
supply current.
5- In the problem 4, if there is a 5mH inductor is connected in series with the 5Ω
resistor. Draw waveforms of output voltage and current, resistor and inductor
voltages, diode currents, supply currents. Then, find an expression of load
current, DC and rms values of output voltages.
6- Solve problem 5 if the load is connected with freewheeling diode.
7- Single phase full wave fully controlled rectifier is connected to 220V, 50 Hz
supply to feed the load with 47 A pure dc current. The firing angle α = 40 o .
Draw the load voltage, thyristor, and load currents. Then, calculate (a) the
rectfication effeciency. (b) Ripple factor of output voltage. (c) Crest factor of
supply current. (d) Use Fourier series to fiend an expression for supply current.
(e) THD of supply current. (f) Input power factor.
8- Solve problem 7 if the supply has a 3 mH source inductance.
9- Single phase full-wave semi-controlled rectifier is connected to 220 V, 50Hz
supply to feed 5Ω resistor in series with 5 mH inductor, the load is connected in
shunt with freewheeling diode. Draw the load voltage and current, resistor
voltage and inductor voltage diodes and thyristor currents. Then, calculate Vdc
and Vrms of the load voltages. If the freewheeling diode is removed, explain what
will happen?
10- The single-phase full wave controlled converter is supplying a DC load of 1 kW
with pure DC current. A 1.5-kVA-isolation transformer with a source-side
voltage rating of 120 V at 50 Hz is used. It has a total leakage reactance of 8%
based on its ratings. The ac source voltage of nominally 120 V is in the range of
-10% and +5%. Then, Calculate the minimum transformer turns ratio if the DC
load voltage is to be regulated at a constant value of 100 V. What is the value of a
when VS = 120 V + 5%.
11- In the single-phase inverter of, VS = 120 V at 50 Hz, LS = 1.2 mH, Ld = 20 mH,
Ed = 88 V, and the delay angle α = 135°. Using PSIM, obtain vs , is , vd , and
id waveforms in steady state.
12- In the inverter of Problem 12, vary the delay angle α from a value of 165° down
to 120° and plot id versus α . Obtain the delay angle α b , below which id
becomes continuous. How does the slope of the characteristic in this range
depend on LS ?
13- In the three-phase fully controlled rectifier is connected to 460 V at 50 Hz and
Ls = 1mH . Calculate the commutation angle u if the load draws pure DC current
at Vdc = 515V and Pdc = 500 kW.

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SCR Rectifier or Controlled Rectifier
14- In Problem 13 compute the peak inverse voltage and the average and the rms
values of the current through each thyirstor in terms of VLL and I o .
15- Consider the three-phase, half-controlled converter shown in the following figure.
Calculate the value of the delay angle α for which Vdc = 0.5Vdm . Draw vd
waveform and identify the devices that conduct during various intervals. Obtain
the DPF, PF, and %THD in the input line current and compare results with a
full-bridge converter operating at Vdc = 0.5Vdm . Assume LS .

16- Repeat Problem 15 by assuming that diode D f is not present in the converter.
17- The three-phase converter of Fig.3.48 is supplying a DC load of 12 kW. A Y- Y
connected isolation transformer has a per-phase rating of 5 kVA and an AC
source-side voltage rating of 120 V at 50 Hz. It has a total per-phase leakage
reactance of 8% based on its ratings. The ac source voltage of nominally 208 V
(line to line) is in the range of -10% and +5%. Assume the load current is pure
DC, calculate the minimum transformer turns ratio if the DC load voltage is to be
regulated at a constant value of 300 V. What is the value of α when VLL = 208 V
+5%.
18- In the three-phase inverter of Fig.3.63, VLL = 460 V at 60 Hz, E = 550 V, and
LS = 0.5 mH. Assume the DC-side current is pure DC, Calculate α and γ if the
power flow is 55 kW.

137