Chapter II Power electronics

CHAPTER II
AC-DC CONVERTERS
I. Introduction
An AC-DC converter known as rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating
single or three phase current (AC), into direct current (DC) with either fixe or
adjustable output voltage, in order to supply a receptor, the process is known
rectification.

There are many applications for rectifiers. Some of them are: variable speed dc drives,
battery chargers, DC power supplies and Power supply for a specific application like
electroplating.

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡) Ripple

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)

Single phase AC
𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)
𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)

Three phase AC Control Circuit

Figure 1. DC-AC Conversion

AC-DC converters could be classified,

According to AC side voltage into

 Single phase rectifiers.
 Three phase rectifiers.
According to DC side waveform into
 Half-wave rectifiers
 Full-wave rectifiers
According to type of used power device (controllability) into
 Uncontrolled rectifiers (Diode rectifiers)
 Semi-controlled rectifiers (Mixed diode and thyristor rectifiers)
 Fully-controlled rectifiers (Thyristor rectifiers)

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Chapter II Power electronics

II. Uncontrolled rectifiers (Diode rectifiers)

II.1 Single-phase Half-wave rectifier

II.1.1 Resistive Load

Consider the following circuit of a basic half-wave rectifier with a resistive load as
shown in Figure 1.

𝑖𝑠

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑠 𝑣𝑙

Figure 2. Single phase half-wave rectifier with Resistive load.

With : vs (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

Regardless of diode state: vs (t )  vD (t )  vl (t )

 For the positive half-cycle of the source in this circuit, the diode is ON (forward-
biased) vs (t )  0 . Considering the diode to be ideal, the voltage across a forward-
biased diode is zero and the current is positive.
vs (t )
vl (t )  vs (t ) 
 il (t ) 
R
 For the negative half-cycle of the source, the diode is reverse-biased vs (t )  0 ,
making the current zero. The voltage across the reverse-biased diode is the source
voltage, which has a negative value.
vl (t )  0 and il (t )  is (t )  0 and vD (t )  vs (t )

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Chapter II Power electronics

𝑣𝑠 (𝑡)

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑣𝐷 (𝑡)

Figure 3. Chronograms of single-phase half-wave rectifier for resistive load.

 Performance parameters:
2
1 Vmax
 Mean value of the rectified voltage: Vl ,mean 
2  v ( )d 
0
l

 0.318Vmax

2
1 Vmax
 RMS value of the rectified voltage: Vl , RMS  v ( )d   0.5Vmax
2

2
l
0
2

Vl ,mean Vmax 0.318Vmax

 Mean value of load current: Il ,mean   
R R R
Vl , RMS Vmax 0.5Vmax
 RMS value of the load current: Il , RMS   
R 2R R

This simple assembly increases the average voltage since it is no longer zero. It
needs to be improved in order to reach a value close to the peak voltage.

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Chapter II Power electronics

II.1.2 Resistive-inductive Load

Consider the following circuit of a basic half-wave rectifier with a resistive-inductive

R-L load as shown in Figure 2.

𝑖𝑠

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑠 𝑣𝑙

Figure 4. Single phase half-wave rectifier with Resistive load.

With : vs (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

Regardless of diode state: vs (t )  vD (t )  vl (t )

In this arrangement, the diode conducts as soon as the voltage between its terminals is
positive and it blocks when the current flowing through it cancels out. We are therefore
obliged to study the current il (t ) .

Once the diode conducts the load current is governed by the following first-order
differential equation:

dil
vs (t )  Vmax Sin(t )  L  Ril
dt

The load current il (t ) is the solution of this differential equation and can be obtained
by expressing the current as the sum of the forced response and the natural response:
il (t )  in (t )  i f (t )

The forced response for this circuit is the current that exists after the natural response
has decayed to zero. In this case, the forced response is the steady-state sinusoidal
current that would exist in the circuit if the diode were not present.

This steady-state current can be found from phasor analysis, resulting in

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Chapter II Power electronics

Vmax
i f (t )  Sin(t   )
Z

 L 
Where Z  R2  L2 2 and   tan 1  
 R 

The natural response is the transient that occurs when the load is energized. It is the

solution to the homogeneous differential equation for the circuit without the source

or diode.

dil
L  Ril  0
dt

For this first-order circuit, the natural response has the form

R
 t
in (t )  Ke L

Adding the forced and natural responses gets the complete solution.

R
 t Vmax
il (t )  in (t )  i f (t )  Ke L
 Sin(t   )
Z

Assuming that the load current is zero at t=0: il (0)  0

Vmax Sin( ) Vmax Sin( )

0K 
 K
Z Z

Vmax  R
 t 
Finally, il (t )   Sin( )e  Sin(t   ) 
L
Z  

The current does not cancel out for t=T/2 (θ=π) but a little beyond for an angle β called
extinction angle. The diode is then in forced conduction so that the voltage becomes
negative until the cancellation of the current.

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Chapter II Power electronics

𝑣𝑠 (𝑡)
𝑖𝑛 (𝑡) 𝑖𝑓 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡) = 0
Diode switches OFF

Figure 5. Load current components

𝑣𝑠 (𝑡)

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑣𝐷 (𝑡)

Figure 6. Chronograms of single-phase half-wave rectifier for resistive-inductive load.

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Chapter II Power electronics

 Performance parameters:
2
1 Vmax
 Mean value of the rectified voltage: Vl ,mean   v ( )d  1  Cos(  ) 
2 2
l
0

 RMS value of the rectified voltage:

1
1
2
V   Sin(2 )
 0 vl ( )d  max 2
2
Vl , RMS
2 2 
 Mean value of load current:
0
dil (t ) dIl ,mean V V
vs (t )  L  Ril (t ) 
Vl ,mean  L  Il ,mean  l ,mean  max 1  Cos( ) 
 RIl ,mean 
dt dt R 2 R
1
Vl , RMS Vmax   Sin(2 )
 RMS value of the load current: I l , RMS   2
Z 2 R 2  L2 2 

The rectified voltage being partly negative, its mean value is reduced compared to the
case of a resistive load. To correct the problem occurring with a load of type inductive,
we add a free-wheeling diode in parallel with the load.

𝑖𝑠

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑠 vD fw 𝑣𝑙

Figure 7. Single-phase half-wave rectifier with freewheeling diode

In this assembly, the cathodes of the two diodes D and Dfw are connected to the same
point K (assembly with common cathodes). In this case, the diode that conducts is the
one that has the most positive voltage between its terminals.

For the positive alternation, the diode D is conductive and the Dfw diode blocked.

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Chapter II Power electronics

For the negative alternation, the diode D is blocked and the diode Dfw is ON. So, the
diode Dfw takes over the current conduction in the load il (t ) and voltage at its terminals

is zero vl (t )  0 . The energy stored in the inductance L is dissipated in the resistor R

and the current decreases and vanishes at β.

𝑣𝑠 (𝑡)

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)

D Conducts

Dfw Conducts

Figure 8. Waveforms for single-phase half-wave rectifier with freewheeling diode.

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Chapter II Power electronics

The free-wheeling diode has a dual role:

 Impose a positive sign to the voltage.

 Ensure continuity of current flow in the load.
 The cancellation of the current characterizes operation in discontinuous
conduction mode (DCM). If the energy stored is sufficient, the current does not
cancel out, it is continuous conduction mode (CCM).

II.2 Single-phase full-wave rectifier

II.2.1 Center-Tapped Transformer Rectifier

II.2.1.1 Resistive Load

Consider the following circuit of a Center-Tapped Transformer full-wave rectifier with

a resistive load as shown in Figure 9.

𝑣𝑠1
𝑖𝑙
𝑣𝑠
𝑣𝑙
𝑣𝑠2

Figure 9. Single-phase full-wave center-tapped transformer rectifier

With : vs1 (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

vs 2 (t )  vs1 (t )  Vmax Sin(t   )

In this assembly, the cathodes of the two diodes D1 and D2 are connected to the same
point K (assembly with common cathodes).

T
For 0  t  (0     ) , we have vs1 (t )  vs 2 (t ) , so the diode D1 is ON and the diode D2
2
is OFF.

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vs1 (t )
vl (t )  vs1 (t ) 
 il (t ) 
R

vD1 (t )  0

vD 2 (t )  vs 2 (t )  vs1 (t )

T
For  t  T (    2 ) , we have vs1 (t )  vs 2 (t ) , so the diode D1 is OFF and the diode
2
D2 is ON.

vs 2 (t )
vl (t )  vs 2 (t ) 
 il (t ) 
R

vD1 (t )  vs1 (t )  vs 2 (t )

vD 2 (t )  0

Note that the period of the output voltage is T/2, thus the frequency is 2f.

 Performance parameters:

1 2Vmax

 Mean value of the rectified voltage Vl ,mean  v ( )d 
0
l


1 Vmax

 RMS value of the rectified voltage: Vl , RMS  v 2
l ( )d 
0 2

Vl ,mean 2Vmax
 Mean value of load current: Il ,mean  
R R
Vl , RMS Vmax
 RMS value of the load current: I l , RMS  
R 2R
 Diode maximal reverse voltage: VD ,r max  2Vmax

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Chapter II Power electronics

𝑣𝑠1 (𝑡) 𝑣𝑠2 (𝑡)

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑣𝐷1 (𝑡)

𝑣𝐷2 (𝑡)

Figure 10. Waveforms of single-phase full-wave center-tapped transformer rectifier with

Resistive load.

Unlike the half-wave rectifier, this assembly uses the two sine wave alternations and
thereby providing full rectification wave. Thus, the mean value of the output voltage of
this assembly is doubled compared with that of half-wave rectifier.

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Chapter II Power electronics

II.2.1.2 Resistive-inductive Load

Consider the following circuit of a Center-Tapped Transformer full-wave rectifier with

a resistive-inductive R-L load as shown in Figure 11.

𝑣𝑠1
𝑖𝑙
𝑣𝑠
𝑣𝑙
𝑣𝑠2

Figure 11. Single-phase full-wave center-tapped transformer rectifier.

With : vs1 (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

vs 2 (t )  vs1 (t )  Vmax Sin(t   )

T
For 0  t  (0     ) , we have vs1 (t )  vs 2 (t ) , so the diode D1 is ON and the diode D2
2
is OFF. The load current is given by

R
 t Vmax
il (t )  K1e L
 Sin(t   )
Z

T
For  t  T (    2 ) , we have vs1 (t )  vs 2 (t ) , so the diode D1 is OFF and the diode
2
D2 is ON. The load current is given by

R
 t Vmax
il (t )  K 2 e L
 Sin(t   )
Z

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Chapter II Power electronics

𝑣𝑠1 (𝑡) 𝑣𝑠2 (𝑡)

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)
𝑖𝑙,𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑖𝑙,𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑣𝐷1 (𝑡)

Figure 12. Waveforms of single-phase full-wave center-tapped transformer rectifier with

resistive-inductive load.

 Performance parameters:

1 2Vmax

 Mean value of the rectified voltage: Vl ,mean  v ( )d 
0
l



1 Vmax

 RMS value of the rectified voltage: Vl , RMS  v 2
l ( )d 
0 2

 Mean value of load current:

0
dil (t ) dIl ,mean V 2V
vs (t )  L  Ril (t ) 
Vl ,mean  L  RI l ,mean 
 Il ,mean  l ,mean  max
dt dt R R
Vl , RMS Vmax
 RMS value of the load current: I l , RMS  
Z 2 R 2  L2 2

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Chapter II Power electronics

 Diode maximal reverse voltage: VD ,r max  2Vmax

For the case of a highly inductive load (L>>R), the load is assimilated to current source
that equals I l , mean .

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)
𝐼𝑙,𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛

Figure 13. Current waveform for a highly inductive load (Current source).

II.2.2 Bridge Rectifier (Graetz bridge)

II.2.2.1 Resistive Load

Consider the following circuit of a Graetz bridge rectifier former full-wave rectifier with
a resistive load as shown in Figure 14.

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑠 𝑣𝑙

Figure 14. Single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier with resistive load.

With : vs (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

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Chapter II Power electronics

In this assembly, the cathodes of the two diodes D1 and D2 are connected to the same
point K (assembly with common cathodes) and the anodes of the two diodes D3 and D4
are connected to the same point A (assembly with common anodes).

T
For 0  t  (0     ) , we have vs (t )  0 , so the diodes D1 and D3 are ON and the
2
diodes D2 and D4 are OFF.

vs (t )
vl (t )  vs (t ) 
 il (t ) 
R

vD1 (t )  vD3 (t )  0

vD 2 (t )  vD 4 (t )  vs (t )

T
For  t  T (    2 ) , we have vs (t )  0 , so the diodes D1 and D3 are OFF and the
2
diodes D2 and D4 are ON.

vs (t )
vl (t )  vs (t ) 
 il (t ) 
R

vD1 (t )  vD3 (t )  vs (t )

vD 2 (t )  vD 4 (t )  0

 Performance parameters:

1 2Vmax

 Mean value of the rectified voltage: Vl ,mean  v ( )d 
0
l



1 Vmax

 RMS value of the rectified voltage: Vl , RMS  v 2
l ( )d 
0 2

 Mean value of load current:

0
dil (t ) dIl ,mean V 2V
vs (t )  L  Ril (t ) 
Vl ,mean  L  RI l ,mean 
 Il ,mean  l ,mean  max
dt dt R R
Vl , RMS Vmax
 RMS value of the load current: I l , RMS  
Z 2 R 2  L2 2

 Diode maximal reverse voltage: VD ,r max  Vmax

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Chapter II Power electronics

𝑣𝑠 (𝑡)

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑣𝐷1 (𝑡), 𝑣𝐷3 (𝑡)

𝑣𝐷2 (𝑡), 𝑣𝐷4 (𝑡)

Figure 15. Waveform for single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier with resistive load.

II.2.2.2 Resistive-inductive Load

Consider the following circuit of a Graetz bridge rectifier former full-wave rectifier with
a resistive load as shown in Figure 16.

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𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑠 𝑣𝑙

Figure 16. Single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier with resistive-inductive load.

With : vs (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

T
For 0  t  (0     ) , we have vs (t )  0 , so the diodes D1 and D3 are ON and the
2
diodes D2 and D4 are OFF.

vl (t )  vs (t )

vD1 (t )  vD3 (t )  0

vD 2 (t )  vD 4 (t )  vs (t )

The load current is given by

R
 t Vmax
il (t )  K1e L
 Sin(t   )
Z

T
For  t  T (    2 ) , we have vs (t )  0 , so the diodes D1 and D3 are OFF and the
2
diodes D2 and D4 are ON.

vl (t )  vs (t )

vD1 (t )  vD3 (t )  vs (t )

vD 2 (t )  vD 4 (t )  0

The load current is given by

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Chapter II Power electronics

R
 t Vmax
il (t )  K 2 e L
 Sin(t   )
Z

𝑣𝑠1 (𝑡)

𝑣𝑙 (𝑡)

𝑖𝑙 (𝑡)
𝑖𝑙,𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑖𝑙,𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑣𝐷1 (𝑡), 𝑣𝐷3 (𝑡)

𝑣𝐷2 (𝑡), 𝑣𝐷4 (𝑡)

Figure 17. Waveforms for Single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier with

resistive-inductive load

 Performance parameters:

1 2Vmax

 Mean value of the rectified voltage: Vl ,mean  v ( )d 
0
l


1 Vmax

 RMS value of the rectified voltage: Vl , RMS  v 2
l ( )d 
0 2
 Mean value of load current:
0
dil (t ) dIl ,mean V 2V
vs (t )  L  Ril (t ) 
Vl ,mean  L  RI l ,mean  Il ,mean  l ,mean  max
dt dt R R
V Vmax
 RMS value of the load current: I l , RMS  l , RMS 
Z 2 R 2  L2 2
 Diode maximal reverse voltage: VD ,r max  Vmax

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The Graetz bridge rectifier as compared to Center-Tapped Transformer Rectifier:

 Does not need a transformer.

 Its diodes when blocked are only subjected to a reverse voltage of -Vmax.
 Its voltage drop is double (two diode’s forward voltages), because at any given
time two diodes are conducting.

II.3 Three-phase rectifiers

 Reminder of three-phase balanced system
A balanced three-phase voltage system consists of three sinusoidal voltages of equal
frequency and of the same amplitude which phase shifted from each other by a third of
a period, i.e., 120° or even 2π/3.

Low voltage (LV)

three-phase outlet

Ground

Figure 18. Low voltage three-phase outlet

 v1 , v2 , v3 are called phase to neutral voltages

 U12 ,U 23 ,U 31 are called phase to phase (or line to line) voltages

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Figure 19. Phase-neutral and phase-phase voltages of three-phase balanced system.

II.3.1 Three-phase half-wave rectifier

II.3.1.1 Resistive load
Consider the following assembly of a three-phase half-wave rectifier with a resistive
load shown in figure 20.

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Chapter II Power electronics

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑙

Figure 20. Three-phase half-wave rectifier with resistive load.

With : v1 (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

 2 
v2 (t )  Vmax Sin  t  
 3 

 4 
v3 (t )  Vmax Sin  t  
 3 

In this assembly, the three diodes (D1, D2 and D3) form a more positive commutator
(Diodes with common cathodes). So the conducting diode is that whose anode is
connected to the most positive of the source voltages, the others are blocked, and :

vl (t )  max  v1 (t ), v2 (t ), v3 (t ) 

vl (t )
il (t ) 
R

    5   5 9   9 13 
Interval 0, 6   6 , 6   6 , 6   6 , 6 

Conducting diode D3 D1 D2 D3
Blocked diode D1, D2 D2, D3 D1, D3 D1, D2
Load voltage vl v3 v1 v2 v3
Load current il il=iD3= v3/R il=iD1= v1/R il=iD2= v2/R il=iD3= v3/R
Diode D1 voltage vD1 v1- v3=U13 0 v1- v2=U12 v1- v3=U13
Diode D2 voltage vD2 v2- v3=U23 v2- v1=U21 0 v2- v3=U23
Diode D3 voltage vD3 0 v3- v1=U31 v3- v2=U32 0

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Figure 21. Load current and voltage waveforms for three-phase half-wave rectifier with
resistive load.

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Chapter II Power electronics

Figure 22. Diodes current waveforms.

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Chapter II Power electronics

Figure 23. Diodes voltages waveforms.

Note that the period of the output voltage is T/3, thus the frequency is 3f.

 Performance parameters:
 Mean value of the load voltage:
T 5 5
3 6 6
1 3 3 3 3Vmax

T 0
vl ( )d 
vl ,mean  
2 
vl ( )d 
2 V

max Sin( )d 
2
 0.82Vmax

3 6 6

 RMS value of the load voltage:

T 5 5
3 6 6
1 2 3 3
v l ,RMS   vl ( )d  v ( )d  V Sin 2 ( )d  0.84Vmax
2 2

2 2
l max
T 0  
3 6 6

24 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

v l ,mean 3 3Vmax 0.82Vmax

 Mean value of the load current: il ,mean   
R 2 R R
v l ,RMS 0.84Vmax
 RMS value of the load current: i l ,RMS  
R R
 Diode maximal reverse voltage: VD,r max   3Vmax

II.3.1.2 Resistive-inductive load

Consider the following assembly of a three-phase half-wave rectifier with a resistive-
inductive load shown in figure 24.

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑙

Figure 24. Three-phase half-wave rectifier with resistive-inductive load.

We assume that the sufficiently inductive so that the load current is constant. Thus,
there is no change in load voltage, and diode voltages. The only change is in the load
current and diode currents.

    5   5 9   9 13 
Interval 0, 6   6 , 6   6 , 6   6 , 6 

Conducting diode D3 D1 D2 D3
Load current il il=iD3= il=iD1= il=iD2= il=iD3=
vl,mean/R vl,mean/R vl,mean/R vl,mean/R

In this case, the load current mean and RMS values are equal to the load current:

vl ,mean
il ,mean  il , RMS  il 
R

25 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

l l

Figure 25. Waveforms for three-phase half-wave rectifier with resistive-inductive load.

26 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

II.3.2 Three-phase full-wave rectifier

II.3.2.1 Resistive load
Consider the following assembly of a three-phase full-wave bridge rectifier with a
resistive load shown in figure 26.

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑙

Figure 26. Three-phase full-wave rectifier with resistive load.

The three-phase full-wave uncontrolled bridge rectifier circuit uses six diodes, two per phase
in a similar fashion to the single-phase bridge rectifier. A 3-phase full-wave rectifier is obtained
by using two half-wave rectifier circuits. The upper half-bridge is composed of diodes D1, D2,
D3 which form a most positive commutator (common cathode), the lower half-bridge is
composed of diodes D4, D5, D6 which form a most negative commutator (common anode).
The upper half-bridge allows the most positive voltage, whereas the lower half-bridge allows
the most negative voltage. So, at any given time, the rectifier voltage is difference between the
two voltages:

vKN (t )  max(v1 , v2 , v3 )

vAN (t )  min(v1 , v2 , v3 )

vl (t )  vKA (t )  vKN (t )  vAN (t )

And, the load current is given by

vl (t )
il (t ) 
R

27 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

       5   5 7   9 3   3 11  11 13 

Interval 0, 6   6 , 2   2 , 6   6 , 6   6 , 2   2 , 6   6 , 6 
Conducting
D3, D5 D1, D5 D1, D6 D2, D6 D2, D4 D3, D4 D3, D5
diodes
Voltage vKN v3 v1 v1 v2 v2 v3 v3
Voltage vAN v2 v2 v3 v3 v1 v1 v2
Load
U32 U12 U13 U23 U21 U31 U32
voltage vl
il=iD3= il=iD1= il=iD1= il=iD2= il=iD2= il=iD3= il=iD3=
Load
iD5= iD5= iD6= iD6= iD4= iD4= iD5=
voltage il
U32/R U12/R U13/R U23/R U21/R U31/R U32/R
Diode D1
voltage vD1 U13 0 0 U12 U12 U13 U13
vD1= v1- vKN
Diode D1
0 U12/R U13/R 0 0 0 0
voltage iD1

l l

28 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

Figure 27. Waveforms for three-phase full-wave rectifier with resistive load.

29 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

 Performance parameters:
 Mean value of the load voltage:
T 13 13

1 6
6 6
3 6
 
vl ,mean  
T 0
vl ( )d 
2  U
11
32 ( )d 
 11
  3Vmax Sin     d
 2
6 6 6

13
6 13
3 3 3Vmax 3 3Vmax

 
11
3Vmax Cos( )d 

[Sin( )] 6
11
6


 1.654Vmax
6

 RMS value of the load voltage:

T 13 13

1 6 2 6 6
3 6
v l ,RMS   vl ( )d   v ( )d   U ( )d
2 2

2 
l 32
T 0 11 11
6 6 6

13 13

   1 
6 2 6
3 2 9V 1

 11
3Vmax Cos( ) d 

max

11
  2  2 Cos(2 )  d  1.655V max

6 6

v l ,mean 3 3Vmax 1.654Vmax

 Mean value of the load current: il ,mean   
R R R
v l ,RMS 1.655Vmax
 RMS value of the load current: i l ,RMS  
R R
 Diode maximal reverse voltage: VD,r max   3Vmax

II.3.1.2 Resistive-inductive load

Consider the following assembly of a three-phase half-wave rectifier with a resistive-
inductive load shown in figure 29.

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑙

Figure 28. Three-phase full-wave rectifier with resistive-inductive load.

30 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

We assume that the sufficiently inductive so that the load current is constant. Thus,
there is no change in load voltage, and diode voltages. The only change occurs in the
load current and diode currents.

In this case, the load current mean and RMS values are equal to the load current:

vl ,mean
il ,mean  il , RMS  il 
R

       5   5 7   9 3   3 11  11 13 

Interval 0, 6   6 , 2   2 , 6   6 , 6   6 , 2   2 , 6   6 , 6 
Conducting
D3, D5 D1, D5 D1, D6 D2, D6 D2, D4 D3, D4 D3, D5
diodes
il=iD3=i il=iD1= il=iD1= il=iD2= il=iD2= il=iD3= il=iD3=
Load
D5= iD5= iD6= iD6= iD4= iD4= iD5=
voltage il
vl,mean/R vl,mean/R vl,mean/R vl,mean/R vl,mean/R vl,mean/R vl,mean/R

l l

31 Dr. H. Feroura
 Chapter II Power electronics

Figure 29. Waveforms for three-phase full-wave rectifier with resistive-inductive load.

III. Controlled rectifiers (Thyristor rectifiers)

III.1 Single-phase half-wave rectifier

Consider the following assembly of a single-phase half-wave controlled rectifier with a

resistive load shown in figure 31.

𝑖𝑠

𝑖𝑙

𝑣𝑠 𝑣𝑙

Figure 30. Single-phase half-wave rectifier controlled with resistive load.

With : vs (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

Regardless of thyristor state: vs (t )  vTh (t )  vl (t )

32 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

In this case, the thyristor can be turned ON at condition of having vTh (t )  0 and
controlling the trigger. Whether this command is made with an angular delay α(t1),
counted from θ=0 (t=0), conduction will not start so that from θ=α (t=t1). The
conduction of the thyristor will last until the current passing through it is canceled.

 For 0     (0  t  t1 ) , we have vTh (t )  0 , but there is no control signal on the

trigger of the thyristor (iG (t )  0) , so the thyristor is OFF.

vl (t )  0

il (t )  is (t )  0

vTh (t )  vs (t )

T
 For      (t1  t  ) , we have vTh (t )  0 , and the control signal on the trigger of
2
the thyristor is sufficient for triggering (iG (t )  0) , so the thyristor is ON.

vl (t )  vs (t )

vl (t )
il (t )  is (t ) 
R

vTh (t )  0

T
 For     2 (  t  T ) , the current is canceled at θ=π (t=T/2), so the thyristor is
2
OFF.

vl (t )  0

il (t )  is (t )  0

vTh (t )  vs (t )

 Performance parameters:
 Mean value of the rectified voltage:
2 
1 1 V
Vl ,mean  0 vl ( )d  2  Vmax Sin( )d  2max 1  Cos( )
2 

33 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

 RMS value of the rectified voltage:

2 2
1 1 Vmax 1 1 
Vl , RMS   vl ( )d  V Sin 2 ( )d      Sin(2 ) 
2 2

2 2
max
2 
 2 
0 

Vl ,mean Vmax
 Mean value of load current: Il ,mean   1  Cos( )
R 2 R
Vl , RMS Vmax 1 1 
 RMS value of the load current: I l , RMS       Sin(2 ) 
R 2R  2 
 Thyristor maximal reverse voltage: VTh ,r max  Vmax

𝑣𝑙

𝑣𝑠

𝑖𝑙

Figure 31. Waveforms for single-phase half-wave controlled rectifier with resistive load.

 The mean and RMS values of the load voltage can be adjusted by acting upon the
value of the firing angle α.

III.2 Single-phase full-wave bridge rectifier

Consider the following assembly of a three-phase full-wave controlled bridge rectifier

with a resistive load shown in figure 33.
34 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

𝒊𝒍

𝒊𝒔

𝒗𝒔 𝒗𝒍

Figure 32. Single-phase full-wave controlled rectifier with resistive load.

With : vs (t )  Vmax Sin(t )

The thyristors are controlled with an angle delay (α), i.e., the control pulses are sent to
the gates of the thyristors respectively at the angles:

 Pour Th1 et Th3, we have: 1    2k

 Pour Th2 et Th4, we have: 2      2k

 For 0     (0  t  t1 ) , all the thyristors Th1, Th2, Th3, Th4 are OFF.

vl (t )  0

il (t )  is (t )  0

vTh1 (t )  vTh3 (t )  vs (t ), vTh2 (t )  vTh4 (t )  vs (t )

T
 For      (t1  t  ) , the thyristors Th1, Th3 are ON, and Th2, Th4 are OFF.
2
vl (t )  vs (t )
vl (t )
il (t )  is (t ) 
R

vTh1 (t )  vTh3 (t )  0, vTh2 (t )  vTh4 (t )  vs (t )

T T
 For        (  t   t1 ) , all the thyristors Th1, Th2, Th3, Th4 are OFF.
2 2

vl (t )  0

35 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

il (t )  is (t )  0

vTh1 (t )  vTh3 (t )  vs (t ), vTh2 (t )  vTh4 (t )  vs (t )

T
 For       2 (  t1  t  T ) , the thyristors Th1, Th3 are OFF, and Th2, Th4 are
2
ON.
vl (t )  vs (t )
vl (t )
il (t )  is (t ) 
R

vTh1 (t )  vTh3 (t )  vs (t ), vTh2 (t )  vTh4 (t )  0

𝑣𝑙 𝑣𝑠

𝑖𝑙

Figure 33. Waveforms for single-phase full-wave controlled rectifier with resistive load.

Note that the period of the output voltage is T/2, thus the frequency is 2f.

36 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

 Performance parameters:

1 Vmax
Cos( )  1

 Mean value of the rectified voltage: Vl ,mean  v ( )d 
0
l

 RMS value of the rectified voltage:

1 Vmax 1 1 
 
Vl , RMS  v 2
( )d      Sin(2 ) 
l
2  2 
Vl ,mean Vmax
 Mean value of load current: Il ,mean   1  Cos( )
R R
Vmax 1  1 
 RMS value of the load current: Il , RMS      Sin(2 ) 
2R   2 
 Thyristor maximal reverse voltage depends on α: VTh ,r max  Vmax

The following figure shows the circuit diagram of semi-controlled (mixed) single-
phase bridge rectifier which is composed of two thyristors for the upper half bridge
and two diodes in the lower half bridge. This circuit can fulfill the same role of the
fully-controlled rectifier shown above.

𝒊𝒍
𝒊𝒔

𝒗𝒔 𝒗𝒍

D3 D4

Figure 34. Single-phase full-wave semi-controlled rectifier.

37 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

III.3 Three-phase full-wave bridge rectifier

Consider the following assembly of a three-phase full-wave controlled bridge rectifier

with a resistive-inductive load shown in figure 2x.

𝒊𝒍

𝒗𝒍

Figure 35. Three-phase full-wave controlled rectifier with resistive-inductive load.

- For α=π/6:

𝑣𝑙

𝑖𝑙

38 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

Figure 36. Waveforms for three-phase full-wave controlled rectifier with resistive-
inductive load.

Note that the period of the output voltage is T/6, thus the frequency is 6f.

 Performance parameters:
 Mean value of the rectified voltage:
T 13

6 6
1 3 3 3Vmax
vl ,mean  
T 0
vl ( )d 
 11 U 32 ( )d 

Cos( )

6 6

39 Dr. H. Feroura
Chapter II Power electronics

 RMS value of the rectified voltage:

T 13

 
6 6
1 2 3 3 9
T 0 l 
Vl , RMS  v ( )d  U 322 ( )d  Vmax  Sin   Cos(2 )
 11 2 2 3

6 6

vl ,mean
 Mean, RMS values of load current: il ,mean  il , RMS  il 
R

 Thyristor maximal reverse voltage depends on α: VTh,r max   3Vmax

The following figure shows the circuit diagram of semi-controlled (mixed) three-
phase bridge rectifier which is composed of three thyristors for the upper half
bridge and three diodes in the lower half bridge. This circuit can fulfill the same role
of the fully-controlled rectifier shown above.

𝒊𝒍

𝒗𝒍

D4 D5 D6

Figure 37. Three-phase full-wave semi-controlled rectifier.

40 Dr. H. Feroura