University of Ilorin, Ilorin

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

ELE 523/CPE 547 POWER ELECTRONICS (2 Credits)

1. Introduction to Power Electronics

2. Uncontrolled Rectification- single and three-phase diode rectifiers
3. Filtering and Smoothing Techniques
4. Controlled Switches - Shockley, Thyristor/SCRs, UJT, DIAC, TRIAC, GTO etc
5. Controlled Rectification
6. Voltage and Current Regulators: Regulator Circuits, Power Translator and Integrated
Circuits
7. Electrical Heating
8. Motor Speed Control
9. Welding

Oladimeji Ibrahim, PhD

Department of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: Block 10, Ground Floor
H/P: +2348062421820

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 1.0 Introduction to Power Electronics

1.1 Power Electronics

Power electronics is concern with the study and application of solid-state electronics components
for the control and conversion of electric power. The power electronic circuits handle power
flow at levels much higher than the individual device ratings. Advent of silicon-controlled
rectifiers, abbreviated as SCRs, led to the development of a new area of application called the
power electronics. Since the advent of SCRs, the application area spread to many fields such as
drives, power supplies, aviation electronics, high frequency inverters and power electronics
originated.

The foremost power electronics components being extensively used are the inductors and
capacitors. In many applications of power electronics, an inductor may carry a high current at a
high frequency. Usually, the capacitors used in a power electronic application are also stressed
under high frequency application. It is typical for a capacitor to be operated at a high frequency
with current surges passing through it periodically. This means that the current rating of the
capacitor at the operating frequency should be checked before its use. In addition, it may be
preferable if the capacitor has self-healing property. Hence an inductor or a capacitor has to be
selected or designed with care, taking into account the operating conditions, before its use in a
power electronic circuit.

In many powers electronic circuits, diodes play a crucial role. A normal power diode is usually
designed to be operated at 400 Hz or less. Now adays, many of the inverter and switch-mode
power supply circuits operate at a much higher frequency and these circuits need diodes that turn
ON and OFF at fast rate. In addition, it is also desired that the turning-off process of a diode
should not create undesirable electrical transients in the circuit. There are several types of diodes
available, and selection of a proper diode is very important for reliable operation of a circuit.

Generally, power electronics deals with the study and application of solid-state electronics
components for the control and conversion of electric power. The power electronic circuits
handle power flow at levels much higher than the individual device ratings. The conventional
power electronic devices were the mercury-arc valves, but with the technological development,
the modern-day power conversion is now performed with semiconductor switching devices such
as diodes, thyristors, diac, triac, SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) and transistors.

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 Diode Transistor SCR

Analysis of power electronic circuits tends to be quite complicated, because these circuits rarely
operate in steady state. Traditionally, steady state response refers to the state of a circuit
characterized by either a DC response or a sinusoidal response. Most of the power electronic
circuits have a periodic response, but this response is not usually sinusoidal. Typically, the
repetitive or the periodic response contains both a steady state part due to the forcing function
and a transient part due to the poles (p) of the network. Since the responses are non-sinusoidal,
harmonic analysis is often necessary. In order to obtain the time response, it may be necessary
to resort to the use of a computer program. Power electronics is a subject of interdisciplinary
nature. To design and build control circuitry of a power electronic application, one needs
knowledge of several areas such circuit design knowledge, computer aided design or control
knowledge.

Application of Power Electronics

Power electronics is a branch of electrical engineering that deals with the conversion and control
of electrical power. It plays a crucial role in various applications, enabling efficient and precise
control of electrical energy. Some key applications of power electronics includes:

1. Motor Drives: - Power electronics is widely used in variable speed motor drives for
applications such as electric vehicles, industrial machines, and household appliances. It
allows for efficient control of motor speed and torque.
2. Renewable Energy Systems: - Power electronics is essential in renewable energy
systems such as solar and wind power. It helps in converting the variable output from
these sources into a form suitable for grid connection or storage, improving overall
system efficiency.
3. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): - UPS systems use power electronics to
provide a stable and uninterruptible power supply during power outages. They ensure a
seamless transition from the grid to a backup power source, such as batteries.
4. Power Supplies: - Power electronic converters are used in power supplies for electronic
devices. Switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) convert electrical power efficiently and
are commonly found in computers, televisions, and other electronic equipment.
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 5. High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission: - Power electronics is crucial in
HVDC transmission systems, enabling the efficient and long-distance transfer of
electrical power. HVDC is used for interconnecting power grids, especially across large
geographical areas.
6. Electric Traction: - Power electronics is extensively used in electric and hybrid vehicles
for controlling the power flow between the battery, motor, and other components. This
helps optimize energy usage and improve overall vehicle efficiency.
7. FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems): - FACTS devices, such as Static Var
Compensators (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM), use power
electronics to control and enhance the transmission capacity and stability of power
systems.
8. Induction Heating: - Power electronics is employed in induction heating systems for
applications like metal hardening, cooking appliances, and industrial processes. It allows
precise control of heating rates and temperatures.
9. Power Quality Improvement: - Power electronics devices like Active Power Filters
(APF) are used to mitigate power quality issues such as harmonics, voltage sags, and
swells in electrical distribution systems.
10. Medical Electronics: - In medical equipment, power electronics is used for applications
like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, X-ray machines, and other diagnostic
and therapeutic devices.
11. Consumer Electronics: - Power electronics components, such as inverters and
converters, are integral to the operation of various consumer electronic devices like
smartphones, laptops, and audio systems.
These applications highlight the diverse and critical role of power electronics in modern
electrical and electronic systems, contributing to energy efficiency, reliability, and performance
improvements across various industries.

1.2 Power Conversion

Power conversion involve the process of using electronics semiconductor device to changes
electrical energy from one voltage, frequency or current level to another. Electronic power
converter is a power electronic circuit that converts voltage and current from one form. It usually
comprised of the switching and storage elements for power conversion and the control circuitry
for power flow regulation. Power conversion systems can be classification based on the type of
the input and output power:

1. AC to DC (rectifier)
2. DC to AC (inverter)
3. DC to DC (DC-to-DC converter)
4. AC to AC (AC-to-AC converter)
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1.3 Need for Switching Semiconductor Devices
Switching devices play a crucial role in power electronics by enabling the controlled switching
of electrical signals or power. The need for switching devices arises from the requirements to
control, convert, and regulate electrical energy efficiently in various applications. These are some
key reasons for the need for switching devices:
1. Control of Power Flow: - Switching devices, such as transistors and thyristors, allow
for the controlled and rapid switching of electrical signals. This capability is crucial for
managing the flow of power in electronic circuits, enabling precise control over voltage,
current, and power distribution.

2. Power Conversion: - In power electronics, switching devices facilitate the conversion

of electrical energy from one form to another. For instance, inverter circuits use switches
to convert DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current), and rectifiers convert AC to
DC. This is vital for various applications, including power supplies, motor drives, and
renewable energy systems.

3. Variable Speed Control: - Switching devices are integral to variable speed drives,
allowing for the control of motor speed. This is particularly important in applications
such as electric vehicles, industrial machinery, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning) systems.

4. Efficiency Improvement: - Switching devices contribute to the efficiency of power

systems. By controlling the on/off states of these devices, power losses can be minimized,
leading to more energy-efficient operations in electronic circuits and systems. The effects
of poor efficiency in power conversion includes increase energy cost, design
complications, reduce reliability and, more component designs

5. Frequency Regulation: - In applications such as radio-frequency electronics and

communication systems, switching devices are used to generate and modulate high-
frequency signals, allowing for the transmission and reception of information.

6. Protection Mechanisms: - Switching devices play a role in protection mechanisms

within electrical systems. For example, circuit breakers use switches to interrupt the flow
of current during faults or overloads, preventing damage to equipment and ensuring
safety.

7. Energy Storage Systems: - In energy storage applications, such as batteries, switching

devices are used to control the charging and discharging processes. This is crucial for
efficiently managing energy storage systems and ensuring safe operation.
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 8. Grid Stability and Control: - Switching devices are employed in devices like Flexible
AC Transmission Systems (FACTS), which enhance the stability and control of power
grids. These devices help regulate voltage levels, improve power quality, and optimize
power flow in the electrical grid.

9. Renewable Energy Integration: - Switching devices are essential for integrating

renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the electrical grid. They
enable the efficient conversion of variable and intermittent energy sources to match the
grid's requirements.

10. Communication Systems: - In telecommunications, switches are used to route signals

and establish connections in electronic communication networks. They play a critical role
in the functioning of telephone exchanges, data networks, and other communication
systems.

Switching devices are fundamental components in power electronics, providing the means to
control, convert, and protect electrical energy in various applications. Their versatility and
controllability make them indispensable for achieving efficient and reliable operation in modern
electronic systems.

1.4 Power Supply

Power Supplies are voltage and current sources used for powering electrical equipment e.g.,
batteries, A.C and D.C generators. Power supply can either be a unipolar or bipolar type. A
unipolar power supply has 2 output terminals of positive/negative and the neutral. The
positive/negative is at point of high voltage (+V)/(-V) and the neutral terminal is at the ground
voltage (0 V). Bipolar power supplies have 3 output terminals of positive, ground and negative.
The positive terminal is considered as high voltage (+V), the ground at 0V and the negative
terminal at a voltage lower than the ground voltage i.e., negative voltage (–V).

1.5 Power Rectification

Most electronic devices and circuits require a D.C source for their operation and domestic A.C
supply is considered as the most convenient and economical source of power as compare to dry
cells and battery that requires regular replacement. This process of converting A.C voltage into
D.C voltage is called rectification and it’s accomplished with the help of a (i) rectifier (ii) filter
and (iii) voltage regulator circuit. Power supply are generally of regulated and unregulated type.

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In an unregulated power supply, the D.C terminal voltage is affected significantly by the amount
of load. As the load current changes, the D.C terminal voltage varies. The regulated D.C power
supply is the type with terminal voltage of almost constant value regardless of amount of current
drawn from it. An unregulated supply can be converted into a regulated power supply by addition
of a voltage regulating circuit to it.

1.5.1 Components of D.C power supply

i. Transformer: It either to step up or (mostly) step down the A.C supply voltage to suit the
requirement of the solid-state electronic devices and circuits fed by the D.C power
supply. It also provides isolation from the supply line–an important safety consideration.
ii. Rectifier: It is a circuit that employs one or more diodes to convert A.C voltage into
pulsating D.C voltage.
iii. Filter: The function of this circuit element is to remove the fluctuations or pulsations
(called ripples) present in the output voltage supplied by the rectifier.
iv. Voltage Regulator: Its main function is to keep the terminal voltage of the dc supply
constant even when ac input voltage to the transformer varies; or the load varies
v. Voltage Divider: The function is to provide different D.C-voltages needed by different
electronic circuits. It consists of several resistors connected in series across the output
terminals of the voltage regulator.

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