FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

EEB 451: POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES

LAB 2: THREE PHASE UNCONTROLLED FULL WAVE RECTIFIER

NAME: TETO MUTANHAURWA

ID: 202005004

LECTURER: Prof E. Matlotse

DUE DATE: 20/10/2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT

In this simulated laboratory experiment, conducted using MATLAB, our primary objective was to design
and analyse a three-phase uncontrolled rectifier, a critical component of power electronic
systems. The MATLAB environment enabled us to closely mimic real-world characteristics and delve
into the operational principles, circuit design, and performance analysis of the rectifier under varying
load conditions. By implementing a full-wave rectifier configuration with diodes, we assessed voltage
output, and the impact of it on the rectifier's operation. The outcomes of this MATLAB-based
simulation did provide a comprehensive understanding of three-phase uncontrolled rectifiers.

INTRODUCTION

Three-phase power systems are widely used in electrical engineering and industrial applications dueto
their efficiency and ability to deliver substantial power. In such systems, three sinusoidal voltages are
generated with a 120-degree phase difference between each, resulting in a balanced and continuous
power supply. However, many electronic devices and systems require direct current (DC)rather than
the alternating current (AC) provided by the grid. To bridge this gap and convert the
three-phase AC to DC, rectification is essential.

Rectification is the process of converting AC voltage into DC voltage, allowing for a unidirectional
flow of current. Uncontrolled rectifiers are one of the simplest and most cost-effective methods for
this conversion. They rely on diodes to block the current flow in one direction during the negative
half-cycle of the AC waveform, effectively transforming it into a pulsating DC signal.

TYPES OF RECTIFIERS

• Uncontrolled Rectifiers:

An uncontrolled rectifier is a rectifier that uses diodes for rectification and does not involve any formof
control or modulation of the rectified output voltage. They use diodes to allow current to flow in only
one direction, effectively converting AC into DC. They do not provide any control over the
output voltage or current. The output voltage and current follow the shape of the input waveform,with
ripple and peak voltage determined by the input voltage and frequency.

• Half-Controlled Rectifiers:

A half-wave rectifier is a type of rectifier circuit that converts alternating current (AC) into direct
current (DC) by allowing only one half of the AC waveform to pass through, resulting in a pulsating
DC output. It typically uses a single diode to achieve this rectification process.

There are various types these include:

• Half-Controlled Three-Phase Rectifiers: Like single-phase versions, they allow control over one half
of the waveform in a three-phase system.

• Fully Controlled Rectifiers:

Fully controlled rectifiers allow full control over the output voltage and current by precisely
controlling the firing angle of the thyristors. The firing angle refers to the delay in turning on the
thyristors during each AC cycle. By adjusting the firing angle, the output voltage can be controlled.There

are two main types of fully controlled rectifiers:

• Single-Phase Full-Wave (Bridge) Rectifiers: These rectifiers use a bridge configuration of thyristors
to convert AC to DC. They offer precise control over both positive and negative half-cycles of the AC
waveform.

• Three-Phase Rectifiers: These rectifiers are used in three-phase AC systems and consist of a
combination of thyristors to control the output.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A Three-Phase Uncontrolled Full-Wave Rectifier refers to an electrical circuit used for converting
three-phase alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). It operates without any active control
elements like thyristors or transistors and relies solely on diodes to perform the rectification. The "full
wave" aspect means it utilizes both the positive and negative half-cycles of the input AC voltageto
produce a smoother DC output, while "uncontrolled" indicates that it lacks the ability to regulate the
output voltage, resulting in a pulsating DC waveform with significant ripple.

Working Principle

The operation of a three-phase uncontrolled full-wave rectifier relies on a configuration of six diodes,
each playing a specific role in the rectification process. The power phases connect to the midpoint
between pairs of diodes, with the top diodes sharing a common cathode to form the positive
terminal for the load, while the bottom diodes share a common anode to serve as the negativeterminal
for the resistive load (R).

As the AC cycle commences, the voltage of phase 3 (V3) reaches its peak, causing diode D3 to
conduct. Simultaneously, diodes D1 and D2 become reverse-biased. Concurrently, the voltage ofphase
2 (V2) is at its lowest point, leading to the conduction of diode D5, while diodes D3 and D6
remain in a reverse-biased state. Current flows from phase 3 through D3, traverses the resistive load(R),
and returns through phase 2. The voltage across the load, referred to as Vo, is the difference
between V3 and V2.

With every 30-degree electrical phase shift, a different diode conducts to rectify the AC input,
ensuring that both positive and negative half-cycles are utilized. This orchestrated diode conduction
creates a pulsating DC output, making the three-phase uncontrolled full-wave rectifier a fundamental
component in power electronics for various applications.

Figure 1: The waveform and circuit for a three-phase full wave uncontrolled rectifier

AIMS

• To design and make an analysis of a three-phase uncontrolled full wave rectifier

APPARATUS USED
• Three phase AC power supply 220V

• 6 Diodes

• 1 Resistive load

• 1 DC Ammeter

• 1 DC Voltmeter

• 1 Oscilloscope

• MATLAB

PROCEDURE

Figure 2: Three phase uncontrolled full wave rectifier

• Set up the full wave rectifier circuit shown in Fig. (1) using Simulink MATLAB

• Simulate and capture the input and output waveforms as well as the way waveform of the supply
current.

• Measure the average and RMS output voltage by connecting the multimeter across load

resistance.

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

DISCUSSION

As seen in the results, the waveform comprises three sinusoidal voltages, each phase having a 120-
degree phase shift relative to the others. These phases combine to create a balanced and continuous
source of alternating current. This input reflects the fundamental nature of three-phase alternating
current, with its inherent balance and continuity. The output waveform, while still pulsating due to
the intermittent diode conduction, manages to capture both the positive and negative half-cycles of
the input AC. This feature ensures a relatively stable and consistent DC output.

The results we obtained in this experiment are in line with what we expected based on theory. The
output waveform we observed, with its reduced fluctuations and balanced power output, matchesthe
behaviour we anticipated from a three-phase uncontrolled full-wave rectifier. The rectifier's capability
to convert both directions of the input AC electricity into a steady and dependable DC
output aligns with what we theorized. This consistency highlights the rectifier's practical importance
in the field of power electronics, especially in situations where consistent and stable power supply is
highly valuable.

CONCLUSION

The objectives of this experiment were met. The results of the lab did match theoretical findings.

REFERENCES

• Sedra, A. S., & Smith, K. C. (2016). Microelectronic Circuits. Oxford University Press.

• Rashid, M. H. (2019). Power Electronics: Circuits, Devices, and Applications. Pearson.