Single Phase Full Wave Silicon Controlled Rectifier

with R Load, RL Load & RLE Load

Introduction
 A controlled rectifier converts AC (alternating current) into DC (direct current).
 It regulates the output DC voltage's magnitude and polarity, making it useful for power
supplies, motor drives, battery chargers, and voltage regulators.
 The rectifier works by triggering thyristors at specific points in the AC cycle.
 Once turned on, the thyristors conduct current until the AC voltage reaches zero or the
thyristor is turned off.
 By adjusting the firing angle of the thyristors, the rectifier controls the average DC output
voltage.

Single Phase Full Wave Controlled Bridge Rectifier

A single-phase controlled bridge rectifier converts AC to DC using four thyristors (SCRs)
arranged in a bridge configuration. It provides full-wave rectification and allows control over
the output voltage by adjusting the firing angle of the thyristors.
Bridge Configuration:
 The rectifier consists of four thyristors (SCRs) forming a bridge.
 The AC input is connected across two opposite corners, while the DC output and
load resistor are across the other two corners.
Triggering Control:
 Thyristors require gate pulses to turn on.
 They are triggered in pairs: one from the top and one from the bottom for each half-
cycle.
Operation:
 Positive Half-Cycle: The top two thyristors conduct, allowing current to flow through
the load.
 Negative Half-Cycle: The bottom two thyristors conduct, reversing the polarity.

During the negative half-cycle of the AC input, the bottom two thyristors conduct, allowing
the negative half of the voltage to pass through the load, reversing the polarity of the output.

By controlling thyristor timing, the DC output voltage can be adjusted. The output is
pulsating DC with ripples, which can be reduced using capacitors or inductors for a smoother
DC supply.

These rectifiers are used in AC motor control, UPS systems, battery charging, and adjustable
DC power supplies.
1. Single Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifier - R Load

Fig. 1 Single Phase Full Wave SCR with R Load

Fig. 2 Waveforms of Single Phase Full Wave SCR with R Load

Operation:
Positive Half-Cycle:
 T1 and T2 are forward biased and triggered together.
 Current flows through T1 → Load → T2 → Source.
Negative Half-Cycle:
 T3 and T4 are forward biased and triggered together.
 Current flows through T3 → Load → T4 → Source.
Commutation:
 T1, T3 and T2, T4 are triggered at the same firing angle (α) in each cycle.
 When supply voltage reaches zero, current stops, and thyristors turn off naturally
(natural commutation).

The voltage and current waveforms illustrate this operation shown in Fig. 2.

The average of the waveform is determined by the following

expression,

2. Single Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifier - RL Load

The current with RL load does not increase or decrease suddenly. So the waveform between the
output current and the output voltage is different. And the output current will tend to increase
after each cycle. If the inductance of the load is large enough, the output current is continuous.

When the SCR changes from the conductive state to the off state, the load will generate energy to
maintain that SCR continue to conduct. Therefore, after the polarity of the voltage is reversed
and there is no control pulse, then the output voltage Vo < 0.

Fig. 3 Single Phase Full Wave SCR with RL Load

 Fig. 4 Waveforms of Single Phase Full Wave SCR with RL Load

At a firing angle of α = 60°, the following occurs:

1. TH1 and TH3 Triggered:

 These thyristors are turned on, so the supply voltage appears across the output
terminals, forcing a constant load current Idc.
 This current flows from line to neutral (defined as positive).

2. At π (Half-Cycle Transition):

 The supply voltage reverses.

 However, due to the very large inductance L, the constant current Idc keeps flowing
in the same direction.
 As a result, TH1 and TH3 continue to conduct, and the negative supply voltage
appears across the output terminals.

3. At π + α:

 TH2 and TH4 are triggered.

  The negative supply voltage now reverse biases TH1 and TH3 (via TH2 and TH4),
which commutates them off.

4. Output Behavior:

 The current remains continuous in every half cycle.

 When TH1 and TH3 conduct, the output current is positive.
 When TH2 and TH4 conduct, the output current is negative.

This results in a periodic output voltage waveform that changes polarity as different pairs of
thyristors conduct, while the load current remains constant.

3.Sinle Phase Full Wave Controlled Rectifier - RLE Load

Fig. 5 Single Phase Full Wave SCR with RLE Load

Fig. 6 Waveforms of Single Phase Full Wave SCR with RLE Load
Operation

1. Positive Half-Cycle:

 Thyristors TH1 and TH3 are forward biased and start conducting at ωt = α.
 The load current flows through TH1, the motor, and TH3.

2. Beyond ωt = π:

 At ωt = π the supply voltage reverses.

 Due to the inductor L, TH1 and TH3 continue to conduct past π.

3. Negative Half-Cycle:

 Between ωt = π and ωt = 2π, thyristors TH3 and TH4 are forward biased.
 At ωt = π + α, TH2 and TH4 are triggered, which reverse biases TH1 and TH3 and
naturally commutates them off.
 The load current then transfers from TH1 and TH3 to TH2 and TH4.

4. Cycle Repetition and Current Behavior:

 This process repeats every cycle, and due to the high L/R ratio, the load current
remains nearly constant.

5. With an R, L, E Load:

 When an SCR is conducting, the output waveform looks the same as in an RL load
rectifier.
 When no SCR is conducting (Io = 0), the output voltage equals the back EMF E (i.e.,
Vo = Vdc).

Advantages of Single Phase Full Wave SCR

1. The single-phase controlled full-wave rectifier offers relatively high efficiency in

converting AC to DC power. This is because it utilizes both halves of the input AC
waveform, ensuring better utilization of power.
2. Compared to half-wave rectifiers, the full-wave rectifier provides a smoother output
waveform. It reduces the ripple content in the DC output, resulting in a more stable and
constant DC voltage.
3. The full-wave rectifier configuration can provide a higher average DC output voltage
compared to a half-wave rectifier. This is due to the utilization of both positive and
negative halves of the input AC waveform.
4. By using controlled switching devices like thyristors, the rectification process can be
controlled, allowing for adjustable output voltage and power control. This feature is
particularly useful in applications that require variable voltage or power levels.
Disadvantages of Single Phase Full Wave SCR
1. The single-phase controlled full-wave rectifier is more complex compared to a half-wave
rectifier. It requires additional components like thyristors, triggering circuits, and gate
control circuits. This complexity increases the cost and can make the circuit more
susceptible to faults.
2. The use of controlled switching devices can introduce harmonic distortion in the output
waveform. These harmonic components can cause interference in other electrical
equipment connected to the same power supply, leading to performance issues or
malfunctions.
3. The additional components required for control and switching increase the overall cost of
the rectifier circuit. The cost of thyristors and their associated control circuits can be
significant compared to simple diodes used in half-wave rectifiers.
4. The introduction of thyristors or other controlled switching devices adds complexity and
potential points of failure in the circuit. This can reduce the overall reliability of the
rectifier compared to simpler rectifier configurations.

Applications of Single Phase Full Wave SCR

1. Single-phase full-wave controlled rectifiers are commonly used in power supplies for
electronic devices and equipment. They convert AC voltage from the mains power supply
to a regulated DC voltage suitable for powering electronic circuits.
2. Single-phase full-wave controlled rectifiers are used in motor drive systems to convert
AC power into DC power to drive DC motors. By controlling the firing angle of the
rectifier, the speed and torque of the motor can be regulated.
3. Single-phase full-wave controlled rectifiers are employed in battery charging systems to
convert AC power to DC power for charging batteries. The firing angle control allows for
regulating the charging current and voltage to prevent overcharging and optimize the
charging process.
4. Electroplating processes often require a controlled DC power supply. Single-phase full-
wave controlled rectifiers can be used to provide the required DC voltage and current for
electroplating applications.
5. Single-phase full-wave controlled rectifiers are utilized in welding machines to convert
AC power to DC power for welding operations. They provide a stable and controlled DC
current necessary for welding applications.
6. In some UPS systems, single-phase full-wave controlled rectifiers are used to rectify the
incoming AC power and charge the backup batteries. This ensures a continuous supply of
power in the event of a power outage.