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The thyristors are fired or triggered after a delay of α from the natural commutation point.
The natural commutation point is the starting of a cycle with period, (6/60T=°) of output
voltage waveform, if six thyristors are replaced by diodes. Note that the output voltage is
similar to phase-controlled waveform for a converter, with the difference that it is an ac
waveform in this case. The current flow is bidirectional, with the current in one direction in
the positive half, and then, in other (opposite) direction in the negative half. So, two thyristors
connected back to back are needed in each phase. The turning off of a thyristor occurs, if its
current falls to zero. To turn the thyristor on, the anode voltage must be higher that the
cathode voltage, and also, a triggering signal must be applied at its gate.
The procedure for obtaining the expression of the rms value of the output voltage per phase
for balanced star-connected resistive load, which depends on range of firing angle, as shown
later, is described. If is the rms value of the input voltage per phase, and assuming the voltage,
as the reference.
Three phase AC voltage controller application:
• Industrial Heating:
• Used in resistive heating systems (e.g., electric furnaces, ovens) for processes like annealing,
welding, or drying.
• Allows precise temperature control by varying power supplied to heating elements.
• Employed in induction motors (especially for fans, pumps, blowers) to vary speed by controlling the
voltage.
• Lighting Control:
• For controlling high-intensity industrial lighting systems, especially where gradual dimming is
needed.
• Helps in energy saving and extending the life of lamps.
• Gradually increases the voltage to the motor, avoiding high inrush currents.
• Reduces mechanical and electrical stress during startup.
• Power Conditioning:
Objective:
To regulate the output voltage of a transformer dynamically by adjusting the primary or secondary
voltage using solid-state devices instead of traditional mechanical tap changers.
How It Works:
1. Traditional OLTC (On-Load Tap Changer) uses mechanical switches to change the tap position
on the transformer winding to maintain constant output voltage.
• These are bulky, have moving parts, and generate electrical arcs.
• Uses thyristors or TRIACs in each phase to control the phase angle of the input
voltage.
• By adjusting the firing angle, the effective RMS voltage applied to transformer
windings is varied.
• Provides fast, arc-free, and maintenance-free operation.
Benefits:
Typical Setup:
To smoothly start a three-phase induction motor by gradually increasing voltage from zero to full
supply, avoiding abrupt torque and current surges.
How It Works:
1. At Start:
o The controller reduces the voltage applied to the stator windings using phase angle
control (by delaying the firing of thyristors in each phase).
o Lower voltage = lower starting torque and current.
2. During Acceleration:
o The controller gradually decreases the firing angle, increasing the RMS voltage supplied
to the motor.
o This allows the motor to accelerate smoothly.
3. At Full Speed:
o The controller bypasses the thyristors (via contactor or relay), connecting the motor
directly to the full supply.
o This avoids continuous conduction losses in the thyristors.
Benefits: