4.

Choppers & Inverters

1.Define Chopper & state its applications (VVVimp)

Ans: It is a DC-to-DC converter, Used to convert fixed DC into variable DC.

Applications of Choppers:
• Dc traction drives,
• Trolley cars,
• marine lifts
• voltage regulators
2. State the classification of Choppers

3. Draw & explain the operation of step down chopper.(or) Describe the working of step down chopper using
MOSFET(or) Name the suitable chopper to decrease the output voltage and also explain its operation with
neat circuit diagram (VVVimp)

➢ When the gate voltage is greater than the threshold voltage (Vth) of the MOSFET, it comes into
conduction and acts as a closed switch. So the output voltage Vo = Vs
➢ When the gate voltage is less than the threshold voltage MOSFET will be off and acts as open switch. So,
the output voltage Vo = 0
➢ The average dc output voltage is given by
∴ Vdc = D*Vs =δ*Vs
𝑻𝟎𝒏
➢ Where D or (δ) is called the duty cycle = 𝑻𝒐𝒏+𝑻𝒐𝒇𝒇
➢ By varying the duty cycle δ between 0 to 1, we can vary the average output voltage between 0 to Vs.
As the output\][POIUYTREQ voltage obtained by this chopper is always less than or equal to the input
voltage, this type of chopper is known as step down chopper.

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Course: BPE Class: EJ4IA/B
 4. Choppers & Inverters
3. Describe the working of step- up chopper with neat circuit diagram. (VVVimp)

when average output voltage Vdc is greater than dc input voltage Vs then it is called step up chopper.

➢ When the MOSFET is on the current I flow through the closed path from Vin , L1 and MOSFET as shown
in fig, current I rises and energy is stored in inductor L during time interval Ton .
➢ When the MOSFET is OFF, the energy stored in inductor L is transferred to the load via diode D1 and
inductor current falls during the interval Toff
➢ When MOSFET is on, VL = Vs
➢ When MOSFET is off, The average output voltage across the load is given by,
Vdc = Vs + L (di / dt)
➢ This voltage Vdc is greater than the input voltage Vs. So, circuit act as step up chopper. As the duty cycle
increases, output voltage also increases.
➢ The average dc output voltage is given by,
𝑽𝒔
Vdc =( )
𝟏−𝑫
Where D is called duty cycle . By varying D from 0 to 1 the output voltage can be varied from Vs to
infinity.

4. Compare step up chopper and step- down chopper (VVVimp)

Sr. No. Step down chopper Step up chopper

1 The average value of DC output voltage is The average value of DC output voltage is
less than the input source voltage more than the input source voltage.
2 The average output voltage is given by The average output voltage is given by
formula V0 = DVs 𝑽𝒔
formula V0 =(𝟏−𝑫) where D is duty cycle of
where D is duty cycle of chopper.
chopper.
3 Draw the Circuit Draw the Circuit
3 Chopper switch is in series with the load Chopper switch is in parallel with the load
4 External Inductance is not required External Inductance is required for
boosting the output voltage
5 First quadrant operation Second quadrant operation

5. Define inverter and state its types (or) Define Inverter. List the types of inverts. (VVVimp)

An Inverter is a circuit that converts a fixed dc input voltage into an ac output voltage of variable frequency and
of fixed or variable magnitude.
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Course: BPE Class: EJ4IA/B
 4. Choppers & Inverters
Types of inverter (any one)

1) According to nature of input source :

a) Voltage source inverter (VSI)

b) Current source inverters (CSI)
2) According to the wave shape of the output voltage.

a) Sine wave inverter

b) Square wave inverter
c
) Pulse width modulated inverter
3) According to the method of commutation:

a) line commutated inverter

b) forced commutated inverter
4) According to the connection of thyristor and commutation components :

a) Series inverter
b) Parallel inverters
c) Bridge inverters which are further classified as half bridge and full bridge

6. Suggest a suitable inverter to produce square wave output. Draw its neat circuit diagram.
Ans. Parallel Inverter is used to produce square wave.

7. Explain the operation of series inverter with neat circuit diagram. Draw the waveforms.

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Course: BPE Class: EJ4IA/B
 4. Choppers & Inverters
➢ The inverter in which the commutating components are connected in series with the load is called series
inverter.
➢ Here the commutating components are selected such that they form an underdamped circuit
4𝐿
(R2< ).Initially the capacitor is having some potential -Ec on it.
𝐶
➢ When T1 is turned ON the current I starts flowing through the circuit as shown in the fig. At point P
current becomes zero & T1 turns OFF. This constitutes the positive half cycle of the output. Due to this
current the capacitor attains a positive potential (Edc+Ec) as shown.
➢ Now T2 is turned ON at point Q, the capacitor begins to discharge. This discharging current constitutes
the negative half cycle of the output.
➢ Hence the DC input is converted into AC output as shown.
Applications: Induction heating, Ultrasonic equipment.
8. Explain the operation of Parallel inverter with neat circuit diagram. Draw the waveforms.

➢ Initially, SCR T1 is turned ON and current flows through Edc-L-OA-T1-Edc. As the no. of turns in OA is
equal to no. of turns in OB and is equal to no. of turns in PQ, the secondary voltage will be Edc as shown
above (Q +ve with respect to P)
➢ As the rate of change of load current remains constant, the secondary voltage also remains constant as
shown below.
➢ Due to transformer action, capacitor is charged up to 2Edc with right plate +ve and left plate -ve . When
the capacitor is fully charged up to 2Edc, SCR T2 is turned ON and the capacitor potential is applied
across SCR T1. Hence SCR T1 goes into OFF state due to voltage commutation. As SCR T2 is conducting
now current starts flowing through Edc - L- O- B - T2 - Edc.
➢ Since the direction of current is reversed, the direction of load voltage is also reversed as shown below.
Hence P is +ve w.r.t Q. Now the capacitor charges upto 2Edc with left plate +ve & right plate -ve. With
this capacitor potential SCRT1 is turned on. As soon as SCRT1 comes into conduction SCR T2 goes into
off state due to voltage commutation and the cycle repeats.

9. State any two applications of series inverter/ inverters

Applications of inverters:

a. UPS
b. AC motor speed controller.
c. Centrifugal fans and pumps.
d. Conveyors.
e. Induction heating.
f. Aircraft power supply
g. High voltage DC transmission lines
h. Battery vehicle drives.

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Course: BPE Class: EJ4IA/B