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Question Paper Code : 31094

B.E./B.Tech. DEGREE EXAMINATIONS, NOV/DEC 2024.

V Semester

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

EE3591 – Power Electronics

(Regulation 2021)
Time : Three hours Maximum : 100 marks

Answer ALL questions.

PART A - (10 × 2 = 20 marks)


1. Explain the significance of the threshold gate voltage in a power MOSFET.
The threshold gate voltage (VGS(th))) is a critical parameter in a power MOSFET that defines the
minimum gate-to-source voltage (VGS) required to create a conductive channel between the drain and
source terminals. Below this voltage, the MOSFET remains in the cutoff region and does not conduct
significantly.

2. How do resonant converters reduce switching losses?


Resonant converters reduce switching losses by using a resonant tank circuit to allow switches to
transition between conducting and non-conducting states at zero-voltage or zero-current conditions.

3. Draw the basic static output characteristic curve of an IGBT and label the key regions.

4. What is the primary purpose of space vector modulation (SVM) in power electronics?
Space vector modulation is responsible for generating pulse width modulated signals to control
the switches of an inverter, which then produces the required modulated voltage to drive the motor at the
desired speed or torque. Space vector modulation is also known as space vector pulse width modulation
(SVPWM).

5. What is the need for voltage doubler circuit?


A voltage doubler circuit is used to create a DC voltage that is double the peak value of an AC input
voltage.
6. What is the purpose of LC filter?
An LC filter, which stands for inductor (L) and capacitor (C), is a circuit that selectively removes
unwanted frequencies from an electric signal while allowing desired frequencies to pass through.
7. Define the term "pulse number" in the context of rectifiers.
The pulse number (n) of a rectifier, defined as the number of dc voltage notches corresponding to a time
period of the ac source, is an important index that influences several power quality parameters associated
with rectification.

8. Summarize the role of freewheeling diode in a full converter.


A freewheeling diode placed across the inductive load will provide a path for the release of energy stored
in the inductor while the load voltage drops to zero.

9. Why TRIAC is not popular as compared to SCR? Justify.


They are not much reliable compared to SCR. It has a (dv/dt) rating lower than SCR. Lower ratings are
available compared to SCR. We need to be careful about the triggering circuit as it can be triggered in
either direction.

10. Differentiate ON/OFF control and phase control in AC-AC converter.


The main differences between on-off control and phase control in an AC-AC converter are the types of
input signals they are designed for and how they control the output voltage.
An on-off control is designed for any type of input signal. The thyristor switch establishes a connection
between the load and the AC source for some cycles of the input voltage and forms a disconnection for
few cycles of the same voltage.

A phase control is meant for only sine wave signals. The thyristor switch sets up a connection between
the load and the AC source for only part of each cycle of the input voltage.

PART B - (5 × 13 = 65 marks)
11. a. Illustrate a basic MOSFET driver and snubber circuit and explain how it can be used to
control the switching of a MOSFET in a DC-DC converter. Provide a diagram to support
your explanation.

Snubber Circuit
MOSFET DRIVER Circuit

Gate Driver Operation:

● The gate driver IC translates the control signals (e.g., from a PWM controller) into appropriate voltage
levels to turn the MOSFET on and off.
● When the MOSFET is turned on, the current flows from the source to the load, enabling power
delivery.

Snubber Circuit Role:

● During switching transitions, the MOSFET may experience voltage spikes due to stray inductances.
● The snubber circuit absorbs these spikes, protecting the MOSFET and reducing EMI (electromagnetic
interference).
● The resistor dissipates the energy stored in the capacitor, preventing sustained oscillations.

DC-DC Converter Control:

● The MOSFET acts as a high-speed switch to regulate the output voltage and current of the DC-DC
converter.
● The combination of the gate driver and snubber ensures efficient and reliable operation.

11. b) Design a buck converter circuit for a specific application requiring a precise output voltage
and current. Include detailed design calculations for selecting components like the inductor,
capacitor, and switch.

Buck converter is also known as step down converter and produces a lower output voltage than input
voltage. The average output voltage is less than the input voltage. Fig. shows the circuit diagram of a
buck regulator using power BJT.
i. The switch is implemented by using BJT, MOSFET or IGBT. The duty cycle varies from 0 to 1.

ii. The output voltage has harmonics which require a DC filter for smoothing out ripples.

iii. Gating signal is obtained by comparing the gating signal with de signal and hard limiting the
difference signal to obtain a square wave pulse.

iv. The control circuit switches the transistor Q1 between ON and OFF states. The indicator current
forward biased the diode D1 and D1 conducts for the remaining switching period. This diode is known
as Free Wheeling Diode.

Operation

The circuit operates in 2 modes.

Mode 1

At t = 0, Q1 is switched ON.

i. The input current flows through filter (L and C) inductor and capacitor and load resistor. Fig. shows
the equivalent circuit for Mode 1.

Mode 2

At t = t1, Q1 is Switched OFF.

i. The free wheeling diode D1 conducts due to energy stored in the inductor.

ii. The inductor current flows through L, C, Load and diode D, until Q1 is switched ON in the next
cycle.
Fig.shows the equivalent circuits for Mode 2.

For continuous current flow in the inductor L, The voltage and current waveform are shown in Fig. The
inductor current may be discontinuous depending on the switching Frequency, filter inductance and
Capacitance.

The voltage across the inductor L is

Assume that inductor current rises linearly from I1 to I2 in time t1,


In time t2, inductor current falls linearly from I2 to I1.

where ΔI - peak to peak ripple current of inductor L Equate (3) and (6)

Assume lossless transistor,

Average input current,

IS = K Ia

Switching period T is given by


Using KCL,

Load current is written as

iL = iC + io ...(9)

Δio is very small and negligible

ΔiL = ΔiC

Average capacitor current is given by

IC = ΔI/4 ...(10)

Capacitor voltage is given by

Peak to Peak ripple voltage of the capacitor is

ΔVC = VC - VC (t=0)

Substitute (11)

Substitute (10)

Substitute (8) in (12)


12) a) i) Discuss the voltage control of inverters using sinusoidal modulation techniques. (8
Marks)

Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (abbreviated as SPWM) is a more complex type of PWM. In
Figure, SPWM generates a pulse train for each gating signal g1 and g4 by comparing a sinusoidal
reference signal with a triangular carrier signal. Each pulse's width fluctuates in proportion to the
amplitude of a reference sine wave at its center. The reference signal frequency determines the output
signal frequency in SPWM. Furthermore, the peak amplitude of the reference signal influences the
modulation index M, which controls the output RMS voltage. The number of pulses in each output
signal cycle is determined by the carrier frequency. It is worth mentioning that no two switches in the
same bridge arm conduct at the same time. Figure depicts a typical output voltage waveform in SPWM.
When compared to single and multiple-pulse width modulation methods, SPWM delivers greater
harmonic rejection capabilities with much lower order harmonics and DF.

Other SPWM variations exist, such as where the carrier signal is only applied during the first and last
60-degree intervals of half cycles, which improves the output harmonic qualities.
12 a) ii) Compare voltage source inverter (VSI) and current source inverter (CSI).
(5 Marks)

12.b) Evaluate the impact of 180-degree conduction modes on the performance of a three-phase
voltage source inverter (VSI)
Step1: (for 0-60) S1, S4&S5 are closed while the remaining three switches are open. In such a case,
the simplified circuit can be as shown below.

So for 0 to 60: Vao = Vco= Vs/3 ; Vbo = -2Vs/3

By using these we can derive the line voltages as:

Vab = Vao – V bo = Vs
Vbc = Vbo – Vco = -Vs
Vca = Vco – Vao = 0
Step2: (for 60 to 120) S1, S4&S6 are closed while the remaining three switches are open. In such a
case, the simplified circuit can be as shown below.
So for 60 to 120: Vbo = Vco= -Vs/3 ; Vao = 2Vs/3

By using these we can derive the line voltages as:

Vab = Vao – Vbo = Vs


Vbc = Vbo – Vco = 0
Vca = Vco – Vao = -Vs
Step3: (for 120 to 180) S1, S3&S6 are closed while the remaining three switches are open. In such
a case, the simplified circuit can be drawn as below.

So for 120 to 180: Vao = Vbo= Vs/3 ; Vco = -2Vs/3

By using these we can derive the line voltages as:


Vab = Vao – V bo = 0
Vbc = Vbo – Vco = Vs
Vca = Vco – Vao = -Vs
Similarly, we can derive the phase voltages and line voltages for the next steps in the sequence. And
it can be shown as the figure given below:
13. a) Explain the operation of single-phase center tapped full wave rectifier with R load.

A rectifier circuit whose transformer secondary is tapped to get the desired output voltage, using two
diodes alternatively, to rectify the complete cycle is called as a Center-tapped Full wave rectifier
circuit. The transformer is center tapped here unlike the other cases.
The features of a center-tapping transformer are
● The tapping is done by drawing a lead at the mid-point on the secondary winding. This winding is
split into two equal halves by doing so.
● The voltage at the tapped mid-point is zero. This forms a neutral point.
● The center tapping provides two separate output voltages which are equal in magnitude but opposite
in polarity to each other.
● A number of tapings can be drawn out to obtain different levels of voltages.

The center-tapped transformer with two rectifier diodes is used in the construction of a Center-tapped
full wave rectifier. The circuit diagram of a center tapped full wave rectifier is as shown below.

Working of a CT- FWR

The working of a center-tapped full wave rectifier can be understood by the above figure. When the
positive half cycle of the input voltage is applied, the point M at the transformer secondary becomes
positive with respect to the point N. This makes the diode D1 forward biased. Hence current i1 flows
through the load resistor from A to B. We now have the positive half cycles in the output
When the negative half cycle of the input voltage is applied, the point M at the transformer secondary
becomes negative with respect to the point N. This makes the diode D2 forward biased. Hence
current i2 flows through the load resistor from A to B. We now have the positive half cycles in the
output, even during the negative half cycles of the input.

Waveforms of CT FWR

The input and output waveforms of the center-tapped full wave rectifier are as follows.
From the above figure it is evident that the output is obtained for both the positive and negative half
cycles. It is also observed that the output across the load resistor is in the same direction for both the
half cycles.
13.b) Analyze the operation of three phase diode bridge rectifier.

As before, assuming a phase rotation of Red-Yellow-Blue (VA – VB – VC) and the red phase (VA)
starts at 0o. Each phase connects between a pair of diodes as shown. One diode of the conducting pair
powers the positive (+) side of load, while the other diode powers the negative (-) side of load.
Diodes D1 D3 D2 and D4 form a bridge rectifier network between phases A and B, similarly diodes D3
D5 D4 and D6 between phases B and C and D5 D1 D6 and D2 between phases C and A.
Diodes D1 D3 and D5 feed the positive rail. The diode which has a more positive voltage at its anode
terminal conducts. Likewise, diodes D2 D4 and D6 feed the negative rail and whichever diode has a
more negative voltage at its cathode terminal conducts.
Then we can see that for three-phase uncontrolled rectification the diodes conduct in matching pairs with
each conduction path passing through two diodes in series. Thus a total of six rectifier diodes are
required with commutation of the circuit taking place every 60o, or six times per cycle.
If we start the pattern of conduction at 30o, this gives us a conduction pattern for the load current of: D1-
4 D1-6 D3-6 D3-2 D5-2 D5-4 and return again to D1-4 and D1-6 for the next phase sequence as shown.

Full-wave Three-phase Rectifier Conduction Waveform

In 3-phase power rectifiers, conduction always occurs in the most positive diode and the corresponding
most negative diode. Thus as the three phases rotate across the rectifier terminals, conduction is passed
from diode to diode.
Then each diode conducts for 120o (one-third) in each supply cycle but as it takes two diodes to conduct
in pairs, each pair of diodes will conduct for only 60o (one-sixth) of a cycle at any one time as shown
above.
Therefore we can correctly say that for a 3-phase rectifier being fed by “3” transformer secondaries,
each phase will be separated by 360o/3 thus requiring 2*3 diodes.
Note also that unlike the previous half-wave rectifier, there is no common connection between the
rectifiers input and output terminals. Therefore it can be fed by a star connected or a delta connected
transformer supply.
14. a)Describe the process of deriving the expression for the anode current in an SCR using its two-
transistor model. Also, briefly discuss about thermal protection.
Two transistor analogy of SCR: if you are finding the two transistor models of SCR and want to know in
detail, read this article completely for more information. SCR is also called the thyristor so if you are
finding the two transistor models of thyristor then also you are at the right place.

What is SCR?

SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) is a three terminal semiconductor switching device. Scr also names a
thyristor. Construction of the thyristor is like a pnpn transistor. It acts as the true switching in electronics.
It can also convert alternating current into direct current and also control the power to the load. So the
thyristor is a combination of rectifier and transistor.

What is the two transistor analogy of SCR?

Two transistor analogy of SCR is a method of representing SCR in the form of two transistor models.
SCR is the combination of PNP and NPN transistors.
SCR or thyristor is a three terminal semiconductor device which has P-N-P-N structure. The basic
operating principle of SCR can be understood by two transistor methods of SCR.
As per figure you can see two transistors equivalent circuits of SCR. From the figure, you can see the
base of the transistor T1 works as the collector of the transistor T2 and the collector of the transistor T1
works as the base of the transistor T2.
Now here we find the expression for anode current of SCR.
As per transistor leakage current equation,
Collector current is expressed as,

Where α is the current gain of the transistor and Icbo is the leakage current of the common base
transistor.
For transistor T1 emitter current = anode current Ia and collector current Ic = Ic1

Where α1 is the current gain of transistor T1.


Similarly, for transistor T2

Where α2 is the current gain of transistor T2. And emitter current of transistor T2 = cathode current Ik.
Hereby figure, you can see anode current Ia is the sum of two collector currents: Ic1 and Ic2.

By putting Ik = Ia + Ig, anode current Ia will be,

There are different types of thyristor protection schemes available for satisfactory operation of the
device like

1. Over voltage protection.


2. Overcurrent protection.
3. High dv/dt protection.
4. High di/dt protection.
5. Thermal protection.

Thermal protection is a method of detecting over-temperature conditions and disconnecting the power
to the electronic circuits. The protection prevents fires or damage to electronics components, which
may arise due to the excess heat in the power supplies or other equipment.

14.b) Examine the effect of source inductance in the performance of the single- phase fully controlled
rectifier.

Figure below shows a single phase fully controlled converter with source inductance. For simplicity it has
been assumed that the converter operates in the continuous conduction mode. Further, it has been assumed
that the load current ripple is negligible and the load can be replaced by a dc current source the magnitude
of which equals the average load current. Fig. shows the corresponding waveforms

It is assumed that the Thyristors T3 and T4 were conducting at t = 0. T1 and T2 are fired at ωt = α. If

there were no source inductance T3 and T4 would have commutated as soon as T1 and T2 are turned ON.

The input current polarity would have changed instantaneously. However, if a source inductance is present
the commutation and change of input current polarity cannot be instantaneous. s. Therefore, when T1 and
T2 are turned ON T3 T4 does not commutate immediately. Instead, for some interval all four Thyristors
continue to conduct as shown in Fig. This interval is called the “overlap” interval.
Figure single phase full converter output waveforms with source inductance

1. During the overlap interval the load current freewheels through the thyristors and the output voltage
is clamped to zero. On the other hand, the input current starts changing polarity as the current through T1
and T2 increases and T3 T4 current decreases. At the end of the overlap interval the current through T3
and T4 becomes zero and they commutate, T1 and T2 starts conducting the full load current
2. The same process repeats during commutation from T1 T2 to T3T4 at ωt = π + α . From Fig. It is
clear that, commutation overlap not only reduces average output dc voltage but also reduces the extinction
angle γ which may cause commutation failure in the inverting mode of operation if α is very close to 180º.
3. In the following analysis an expression of the overlap angle “μ” will be determined. From the

equivalent circuit of the converter during overlap period.


The Equation can be represented by the following equivalent circuit

Figure Equivalent circuit of the given equation


Equivalent circuit representation of the single phase fully controlled rectifier with source inductance
The simple equivalent circuit of Fig. represents the single phase fully controlled converter with source
inductance as a practical dc source as far as its average behavior is concerned. The open circuit voltage of
this practical source equals the average dc output voltage of an ideal converter (without source
inductance) operating at a firing angle of α. The voltage drop across the internal resistance “RC”
represents the voltage lost due to overlap shown in Fig. by the hatched portion of the Vo waveform.
Therefore, this is called the “Commutation resistance”. Although this resistance accounts for the voltage
drop correctly there is no power loss associated with this resistance since the physical process of overlap
does not involve any power loss. Therefore this resistance should be used carefully where power
calculation is involved.

15. a) Explain the operation of a TRIAC-based phase controller circuit used for controlling AC
power in applications like light dimming and motor speed control.
A single phase full wave ac voltage controller with a resistive load is shown in the figure below. It is
possible to control the ac power flow to the load in both the half cycles by adjusting the trigger angle ' ' a .
Hence the full wave ac voltage controller is also referred to as a bidirectional controller.
Circuit Diagram:

OPERATION

Mode-1- From 0 to π

The thyristor T1 is forward biased during the positive half cycle of the input supply voltage. The thyristor
T1 is triggered at a delay angle of a(0 £a£p) . Considering the ON thyristor T1 as an ideal closed switch
the input supply voltage appears across the load resistor RL and the output voltage vo=vs.
During wt =a to p radians. The load current flows through the ON thyristor T1 and through the load
resistor RL in the downward direction during the conduction time of T1 from wa t = to p radians
Mode-2- From 0 to π

At wt =p , when the input voltage falls to zero the thyristor current (which is flowing through the load
resistor RL ) falls to zero and hence T1 naturally turns off . No current flows in the circuit during wt =p to
(p+a). The thyristor T2 is forward biased.
During the negative cycle of input supply and when thyristor T2 is triggered at a delay angle (p+a), the
output voltage follows the negative half cycle of input from wt =(p+a) to 2p . When T2 is ON, the load
current flows in the reverse direction (upward direction) through T2 during w t =(p+a) to 2p radians. The
time interval (spacing) between the gate trigger pulses of T1 and T2 is kept at p radians or 1800 . At w t
=2p, the input supply voltage falls to zero and hence the load current also falls to zero and thyristor T2
turns off naturally.
Instead of using two SCR’s in parallel, a Triac can be used for full wave ac voltage controlFor
applications up to 400Hz,.
Phase control Thyristors which are relatively inexpensive, converter grade Thyristors which are slower
than fast switching inverter grade Thyristors are normally used.

Due to ac line commutation or natural commutation, there is no need for extra commutation circuitry or
components and the circuits for ac voltage controllers are very simple.

15. b) Illustrate with the circuit diagram and waveform of a Three phase AC voltage controller
with R load for firing angle equal to 60 degrees. Also derive the expression for i) average output
voltage and ii) RMS voltage.

Three-phase regulator shown in figure a requires only a single trigger pulse per thyristor and the return path is v
i.

Only one thyristor conducts at one instant and the return current is shared at different intervals by one ( ½) or tw

ii. 7/6

Current flows in only one thyristor and one diode and at 7π/6 zero power is delivered to the load. The
output voltage waveform shown for α=¾π in figure b has one component
For delta-connected loads where each phase end is accessible, the regulator shown in figure can be
employed in order to reduce thyristor current ratings. The phase rms voltage is given by

For star-connected loads where access exists to a neutral that can be opened, the regulator in figure a can
be used. This circuit produces identical load waveforms to those for the regulator in figure , except that the
device current ratings are halved.Only one thyristor needs to be conducting for load current, compared
with the circuit of figure where two devices must be triggered.The number of devices and control
requirements for the regulator of figure a can be simplified by employing the regulator in figure b.
Another simplification, at the expense of harmonics, is to connect one phase of the load in figure a directly
to the supply, thereby eliminating a pair of line thyristors.

PART C - (1 × 15 = 15 marks)

16 a) Discuss three phase fully controlled bridge converter in both rectifying and inverter modes
under varying load scenarios.
The three phase fully controlled bridge converter has been probably the most widely used power
electronic converter in the medium to high power applications. Three phase circuits are preferable when
large power is involved. The controlled rectifier can provide controllable output dc voltage in a single
unit instead of a three phase autotransformer and a diode bridge rectifier. The controlled rectifier is
obtained by replacing the diodes of the uncontrolled rectifier with thyristors. Control over the output dc
voltage is obtained by controlling the conduction interval of each thyristor. This method is known as
phase control and converters are also called “phase controlled converters”. Since thyristors can block
voltage in both directions it is possible to reverse the polarity of the output dc voltage and hence feed
power back to the ac supply from the dc side. Under such conditions the converter is said to be operating
in the “inverting mode”. The thyristors in the converter circuit are commutated with the help of the
supply voltage in the rectifying mode of operation and are known as “Line commutated converter”. The
same circuit while operating in the inverter mode requires load side counter emf. for commutation and are
referred to as the “Load commutated inverter”. In phase controlled rectifiers though the output voltage
can be varied continuously the load harmonic voltage increases considerably as the average value goes
down. Of course the magnitude of harmonic voltage is lower in a three phase converter compared to the
single phase circuit. Since the frequency of the harmonic voltage is higher, smaller load inductance leads
to continuous conduction. Input current wave shapes become rectangular and contain 5th and higher
order odd harmonics. The displacement angle of the input current increases with firing angle. The
frequency of the harmonic voltage and current can be increased by increasing the pulse number of the
converter which can be achieved by series and parallel connection of basic 6 pulse converters. The
control circuit becomes considerably complicated and the use of coupling transformer and / or interphase
reactors becomes mandatory. With the introduction of high power IGBTs the three phase bridge
converter has all but been replaced by dc link voltage source converters in the medium to moderately
high power range. However in very high power applications (such as HV dc transmission system,
cycloconverter drives, load commutated inverter synchronous motor drives, static scherbius drives etc.)
the basic B phase bridge converter block is still used. In this lesson the operating principle and
characteristic of this very important converter topology will be discussed in source depth.

1. Rectifying Mode (AC to DC)


Working Principle:

● The SCRs are triggered sequentially, with a firing angle (α) controlling the output DC voltage.
● For 090, the converter provides a positive average DC voltage.

Load Scenarios in Rectifier Mode:

(a) Resistive Load:

● The load current is proportional to the output voltage.


● The output voltage is a smooth DC signal, and the converter operates with high efficiency.

(b) Inductive Load:

● The load current becomes continuous due to energy storage in the inductance.
● A freewheeling action occurs during the commutation of SCRs, preventing voltage spikes.
● The output current remains smooth, but the voltage waveform shows ripples.

2. Inverter Mode (DC to AC)

Working Principle:

● The firing angle () is controlled in the range 90<180.


● The converter delivers power back to the AC supply, effectively acting as an inverter.

Load Scenarios in Inverter Mode:

(a) Resistive Load:

● The current waveform follows the voltage waveform, but the phase relationship reverses.
● Power flows from the DC side back to the AC source.

(b) Inductive Load:

● The inductance smooths the current waveform.


● Voltage and current waveforms are phase-shifted due to the inductive reactance, affecting power factor.
16.b) The buck regulator has an input range of Vs=12V. The regulated average output voltage is Va=5V
at R=500 ohm and the peak-to-peak output ripple voltage is 20mV. The switching frequency is 25kHz if
the peak-to-peak ripple current of inductor is limited to 0.8A determine
(i) The duty cycle, a (ii) The filter inductance, L (iii) The filter capacitance, C
Key Setter Program Coordinator

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