9.3.6. Learning Outcome No. 5.
Perform rectification
9.3.6.1. Learning Activities
Learning Outcome No. 5. Perform rectification
Learning Activities Special Instructions
1.1 Identify types of rectifiers are and their functions Follow the links below
1.2 Classify rectifiers are as per their input voltage for experiments on
1.3 Apply rectifiers rectifiers.
1.4 Identify converters as per their functions
1.5 Apply converters are as per their established
functions.
9.3.6.2. Information Sheet No. 9/ LO5
Rectification
the conversion of an alternating current to direct current and is done
by using diodes. A rectifier is an electrical device that converts an Alternating Current
(AC) into a Direct Current (DC) by using one or more P-N junction diodes.
Classification of rectifiers
The rectifiers are mainly classified into two types:
Half wave rectifier
Full wave rectifier
Half wave rectifier
This is a type of rectifier which converts half of the AC input signal (positive half
cycle) into pulsating DC output signal. The remaining half signal (negative half cycle)
is blocked or lost. In half wave rectifier circuit, only a single diode is used.
Full wave rectifier
It is a type of rectifier which converts the full AC input signal (positive half cycle and
negative half cycle) to pulsating DC output signal. Unlike the half wave rectifier, no
input signal is wasted in the rectifier. This makes the efficiency of full wave rectifier
to be higher compared to that of half wave rectifier.
Half Wave Rectifier Circuit
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Figure 140: Half Wave Rectifier Circuit
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forward biased as
the anode is positive with respect to the cathode resulting in current flowing through
the diode and through the load. The current flowing in the load resistor is therefore
proportional to the voltage (Ohm´s Law), and the voltage across the load resistor will
therefore be the same as the supply voltage (Vout = Vs).
half cycle of the AC sinusoidal input waveform, the diode
is reverse biased and will not conduct. Therefore, NO current flows through the
diode or through the circuit resulting to Vout = 0v.
The output current flows in one direction only making the circuit Unidirectional. As
the load resistor receives from the diode a positive half of the waveform, zero volts, a
positive
Full wave rectifier
A full wave rectifier is a type of rectifier which converts both half cycles of the AC
signal into pulsating DC signal.
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Types of full wave rectifiers
1. Bi-phase rectifier
Theory Of Operation.
During the positive half cycle of the input voltage, diode D1 becomes forward biased
and D2 becomes reverse biased. Hence D1 conducts and D2 remains OFF. The load
current flows through D1 and the voltage drop across R L will be equal to the input
voltage. During the negative half cycle of the input voltage, diode D1 becomes
reverse biased and D2 becomes forward biased. Hence D1 remains OFF and D2
conducts. The load current flows through D2 and the voltage drop across RL will be
equal to the input voltage.
2. Bridge Rectifier
Figure 141: Bridge Rectifier
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During the positive half cycle of the supply, diodes D1 and D2 conduct in series
while diodes D3 and D4 are reverse biased and the current flows through the load as
shown below.
3. The Positive Half-cycle
Figure 142: Positive Half-cycle
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During the negative half cycle of the supply, diodes D3 and D4 conduct in series, but
diodes D1 and D2
through the load is the same direction as before.
The Negative Half-cycle
Figure 143: The Negative Half-cycle
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As the current flowing through the load is unidirectional, so the voltage developed
across the load is also unidirectional the same as for the previous two diode full-
wave rectifier.
Power Converters
What is a Power Converter?
A power converter is an electrical circuit that changes the electric energy from one
form into the desired form optimized for the specific load. A converter may do one
or more functions and give an output that differs from the input. It is used to increase
or decrease the magnitude of the input voltage, invert polarity, or produce several
output voltages of either the same polarity with the input, different polarity, or mixed
polarities such as in the computer power supply unit.
Types of power converters
Diode Rectifier.
AC to DC Converter (Controlled Rectifier)
DC to DC Converter (DC Chopper)
AC to AC Converter (AC voltage regulator)
DC to AC Converter (Inverter)
Diode Rectifiers.
A diode rectifier circuit converts AC voltage into a fixed DC voltage. The input
voltage to rectifier could be either single phase or three phase.
AC to DC Converters.
An AC to DC converter circuit can convert AC voltage into a DC voltage. The DC
output voltage can be controlled by varying the firing angle of the thyristors. The AC
input voltage could be a single phase or three phase.
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AC to AC Converters.
These converters can convert from a fixed ac input voltage into variable AC output
voltage. The output voltage is controlled by varying firing angle of TRIAC. These
type converters are known as AC voltage regulator.
DC to DC Converters.
These converters can converter a fixed DC input voltage into variable DC voltage or
vice versa. The DC output voltage is controlled by varying of duty cycle.
Static Switch.
Because the power devices can be operated as static switches or contactors, the
supply to these switches could be either AC or DC and the switches are called as AC
static switches or DC static switches
9.3.6.3. Self-Assessment
1. State rectification
2. Describe classification of rectifiers
3. Differentiate half wave and full wave rectifiers including the circuits
4. Describe theory of operation of rectifiers
5. Define power converters
6. What are the advantages of rectifiers over power converters?
7. Explain types of power converters and their modes of operation
8.
(positive half cycle) into pulsating DC output signal.
a) Full wave rectifier
b) Half wave rectifier
9. type of rectifier which converts the full AC input signal
(positive half cycle and negative half cycle) to pulsating DC output signal.
a) Full wave rectifier
b) Half wave rectifier
10. Which of the following is not a types of power converters?
a) Controlled Rectifier
b) DC Chopper
c) Varactor diode
d) Inverter
11. forward
biased as the anode is positive with respect to the cathode resulting in current
flowing through the diode and through the load.
a) True
b) False
12. A full wave rectifier is a type of rectifier which converts both half cycles of the
AC signal into pulsating DC signal.
a) True
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