2.

Single Phase Rectifiers

The learning objectives of this chapter are:

To be able to classify the types of single phase rectifiers

To be able to describe the operation of single-phase rectifiers with different types of
load
To differentiate between the operation of single-phase uncontrolled and controlled
rectifiers, following similar load conditions
To compare different types of rectifiers from the prospective of certain performance
parameters
To develop effective calculation methods for analyzing and design of single phase
rectifiers
To be able to simulate single phase rectifiers, perform lab measurements and compare
the results
To be able to formulate conclusions regarding the operation of single-phase rectifiers
in normal and abnormal operating conditions

2.1.Single-phase uncontrolled rectifiers

A rectifier is a circuit that converts an AC signal into unidirectional one. In this paragraph
diode rectifiers are considered, and for simplicity ideal diodes are considered. When making
the assumption of ideal diodes, we mean diodes with zero forward voltage drop in
conduction, infinite internal resistance in blocking state (when reverse biased) and
instantaneous transition from on-state to off-state and inversely, depending of biasing
conditions.
2.1.1

Half-Wave Uncontrolled Rectifier

Applications: Low cost, low power supplies for electronics

For the single phase rectifiers, having connected certain loads at the output, the following
objectives are to be achieved:
a. Explain the operation
b. Calculate the output (load) voltage average value VL,DC
c. Calculate the output (load) voltage effective (RMS) value VL,RMS
d. Calculate the output (load) current average value IL,DC
e. Calculate the output (load) current effective (RMS) value IL,RMS
In addition to the above-mentioned, most of the characteristics defined in previous chapter
can be calculated or determined upon the necessity. These are:
Efficiency of the rectifier
Form factor FF
Ripple factor RF
Transformer utilization factor TUF
Peak inverse voltage of the diode PIV
Effective (RMS) value of the diode current
Crest factor of the input current CF
Input power factor PF
Dr. Sorin Deleanu
2-1
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

 Harmonic content of the output (load) voltage

Not for all the single-phase rectifiers is recommended to pursue all of the objectives, because:

The load current strongly depends upon the load character, in fact upon

L
R

ratio of

the load. In this way, all the above calculated parameters involving the load current,
like the efficiency of the rectifier, the transformer utilization factor TUF, the effective
(RMS) value of the diode current, the crest factor of the input current CF and the
input power factor, when are used to compare the performances of rectifiers must be
considered for the same type of load.
Furthermore, just purely resistive load situation is considered for determination of all
previously mentioned parameters.
Fourier Analysis, which identifies the presence of harmonics in the load voltage,
load current, and power supply current, is mainly considered for resistive load.
The input power factor (PF) and the total harmonic distortion (THD) are also
considered for applications having the same type of load, because the fundamental
component of the input current, strongly depends upon the type of load, the latter
determining the conduction duration.

2.1.1.1. Half-wave uncontrolled rectifier with resistive inductive load

iL

D
R

vR

vS

vP

VL
L

vXL

Figure2.1 Half-Wave Rectifier with resistive-inductive load

a. Explain the Operation
For the rectifier from figure 2.1, when attaching a resistive-inductive load, the
conduction interval of the diode D is extended beyond the half of the cycle, and will be
finished when the load current becomes zero. This will happen at a certain angle, depending
upon the values of the resistance and inductance of the load.
Calculating the load current comes critical in order to be able to predict all the
performance parameters. So, will start with calculating the load current, when the power
supply voltage is given by:
(2.1)

v S = V m sin t

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-2
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

Once in conduction, the ideal diode D will let the power supply voltage to be
applied across the load:
v L = v S = V m sin t = Ri L + i L

di L
dt

(2.2)

Equation (2.2) has the following solution:

Vm

i L (t ) =

2 2

L +R

L
sin (t ) + sin e
,

with = arctan

(2.3)

Note: Solving the equation (2.2.) is the key point for further calculations and for this purpose
will use Laplace Transform, when zero initial load current is considered:
V L (s ) = (R + sL )I L (s ) I L (s ) =

V (s ) = L{v L (t )} =

V L (s )

1
L s +
T
L

, with T L =

L
R

(2.4)

Vm

(2.5)

s + 2

Finally, the operational load current is expressed as:

I L (s ) =

(s

V m

) L s +

1
TL

(2.6)

For finding the load current in time domain, we have to express the operational
current from (2.6) as a sum of simple fractions. Once determined, the coefficients A, B and C,
will give the possibility to find out the time expression of the current by applying Laplace
inversions:

V m A
B
C
I L (s ) =
+
+
1
L s j s + j
s+

T L

(2.7)

Bringing to a common denominator (2.6) and (2.7) and imposing to have the same
numerator, a three-equation system is composed:

A+ B+C = 0

(A + B ) = 0
j (A B ) +
TL

2
j T (A B ) + C = 1
L

(2.8)

Solving the above system, we found:

A=

1
1

+ j
2 j
T
L

,B=

1
1

j
2 j
T
L

and C =

1
1
T L2

(2.9)
2

From (2.7) and (2.9), by inverting the Laplace elementary fractions, we obtained:

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-3
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

T
V
1
1
1
j t
j t
i L (t ) = m
e
+
+
e
e L
L
1

j
+ j
2 j
+ 2
2 j
2

TL

TL

TL

(2.10)

Applying the definitions of the complex sine and cosine functions:

cos(t ) =

j t

+e
2

j t

and sin (t ) =

j t

e
2j

jt

, we obtain:

TL
sin (t ) + e
V m
1
sin
i L (t ) =

L 2
sin

1
+

T L

(2.11)

Finally, by performing the calculations, we obtain:

i L (t ) =

Vm

2 L2 + R 2

L
sin (t ) + sin e
,

with = arctan

(2.3)

Due to the presence of the inductance, the conduction angle is higher than 1800 and is
strongly dependent upon the resistance and inductance of the load.
To determine the value of the conduction angle of the diode, we have to solve the
following equation, where represents the conduction angle in radians:
R

L
sin ( ) + sin e
= 0,

which is equivalent to:

(2.12)

R
sin cos + e L = 0
L

(2.12)

Equation (2.12) shows that the conduction angle is practically determined by the
values of load resistance and reactance. Solving it requires numerical methods, and is very
important when estimating the value of the load average voltage:
b. Calculate the output (load) voltage average value VL,DC
To calculate it, we apply the definition:

VL , DC = V0(avg .) =

V
1
Vm sin td (t ) = m (1 cos )

2 0
2

(2.13)

The above mentioned relationship can be expressed with respect to the angle , which
represents how far beyond t = , the current goes through the resistive inductive load:
Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-4
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

V L, DC

1
= V0(avg .) =
2

sin td (t ) =

Vm
(1 + cos )
2

(2.13)

Note: Meanwhile, it can be evaluated the contribution of the load inductance upon the overall
load voltage, using (2.3) and assuming the substitution = + :
R

V m L
di L (t )
R L
v L (t ) = L
sin
=
e
cos(t )
2
2
2
dt
L
L +R

V XL, DC

1
=
2

V XL, DC =

(2.14)

R L
sin d (t )
e
cos(t )
2 2
2
L

L +R

V m L

+
L sin +
sin (t )0 + e
0

V m L
2 2 L2 + R 2

(2.15)

(2.15)

One step further in (2.15) will lead to:

V

XL , DC =

V m L
2 2 L2 + R 2

( + )

sin sin ,
sin ( + ) sin ( ) + e

and after

subtracting the terms:

V XL, DC

sin ( ) + e L sin = 0 ,
=

2 2 L2 + R 2

V m t

according to

(2.12)

It is very important to demonstrate that the presence of the inductor modifies the value
of the DC output voltage, despite the fact that the average voltage across the inductive part of
the load is equal to zero.
c.

Calculate the output (load) voltage effective (RMS) value VL,RMS

The definition for the effective value is to be applied, in order to determine the value of the
effective (RMS) value of the load voltage:
V L, RMS =

d.

1
2

V m2 sin 2 (t )d (t ) =

V m2
2

t sin (2t )

2 0
4
0

d (t ) = V m sin (2 ) d (t )

2 2
4

(2.16)

Calculate the output (load) current average value IL,DC

I L , DC

1
=
2

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

Vm

2 L2 + R 2

sin (t ) + sin e
d (t ) =

2-5
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

I L , DC =

Vm
2 2 L2 + R 2

I L , DC =

I L, DC

e.

Vm
2 2

L + R2

Vm
2 2 L2 + R 2

L t
cos(t )0 + sin
e L =
R

( + )

=
1+ e
1 + cos + sin

R
2 2 L2 + R 2

Vm

(2.17)

The output (load) current effective (RMS) value IL,RMS:

I L , RMS =

d (t ) =
sin (t )d (t ) + sin e
0

1
2

Vm

2 2
2
0 L + R

L
sin d ( t ) =
sin ( t ) + e

2R
R

( + )
( )
+ sin(2 ) L

2 sin L +
L 2
R

L
+ cos sin
sin + sin +
+
+
e

e
2
4
2R
R
L
2R
1 2

L
2

(2.18)
Note: In order to determine the effective (RMS) value of the load current , the
following preliminary calculation is necessary to be performed:

2R
R

t
t

2
2

L
L
sin + 2 sin (t )e
sin d (t ) =
sin (t ) + e

2 R
R

t
t
2
2

sin (t )d (t ) + e
sin d (t ) + 2 sin (t )e L
sin d (t )

Every single term is evaluated separately:

t sin (2t 2 )
sin (t )d (t ) =

4
2
0
2

= +

+
2
+

2R
2R

t
L t

2
2
e L
sin d (t ) =
e L sin
2R

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

sin (2 )
4

2R

( + )
L

2
2
sin +
=
sin
e L
2R

2R

2-6
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

R
t
2 sin (t )e L sin d (t ) =

L ( + )

R
+ cos
sin
e

L
R 2

L
2 sin

Finally, the overall integration appears as:

2R
R

t
t

2
+ sin (2 )
2
+
+
sin + 2 sin (t )e L
sin d (t ) =
sin (t ) + e L
2
4

2R

( + )
L
2 sin
L 2
2

sin +
e
sin +
R 2
2R
2R
1

L ( + )

R
+ cos
sin
e
L

Example 2-1
For the circuit from Figure 2.1, lets consider: V S = 120V , R = 25 , L = 0.2 H , f = 60 Hz .
Determine:
a. The output (load) voltage average value VL,DC
b. The output (load) voltage effective (RMS) value VL,RMS
c. The output (load) current average value IL,DC
d. The output (load) current effective (RMS) value IL,RMS
e. The efficiency of the rectifier
f. The form factor FF
g. The ripple factor RF
h. The transformer utilization factor TUF
i. The peak inverse voltage of the diode PIV
j. The effective (RMS) value of the diode current
k. The crest factor of the input current CF
Solution: For a complete illustration, simulated results are presented in Figure 2.2 and
Figure 2.3.
a. First of all, we have to determine the conduction angle, which is beyond radians,
due to the presence of the inductor:
2fL
L
2 60 0.2
0
= arctan
= arctan
= 71.66 (1.25rad )
R
R
25

= arctan

So, the total conduction angle is equal to = ( + 1.25)rad

V L , DC = V0 (avg .) =

V
1
Vm sin td (t ) = m (1 cos ) =35.51V

2 0
2

b. The output (load) voltage effective (RMS) value VL,RMS:

V L, RMS =

1
2

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

V m2 sin 2 (t )d (t ) =

V m2
2

t sin (2t )

2 0
4
0

d (t ) = V m sin (2 ) d (t ) = 68.48V

2 2
4

2-7
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

c.

The output (load) current average value IL,DC:

1
=
2

I L , DC

Vm

2 L2 + R 2

L
sin (t ) + sin e
d (t ) =

+ )

L
=1.194A
=
1 + e L
1 + cos + sin
2 2
2
R

2 L + R

Vm

I L, DC

d. The output (load) current effective (RMS) value IL,RMS:

2

I L , RMS =

Vm
2 2

L + R2

Vm
1

2
2
2
2
0 L + R

2
t

sin ( t ) + e L
sin d ( t ) =

2R

( + )
( + )

+ sin(2 ) L

L
R

2
sin

L
+
+
+ cos sin
sin2 + sin2 +
e L

e
2
4
2R
R
2R
L
1 2

= 1.732A
2

e. The efficiency of the rectifier:

=

PL , DC

PL , RMS

V L, DC I L, DC
V L , RMS I L, RMS

35.51V 1.194 A
= 0.357
68.48V 1.732 A

68.48V
= 1.928
35.561V

f. The form factor:

FF =

V L , RMS

V L, RMS

V L, DC

V 0(avg .)

g. The ripple factor is equal to:

RF =

V L, AC
V L, DC

V L, RMS
=
=
V ,
V0(avg .)
L DC
V L, AC

1 = FF 2 1 = 1.928 2 1 = 1.648

h. The transformer utilization factor TUF:

TUF =

PL , DC
VS I S

V L , DC I L, DC
V S I L , RMS

35.51V 1.194V
= 0.204
120V 1.732 A

i. The peak inverse voltage of the diode PIV

PIV 120 2 170V

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-8
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

j. The effective (RMS) value of the diode current:

I DIODE, RMS = I L, RMS = 1.732 A

k. The crest factor of the input current CF

CF =

I s , max

IS

I s , peak
IS

I s , peak
I L , RMS

2.95 A
= 1. 7
1.732 A

In order to calculate the crest factor we have to determine the maximum value of the
input current (which in this case is basically the same like for the output current). This can be
solved by imposing:

R
t
di L (t )
R

t
= 0 cos(t )
sin e
= 0.
L
d (t )

In fact, this represents a

transient equation, which requires numerical methods for solving it. Graphical methods are
less accurate, but still convenient sometimes. So, by plotting the curve i L (t ) we can find out
the maximum load current value as being I s , peak 2.95 A
2.1.1.2. Half-wave uncontrolled rectifier with resistive load
a.

Explain the Operation

When having purely resistive load, then L = 0 , which means that: = 0 . For such a
situation will have the have-wave uncontrolled rectifier with purely resistive load, shown in
figure 2.2. The secondary winding of the transformer is considered as power supply.
The conduction duration equals a half of the cycle of the power supply voltage. During the
first (positive) half of the cycle of the power supply voltage, the diode D is in conduction.
Almost all of the power supply voltage appears across the load (because assuming that D is
ideal, we neglect the on state voltage drop across it). In the second (negative) half of the cycle
of the power supply voltage, the diode is reverse biased, so is blocked and the output voltage
is equal to zero.
b.

Calculate the output (load) voltage average value VL,DC

To calculate it, we apply the definition:
V L, DC =

c.

1
2

v L (t )d (t ) =

1
2

sin td (t ) =

Vm
V
( cos t )0 = m = 0.318Vm
2

(2.19)

Calculate the output (load) voltage effective (RMS) value VL,RMS

The definition for the effective value is to be applied, in order to determine the value
of the effective (RMS) value of the load:
V L , RMS =

1
2

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

v L2

(t )d (t ) =

1
2

2
m

(sin t )2 d (t ) = 0.5V m

(2.20)

2-9
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

Note:

(sin t )2 = 1 cos 2t (well known from trigonometric

(sin t )2 like:

Describing

calculations), then:

V L2

(sin t ) d (t ) = 1 cos 2t d (t ) =
0

sin 2t

=
2 4 0 2

(2.20)

Substituting (2.17) in (2.16), we obtain: V L, RMS = 0.5Vm

d.

Calculate the output (load) current average value IL,DC

I L, DC =

e.

1
2

i L (t )d (t ) =

1
2

sin td (t ) =

Vm
V
V
( cos t )0 = m = 0.318 m
2R
R
R

(2.21)

Calculate the output (load) current effective (RMS) value IL,RMS:

I L , RMS =

1
2R

v L2 (t )d (t ) =

V
1
V m2 (sin t )2 d (t ) = 0.5 m
R
2R

(2.22)

Figure2.2 Half-Wave Rectifier with resistive-inductive load: Load Voltage, Diode

Voltage,Voltage across the Resistor, Voltage across the Inductor and Load
Current (Simulations)
Dr. Sorin Deleanu
Dr. David Carpenter
2-10
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

iL

vS

vP

VL

Figure2.3 Half-Wave Rectifier with resistive load

Example 2-2
For the circuit from Figure 2.1, lets consider: V S = 120V , R = 100 , f = 60 Hz .
Determine:
a. The output (load) voltage average value VL,DC
b. The output (load) voltage effective (RMS) value VL,RMS
c. The output (load) current average value IL,DC
d. The output (load) current effective (RMS) value IL,RMS
e. The efficiency of the rectifier
f. The form factor FF
g. The ripple factor RF
h. The transformer utilization factor TUF
i. The peak inverse voltage of the diode PIV
j. The effective (RMS) value of the diode current
k. The crest factor of the input current CF
l. The input power factor PF
m. The harmonic content of the output (load) voltage
Solution: For a complete illustration, simulated results are presented in Figure 2.5 and
Figure 2.6.
a. The output (load) voltage average value is calculated as:
V L, DC =

1
2

v L (t )d (t ) =

1
2

sin td (t ) =

Vm
V
( cos t )0 = m = 0.318Vm = 53.97V
2

b. The output (load) voltage effective (RMS) value is calculated as:

V L, RMS =

1
2

v L2 (t )d (t ) =

1
2

2
m

(sin t )2 d (t ) = 0.5Vm

= 84.85V

c. The output (load) current average value is calculated as:

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-11
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

I L, DC

1
=
2

1
i L (t )d (t ) =
2

sin td (t ) =

Vm
V
V
( cos t )0 = m = 0.318 m = 0.54 A
2R
R
R

d. The output (load) current effective (RMS) value is calculated as:

I L, RMS =

1
2R

v L2 (t )d (t ) =

V
1
V m2 (sin t )2 d (t ) = 0.5 m = 0.8485 A
2R
R

e. The efficiency of the rectifier is equal to:

[%] =

PL , DC
PL, AC

100 =

V L , DC I L , DC
V L, RMS I L , RMS

0.318V m
R
100 =
100 = 40.45%
1

0.5V m 0.5V m
R

0.318V m

f. The form factor FF is:

FF =

V L , RMS
V L , DC

0.5V m
= 1.57
0.318V m

Figure2.4 Half-Wave Rectifier with resistive load: Voltage across the Load,
Voltage Across the Diode (anode to cathode) and Load (Diode)
Current (Simulations)
Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-12
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

g. The ripple factor RF is:

RF =

V L, RMS
V AC
=
V
V DC
L , DC

1 = 1.57 2 1 = 1.21

h. The transformer utilization factor TUF

0.318V m
V L , DC I L , DC 0.318V m
PDC
R
=
=
= 0.286
TUF =
V m 0.5V m
VS I S
VS I S
2 R

Note: The last value justifies the fact that we need a transformer with
1
3.5 apparent power than the value of the load DC power
TUF

i. The peak inverse voltage of the diode PIV, from the waveforms appears as:
PIV = V m

j. The effective (RMS) value of the diode current is:

I DIODE , RMS = I L, RMS =

V L, RMS
R

0.5V m
= 0.8485 A
R

Figure2.5 Half-Wave Rectifier with inductive load: Voltage across the Load,
Voltage Across the Diode (anode to cathode) and Load (Diode)
Current (Simulations)
Dr. Sorin Deleanu
Dr. David Carpenter
2-13
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Note: The last two calculations represent useful values when wanting to determine
the ratings of the diode used to build the rectifier with. In fact, when choosing a diode
from a manufacturers catalog, we have to impose the following conditions:
I DIODE , RMS (I DIODE , RMS )cata log

and PIV PIV

cata log

k. The crest factor of the input current is given by:

CF =

I s , max
IS

I s , peak
IS

Vm
= R =2
0.5V m
R

l. The input power factor can be calculated as following:

V I
PF = S S1 cos =
VS I S

V L, RMS

0.5V m
R = 1 = 0.707
=
V m 0.5V m
2
2 R

V L , RMS

0.5V m

VS I S

m. The harmonic content of the output voltage can be determined using Fourier
Series:
v L (t ) = V L , DC +

(a

sin nt + bn sin nt )

(2.23)

n =1

The average (DC) component was previously determined: V L, DC = 0.318Vm = 53.97V

an =

bn =

v L (t ) sin ntd (t ) =

v L (t ) cos ntd (t ) =

Vm

V m sin t sin ntd (t ) = 2 , for : n = 1

0, for : n = 2,3,4,5
0
1

0, for : n = 1,3,5,7

V m sin t cos ntd (t ) = V m 2

, for : n = 2,4,6,8

1 n 2
0
1

(2.24)

(2.25)

Finally, from (2.23), (2.24) and (2.25), well assemble the output voltage as a
harmonic (Fourier) series:
v L (t ) =

Vm

Vm
2V
2V
2V
2V
sin t m cos 2t m cos 4t m cos 6t m cos 8t ... (2.26)
2
3
15
35
63

For the data in Example 2.2, we can express (2.26) as:

v L (t ) = 53.97 + 84.85 sin t 36 cos 2t 7.2 cos 4t 3.09 cos 6t 1.71 cos 8t 1.09 cos 10t ...

Note: For determining the a n coefficients of the Fourier series, the following calculations
have been performed:

For n = 1 , we have sin t sinntd (t ) = sin 2 (t )d (t ) =

0

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

sin 2t
=
4 0 2

2-14
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

For n = 2,3,4,5,6,... will apply the trigonometric identities:

cos[(n 1)t ] = cos( t + nt ) = cos t cos nt + sin t sin nt

(2.27)

cos[(n + 1)t ] = cos(t + nt ) = cos t cos nt sin t sin nt ,

They show to the following integral calculations:

sin t sinntd (t ) = cos t cos ntd (t ) cos[(n + 1)t ]d (t ) = cos t cos ntd (t )

sin[(n + 1)t ]
= ...
(n + 1) 0

sin[(n + 1) ] sin [0]

= cos t cos ntd (t )
+
= cos t cos ntd (t ) = I
(n + 1)
(n + 1)

cos[(n 1)t ]d (t ) = cos t cos ntd (t ) + sin t sin ntd (t ) = 2I ,

Now, if considering:

because: cos[(n 1)t ]d (t ) =

0

Now was clarified that a n =

then

sin (n 1)t sin (n 1)t sin 0

=

=0 I =0
(n 1) (n 1)
(n 1) 0

sin t sin ntd (t ) = 0, when n = 2,3,4,5,6....

For determining the bn coefficients of the Fourier series, the following trigonometric
identities are available:
sin [(n 1)t ] = sin ( t + nt ) = sin t cos nt + cos t sin nt

(2.28)

sin [(n + 1)t ] = sin (t + nt ) = sin t cos nt + cos t sin nt

For n = 1 , we have

sin t cos n td ( t ) = sin

0
0

[(n + 1 ) t ]d ( t )

sin n t cos t d ( t )
0

and after calculating:

2
, n = 2,4,6,7,10....
cos[(n + 1)t ] cos(n + 1) cos 0 (n + 1)
=
+
=
sin [(n + 1)t ]d (t ) =

0
(n + 1)
(n + 1)
(n + 1) 0, n = 1.,3,5,7,9
0

(2.29)

So, for odd order numbers, sin[(n + 1)t ]d (t ) = 0 sin t cos ntd (t ) = sin nt cos td (t ) = K
On the other hand:

sin[(n 1)t ]d (t ) =

cos[(n 1)t ]
0 = 0 = sin t cos ntd (t ) + cos t sin ntd (t ) = 2 K K = 0
(n 1)

2
= sin t cos ntd (t ) + cos t sin ntd (t ) . This
For even numbers, can sin[(n + 1)t ]d (t ) =
(n + 1)

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-15
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

contributes to express one term under integration with respect to the another like in the next
identity:

sin t cos ntd (t ) =

2
cos t sin ntd (t )
(n + 1)

(2.30)

Furthermore, when integrating the first trigonometric identity from (2.29), then obtain:

sin[(n 1)t ]d (t ) =
0

cos[(n 1)t ]
2
=
0
(n 1)
(n 1)

(2.31)

From (2.30) and (2.31) applying the identity, we cab express the value of the following
integral as:

2
2
2
=
2 sin t cos ntd (t ) sin t cos ntd (t ) =
(n 1) (n + 1) 0
1 n2
0

(2.32.)

All of the relationships (2.27) through (2.32), explain the structure of the harmonic
decomposition of the load (output) voltage of the single phase half wave rectifier with
resistive load
2.1.1.3. Half-wave uncontrolled rectifier with resistive inductive load and freewheeling
diode
iL

vR

R
vS

vP

FWD

VL
L

vXL

Figure2.6. Half-Wave Rectifier with resistive-inductive load and freewheeling diode

a.

Explain the Operation

For the rectifier from figure 2.7, having the output connection across a resistiveinductive load, an anti-parallel (freewheeling) diode is connected across the load. The
conduction interval of the diode D is diminished to the half of the cycle.
The freewheeling diode (FWD), actually, is preventing the appearance of the negative
voltage across the load.
When the power supply polarity is changing (t = ) , the main diode will become
negatively polarized, and due to the magnetic energy accumulated in the inductor, the load
current will find a path through the loop composed by the free wheeling diode and the load.
During the second half of the cycle, when the power supply voltage becomes
negative, across the load will be applied the freewheeling diode voltage drop, which can be
neglected. The overall output (load) voltage average value is increased.
Dr. Sorin Deleanu
Dr. David Carpenter
2-16
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

The load current can stay continuous or can be discontinuous depending upon the load
constant

L
R

.Calculating the load current becomes an important issue in order to be able to

predict all the performance parameters. The power supply voltage is described by (2.1).
In the first half of the cycle, the ideal diode D will let the power supply voltage to
be applied across the load, and equation (2.2) describes the circuit.
In the second half of the cycle, the output (load) voltage dropped to zero:
v L = 0 = Ri L + i L

di L
dt

(2.33)

The operation of the circuit is cyclical, so the following conditions must be imposed
for determining the load current:
R

1 + e L

2 L2 + R 2

1 e L

V m sin
1 + e L
=

2 L2 + R 2

e L

1 e L

V m sin

I L ((2k + 1) ) = I L, max =

I L ((2k + 1) ) = I L, max

It is to remind that = arctan

(2.34)

(2.35)

. In the above mentioned expressions, k represents an integer

R

constant. For conditions like (2.34) and (2.35), the stabilized load current can be expressed
as:
R

R
R

L
t
t

Vm
V
e
m
L

L , 2k t (2k + 1)

sin (t ) + sin e
e
+
i L (t ) =
R

2 L2 + R 2
2 L2 + R 2

1 e L

R
R

V m sin

L
L , (2k + 1) t 2(k + 1)

i L (t ) =
1
e
e
+

2 L2 + R 2

(2.36)

We considered k a multiplication number, which show the fact that the rectifier operates
under steady state conditions, following the first few tens of cycles.
Note: Stabilized (steady state) current means that the rectifier has been operating for a
significant number of cycles.
Note: Solving the equations (2.33.) and (2.34) is the key point for further calculations and for
this purpose will use Laplace Transform, when the initial load current I L (0) is considered:
V L (s ) = (R + sL )I L (s ) LI L (0 ) I L (s ) =

V (s ) = L{v L (t )} =

, with TL = R
1
0 t

V L (s ) + LI L (0 )

L s +

TL

Vm

(2.37)

(2.38)

s + 2

Finally, the operational load current is expressed as:

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-17
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

V m
2

+ LI L (0)

I L (s ) = s +

1
L s +
TL

I L (s ) =

V m
2

2
I L (0 ) = s + +

L s +
TL

V m + L s 2 + 2 I L (0 )

1
L s 2 + 2 s +
T
L

LI L (0)

1
L s +
TL

(2.39)

(2.39)

For the second half of the cycle t 2 .

0 = (R + sL )I L (s ) LI L ( ) I L (s ) =

LI L ( )

1
L s +
TL

(2.40)

For finding the load current in time domain, we have to express the operational
current from (2.39) as a sum of simple fractions. Once determined, the coefficients A, B and
C, will give the possibility to find out the time expression of the current by applying Laplace
inversions:

1 A
B
C
I L (s ) =
+
+
1
L s j s + j
s+

T L

(2.41)

Bringing to a common denominator (2.39) and (2.41) and imposing to have the same
numerator, a three-equation system is composed:

A + B + C = LI L (0 )

(A + B ) = 0
j (A B ) +

T
L

2
j T ( A B ) + C = V m + LI L (0 )
L

(2.42)
2

Solving the above system, we found:

A=

Vm
1

+ j
2 j
TL

,B=

V m
1

j
2 j
TL

and C = LI L (0) +

V m
1
T L2

(2.43)
2

After introducing (2.43) into (2.41), the load current in Laplace form is changed into:

Vm
1
I L (s ) =
L

2 j j + 1

TL

Vm
1

s j
1

2 j j +
TL

V m
1

+ LI L (0 ) +
1
s + j

2 + 2

TL

1
s+

TL

(2.44)

From (2.44) by inverting the Laplace elementary fractions, we obtained:

V m
Vm
Vm
1

j
t
j
t
+ LI L (0 ) +
i L (t ) =
e
+
e
1
L 1

2 + 2

2 j
j

2 j T + j
TL

TL

t

TL
e

(2.45)

Applying the definitions of the complex sine and cosine functions,

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-18
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

cos(t ) =

j t

+e
2

j t

and sin (t ) =

j t

e
2j

jt

, after some intermediate calculations will

obtain:

V
V
i L ( t ) = m sin t m cos t
L

LT L

1
2

1
T L2

Vm

+ I L (0 ) +
1
2 + 2

T
L

t
TL
e

(2.45)

Finally, by performing the calculations, we obtain:

i L (t ) =

Vm

2 L2 + R 2

R
t

L
L
(
)
(
)

t
e
+
I
e
sin

+
sin

0
L

(2.46)

Previously, we described the load as having the power factor angle = arctan

In a similar manner, when t 2 , after applying the Laplace transformation,

when describing the operational current we find:
R

t
LI L ( )
I L ( )
=
i L (t ) = I L ( )e L
i L (s ) =
R + sL
1
s +

T
L

(2.47)

When considering the rectifier operating for sufficient time, then we can express the
current for t = (2k + 1) as:
i L ((2k + 1) ) = lim

R
2R
V m sin
1 + e L L
1 e
2R
2 L2 + R 2

1 e L

k +1

V m sin
1

=
R
2 L2 + R 2

L
1 e

(2.48)

When t = 2k , then:

i L (2k ) = lim

b.

R
2R
V m sin
1 + e L L
1 e
2R
2 L2 + R 2

1 e L

R
k +1
R
V m sin e L
1
L
e
=

R
2 2
2
L +R

1 e L

(2.49)

Calculate the output (load) voltage average value VL,DC

To calculate it, we apply the definition and obtain a similar value like for the halfwave, uncontrolled rectifier with purely resistive load (2.19). This is due to the presence of
the free-wheeling diode which closes the current path for the second half of the cycle when
the power supply voltage comes negative.
c.

Calculate the output (load) voltage effective (RMS) value VL,RMS

The effective value is determined exactly like for the half-wave, uncontrolled rectifier
with purely resistive load (2.20).
d.

Calculate the output (load) current average value IL,DC

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-19
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

I L, DC

1
=
2

Vm
1
i L (t )d (t ) =

2
2 L2 + R 2
0
0

2
R
R
R

t
t
t

sin(t ) + sine L + I L (2k )e L d (t ) + I L ((2k + 1) )e L d (t )

Considering the values determined in (2.48) and (2.49), we obtain:

I L, DC

e.

2 R
R

e L
=
2+e
2 cos + sin
R
2 2 L2 + R 2

Vm

(2.50)

The output (load) current effective (RMS) value IL,RMS:

Figure2.7 Half-Wave Rectifier with Resistive inductive load and Free-wheeling

diode: Power Supply Voltage, Load Current, Load Voltage, Voltage
across the Inductive Reactance, Voltage Across the Diode (anode to
cathode) and Voltage across Free-Wheeling Diode (Simulations)
Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-20
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

Figure2.8 Half-Wave Rectifier with Resistive Capacitive Load: Power Supply

Voltage, Load Voltage, Diode Current, Capacitor Current and
Resistor Current (Simulations)

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-21
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter

Bibliography:
[1]

Agrawal, J. P, Power Electronic Systems. Theory and Design, Prentice Hall, Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey, Columbus, Ohio, 2001

[2]

Rashid, M.H. Power Electronics Circuits, Devices and Applications, Pearson

Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458, 2003

[3]

Deleanu, S. Contribuii Privind Acionarile Electrice de Curent Alternativ in

Traciune. Tez de Doctorat, Universiatea POLITEHNICA, Bucureti, ROMANIA,
Iulie 2001 (In Romanian).

Dr. Sorin Deleanu

2-22
Power Electronics. Theory and Applications

Dr. David Carpenter