Commutation Circuit

CHAPTER: 1
INTRODUCTION

Page |1

Commutation Circuit

1.1 INTRODUCTION OF PROJECT:Our Project COMMUTATION CIRCUIT OF CLASS A, B & C is consist of

turn off characteristic of the SCR. Our project operates totally based on the
SCR. The main part of our project is SCR (2P4M which is used in our project).
Once SCR stars conducting, gate losses control. In spite of removing gate
signal, SCR remain to conducting stage. The commutation is the process to turn
off an SCR. To turn-off an SCR is achieved by
(i)

Anode current falls below the holding current or

(ii)

Reverse voltage applied to the SCR for sufficient time.

The SCR may be turn-off either by naturally or by using external circuit.

In AC circuits, when the current the SCR goes through a natural zero, a reverse
voltage automatically appears across the SCR. This is called natural
commutation. In DC circuits, the anode current has to be forced to zero by an
external circuit to turn-off the SCR. This is called as forced commutation.

Page |2

Commutation Circuit

CHAPTER: 2
A LITERATURE SURVEY

Page |3

Commutation Circuit

Literature Review:
In this project we are study the characteristic of the SCR (thyristor). In
this project we are using SCR (thyristor) 2P4M. it is the general purpose SCR.
This SCR is use commonly for the general purpose. So we are use this SCR in
our project.
For this project we collect the references from many pleases. As reference
we are use Wikipedia for collect the information about the SCR and its
characteristics,

etc.

We

are

take

more

references

like

www.electronicshub.org/scr-turn-off-methods/ from this link (website) we are

study about the turn-off method of the SCR (thyristor). this methods are
mention in this report. From the www.electrical4u.com/ we are studied about
the detailed of type of the commutation method which we are use to turn-off the
SCR in our project (Class-A, Class-B & Class-C).
We are not take references from only internet but we are use the reference
book also. For this we are take more information from the book of the Power
Electronics (Second edition) (M D Singh & K B Khanchandani). We also
consider B L Theraja & P S Bimbhra book as the reference, from this book we
find the design consideration for our project. From this design consideration we
could understand the deepness of our project design. From this we calculate the
ratings of the components that we are use in our project. Due to the design
consideration we prepare the circuit diagram of our project from which we
prepare our actual running circuit.
The actual circuit is mention in the report below. For the forming the
actual circuit we are use the steel box for the enclosure and the board use in the
switchboard is use for the top at which the components are mount. For the
showing the circuit diagram we stick the printed sticker paper due to at the time
of practical we can easily understand and explain to other the working of our
project.
Page |4

Commutation Circuit

In this our project we are actually try to control the operation of the SCR
(thyristor). By the helping of the external component or using our circuit we are
actually control the time of turn on and off. By the control the time of on-off it
can be useful at many place. In our project it can be obtained. In our project one
LED is placed, which indicate the operation of the SCR (thyristor). So the
control of SCR (thyristor) on-off is shown by the indication of the LED

Page |5

Commutation Circuit

CHAPTER: 3
THE PROJECT ANALYSIS

Page |6

Commutation Circuit

3.1 What is Commutation????...

An SCR can be turned ON by applying appropriate positive gate voltage
between the gate and cathode terminals, but it cannot be turned OFF through the
gate terminal. The SCR can be brought back to the forward blocking state from
the forward conduction state by reducing the anode or forward current below
the holding current level. The turn OFF process of an SCR is called
commutation. The term commutation means the transfer of currents from one
path to another. So the commutation circuit does this job by reducing the
forward current to zero so as to turn OFF the SCR or Thyristor.
To turn OFF the conducting SCR the below conditions must be satisfied.
The anode or forward current of SCR must be reduced to zero or below
the level of holding current and then.
A sufficient reverse voltage must be applied across the SCR to regain its
forward blocking state.
When the SCR is turned OFF by reducing forward current to zero. There
exist excess charge carriers in different layers. To regain the forward blocking
state of an SCR, these excess carriers must be recombined. Therefore, this
recombination process is accelerated by applying a reverse voltage across the
SCR.

3.2 Details of commutation methods

The reverse voltage which causes to commutate the SCR is called
commutation voltage. Depending on the commutation voltage located, the
commutation methods are classified into two major types. Those are forced
commutation and natural commutation. Let us discuss in brief about these
methods.
Page |7

Commutation Circuit

3.2.1 Natural Commutation:

In natural commutation, the source of commutation voltage is the supply
source itself. If the SCR is connected to an AC supply, at every end of the
positive half cycle the anode current goes through the natural current zero and
also immediately a reverse voltage is applied across the SCR. These are the
conditions to turn OFF the SCR. Therefore, the SCR is turned OFF commutated
naturally or automatically without any external circuit and hence called as
natural commutation. This method of commutation is also called as source
commutation, or line commutation, or class F commutation. This commutation
is possible with line commutated inverters, controlled rectifiers, cycle
converters and AC voltage regulators because the supply is the AC source in all
these converters.

3.2.2 Forced Commutation:

Page |8

Commutation Circuit

In case of DC circuits, there is no natural current zero to turn OFF the

SCR. In such circuits, forward current must be forced to zero with an external
circuit to commutate the SCR hence named as forced commutation. This
commutating circuit consists of components like inductors and capacitors called
as commutating components. These commutating components cause to apply a
reverse voltage across the SCR that immediately bring the current in the SCR to
zero. Based on the manner in which the zero current achieved and arrangement
of the commutating components, forced commutation is classified into different
types such as class A, B, C, D, and E. This commutation is mainly used in
chopper and inverter circuits.
There are following forced commutation methods to turn-off the SCR:i.

Class A - self commutation by resonating the load.

ii.

Class B - self commutation by LC circuit.

iii.

Class C - complementary commutation.

iv.

Class D - auxiliary commutation. Auxiliary SCR switching C or

LC.

v.
vi.

Class E - external pulse commutation.

Class F - AC line commutation.

Page |9

Commutation Circuit

CHAPTER: 4
THE OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT

P a g e | 10

Commutation Circuit

4.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM

4.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION

The block diagram of the commutation circuit is as shown in the figure.
In this first block is shown for the power supply. This supply may be AC or DC.
This supply is given to the SCR. This is shown in the second block. With the
block of the SCR the block of commutation circuit is shown. This commutation
circuit is connected with the SCR, due to this the turn-off of the SCR can be
done. At last block is shown of the load. This load is connected with the SCR.

P a g e | 11

Commutation Circuit

4.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

4.3.1 Class A Commutation (self-commutation):
This is also known as resonant commutation. This type of commutation
circuit using L-C components in series with the load are shown in Fig . In Fig,
load RL is in series with the L-C circuit. In this process of commutation the
forward current passing through the device is reduced to less than the level of
holding current of the device. Hence, this method is also known as the current
commutation method. This waveform of the thyristor voltage, current and
capacitor voltage are shown in Fig.

P a g e | 12

Commutation Circuit

P a g e | 13

Commutation Circuit

The load resistance RL and the commutating components are so selected

that their combination forms an underdamped resonant circuit. When such a
circuit is excited by a D.C. source, a current of the nature shown in fig () will be
obtained across the device. This current, as evident from its shape, has zero
value at the point K where the device automatically turned OFF. Beyond point
K, the current is reversed in nature which assures definite commutation of the
device. The thyristor when ON carries only the charging current of capacitor C
which will soon decay to a valueless than the holding current of the device,
when capacitor C is charged up to the supply voltage Edc. This simultaneously
switches off the thyristor. The time for switching off the device is determined by
the resonant frequency which in turn depends on the values of the commutating
components L and C, and the total load resistance.
This type of commutation circuits are most suitable for high frequency
operation, i.e., above 1000 Hz, because of the need for an LC resonant circuit
which carries the full load current. This commutation circuit is used in series
inverter.
Design Considerations:

(a) Load in parallel with capacitor C Let us consider the resonant circuit of
Fig.(). Let Edc be the applied D.C. voltage, V be the load voltage, and I be the
load current.
The circuit equation is
Edc =

di
+V
dt

and

dV V
I = C dt + R

By using Laplace transform, we can write

Edc ( s ) V ( s )=S . LI ( s)

(1.1)
P a g e | 14

Commutation Circuit

V ( s)
And I(s)= R + S.C.V(s)

(1.2)

From equation (1.1) we can write

V(s) = Edc(s) SL I(s)
But

Edc =

(1.3)

Edc
S

(1.4)
Substitute equations (1.3) and (1.4) in equation (1.4)
SLI ( s )

Edc

I(s) = R . S R

I (s )
+S
R

I(s) + SL

I(s)

1+

SL
+S
R

SC [

Edc
SLI ( s )]
S

Edc

CLI(s) = R . S +

CL] =

EdcSC
s

Edc 1
[ + SC ]
S R

R+ LS + RC L2
Edc
RCS
=
[1+
]
I(s) [
R
S
R

I(s) =

I(s) =

Edc 1+ RCS
[
+ LS+ RCLS 2]
S
R
Edc
[
RLCS

1+ RCS
]
1
1
2
S+
S+
RC
LC

(1.5)
Taking inverse Laplace transform of equation (1.5), we get
2

1+

I(t) =

W n 1/ RC
1
e
sin(t + )
1 2
Edc

1 L
where = 2 R C

= damping ratio

P a g e | 15

Commutation Circuit

1
LC

Wn =

= n 1

or,

1
L
1
1
1 2 =
2 2
LC 4 R C
LC
4R C

2
2 RC
1 1
=tan
tan
=tan1 2 RC

i ( t )=0 at t=0
=sin 1

i ( t )=

1
A

Edc
1
1+ A et / 2 RC sin tsin1

R
A

(1.6)

Now, load voltage from equation (1.1) and (1.2) can be written as;
Edc

V ( s )=

LC S2 +

1
1
S+
RC
LC

(1.7)
Taking inverse Laplace transform of equation (1.7), we gat;
V ( s )=Edc

Wn

et /2 RC sin t+ Edc

(1.8)

In this case, the triggering frequency of the thyristor must be less then Wn , so
that thye conduction cycle is completed.

(b)

Load in series with capacitor C Let us consider the series resonant circuit

of Fig . Let the thyristor be turned ON at t=0 with the initial capacitor voltage
zero.
The circuit equation is
Edc =iR + L

di 1
+
idt
dt C

(1.9)
P a g e | 16

Commutation Circuit

On differentiating and dividing by L, we get

d 2 t R di i
1 d
+
+
=
E dc
2
dt L dt LC L dt

(1.10)

The corresponding homogeneous equation is of the second order and it as below

d 2 i R di 1
+
+
i=0
dt 2 L dt LC

(1.11)

The solution of this well-known second order equation for under damped case is
i=et [ A 1 cos t+ A 2 sin t ]
=

Where
And

0 =

(1.12)

R
2l

(1.13)

1
LC

(1.14)

= 0 1 2=

1
R2
2
LC 4 L

(1.15)

0+

0
When
i
E dc
A1=0, A2 = L

i ( t )=e

This gives

( 2RL t )

Edc
sin t
L

(1.16)

This equation shows that thyristor-current i goes to zero at

t=

t=

Or

1
R2
2
LC 4 L

(1.17)
P a g e | 17

Commutation Circuit

R
E dc
di
2 L
=e
dt
I

( )

Now,

(1.18)

Therefore the capacitor voltage at end of conduction, VC = Edc VL

V L =L

Where

di
dt

V C =E dc 1+ e 2 L

(1.19)

Now, if V0 is the initial-state voltage of the capacitor then equation (1.16)

becomes

i ( t )=e

And

(2RL )t

( 2Rt )

V c =E dc +e

Edc V 0
sin t
L

( Edc V 0 )

(1.20)
(1.21)

For > 0, we now calculate the condition for underdamped.

Or

1
R2
1
R2
2 >0 i . e .,
> 2
LC 4 L
LC 4 L

R<

4L
C

(1.22)

4.3.2 Class B Commutation (self-commutation):

In this method, the LC resonating circuit is across the SCR and not in
series with the load. The commutating circuit is shown in Fig. and the
associated waveforms are shown in Fig.

P a g e | 18

Commutation Circuit

Initially, as soon as the supply voltage EDC is applied, the capacitor C starts
getting charged with its upper plate positive and the lower plate negative, and it
charges up to the voltage EDC. When thyristor T is triggered, the circuit current
flows in two directions:
(1) The load current IL flows through the path EDC+ T RL EDC-,
and
(2) Commutating current Ic.
The moment thyristor T is turned ON, capacitor C starts discharging
through the path C+ L T C-. When the capacitor C becomes completely
discharged, it starts getting charged with reverse polarity. Due to the reverse
voltage, a commutating current IC starts flowing which opposes the load current
IL. When the commutating current I C is greater than the load current I L, thyristor
T becomes turned OFF. When the thyristor T is turned OFF, capacitor C again
starts getting charged to its original polarity through L and the load. Thus, when
it is fully charged, the thyristor will be ON again.

P a g e | 19

Commutation Circuit

Hence, from the above discussion it becomes clear that the thyristor after
getting ON for sometime automatically gets OFF and after remaining in OFF
state for sometime, it again gets turned ON. This process of switching ON and
OFF is a continuous process. The desired frequency of ON and OFF states can
be obtained by designing the commutating components as per the requirement.
The main application of this process is in d.c. chopper circuits, where the
thyristor is required to be in conduction State for a specified duration and then
to remain in the OFF state also for a specified duration. Morgan chopper circuit
using a saturable reactor in place of the ordinary inductor L is a modified
arrangement for this process. The circuit has the advantage of longer oscillation
period and therefore of more assurance of commutation. In this Class B
commutation method, the commutating component does not carry the load
current. Both Class A and Class B turn-off circuits are self-commutating types,
that is in both of these circuits the SCR turns-off automatically after it has been
turned on.

P a g e | 20

Commutation Circuit

Design consideration:
The circuit equations for the LC circuit are;

di 1
+
idt=0
dt C

d2 t 1 ( )
+ i t =0
2
dt C

(2.1)

Taking Laplace transform of the above equation,

i ( t )=E dc

C
sin 0 t
L

0 =

Where

( S L+ C1 ) I ( s )=0

(2.2)

1
LC

(2.3)

Therefore, the peak communication current is

IC

( peak)

=E dc

C
L

(2.4)

For this class B commutation method, the peak discharge current of the
capacitor is assumed to be twice the load current I L, and the time for which the
SCR is reverse biased is approximately equal to one-quarter period of the
resonant circuit.

Therefore, I C =2 I L =Edc L
( peak)

t off =

And

LC
2

(2.5)
(2.6)

4.3.3 Class C Commutation (complementary commutation):

.
P a g e | 21

Commutation Circuit

The class C commutation circuit is shown in Fig. In this method, the main
thyristor (SCR T1) that is to be commutated is connected in series with the load.
An additional thyristor (SCR T2) called the complementary thyristor is
connected in parallel with the main thyristor.

P a g e | 22

Commutation Circuit

Circuit Operation
Mode 0: [Initial-state of circuit]
Initially, both the thyristors are OFF. Therefore, the states of the devices are
T1 OFF,T2 OFF,

EC

Mode l: When a triggering pulse is applied to the gate of T1, the thyristor T1 is
triggered. Therefore, two circuit current, namely, load current IL and charging
current IC start flowing. Their paths are:
Load current IL;
Edc+ R1 T1 Edc
Charging current IC;
Edc+ R2 C+ C- T1 Edc
P a g e | 23

Commutation Circuit

Capacitor C will get charged by the supply voltage Edc with the polarity shown
in Fig. The states of circuit components becomes
T1 ON,

T2 OFF,

EC1 = EDC

Mode 2: When a triggering pulse is applied to the gate of T2, T2 will be turned
on. As soon as T2 is ON, the negative polarity of the capacitor C is applied to
the anode of T1 and simultaneously, the positive polarity of capacitor C is
applied to the cathode. This causes the reverse voltage across the main thyristor
T1 and immediately turns it off.
Charging of capacitor C now takes place through the load and its polarity
becomes reverse. Therefore, charging path of capacitor C becomes
EDC+ R2 C+ C- T2(a-k) EDCHence, at the end of Mode 2, the states of the devices are
T1 OFF,

T2 ON,

EC1 = -EDC

Mode 3: Now, when thyristor T1 is triggered, the discharging current of

capacitor turns the complementary thyristor T2 OFF. The state of the circuit at
the end of this Mode 3 becomes
T1 ON,

T2 OFF,

EC1 = EDC

Therefore, this Mode 3 operation is equivalent to Mode 1 operation.

4.3.4 GATE TRIGGERING:

For triggering of the gate of the SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) gate
pulse is given by the pressing the push button switch. By pressing the switch the
SCR become in ON state. For this PCB is used.

P a g e | 24

Commutation Circuit

4.3.5 Actual Circuit :

P a g e | 25

Commutation Circuit

P a g e | 26

Commutation Circuit

4.4 LIST OF COMPONENTS USED IN PROJECT

There are following components are used for the project:

SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier)

Resistance
Inductors
Capacitors
LED (Light Emitted Diode)
Push button switch
Transformer

4.5 COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION & FIGURES

4.5.1 SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier):
It is the main component of this project which has to turn OFF by
providing the external circuit.
It has three terminal anode, cathode & gate. When we provide the supply
at the gate terminal the SCR become ON either it is in the OFF position.
Ratings : 2P4M 400V, 2Amp.
Quantity : 4

P a g e | 27

Commutation Circuit

4.5.2 Resistance:
Resistance is opposing the flow of electrons. It is use to limit the current
in the circuit. Also voltage drop is occurs in this resistance. It is measure in
ohm.
Ratings : 1K
Quantity : 8

P a g e | 28

Commutation Circuit

4.5.3 Inductor:
An inductor can be defined as an energy storage device which stores
energy in form of magnetic field. The inductance of an inductor is measured in
Hennery H.
Ratings : 4 mH
Quantity : 2

4.5.4 Capacitor:
A capacitor (originally known as a condenser) is a passive two-terminal
electrical component used to store electrical energy temporarily in an electric
field. It is measure in Faraday F.
P a g e | 29

Commutation Circuit

Ratings: 2.2F
Quantity : 3

4.5.5 LED (Light Emitted Diode):

It is use to verify that the current is flowing to that path.
Quantity: 4

4.5.6 Transformer :
Transformer is used to step down the voltage from 230V to 12V
Ratings : 230V / 12-0-12
Quantity : 1

P a g e | 30

Commutation Circuit

4.5.7 Push Button Switch :

It is used to provide the gate signal to the SCR.
Quantity : 4

P a g e | 31

Commutation Circuit

CHAPTER: 5
ADVANTAGES, LIMITATIONS, APPLICATIONS,
CONCLUSION & REFERENCE

P a g e | 32

Commutation Circuit

5.1 Advantages:
Wide range of output voltages and frequency adjustments.
Pulses of variable width and spacing designed to reduce the harmonic
contents.
Waveform is approximate sinusoidal and be easily filtered.
PWM has low switching loss compare to some other methods.
Easy and compact controlling circuit in size.
The output voltage can be controlled except by controlling input DC
source voltage.
Fewer components are used so cost is also less.
Variable frequency and variable output voltage both can be obtained.

5.2 LIMITATION:
5.2.1 For the Class A Commutation
Class A commutation circuit required protection circuit for the SCR.
To again turn on the SCR there is wait for the discharging of the
capacitor.

5.2.2 For the Class B Commutation

Class B commutation circuit required protection circuit for the SCR.
The manual pulse to the SCR is not accurate co it cant be given
manually.

P a g e | 33

Commutation Circuit

5.2.3 For the Class C Commutation

In this circuit two SCRs are used so the cost of circuit is more compared
to Class A & Class B.
Class C commutation circuit required protection circuit for the SCR.
After turn-on the circuit one SCR of them is always turn on until cut-off
the supply.

5.3 Application:
5.3.1 For the Class A Commutation
It is use for high frequency (>1000 Hz) application because at low
frequency ratings and hence cost of LC components are inserted.
5.3.2 For the Class B Commutation
The process of Class-B commutation is used mainly D.C. Time chopper
circuit in which the chopper is ON for specific period and then to remain
in OFF state for specific time period.
5.3.3 For the Class C Commutation
This is used in the parallel inverter of the 1000Hz. This commutation is
reliable.

5.4 : Future Scope:

P a g e | 34

Commutation Circuit

SCR (thyristor) has less power loss then the other devices like the IGBT
so by use of this commutation circuit it can be used for the different place
in industries to control the power
Due to this circuit it can be used as the electronic switch for the high
power.
There should be develop the more efficient circuit by the modify the our
basic circuit.

5.5 CONCLUSION:
In this our project we studied the characteristics of the SCR (thyristor)
and control the turn on-off characteristics of the SCR (thyristor), so the we can
control the time to turn on and off of the SCR (thyristor).

5.6 REFERENCE:
www.wikipedia.org
www.electronicshub.org/scr-turn-off-methods/
www.electrical4u.com
Power Electronics (Second Edition)
M D Singh
K B Khanchandani
B.L. Theraja
P.S. Bimbhra

P a g e | 35