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1. What is an Inverter?
thyristors ?
Commutation is the process by which we can turn OFF a thyristor. So the process of
switching OFF a thyristor or SCR is known as Commutation.
As we know that once a thyristor starts conducting then it continues to conduct till the
current flowing through it reduced below the holding current. In commutation we
mainly reduce thyristor’s current from holding current.
There are two methods of commutation of thyristors:
Natural Commutation
Forced Commutation.
Explanation:
1. Natural Commutation:
The process of turning off a thyristor without using any external circuits is known as
Natural commutation. This type of commutation is only possible in AC Applications.
When using A.C. Supply, the current passing through the device is alternating. This
alternating current go to peak positive value , passes through its zero and then go
through peak negative value. When the alternating quantity at zero then the current
passing through the device also zero and at same time a reverse polarity develops
across the thyristor. This will quickly Turn OFF the thyristor. This process of
commutation is known as Natural Commutation as no external circuits or components
are used.
This method is only applicable when using A.C. Supply. This is not possible to get this
work on D.C. Because D.C. is a unidirectional quantity and doesn't change its direction
as a result there is no change in polarity voltage that is required to Turn OFF the
thyristor.
2. Forced Commutation:
The process of turning OFF a thyristor or SCR by using external circuits is known as
Forced Commutation. This method of commutation is used for D.C. Commutation.
When using D.C. supply, we make use of external circuit and other active/passive
components to reduce the passing current's value below holding current. That means
we forces the forward current to come to zero value. Therefore it is called forced
commutation. The circuit used for this commutation method is known as commutation
circuit and the components that are used in the circuitry , are known as commutating
components.
3. What is meant by current commutation?
The circuit of Fig. 20.6 can be converted into a current commuted one just by
interchanging the positions of the diode and the capacitor. Here the Capacitor is
automatically charged through D-L-LF-Load with the dot as positive. Any of the SCRs
can thus be switched on first. Version 2 EE IIT, Kharagpur 9 If ThM is triggered first, it
immediately takes the load current turning off DF. When ThAux is triggered, it takes a
half cycle of the ringing current in the L-C circuit and the polarity of the charge across
the capacitor reverses. As it swings back, Th Aux is turned off and the path through D-
C-L shares the load current which may again be considered to be reasonably level. The
Current-share of THM is thus reduced in a sinusoidal (damped) manner. Turn-off
process is consequently accompanied by an overlap between ThM and the diode D in
the D-C-L path. Once the main SCR is turned off, the capacitor current becomes level
and the voltage decreases linearly. A voltage spike appears across the load when the
voltage across the commutating inductance collapses and the capacitance voltage adds
to the supply voltage. Fig. 20.7 A current commutated DC-DC Chopper and most
significant waveforms The free-wheeling diode also turns on through a overlap with D
when the capacitor voltage just exceeds the supply voltage and this extra voltage drives
the commutating current through the path D-Supply-DF-L. Thus there is soft switching
of all devices during this period. Further an additional diode may be connected across
the main SCR. It ensures ‘soft’ turnoff by conducting the excess current in the ringing L-
C circuit. The low forward voltage appearing across the SCR causes it to turn-off slowly.
Consequently switching frequencies have to be low. Note that such a diode cannot be
connected across the Main SCR in the voltage commutated circuit.
4. How are inverters classified?
Considering the classification based on the mode of operation, inverters can be
classified into three broad categories:
1. Stand-alone inverters (supplies stable voltage and frequency to load)
2. Grid-connected inverters (the most commonly used option)
3. Bimodal inverters (usually more expensive and are used less often)
There are different basis of classification of inverters. Inverters are broadly classified as
current-source inverter and voltage-source inverter. Moreover, it can be classified on
the basis of devices used (SCR or gatecommunication devices), circuit configuration
(half-bridge or fullbridge), nature of output voltage (square, quasi-square or sine-wave)
and type of circuit (Switch mode PWM or resonant converters), etc.
Types of Grid-connected Inverters
Aside from the modes of operation, grid-connected inverters are also classified
according to configuration topology. There are four different categories under this
classification.
1. Central inverters, which are usually around several kW to 100 MW range.
2. String inverters, typically rated around a few hundred Watts to a few kW.
3. Multi-string inverters, typically rated around 1 kW to 10 kW range.
4. And finally, Module Inverters or Micro Inverters, typically rated around 50 to 500
W.
5. Central Inverter
Let's start with the central inverter, as shown in Figure 1. This is a PV array that
consists of three strings, where each string has three series connected modules. Before
these strings are connected to the utility grid, a power conditioning unit is required as
an interface between the array and the grid. Designers can use one central inverter as
illustrated in Figure1, where all strings are connected to the DC side of the inverter and
the single AC output is connected to the utility grid.
Types of Inverters
Introduction
As we know that inverters are finding their extensive uses now a days. Previously they
were only used in some main applications, which would be large scale and expensive.
But now a days, inverters are like a small compulsory electronic device, on which many
of our other main electronic equipment depend.
They are extensively used, not only because of their universal function of converting DC
power to AC power, but also because of their high efficiency, reduced power costs and
versatile applications.
These days, they are being used extensively in applications where there is a frequent
power cut off, because in case of power failures, inverters are a very good and efficient
power remedies. For every classification, we form some basis first, depending upon
which we can further categorize our results for easier understanding and a better
approach. This is done in order to promote better understanding and a more extensive
classification of different things.
In the same way, we primarily classify inverters on the basis of their output
characteristics. So there are three different types of outputs we get from inverters, and
hence we classify inverters into three primary classes, which are:
1. The Square Wave inverter
2. The Modified Sine wave inverter or quasi sine wave inverter
3. A Pure sine wave inverter
The Square Wave inverter
A square wave inverter is one of the simplest inverter types, which convert a straight
DC signal to a phase shifting AC signal. But the output is not pure AC, i.e. in the form of
a pure sine wave, but it is a square wave.
At the same time they are cheaper as well. The simplest construction of a square wave
inverter can be achieved by using an on-off switch, before a typical voltage amplifying
circuitry like that of a transformer. This is shown below:
The electrical circuit of a pure sine wave inverter is far more complex than a square
wave or modified sine wave inverter. Another way to obtain a sine output is to obtain a
square wave output from a square wave inverter and then modify this output to achieve
a pure sine wave. A pure sine wave inverter has several advantages over its previous
two forms:
More efficiency, hence consumes less power.
They can be adjusted according to your personal power requirements, since
several types are available with different power outputs.
The output of a pure sine wave inverter is very reliable, but at the same time,
there is a tradeoff between the price and reliability.
Due to this reason they are the best option for sensitive equipment.
This was all about the types of inverters. However, one must know that
which of these types is most suitable for his use. So in the next article I will
explain how to select an inverter according to your need.
5. What is meant by forced commutation?
The process of turning OFF a thyristor or SCR by using external circuits is known as
Forced Commutation. This method of commutation is used for D.C. Commutation.
When using D.C. supply, we make use of external circuit and other active/passive
components to reduce the passing current's value below holding current. That means
we forces the forward current to come to zero value. Therefore it is called forced
commutation. The circuit used for this commutation method is known as commutation
circuit and the components that are used in the circuitry, are known as commutating
components.