RECTIFIER

RECTIFIER
- ( ASA ) defined as a rectifier is device which converts alternating current into unidirectional current by virtue of a characteristic permitting appreciable flow of current in only one direction.

Small power requirements: copper-oxide or selenium rectifier glass-enclosed hot-cathode type ( Tungar or Rectigon) Mechanical and electrolytic types operating difficulties and low efficiecy For large power requirement: - Mercury -arc type - Silicon-type rectifier

Half wave Rectifier : Idc = Iave= 0.318 Im Ieff = 0.5 Im Vdc = 0.318 Vm = Tube drop + Vdc-load Vac = 0.707 Vm

Example
The transformer of a 5 amp Tungar battery charger has a 115 volt primary and a 52 volt secondary. If the dc load voltage is 15 volts, calculate: a). The tube drop ( 8.4 volts) b). The effective transformer secondary current ( 7.85 amp c). The transformer primary current, neglecting the exciting current ( 3.55 amp )

Mercury arc rectifier

- Is used in commercial rectifiers Multianode Three phase Mercury arc rectifiers Serve by : three phase sources through transformers connected Y or delta Secondary: always Y

Let: Assuming a rectangular wave form q = number of anodes Average anode current , IAave = Idc / q Effective anode current, Iaeff = Idc / q

Vdc = VL + arc drop = (q/) 2 V sin (/q) V = effective voltage per transformer coil

Total kVA rating of the transformer that serves a q anode rectifier and the load is equal to kVAt = qx ( V Iaeff ) /1000 = q V Idc /1000

Example:
The Delta connected primary of a three-phase transformer is supplied with power from a 2,300 volt, three phase source , and the Y-connected secondary is connected to a threeanode mercury arc rectifier, which delivers a dc load of 100 kW at 220 volts. Assuming an arc drop of 15 volts, calculate: a. The voltage across each transformer secondary ( 200) b. The direct current in the load ( 455 ) c. The effective anode ( transformer secondary) current ( 263 ) d. The effective current in each transformer primary ( 22.9) e. The kVA rating of the transformer. ( 157.5)