JONES CHOPPER

Circuit diagram:

o Circuit shows the basic power circuit of Jones chopper. o This chopper circuit is another example of Class D commutation. o In this circuit, SCR T1 is the main thyristor, whereas SCR T2, capacitor C, D2, and autotransformer T forms the commutating circuit for the main thyristor T1. o Therefore, the special feature of this circuit is the tapped autotransformer T through a portion of which the load current flows. o Here, L1 and L2 are closely coupled so that the capacitor always gets sufficient energy to turn off the main SCR T1.

o If the main thyristor T1 is on for a long period, then the motor will reach the maximum steady-state speed determined by the battery voltage, the motor and the mechanical load characteristics. o If thyristor T1 is off, the motor will not rotate. o Now, if thyristor T1 is alternatively on and off in a cyclic manner, the motor will rotate at some speed between maximum and zero. o Next figure shows the jones chopper circuit and then the voltage and current waveforms of the chopper circuit.

Working of Jones chopper:

o When SCR1 is turned on, the capacitor C discharges resonantly through SCR1, L1, and D1. o This discharge current does not flow through L2 and back to the battery because of the transformer action of T. o The load current is picked up by SCR1, and the flywheel diode D1 is reverse-biased and its current reduced to zero. o As the capacitor voltage swings negative, the reverse bias on diode D2 decreases. This continues up to a time (L1C)0.5. The capacitor voltage assumes a polarity as shown in figure.

o When SCR2 is turned ON, the negative voltage on capacitor C is applied across SCR1 which is turned OFF after its recovery current becomes zero. o The load current which is nominally constant starts to flow in SCR2 and capacitor C. The of SCR2 is limited by the circuit stray inductance. o The capacitor C is charged positively at first up to a voltage equal to the supply voltage Vdc. o The flywheel diode becomes forward biased and begins to pick up the load current and capacitor current starts to reduce.

o After this, the energy in the inductance L2 is forced into the capacitor C charging it positively. o The capacitor current continues to decrease increasing the current through D2 till the capacitor reduces below the holding current of SCR2 when it is turned off. o The cycle repeats when SCR1 is again turned on.

Advantages:
o Allow the use of higher voltage and lower microfarad commutating capacitors. o This is because the trapped energy of the inductor L2 can be forced into the commutating capacitor rather than simply charging the capacitor by the supply voltage. o Consequently, the voltage rating of the SCRs should be also high. o In this circuit, there is no starting problem and any one of the SCRs can be turned ON initially. There is greater flexibility in control also, because both the ON time and OFF time can be varied individually.

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