Types of Power Electronic Circuits

Power electronic circuits are mainly classified into four types:

AC-to-DC Converter (Rectifiers)
DC-to-DC Converters (Choppers)
AC-to-AC Converters (Cycloconverters)
DC-to-AC Converters (Inverters)

AC-to-DC Converter (Rectifiers)

These are also called as AC-to-DC converters or controlled rectifiers. The line-commutated converters (controlled rectifiers) are used to convert a fixed voltage, fixed frequency AC power supply to a variable-voltage DC output. Rectifiers are power electronic circuits that are used to convert 1 or 3-phase AC input to DC output.

The input is a single phase or three phase AC supply normally available from the mains. The output is controlled by DC voltage and current.

AC to DC Converters

DC to DC Converters (Choppers)

Choppers are power circuits that obtain power from a fixed-voltage DC supply and convert it into a variable DC Voltage. Choppers are power electronic circuits that convert fixed DC input voltage to fixed or variable-voltage DC supply.

Choppers are popularly used in DC drive applications, where the speed of the motor can be controlled in forward and reverse directions. Choppers take input from a fixed DC source or from the output of an uncontrolled rectifier.

DC to DC Converters

AC to AC Converters (Cycloconverters)

AC voltage controllers convert the constant frequency, fixed voltage AC supply into a variable-voltage AC supply at the same frequency using line computation. Cycloconverters are power electronic converter circuits used to convert a fixed AC input voltage to a fixed or variable (voltage or frequency) AC output. The output frequency is lower than the input frequency.

AC to AC Converters

DC to AC Converters (Inverters)

Inverters are power electronic converter circuits used to convert fixed DC input to fixed or variable AC output. The inverters employ the force commutation method to turn off the thyristors. The input for the inverters is usually obtained from batteries. Inverters are used for speed control in induction motors.

DC to AC Converters

Power Electronics

Power electronics is the technology for efficient conversion, control, and management of electric power and to control the flow of electrical energy. Power electronics are used in everything from laptop chargers to inverters driving electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

Power electronics manage the flow of electricity, maximizing performance and minimizing waste. Power Electronics runs the devices efficiently with the control and conversion of electric power.

Table of Content

Power Electronics
Block Representation
Working
Types
Power Semiconductor Devices
Applications
Benefits