Power Electronics

INTRODUCTION TO POWER ELECTRONICS

Power Electronics is a field which combines Power (electric power), Electronics and Control systems.

Power engineering deals with the static and rotating power equipment for the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power.

Electronics deals with the study of solid state semiconductor power devices and circuits for Power conversion to meet the desired control objectives (to control the output voltage and output power).

Power electronics may be defined as the subject of applications of solid state power semiconductor devices (Thyristors) for the control and conversion of electric power.

Power electronics deals with the study and design of Thyristorised power controllers for variety of application like Heat control, Light/Illumination control, Motor control – AC/DC motor drives used in industries, High voltage power supplies, Vehicle propulsion systems, High voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission.

BRIEF HISTORY OF POWER ELECTRONICS

The first Power Electronic Device developed was the Mercury Arc Rectifier during the year 1900. Then the other Power devices like metal tank rectifier, grid controlled vacuum tube rectifier, ignitron, phanotron, thyratron and magnetic amplifier, were developed & used gradually for power control applications until 1950.

The first SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) or Thyristor was invented and developed by Bell Lab’s in 1956 which was the first PNPN triggering transistor.

The second electronic revolution began in the year 1958 with the development of the commercial grade Thyristor by the General Electric Company (GE). Thus the new era of power electronics was born. After that many different types of power semiconductor devices & power conversion techniques have been introduced.The power electronics revolution is giving us the ability to convert, shape and control large amounts of   power.

SOME APPLICATIONS OF POWER ELECTRONICS

Advertising, air conditioning,...