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All questions of Thyristors for Electrical Engineering (EE) Exam

After firing an SCR, the gate pulse is removed. The current in the SCR will
  • a)
    rise up.
  • b)
    remain the same.
  • c)
    rise a little and then fall to zero.
  • d)
    immediately fall to zero.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ravi Singh answered
Once the thyristor (SCR) is turned-on, and the anode current is above latching current level, there is no need of gate current, hence, gate signal can be withdrawn i.e. gate looses control over the anode current.

The major function of the pulse transformer is to
  • a)
    increase the voltage amplitude
  • b)
    reduce harmonics
  • c)
    isolate low & high power circuit
  • d)
    create periodic pulses
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ritika Sarkar answered
Isolation of the two circuit is done by the transformer, as the transformer is a magnetically coupled device and any mishap at the load side will not damage the other side of the circuitry.

A triac is a semi-conductor device which acts as a
  • a)
    2 Terminal unidirectional switch
  • b)
    2 Terminal bidirectional switch
  • c)
    3 Terminal bidirectional switch
  • d)
    5 terminal multi-directional switch
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Mihir Khanna answered
Triac as a 3 Terminal Bidirectional Switch

A triac is a semiconductor device that acts as a bidirectional switch and is commonly used in AC power control applications. It is a three-terminal device that can conduct current in both directions when triggered appropriately. The correct answer to the given question is option 'C', which states that a triac is a three-terminal bidirectional switch.

Three-Terminal Device
A triac consists of three terminals: Main Terminal 1 (MT1), Main Terminal 2 (MT2), and Gate (G). These terminals are used to control the flow of current through the device.

Bidirectional Switch
A bidirectional switch is a device that can control the flow of current in both directions. Unlike a unidirectional switch, which can only conduct current in one direction, a bidirectional switch is suitable for AC power control applications where the current periodically changes direction.

Working Principle
A triac is a two-way thyristor, meaning it can conduct current in both directions. It consists of two SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) structures connected in parallel but in opposite directions. The operation of a triac can be understood by considering the four quadrants of its operation.

1. Quadrant I: In this quadrant, the voltage across MT1 and MT2 is positive, and the gate current is positive. The triac is forward-biased, and it conducts current. This quadrant represents the positive half-cycle of an AC waveform.

2. Quadrant II: In this quadrant, the voltage across MT1 and MT2 is negative, and the gate current is positive. The triac is reverse-biased, and it does not conduct current. This quadrant represents the negative half-cycle of an AC waveform.

3. Quadrant III: In this quadrant, the voltage across MT1 and MT2 is negative, and the gate current is negative. The triac is forward-biased, and it conducts current. This quadrant represents the negative half-cycle of an AC waveform.

4. Quadrant IV: In this quadrant, the voltage across MT1 and MT2 is positive, and the gate current is negative. The triac is reverse-biased, and it does not conduct current. This quadrant represents the positive half-cycle of an AC waveform.

Applications
Due to its bidirectional switching capability, a triac is widely used in various AC power control applications such as:

1. Dimmer switches: Triacs are commonly used in lighting control circuits to adjust the brightness of incandescent lamps.
2. Motor speed control: Triacs can be used to control the speed of AC motors.
3. Heating control: Triacs are used in electric heaters and ovens for temperature control.
4. Power control: Triacs are used for power regulation in AC circuits.

In conclusion, a triac is a three-terminal bidirectional switch that can conduct current in both directions when triggered appropriately. It is a versatile device widely used in AC power control applications.

Assertion (A): Single phase half-wave converter introduces a dc component into the supply line.
Reason (R) : The supply current taken from the source is unidirectional and is in the form of dc pulses
  • a)
    Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • b)
    Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A,
  • c)
    A is true but R is false.
  • d)
    A is false but R is true.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Gaurav Chauhan answered
Assertion (A): Single phase half-wave converter introduces a dc component into the supply line.
Reason (R): The supply current taken from the source is unidirectional and is in the form of dc pulses.

The correct answer is option 'A', which means that both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Explanation:
In order to understand the given assertion and reason, let's break it down into two parts and discuss each part separately.

Part 1: Single phase half-wave converter introduces a dc component into the supply line

Single phase half-wave converter is a rectifier circuit that converts alternating current (AC) into pulsating direct current (DC). It consists of a diode connected in series with a load and an AC source. The diode allows current to flow only in one direction, which means it allows only the positive half-cycle of the input AC waveform to pass through. During the negative half-cycle, the diode blocks the current.

As a result, the output current of the half-wave converter is a pulsating DC waveform, where the current flows only during the positive half-cycle and becomes zero during the negative half-cycle. This pulsating DC waveform has a significant ripple component, which means it is not pure DC. However, this pulsating DC waveform does have a constant, non-zero component, known as the DC component.

Therefore, it can be concluded that a single phase half-wave converter introduces a DC component into the supply line.

Part 2: The supply current taken from the source is unidirectional and is in the form of DC pulses

The supply current taken from the source in a single phase half-wave converter is unidirectional, meaning it flows in only one direction. During the positive half-cycle of the input AC waveform, the diode allows the current to flow through the load, creating a positive pulse of current. However, during the negative half-cycle, the diode blocks the current, resulting in zero current flow.

This means that the supply current taken from the source is in the form of DC pulses, where the current flows only during the positive half-cycle and is zero during the negative half-cycle.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the supply current taken from the source in a single phase half-wave converter is unidirectional and in the form of DC pulses.

Conclusion:

The assertion that a single phase half-wave converter introduces a DC component into the supply line is true, and the reason that the supply current taken from the source is unidirectional and in the form of DC pulses is the correct explanation of this assertion. Hence, the correct answer is option 'A'.

For a thysistor maximum junction temperature is 200°C. The thermal resistance for the thyristor sink combination are θJC = 0.15 and θCS = 0.05c/w. Initially the heat sink temperature of 80° C and it is brought down to 70° C by force cooling, the percentage increase in the device rating is – (in%)
    Correct answer is between '4,4.1'. Can you explain this answer?

    Nitya Chopra answered
    The maximum junction temperature for a thyristor is typically around 125°C to 150°C. However, it is important to note that the actual maximum junction temperature can vary depending on the specific manufacturer and model of the thyristor. It is always recommended to refer to the datasheet provided by the manufacturer for the exact maximum junction temperature specification.

    In case of a R firing circuit with Vgp > Vgt
    • a)
      α = 90°
    • b)
      α > 90°
    • c)
      α < 90°
    • d)
      α = 0°
    Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

    Charvi Reddy answered
    For the values of Vgp great than the gate triggering voltage the firing angle is less than 90°. And for Vgp = Vgt the firing angle is equal to 90°. Α cannot go beyond 90° in case of a R firing circuit.

    The SCR is turned OFF when the anode current is ______ holding current
    • a)
      below
    • b)
      above
    • c)
      equal to
    • d)
      twice the
    Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

    Pooja Patel answered
    The turn-off time of SCR:
    • Once the thyristor is switched ON (the anode current is above latching current), the gate loses control over it. That means the gate circuit cannot turn off the device.
    • For turning off the SCR anode current must fall below the holding current. After the anode current falls to zero, we cannot apply a forward voltage across the device due to the presence of the carrier. So, we must sweep out or recombine these charges to proper turn off of SCR.
    • So, the turn-off time of SCR can be defined as the interval between anode current falls to zero and the device regains its forward blocking mode.
       
    Circuit turn-off time:
    • It is defined as the time during which a reverse voltage is applied across the thyristor during its commutation process.
    • ​An SCR is turned off when its turn-off time is less than the circuit turn-off time.
    Note:
    • If the circuit turn-off time is less than the device turn-off time then forward bias voltage gets applied across even before the thyristor could regain its forward blocking capabilities and gets turn on again or the device turn-off is unsuccessful.

    An SCR has ambient temperature of 25°C and Junction temperature of 50°C and Average power dissipated of 25 watt. If the junction temperature is reduced to 35°C, the percentage reduction in thermal resistance _______ 
      Correct answer is '60'. Can you explain this answer?

      Pooja Patel answered
      Concept
      Here,
      Pav = Average rate of heat generated at a thyristor Junction
      QJC = thermal resistance between the junction temperature TJ and case temperature TC
      QCS = thermal resistance between the case temperature TC and sink temperature
      QSA = thermal resistance between the sink temperature TS and ambient temperature TA
       
      Where QJA = QJC + QCS + QSA
      Calculations:
      TA = 25°C
      IJ = 50°C
      Pav = 25 watt

       ∴ % change in thermal resistance
       
       

      Which of the following is used for turning ON DIAC?
      • a)
        High voltage on anode
      • b)
        Break over voltage
      • c)
        Gate voltage
      • d)
        Gate current
      Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

      Pooja Patel answered
      DIAC:
      • The DIAC is a diode that conducts electrical current only after its break over-voltage, VBO, has been reached momentarily.
      • A DIAC is equivalent to a pair of four-layer SCRs.
      • A DIAC has two PN terminals.

      TRIAC is used in
      • a)
        Colour TV sets
      • b)
        Black and White TV sets
      • c)
        Tape-recorders
      • d)
        Audio systems
      Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

      Explanation:

      TRIAC, which stands for Triode for Alternating Current, is a three-terminal electronic component that is widely used in various electrical and electronic applications. It is a type of thyristor that can conduct in both directions, allowing it to control AC power.

      Usage in Colour TV sets:
      TRIACs are commonly used in colour TV sets for controlling the power supplied to the CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. The TRIAC is used in the horizontal deflection circuit, where it controls the flow of current through the deflection coil. By adjusting the firing angle of the TRIAC, the horizontal deflection can be controlled, resulting in the movement of the electron beam across the screen, which produces the image.

      Usage in Black and White TV sets:
      Although TRIACs are more commonly used in colour TV sets, they can also be used in black and white TV sets. In black and white TV sets, TRIACs can be used in the power supply circuit to control the AC voltage supplied to different sections of the TV, such as the audio amplifier, video amplifier, and tuner.

      Usage in Tape-recorders:
      TRIACs can also be found in tape recorders and other audio equipment. In tape recorders, TRIACs are used for controlling the motor speed. The TRIAC acts as a switch, turning the motor on and off as needed to maintain the desired speed of the tape.

      Usage in Audio systems:
      TRIACs are used in audio systems for various purposes. They can be used in volume control circuits, where they control the power supplied to the audio amplifier. TRIACs can also be used in dimmer circuits for controlling the brightness of indicator lights or displays on audio equipment.

      In conclusion, while TRIACs can be used in a variety of electrical and electronic applications, they are commonly used in colour TV sets for controlling the horizontal deflection and in tape recorders and audio systems for motor speed control and power regulation.

      Thyristor is a semiconductor switch which is
      • a)
        unilateral and bistable
      • b)
        bilateral and bistable
      • c)
        unilateral and astable
      • d)
        bistable and astable
      Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

      Like the diode, an SCR is an unidirectional device that blocks the current flow from cathode to anode i.e. unilateral. An SCR or a thyristor has three modes of operation namely forward conduction mode, forward blocking mode and reverse blocking mode. Out of these three modes of operation the first two are stable states due to which an SCR is bistable.

      The nature of load current, l.e., whether load is continuous or discontinuous in controlled rectifiers
      • a)
        depends only on the type of load
      • b)
        does not depend on type of load and firing angle delay
      • c)
        depends only on the firing angle delay
      • d)
        depends both on the type of load and firing angle delay
      Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

      Tarun Chawla answered
      The nature of load current in controlled rectifiers depends both on the type of load and the firing angle delay.

      Explanation:

      Type of Load

      The nature of load current in controlled rectifiers is influenced by the type of load connected to the rectifier. The load can be either continuous or discontinuous.

      Continuous Load

      A continuous load draws a relatively steady and constant current from the rectifier. It is characterized by a constant or nearly constant load current throughout the entire half-cycle of the input voltage. Examples of continuous loads include resistive loads, incandescent lamps, and heaters.

      Discontinuous Load

      A discontinuous load draws current from the rectifier for only a portion of the half-cycle of the input voltage. The load current is interrupted during certain intervals of the input voltage cycle. Examples of discontinuous loads include inductive loads, capacitive loads, and loads with electronic switches.

      Firing Angle Delay

      The firing angle delay, also known as phase angle delay or firing delay, is the delay between the start of the input voltage cycle and the triggering of the thyristors in the controlled rectifier.

      The firing angle delay controls the conduction period of the thyristors and, therefore, affects the load current waveform.

      Combined Influence

      The nature of the load current is determined by the combined influence of the type of load and the firing angle delay.

      - For a continuous load, the load current can be continuous or discontinuous depending on the firing angle delay. If the firing angle delay is such that the thyristors conduct for the entire half-cycle of the input voltage, the load current will be continuous. However, if the firing angle delay is such that the thyristors conduct for only a portion of the half-cycle, the load current will be discontinuous.

      - For a discontinuous load, the load current will be discontinuous regardless of the firing angle delay. This is because the load itself interrupts the current flow during certain intervals of the input voltage cycle.

      Therefore, the nature of load current in controlled rectifiers depends both on the type of load and the firing angle delay. It is important to consider these factors when designing and analyzing controlled rectifier circuits.

      Consider the following statements associated with single phase full converters:
      1. Mid-point converter configuration is used in case the terminals on dc side have to be grounded.
      2. The transformer rating in mid-point converter is double the load rating.
      3. SCRs are subjected to a peak inverse voltage of 2 Vm in single phase mid-point converter.
      4. Bridge converter is preferred over mid-point converter.
      Which of these statements are correct?
      • a)
        1,3 and 4    
      • b)
        2, 3 and 4
      • c)
        1,2 and 3    
      • d)
        1, 2, 3 and 4
      Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

      Vaibhav Joshi answered
      Statement 1: Mid-point converter configuration is used in case the terminals on dc side have to be grounded.
      Explanation:
      In a single phase full converter, the mid-point converter configuration refers to a converter where the center tap of the secondary winding of the transformer is connected to the negative terminal of the dc side. This configuration is used when the terminals on the dc side have to be grounded. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

      Statement 2: The transformer rating in mid-point converter is double the load rating.
      Explanation:
      The transformer rating in a mid-point converter is not necessarily double the load rating. The transformer rating depends on the application and the load requirements. It is determined based on factors like the load power, the voltage and current ratings, and the desired output characteristics. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.

      Statement 3: SCRs are subjected to a peak inverse voltage of 2 Vm in single phase mid-point converter.
      Explanation:
      In a single phase mid-point converter, the SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers) are subjected to a peak inverse voltage (PIV) of Vm, not 2 Vm. The PIV is the maximum voltage that the SCR can withstand in the reverse direction without breakdown. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.

      Statement 4: Bridge converter is preferred over mid-point converter.
      Explanation:
      The preference of a bridge converter over a mid-point converter depends on the specific application and requirements. Both configurations have their advantages and disadvantages. The bridge converter offers better output voltage regulation and lower harmonic distortion compared to the mid-point converter. However, the mid-point converter has the advantage of lower transformer rating and reduced losses. Therefore, the choice between the two converters depends on factors such as the load requirements, cost, and efficiency. Therefore, statement 4 is incorrect.

      In conclusion, statement 1 is correct while statements 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.

      In the complete firing circuit, the driver circuit consists of
      • a)
        pulse generator & power supply
      • b)
        gate leads & power supply
      • c)
        pulse amplifier & pulse transformer
      • d)
        pulse detector & pulse amplifier
      Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

      Pallavi Nair answered
       The driver circuit consists of a pulse amplifier to increase the magnitude of the gate pulse to a sufficient value. The pulse transformer then provides pulses to individual SCRs.

      To turn-off or commutate a thyristor
      • a)
        forced commutation is used
      • b)
        reverse blocking voltage is applied
      • c)
        gate current is made zero
      • d)
        none of the above
      Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

      Saranya Mishra answered
      To turn-off a thyristor, anode current must be reduced below holding current and a reverse bias must be applied across thyristor for a finite period of time. If all these two conditions are not met simultaneously then forced commutation can be used to turn-off the thyristor.

      The figure below shows two thyristors each rated 500 A (continuous) sharing a load current. current through thyristor T2 is 120 A the current through T1 will be nearly equal to ___ (in A)
        Correct answer is '100'. Can you explain this answer?

        Concept
        Matched-pair SCR’s are generally available for parallel connection, but they are very expensive. With unmatched SCR’s equal current sharing is enforced by adding a low-value resistor or inductor in series with each SCR. Forced current sharing using equal-value resistors is shown in Figure 2. The basic requirement is to make current I1 close to l2, a maximum difference of 20% is accept across SCR2, the value of R can be obtained from.

        I1R + V1 = I2R + V2
        R = (V1 – V2)/(I2 – I1)
        Calculation:
        Voltage across 0.05 ohm resistor  = 120 × 0.05 = 6 V
        ⇒ I2 = 6/0.06 = 100 A
        Current through T1 will be nearly equal to 100  A

        In case of an RC half wave triggering circuit, the firing angle can be ideally varied between
        • a)
          0 to 180
        • b)
          0 to 90
        • c)
          0 to 120
        • d)
          0 to 360
        Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

        Snehal Rane answered
        Unlike the R firing circuit, the RC firing circuits can be used to obtain firing angle greater than 180. Although practically 0 and 180 degree is improbable.

        Consider the following devices:
        1. TRIAC
        2. GTO
        3. BJT
        4. MOSFET
        5. DIAC
        Which of these devices does not belong to the family of thyristors?
        • a)
          1 and 2 only
        • b)
          3 and 4 only
        • c)
          1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
        • d)
          3, 4 and 5 only
        Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

        Samarth Khanna answered
        Introduction:
        In electrical engineering, thyristors are a family of semiconductor devices that exhibit bistable behavior. Thyristors are widely used in various applications such as power control, motor control, and electronic switching. This question asks us to identify the device that does not belong to the family of thyristors among TRIAC, GTO, BJT, MOSFET, and DIAC.

        Explanation:
        Here, we will discuss each device and its characteristics to determine whether it belongs to the thyristor family or not.

        1. TRIAC:
        - TRIAC is a bidirectional device that can conduct current in both directions.
        - It is a member of the thyristor family and is commonly used for AC power control applications.
        - TRIACs are widely used in dimmer switches, motor speed control, and light dimming applications.

        2. GTO (Gate Turn-Off Thyristor):
        - GTO is a type of thyristor that can be turned off by applying a negative voltage to its gate terminal.
        - It is a member of the thyristor family and is commonly used in high-power applications.
        - GTOs are used in high-power inverters, motor drives, and traction systems.

        3. BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor):
        - BJT is a three-layer semiconductor device that can amplify or switch electronic signals and power.
        - It is not a member of the thyristor family.
        - BJTs are commonly used in amplifiers, switches, and digital logic circuits.

        4. MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor):
        - MOSFET is a type of field-effect transistor that uses an insulated gate to control the flow of current.
        - It is not a member of the thyristor family.
        - MOSFETs are widely used in power amplifiers, switching regulators, and digital circuits.

        5. DIAC (Diode Alternating Current):
        - DIAC is a two-terminal device that can switch AC current in both directions.
        - It is not a member of the thyristor family.
        - DIACs are commonly used in triggering TRIACs and other thyristor-based devices.

        Conclusion:
        Based on the characteristics and properties of each device, we can conclude that the BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) and MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) do not belong to the family of thyristors. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'b) 3 and 4 only'.

        Which of the following is NOT an advantage of SCR as a switch?
        • a)
          The switching speed is very high.
        • b)
          The operation does not produce harmonics.
        • c)
          It gives noiseless operation at high efficiency.
        • d)
          It has no moving parts.
        Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

        Pooja Patel answered
        Advantages of SCR:
        • It can handle large voltages, currents, and power.
        • The voltage drop across conducting SCR is small. This will reduce the power dissipation in the SCR.
        • Easy to turn on.
        • The operation does not produce harmonics.
        • Triggering circuits are simple.
        • It has no moving parts.
        • It gives noiseless operation at high efficiency.
        • We can control the power delivered to the load.
         
        Drawbacks of SCR:
        • It can conduct only in one direction. So it can control power only during the one-half cycle of ac.
        • It can turn on accidentally due to the high dv/dt of the source voltage.
        • It is not easy to turn off the conducting SCR. We have to use special circuits called commutation circuits to turn off a conducting SCR.
        • SCR cannot be used at high frequencies or perform high-speed operations. The maximum frequency of its operation is 400 Hz.
        • Gate current cannot be negative.
        Applications of SCR: Controlled rectifiers, DC to DC converters or choppers, DC to AC converters or inverters, As a static switch, Battery chargers, Speed control of DC and AC motors, Lamp dimmers, fan speed regulators, AC voltage stabilizers.

        How many terminals are in DIAC ?
        • a)
          1
        • b)
          4
        • c)
          3
        • d)
          2
        Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

        Pooja Patel answered
        he DIAC is a 2-terminal semiconductor device and may be considered equivalent to two diodes connected in antiparallel.

        A 300 A thyristor is to be operated in parallel with a 400 A thyristor their on state voltage drops are 1.8 V and 1 V respectively. The resistance to be connected in series with each thyristor so that the current through the combination is 700 A and each of them is fully loaded is ___________(in mΩ)
          Correct answer is '8'. Can you explain this answer?

          Pooja Patel answered
          Concept
          Matched-pair SCR’s are generally available for parallel connection, but they are very expensive. With unmatched SCR’s equal current sharing is enforced by adding a low-value resistor or inductor in series with each SCR. Forced current sharing using equal-value resistors is shown in Figure 2. The basic requirement is to make current I1 close to l2, a maximum difference of 20% is accept across SCR2, the value of R can be obtained from.

          I1R + V1 = I2R + V2
          R = (V1 – V2)/(I2 – I1)
          Calculation:
          In parallel anode to cathode voltage drops are same
          1.8 + 300 R = 1.0 + 400 R
          ⇒ 100 R = 0.8
          ⇒ R = 0.008 = 8 mΩ

          The advantage of using a freewheeling diode with bridge type ac to dc converter is
          • a)
            reliable speed control
          • b)
            reduced cost of system
          • c)
            regenerative braking
          • d)
            improved input power factor
          Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

          Gargi Mishra answered
          Advantage of using a freewheeling diode with a bridge type AC to DC converter is improved input power factor.

          Explanation:

          Bridge type AC to DC converter is used for converting AC voltage to DC voltage. However, it produces a pulsating DC voltage which is not suitable for most electronic devices. To smooth out the pulsations, a filter capacitor is used. But during the off time of the AC input voltage, the filter capacitor discharges through the load. This causes a reverse voltage across the diodes which can damage them.

          To prevent this, a freewheeling diode is connected in parallel with each diode. During the off time of the AC input voltage, the freewheeling diode provides a path for the filter capacitor to discharge through the load. This prevents the reverse voltage across the diodes and protects them.

          Moreover, the freewheeling diode also improves the input power factor by providing a path for the inductive load current to flow during the off time of the AC input voltage. This reduces the reactive power and improves the power factor.

          Therefore, the advantage of using a freewheeling diode with a bridge type AC to DC converter is improved input power factor.

          A four quadrant operation requires
          • a)
            two full converters connected back to back
          • b)
            two full converters is series
          • c)
            two semi-converters connected back to back
          • d)
            two full converters connected in parallel
          Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

          Alok Verma answered
          In case “four quadrant operation" is required without any mechanical changeover switch, two full converters can be connected back to back to the load circuit. Such an arrangement using two converters in antiparailel and connected to the same dc load is called a “dual converter."

          Assertion (A) : By using freewheeling diode, load performance becomes better.
          Reason ( R ) : Freewheeling diode prevents the load voltage from becoming negative.
          • a)
            Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
          • b)
            Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
          • c)
            A is true but R is false.
          • d)
            A is false but R is true.
          Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

          Prasad Saini answered
          By using freewheeling diode, load performance becomes better because load current waveform is improved.
          Whenever load voltage tends to go negative, freewheeling comes into play as a result of which ioaa current is transferred from main thyristor to freewheeling diode, allowing the thyristor to regain its forward blocking capability.
          Hence, both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

          Consider the following statements:
          1. In a full converter, direction of current cannot reverse.
          2. Semi-converters are single quadrant converters.
          3. A full converter can operate as a two-quadrant converter.
          4. A full converter operates as a rectifier in first quadrant and as an inverter in the second quadrant.
          5. In a full converter, direction of current cannot reverse but polarity of output voltage can be reversed.
          Q. Which of the statements given above are correct?
          • a)
            1, 2, 3 and 5
          • b)
            2, 3 and 4
          • c)
            2, 4 and 5
          • d)
            1,3 and 4
          Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

          Correct answer:

          a)1, 2, 3 and 5

          Explanation:

          Full converters are AC to DC converters that have the ability to change the direction of current as well as the polarity of output voltage. Semi-converters, on the other hand, can only operate in one quadrant. The given statements can be explained as follows:

          1. In a full converter, direction of current cannot reverse: This statement is incorrect. The direction of current in a full converter can be reversed by changing the firing angle of the thyristors.

          2. Semi-converters are single quadrant converters: This statement is correct. Semi-converters can only operate in the first or third quadrant of the voltage-current plane.

          3. A full converter can operate as a two-quadrant converter: This statement is correct. Full converters can operate in the first and fourth or second and third quadrants of the voltage-current plane.

          4. A full converter operates as a rectifier in first quadrant and as an inverter in the second quadrant: This statement is incorrect. A full converter can operate as a rectifier or an inverter in any quadrant depending on the direction of current flow.

          5. In a full converter, direction of current cannot reverse but polarity of output voltage can be reversed: This statement is correct. The direction of current can be changed by changing the firing angle of the thyristors but the polarity of output voltage can be reversed by changing the polarity of the DC source.

          Therefore, the correct statements are 1, 2, 3, and 5.

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