Hardware design and implementation of Unity Power Factor Rectifiers using microcontrollers

Abstract

In this work, a hardware design of phase controlled rectifier has been implemented in an economical manner in power electronics laboratory using microcontroller. Various observations are recorded in this field in centuries but introducing microcontroller in this arena would be a new phase in this field of research, thus making the process more precise with faster response. Microcontroller is used to generate gate pulses to SCR. Zero Crossing Detector is employed for synchronizing the input with firing pulses in order to have controlled DC output. Detailed description and functioning of individual blocks is explained with the relevant waveforms. All waveforms obtained from 200MHz DSO at different stages are included along with the output waveforms obtained on PSIM Software. Phase controlled rectifiers are better than uncontrolled rectifier in the aspect of harmonics generated as well as controlled DC output.