Power electronics is basically a branch of electrical engineering which is extensively used in the processing and controlling of high voltages and currents in large industrial equipment, household equipment, and so on. In this article, you will learn about power electronics and their applications.
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What is Power Electronics?
To deliver power that supports a variety of needs, there exists a branch of electrical engineering called power electronics; this branch basically deals with the processing of high voltages and currents. All the areas, from space applications to household electronic equipment, need a steady and dependable electric power with the desired conditions or specifications. Power supply in one form is transformed into another form by processing the energy using controlled mechanisms supplying regulated and controlled power and power semiconductor switches.
On the other hand, switched-mode power supplies where power density, dependability, and efficiency are of major importance are some of the common applications of power electronics. For power control applications to work smoothly, it’s important to have precise control and proper efficiency of the power. Thus, the study of power electronics involves many concepts of physics, like electrical motors, semiconductor physics, electromagnetic devices, mechanical actuators, control systems, etc.
Working of Power Electronics System
Power electronic systems have a variety of applications, such as:
- Generation of power
- Transmission of power
- Distribution of power
- Control of power
Thus, to provide desired outputs, the input current and voltages and currents are exchanged in all these applications using power semiconductor devices. The creation of basic semiconductor devices such as bipolar junction transistors and diodes is transformed to resist high currents and voltages. As a result, SCRs – silicon-controlled rectifiers or thyristors, power diodes, power BJTs, etc. are used.
The selection of the above-mentioned devices is based on the switching frequency supplies, the power levels, efficiency, and the nature of outputs and inputs.
Types of Power Electronic Circuits
There are basically five types of power electronic circuits; each one is based on different purposes:
- To convert fixed AC to variable DC such as full wave or half wave rectifiers – Rectifiers are used.
- To convert fixed DC to variable DC – Choppers are used.
- To convert DC to AC having a variable frequency and amplitude – Inverters are used.
- To convert fixed AC to variable AC at the same input frequency – Voltage Regulators are used.
- To convert fixed AC to AC with variable frequency – Cycloconverters are used.
Application of Power Electronics in Real Life
- A whole lot of power electronics applications that we use in our daily life, such as a fan regulator, air-conditioning, induction cooking, light dimmer, emergency lights, vacuum cleaners, personal computers, UPS, battery charges, etc., are the major applications of power electronics.
- Power electronics are also extensively used in automotive applications, like hybrid electric vehicles, trolleys, subways, forklifts, etc. A modern car itself is an example of power electronics that has some components like windshield wiper control, ignition switch, adaptive front lighting, electric power steering, interior lighting, etc. Apart from these, power electronics are widely used in ships and modern traction systems.
- Power electronics are used in industries since the industries have a huge installation of high-power motors that are controlled by power electronic drives, for instance, cement mills, rolling mills, compressor pumps, fans, elevators, textile mills, blowers, elevators, rotary kilns, etc. Some other applications consist of arc furnaces, welding, heating applications, construction machinery, excavators, emergency power systems, etc.
- Power electronics are used in defence and aerospace to supply power to aircraft, advance control in missiles, satellites, unmanned vehicles, space shuttles, and several other equipment of defence.
- Power electronics are used in the generation of renewable energy, such as solar, wind etc., which needs storage systems and conversion systems, and power conditioning systems in order to become usable.
Charge Distribution between Capacitors:
Advantages of Power Electronics Converters
The benefits of power electronic converters are:
- They are highly reliable and have a long life.
- There is very less power loss while using electronic converters.
- Power electronic converters are efficient, and they have a quick response; they are small in size and less in weight.
Disadvantages of Power Electronics Converters
The drawbacks of power electronic converters are:
- Power electronic converters have low overload capacity.
- Power electronic converters are very expensive.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is power electronics?
To deliver power that supports a variety of needs, there exists a branch of electrical engineering called power electronics; this branch basically deals with the processing of high voltages and currents.
What is current?
The rate of flow of electrons in a conductor is known as electric current. The SI Unit of electric current is the Ampere.
Define voltage.
Voltage can be defined as the difference in electric potential between two points. The quantity of voltage is generally measured by a unit known as the volt denoted by V.
What are the disadvantages of power electronics converters?
- Power electronic converters have low overload capacity.
- Power electronic converters are very expensive.
How many types of power electronics circuits are there?
There are basically five types of power electronics circuits.
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