Power Converters – Theory, Types, Advantages & Disadvantages.

In this topic, you study Power Converters – Theory, Types, Advantages & Disadvantages.

The Power Converter is an electrical circuit, frequently used to control electric machines and conversion applications.

Types of Power Converters

The following are various types of Power converters are

• Cycloconverter
• Controlled rectifier (AC to DC converter)
• Inverter (DC to AC converter)
• Chopper (DC to DC converter)
• AC voltage controllers

Advantages of Power Converters

1. Fast response of the power semiconductor converters
2. High efficiency due to less losses in power semiconductor converters
3. Long life and reliability due to the absence of moving parts
4. Less and easy maintenance
5. Less noise
6. Control flexibility
7. Small size and low weight, require less floor area

Disadvantages of Power Converters

1. Power converters have a tendency to introduce current and voltage harmonics into supply systems and controlled systems
2. Harmonics in the supply system causes interference with communication systems and distortion of supply voltage
3. Thyristor controllers have low overload capacity
4. Regeneration of power is difficult
5. Some converters such as controlled rectifier, cycloconverter (AC to AC converters) and the AC voltage controller suffer from a poor power factor, particularly at low output voltages.