Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load | New Topic 2025

In this note, we are going to know about Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for Engineering Notes for Diploma and Degree Engineering Students.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

What is Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load?

A single phase half wave converter with RL load is a fundamental power electronic circuit that converts alternating current to a controlled direct current output voltage. Unlike resistive loads, RL loads introduce phase changes between voltage and current, complicating the analysis. This sort of converter is commonly used in applications including DC motor control, battery charging, and heating systems.

Circuit Diagram of Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load

The circuit of Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load consists of the following components –

1. AC Supply: A single phase AC power supply provides the input voltage.
2. Thyristor (SCR): A silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) is used as a switch to control the conduction period, triggered by a gate pulse at a specific firing angle.
3. RL Load: The load comprises a resistor and an inductor. The inductor introduces energy storage and a lagging current effect.
4. Gate Trigger Circuit: Provides the necessary gate pulse to the thyristor for firing at the desired angle.

Working Principle of Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load

Here is the working or operation of Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load circuit –

• During the positive half cycle of the input AC voltage, the anode of the thyristor is positive in comparison to the cathode. However, the thyristor stays non-conducting until it receives a gate pulse. At the firing angle α, a gate pulse activates the thyristor into conduction. After conducting, the current flows through the load, and the output voltage follows the input voltage from α to π. However, because of the load’s inductive nature, the current does not instantaneously drop to zero when the input voltage reaches 0. The inductor‘s stored energy sustains the current, allowing it to flow even during the negative half-cycle.
• During the negative half cycle, the anode of the thyristor becomes negative in relation to the cathode, and the thyristor turns off when the current through it reaches zero. This behavior is referred to as natural commutation. The output voltage is 0 for the rest of the negative half-cycle.

Advantages of Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load

Here are some advantages of this circuit –

• Simple design with precise control of output voltage.
• Smooth current waveform due to the RL load.

Disadvantages of Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load

Here are some disadvantages of this circuit –

• Reduced efficiency due to energy losses in the inductor.
• High harmonic content in the output.

Applications of Single Phase Half Wave Converter with RL Load

Here are some applications of this circuit –

• Used in DC Motor drivers.
• Used in Battery Chargers.
• Used in Heating Systems.