- Power Electronics Tutorial
- Power Electronics - Home
- Power Electronics - Introduction
- Power Electronics - Switching Devices
- Linear Circuit Elements
- Power Semiconductor Devices
- Silicon Controlled Rectifier
- Power Electronics - TRIAC
- Power Electronics - BJT
- Power Electronics - IGBT
- Power Electronics - MOSFET
- Solved Example
- Phase Controlled Converters
- Power Electronics - Pulse Converters
- Effect of Source Inductance
- Performance Parameters
- Reactive Power Control of Converters
- Power Electronics - Dual Converters
- Solved Example
- DC to DC Converters
- Power Electronics - Choppers
- Power Electronics - Control Methods
- Resonant Switching
- DC Converters Solved Example
- AC to DC Converters
- Single Phase AC Voltage Controllers
- Power Electronics - Cycloconverters
- Integral Cycle Control
- Power Electronics - Matrix Converters
- Solved Example
- Power Electronics Resources
- Power Electronics - Quick Guide
- Power Electronics - Useful Resources
- Power Electronics - Discussion
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Power Electronics - Introduction
Power Electronics refers to the process of controlling the flow of current and voltage and converting it to a form that is suitable for user loads. The most desirable power electronic system is one whose efficiency and reliability is 100%.
Take a look at the following block diagram. It shows the components of a Power Electronic system and how they are interlinked.
A power electronic system converts electrical energy from one form to another and ensures the following is achieved −
- Maximum efficiency
- Maximum reliability
- Maximum availability
- Minimum cost
- Least weight
- Small size
Applications of Power Electronics are classified into two types − Static Applications and Drive Applications.
Static Applications
This utilizes moving and/or rotating mechanical parts such as welding, heating, cooling, and electro-plating and DC power.
DC Power Supply
Drive Applications
Drive applications have rotating parts such as motors. Examples include compressors, pumps, conveyer belts and air conditioning systems.
Air Conditioning System
Power electronics is extensively used in air conditioners to control elements such as compressors. A schematic diagram that shows how power electronics is used in air conditioners is shown below.
